Recreation Sites and Trails BC’s (RSTBC) number one priority is the health and safety of our staff, partners, volunteers, and visitors. We are following the advice of provincial health experts and doing our part to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Effectively immediately (March 24, 2020), RSTBC is temporarily closing recreation facilities and suspending services at many recreation sites and trails across BC. We are also recommending that people avoid travelling outside of their communities for recreation purposes at this time. Our response to COVID-19 continues to change based on direction from the British Columbia Provincial Health Officer (PHO). We will continue to communicate regularly. For now, visitors can expect the following:
– Recreation trails offer local opportunities for people to get outside. Recreation trails are available for local use at this time. Visitors are reminded of the directives from the PHO to avoid gathering in groups and to keep at least two metres apart from each other when using trails. Trail users are responsible for their own safety and should exercise additional caution as trails will not be groomed or maintained during this time. As well, visitors are asked to avoid activities with a high risk of injury to minimize potential impacts on the medical system.
– Recreation facilities where people gather and are in contact with frequently touched surfaces will be closed. Closures will apply to fee collection booths and kiosks, overnight shelters, backcountry cabins, day use shelters, and other related infrastructure. This includes facilities used for winter sports and activities (e.g. snowmobiling, nordic skiing, etc.), and other activities such as mountain biking and hiking.
– Overnight camping and gatherings are prohibited at all recreation sites. Camping areas that have yet to open for the season will remain closed for the foreseeable future until otherwise directed by provincial health experts. Recreation sites may be available for local day use activities, at the discretion of local recreation officers. Visitors should be mindful that washroom facilities may not be available at most recreation sites.
Visitors should check out the RSTBC website before heading out to be prepared for their visit and to be aware of any closures.
RSTBC continues to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak closely and is following recommendations set out by provincial health experts to assess when to reopen facilities and services and return to full operations.
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