Alerts, Closures & Warnings

For a complete list of closed recreation sites and trails, please visit: CLOSURES.

April 8, 2020

All Recreation Sites with Camping Facilities are Closed

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.

Our response to COVID-19 continues to change based on direction from the British Columbia Provincial Health Officer (PHO).

In response to continuing efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19; effective April 7th, 2020 a Recreation Order is now in effect that closes all Recreation Sites with camping facilities until May 31st or until the order is rescinded or replaced by another order. In addition to Recreation Site closures, recreation facilities where there is a risk of increased social contact (e.g. kiosks, ticket booths, overnight shelters, day use shelters, etc.), are closed . We will continue to monitor the situation.

We are also recommending that people avoid travelling outside of their communities for recreation purposes at this time. 

For now, visitors can expect the following:

Recreation Sites with Campgrounds – All Recreation Sites with camping facilities are closed. All recreation uses are prohibited in Recreation Sites with camping facilities.

Recreation Trails will remain open, where possible; however, associated recreation facilities are closed. The public is reminded to maintain safe physical distances of at least two meters and choose low risk activities while using trails. We are also recommending that people avoid travelling outside of their communities for recreation purposes. Trail users are expected to carry out their own garbage, are responsible for their own safety, and should exercise additional caution as trails will not be groomed or maintained during this time.

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, back-country cabins, day use shelters, and other related infrastructure. This includes facilities used for winter sports and activities (e.g. snowmobiling, nordic skiing, etc.), as well as all-season activities such as mountain biking and hiking.

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 the PHO and provincial health experts to assess when to reopen facilities and services and return to full operations.

More information:

Recreation Site & Trail Closures

Restricted Recreation Use in the Koocanusa Recreation Strategy Area

Elephant Hill Wildfire Area closed to off-road vehicle use

BC Highway Road Conditions

Resource Road/Forest Service Road Conditions

Wildfires

Flooding

Avalanche Danger Ratings & Bulletins

Safety begins with you. Get trained in avalanche safety, plan your trip, check for warnings and carry the right gear.