Dogs To Be Banned From B.C.'s Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Update: May 18th, 2018 - Dogs and other domestic pets are now prohibited and this will be enforced by park rangers year-round.
Last year, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park had 3,891 campers and 157,215 day-use visitors, of which 60% made the strenuous hike to the second of the three lakes in the park.
BC Parks allows dogs in many provincial parks, including nearby Alice Lake, but domestic animals are restricted from beaches and day-use areas, public buildings and other sensitive areas where signs are posted. In the areas where dogs are allowed, owners are required to clean up after their pets and must control the animal at all times so they do not impact the park environment.
B.C. Parks issued an update on their Facebook page mentioning that dogs will be banned from Joffre Lakes Provincial Park.
“Hey Joffre Lakes Park users! There’s is a change coming related to dogs and other pet visitors.
While we love our furry friends, this has unfortunately led to issues with visitor experience, public health concerns and conservation efforts.
Dogs on and off leash impact wildlife in the park—even the sounds or scents of dogs can cause birds and other animals like pikas to look for different habitat! No longer allowing dogs or other domestic animals will help us protect the park, its wildlife, and the people who visit it.”
While this policy hasn't gone into effect yet, it will ahead of the busy summer season. B.C. Parks will issue a more formal statement at that time.
Image from B.C Park's website.
