Visitors to Rolley Lake and Golden Ears parks can now enjoy more opportunities to engage with nature, thanks to recent investments in new campsites, additional parking, and a revitalized trail. At Rolley Lake Park, the campground has been expanded with 32 new drive-in sites, increasing the total to 92.
These new sites incorporate universal design standards to improve accessibility and were part of a $4-million project that also included 17 new walk-in campsites, a communal shelter, bike racks, bear-proof storage, picnic tables, 30 new parking stalls, and accessibility upgrades to toilet and shower buildings, as well as electrical and wastewater systems. The new campsites are currently available on a first-come, first-served basis until June 30, 2026, after which reservations will be required, with booking information to be announced soon on the BC Parks website. Additionally, Freshwater Fisheries BC collaborated with BC Parks to install a new fishing dock, separate from the day-use area.
Golden Ears Park, one of B.C.’s largest and busiest parks, also received substantial upgrades. Approximately 70 new parking stalls have been added across the Gold Creek and West Canyon parking lots to accommodate high demand. Furthermore, the Fallen Giants Trail, adjacent to the Gold Creek and Alouette campgrounds, has been realigned and rebuilt into a family-friendly, multi-use pathway. The combined cost for these two projects at Golden Ears Park is approximately $800,000. Visitors planning to visit Golden Ears Park on peak days will need a vehicle day-use pass until September 7, 2026, required for access beyond the Spirea trailhead from Friday to Monday until 3:30 p.m.; however, those with valid camping reservations are exempt from needing a day-use pass.
Minister of Environment and Parks, Tamara Davidson, expressed enthusiasm for the upgrades, stating, “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. Investing in our parks ensures we can continue to deliver quality outdoor recreation experiences for everyone to enjoy.” Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, highlighted the importance of camping as an affordable way for families to connect with nature, while Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, noted that the upgrades will allow even more people to enjoy these beloved local parks. Jamie Cox, executive director of the BC Lodging and Campground Association, emphasized that these investments enhance guest experiences, support local communities, and promote the long-term sustainability of outdoor recreation in British Columbia.
These enhancements are part of a broader provincial effort, which has seen over 2,000 campsites added to BC Parks and recreation sites since 2017, including 500 new campsites in Lower Mainland parks. The Ministry of Environment and Parks continues to invest in park infrastructure, with projects also underway at Kleanza Creek Provincial Park and Lakelse Lake Provincial Park, including new campsites, parking expansions, and trail bridge replacements. These projects underscore the province’s commitment to improving outdoor recreation opportunities and managing increasing visitor demand across British Columbia.