Day-use passes are required to visit some of the most popular BC Parks. Passes are free and you can get them online. This page has everything you need to know about getting a pass and it explains why these passes are important.
Parks that require a day-use pass:
To learn more about why we developed this program, see About the Day-Use Pass Pilot Program, below.
Joffre Lakes
Day-use trail passes are required May 6 to October 9, 2023, for visitors to Joffre Lakes trailhead.
If you have a valid reservation for overnight camping, you do not need a day-use pass. Instead, carry your reservation with you at all times.
Each person requires a pass. Passes are not required for visitors aged 18 or younger when accompanied by a parent or guardian with a valid pass.
Passes are valid for arrival and departure at any time of day.
When to get a pass
Get your pass two days before your visit, starting at 7 am. We may make more passes available each day at 7 am.
You can book a maximum of four trail passes per transaction per day.
How to get a pass
Book passes through our day-use pass website. Passes cannot be booked through the camping reservations website or by phone.
Your pass will be emailed to you, and you will need to present it when you arrive. Cell phone service is limited at the park, so download or print your pass before you arrive.
Passes cannot be transferred to another date, time, location, or person.
How to use your pass
Check the weather and the Joffre Lakes Park page before heading out.
When you arrive, park staff will ask you to present your pass. You can show it on your mobile device or show a printed paper copy.
Enjoy your visit!
Garibaldi
Day-use passes are required each day from June 14 to September 4, 2023. From September 5 to October 9, 2023, they are required only on weekends and BC statutory holidays. Passes are not required after October 9, 2023.
Passes are required for the following trailheads:
- Diamond Head (Elfin Lakes)
- Rubble Creek (Garibaldi Lake)
- Cheakamus
If you have a valid reservation for overnight camping, you do not need a day-use pass. Instead, carry your reservation with you at all times.
Each vehicle requires a pass. Each vehicle can have a maximum of 12 people (adults and children).
For Diamond Head and Rubble Creek, passes are valid for arrival and departure any time of day.
For Cheakamus trailhead, choose from two available time slots:
- AM pass valid for arrival and departure between 7 am and 1 pm
- PM pass valid for arrival and departure after 1 pm
When to get a pass
Get your pass two days before your visit, starting at 7 am.
You can book a maximum of one pass per time slot per day.
How to get a pass
Book passes through our day-use pass website. Passes cannot be booked through the camping reservations website or by phone.
Your pass will be emailed to you, and you will need to present it when you arrive. Cell phone service is limited at the park, so download or print your pass before you arrive.
Passes cannot be transferred to another date, time, location, or person.
How to use your pass
Check the weather and the Garibaldi Park page before heading out.
When you arrive, park staff will ask you to present your pass. You can show it on your mobile device or show a printed paper copy.
Enjoy your visit!
Golden Ears
Day-use passes are required June 14 to September 4, 2023. They are not required after September 4, 2023.
Passes are required for visitors to:
- Alouette Lake boat launch parking
- Alouette Lake South Beach day-use parking
- Golden Creek trailhead parking
- West Canyon parking
If you have a valid reservation for overnight camping, you do not need a day-use pass. Instead, carry your reservation with you at all times.
Each vehicle requires a day-use pass. Each vehicle can have a maximum of 12 people (adults and children).
For Alouette Lake boat launch parking, passes are valid for arrival and departure any time of day.
For all other areas, choose from two available time slots:
- AM pass valid for arrival and departure between 7 am and 1 pm
- PM pass valid for arrival and departure between 1 pm and 4 pm
- Passes are not required after 4 pm
When to get a pass
Get your pass two days before your visit, starting at 7 am.
You can book a maximum of one pass per time slot per day.
How to get a pass
Book passes through the online day-use pass website. Passes cannot be booked through the camping reservations website or by phone.
Your pass will be emailed to you, and you will need to present it when you arrive. Cell phone service is limited at the park, so download or print your pass before you arrive.
Passes cannot be transferred to another date, time, location, or person.
How to use your pass
Check the weather and the Golden Ears Park page before heading out.
When you arrive, park staff will ask you to present your pass. You can show it on your mobile device or show a printed paper copy.
Enjoy your visit!
Mount Seymour
Day-use passes to access Mount Seymour Park are only required during the winter season.
About the Day-Use Pass Pilot Program
In recent years, some of British Columbia’s most popular parks have been welcoming exceptionally large numbers of visitors. A significant increase in visitors can have significant impacts to parks and visitors, including:
- Crowded trails, parking lots, and other facilities
- Impact on the natural environment and wildlife
- Local community concerns about noise and safety
We launched the Day-Use Pass Pilot Program to provide a safer, less crowded experience for visitors, and to reduce impacts on the environment. The program manages visitor numbers at some popular parks by requiring a day-use pass for access. A limited number of passes are made available each day.