In July 2025, we created Camping Styles to better understand who our campers are. Using the same research approach, we’ve now developed Day‑use Styles to complement the Camping Styles and reflect the experiences of people visiting a park or recreation site but not staying overnight (referred to as day-use visitors). It’s virtually impossible to optimize …
Over the past five years, BC Parks established a program of ongoing design research. It gives us direct access to feedback from the people who use our services. We regularly share what we learn from our research sessions on this blog. This research builds on earlier work conducted in 2024 with backcountry campers and marine …
Guest blog by Elora Adamson, 2025 field team member with the BC Biodiversity Program. A research permit is required to collect mushrooms or other biological material in BC Parks. Portions of the South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area were closed at the time of publication. Check the BC Parks website for up-to-date information on closures. Before …
BC Parks is now accepting funding applications for 2026–27 Community Park Enhancement Fund (Community PEF) projects. We invite Indigenous partners, community groups, volunteers, and park supporters to apply for funding to bring community‑led conservation and recreation projects to life in BC Parks across the province. Community PEF is funded through BC Parks Licence Plate Program …
Guest blog by Laura Matthias, ecological consultant Lasqueti Island is found within the Salish Sea, with around 500 people living on the off-grid island. Its rugged shorelines and diverse habitats fall within B.C.’s smallest and rarest ecological zone known as the Coastal Douglas-fir Biogeoclimatic zone. These ecosystems support unique biodiversity, warm Mediterranean-like climates, and many …
Guest blog by Nathan Earley, PhD candidate and researcher with the BC Biodiversity Program. The BC Biodiversity Program is funded in part by the BC Parks License Plate Program. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, you’ve probably had that awkward moment when you identify a plant or animal with pride (and a hint of swagger) only to find …
Guest blog by Abby Hyde, 2024 and 2025 field crew member of the BC Biodiversity Program. Portions of the South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area were closed at the time of publication. Check the BC Parks website for up-to-date information on closures. This story is a lost-and-found saga about a camera, but really it’s a glimpse …
Guest blog by Julia Carr, 2024 field team member with the BC Parks Biodiversity Program. Julia visited Ahlúu Ḵáahlii Vladimir J. Krajina (Port Chanal) Ecological Reserve on Haida Gwaii in late summer 2024. Haida place names provided by Raven Ryland, Communications Manager for the Council of the Haida Nation. Click here to listen to recordings …
In September, we teamed up with Adaptive Adventures for an unforgettable inclusive outdoor adventure in the West Kootenays. Our collaboration with Adaptive Adventures is rooted in a shared commitment to making outdoor recreation accessible to everyone. Together, we’re working to support inclusive and accessible experiences so everyone can connect with nature and enjoy the many …
We’re excited to share that 109 community-led projects across B.C. will receive funding through the 2025–26 Community Park Enhancement Fund (PEF). Each project can receive up to $5,000 to support conservation initiatives and recreation enhancements in parks and protected areas. This funding is made possible by the BC Parks Licence Plate Program — thank you …