New campsites, more parking, and a rebuilt multi-use trail will be greeting campers and hikers at two local parks this summer.
The campground at Rolley Lake Park in Mission has been expanded with 32 new sites, bringing the total number of drive-in sites at the campground to 92.
Universal design standards were incorporated into the 32 new campsites to improve accessibility.
The sites are part of a $4-million project that included several other upgrades that were completed in May 2024, including: 17 new walk-in campsites; a communal shelter; bike racks; bear-proof storage; and picnic tables.
There were accessibility upgrades to the toilet and shower building, and service centres; upgrades to the electrical and wastewater systems; and 30 new parking stalls were built.
In addition to the new campsites, Freshwater Fisheries BC worked with BC Parks to install a new fishing dock separate from the day-use area.
And, at Golden Ears Provincial Park, in Maple Ridge, 45 new parking stalls have been added to the Gold Creek parking lot and around 25 stalls have been added to the West Canyon parking lot to keep up with demand.
The Fallen Giants Trail, which is located in the park, adjacent to the Gold Creek and Alouette campgrounds, was realigned and rebuilt to a family-friendly, multi-use trail.
Total cost of the two projects was approximately $800,000.
“We know how much people love camping in B.C. and the additional campsites at Rolley Lake Park mean more opportunities for families and visitors to get outside and connect with nature,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks, noting that Golden Ears park alone sees around 875,000 visitors every year.
“Investing in our parks ensures we can continue to deliver quality outdoor recreation experiences for everyone to enjoy.”
People wanting to visit Golden Ears Park on the busiest days will need to get a vehicle day-use pass until Sept. 7, 2026.
The passes are required to access areas beyond the Spirea trailhead until 3:30 p.m. from Friday to Monday.
People with a valid camping reservation do not require a day-use pass to access the park.
The new campsites at Rolley Lake Park are available on a first-come, first-served basis until June 30, 2026.
Starting July 1, 2026, reservations will be required.
The opening date for bookings will soon be posted online at: https://bcparks.ca/rolley-lake-park/.
To reserve a day-use pass for Golden Ears Park, go to: https://reserve.bcparks.ca/dayuse/