Weather damage has closed parts of parks in southern B.C

Large parts of southern British Columbia’s provincial parks remain closed after recent heavy rain and wind storms caused flooding and damaged trails, campsites and roads.

The Ministry of Environment said in a statement that parts of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park in Sooke, about 40 kilometers west of Victoria, will remain closed so inspectors can assess damage and ensure people are safe.

The department says the Juan de Fuca Trail, backcountry campsites, the Sombrio Beach suspension bridge and Parkinson Trailhead are among the park closures.

It says the parts of the park that are open and can be accessed safely include China Beach, Second Beach, East Sombrio Beach, Botanical Beach and Botany Bay.

According to the ministry’s BC Parks website, much of Golden Ears Park, about 55 kilometers east of Vancouver, is also temporarily closed due to damage from last month’s atmospheric river rainstorm.

Four deaths in B.C. were attributed to the record-breaking storm that hit about three weeks ago.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.