Joffre Lakes Park, a very popular provincial destination, will be undergoing another temporary closure later this year.
According to the BC Ministry of Environment and Parks, this is the “final temporary closure” for the park this year, and it will take place between Sept. 2 and Oct. 3.
During that period of time, Joffre Lakes Park will be closed to all recreational visitors.
According to the ministry, the September to October closure will allow the park to recover from a busy summer, while also allowing members of the Lli’Wat Nation and N’Quatqua to “reconnect with the land, carry out cultural and spiritual practices and recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.”
The ministry offered an almost identical statement for the April closure, which stated that it would allow members of both Nations to “reconnect with the land and carry out cultural and spiritual practices.”
After the closure in April, Joffree Lakes Park reopened to the public in May just in time for the Victoria Day long weekend.
Thankfully for folks hoping to spend some time there, the September closure comes after the long weekend.
“The current number of total closure dates for the 2025 season is consistent with last year, when a mutual agreement was established with the Nations to have three temporary closure periods. The dates also ensure public access to the park during the Labour Day weekend,” the ministry states.
“Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park has become one of the busiest parks in the province. As more people go to the park, there is a need for enhanced visitor-use management, ensuring the park is not degraded by heavy use,” the ministry added.
The joint strategy between BC Parks, the Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua has allowed collaboration to protect sensitive areas and mitigate impacts on wildlife.
“The Province values the relationship that has been built with the Nations and work continues to advance the goals of the strategy,” the ministry says.