Backcountry camping suspended in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve for 2020: Parks Canada

Backcountry camping suspended in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve for 2020: Parks Canada
Parks Canada
Parks Canada has made the announcement that all overnight backcountry experiences in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve will be suspended for the 2020 season.

Parks Canada has made the announcement that all overnight backcountry experiences in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve will be suspended for the 2020 season.

These backcountry areas of the park that will not be allowing overnight activity include the West Coast Trail, Broken Group Islands, Nitinaht Triangle, Cape Beale Headlands, Keeha Beach, and Tapaltos.

According to Parks Canada, the decision was made in response to concerns raised from some local First Nations partners about ongoing COVID-19 risks.

“The health and safety of Indigenous communities, visitors, Parks Canada team members, and all Canadians is of the utmost importance to Parks Canada,” the government agency said in a statement.

In order to get to the backcountry of the park, located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, visitors must pass through Indigenous communities, Indian reserve lands and treaty settlement lands.

Parks Canada says that Indigenous people are also present on these lands for “cultural, ceremonial, and harvesting purposes.”

Backcountry experiences throughout Pacific Rim National Park Reserve include interactions with Beachkeepers in the Broken Group Islands and Guardians on the West Coast Trail. These Guardians maintain infrastructure and typically provide guidance and cultural information to visitors who travel through the park.

Parks Canada said that all reservations for the Broken Group Islands and West Coast Trail will be automatically cancelled, with all fees refunded.

“Parks Canada respects the commitment of local Nations to keep their communities safe,” said the agency.

Although overnight camping in the backcountry is being suspended, Parks Canada said that limited day-use opportunities are still available in some areas.

Another restriction being implemented is in regard to vessels, however. Parks Canada is restricting any motorized and non-motorized vessels, including kayaks, from landing anywhere within the West Coast Trail Unit.

“Parks Canada looks forward to welcoming overnight visitors back to these backcountry areas in the future,” a statement reads.

Detailed information can be found online at pc.gc.ca/PacificRim.

Outside of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, other First Nations groups continue to keep their borders closed to visitors as well due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19.

The Nuu-chah-nulth, the Heiltsuk Nation and the Haida Nation have all closed or restricted access to their territories and reserves, despite seeing an economic impact.

Graham CoxGraham Cox

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