A popular outdoor destination for campers in BC will now require reservations for those hoping to secure a spot.

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Located 35 kilometres east of Pemberton, Joffre Lakes has long been a go-to for locals and tourists looking to get out and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer.

In recent years, the park has seen a “significant spike” in the number of people using the Joffre Lakes trail, according to BC Parks. In fact, the visitor count now totals upwards of 170,000 visitors per year.

Camping has always only been permitted at the end of the challenging 5.5-km trail, which features an elevation gain of 400 metres. Here, there are 26 tent pads which can accommodate “small backcountry tents,” but there is no overflow camping area.

Now, starting on April 2, campsite reservations for the area will open on the BC Parks camping reservations website.

“Campers without a reservation will be turned away,” said BC Parks.

BC Parks said the new reservation system is part of “the long-term approach” it is taking “to manage recreational use in a sustainable way.”

BC Parks is also reminding would-be campers and trail-users that Joffre Lakes is a remote wilderness environment, and as such, visitors “need to be well prepared and self-sufficient.”

For your own safety, please make sure you are prepared before heading out on your next adventure. Information on how to prepare for your trip and stay safe while on your hike is available from North Shore Rescue and AdventureSmart.