B.C. Parks Implements New Fee Structure for 2026 Camping Season
British Columbia's provincial parks system is undergoing significant changes to its camping fee structure, with new rates set to take effect in 2026. The most notable adjustment is a $20 surcharge that will be applied to visitors from outside the province, marking a strategic shift in how B.C. Parks manages its recreational resources.
Targeted Increases at High-Demand Locations
The fee adjustments will affect 63 provincial parks that experience the highest visitation rates, while fees will remain unchanged at the other 388 parks within the system. This targeted approach reflects the varying levels of demand across B.C.'s extensive network of protected natural areas.
Specifically, 59 front-country campgrounds and four backcountry parks will see fee increases. The backcountry locations include some of British Columbia's most iconic wilderness destinations: Garibaldi Park near Squamish, Golden Ears Park, Joffre Lakes Park, and Mount Assiniboine Park.
Detailed Fee Breakdown for 2026
The new fee structure introduces several specific changes:
- Out-of-province visitors will pay an additional $20 flat rate for front-country camping, backcountry visits, cabin rentals, and use of mooring buoys and docks
- At high-demand parks, shoulder-season fees will increase by an average of 40 cents per night
- Summer season fees at these same parks will rise by an average of $13.29 per night
- Backcountry parks will see an average increase of $13.62 per night, with fees ranging from $17 to $25 per night
These adjustments will result in average nightly rates of $30.81 during shoulder seasons and $42.91 during peak summer months at the affected front-country parks.
Drivers Behind the Fee Changes
According to B.C. Parks officials, several factors have necessitated these fee adjustments. The provincial parks system has experienced unprecedented demand in recent years, with visits increasing by approximately 30 percent over the past six years. This growth has resulted in over 27 million annual visits to B.C. Parks locations.
"By renewing the parks and recreation system, we are creating a more sustainable operating model that strengthens stewardship and long-term protections of the natural spaces people cherish," explained Tamara Davidson, B.C.'s Minister of Environment and Parks.
The increased visitation has placed significant strain on aging infrastructure, trails, day-use areas, and the natural environment, particularly at the most popular locations. Additionally, extreme weather events including floods and wildfires have caused widespread damage to facilities, requiring substantial repairs and ongoing reinvestment to maintain park accessibility and safety.
Implementation and Impact
B.C. Parks will assess the out-of-province surcharge based on visitors' home addresses during the reservation process or upon arrival at first-come, first-served sites. Approximately 15 percent of provincial park visitors come from outside British Columbia, with many choosing to visit the high-traffic locations that will see fee increases.
The parks affected by the fee hikes have experienced a 40 percent increase in visits over the past decade, highlighting the growing pressure on these popular natural destinations. These changes represent the first major adjustment to B.C. Parks camping fees in a decade, signaling a new approach to managing the province's cherished outdoor recreation spaces.
