Park Use Permits and Ecological Reserve Permits
By legislation, a permit is required for many types of commercial use, land use/land occupancy, and research activities (see specific activities below) that take place in parks and protected areas designated under the Park Act, the Environment and Land Use Act or the Protected Areas of British Columbia Act.
A permit is required for ecological scientific research and/or educational purposes in ecological reserves established under the Ecological Reserve Act or the Protected Areas of British Columbia Act.
The main purpose for requiring permitted authorization is to help ensure the preservation and maintenance of these special areas and the recreational and other opportunities they provide. A permit authorizes an individual, group, or organization to carry out a specific activity and outlines the specific conditions under which the proposed activity may occur.
A permit is not required for front-country camping, hiking, moorage, etc. in most parks. Campsite reservations are accepted at many front-country parks.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Adjudication of a Park Use Permit application or Ecological Reserve permit application may take up to 140 days; and,
- Permit applications are subject to review under the BC Parks Impact Assessment Process.
The following is a listing of uses and activities that will require a permit on lands classified as park or protected area:
- Provision of commercial recreation services, which may include summer or winter activities (ie.hiking, cross-country skiing, scuba diving instruction, kayak/canoe touring, big game guiding, angling guiding).
- Film production.
- Land use/occupancy for commercial, non-commercial, industrial and/or existing residential purposes.
- Research activities in parks and protected areas, including: collection; monitoring; survey and inventory; and, other research.
The following is a listing of uses and activities that will require a permit on lands classified as Ecological Reserves:
- Ecological scientific research; and,
- Educational purposes.
Park Use Permit fees (pdf)
For permit applications or information about the permitting process, visit the Permit and Authorization Service Bureau website.
If you are uncertain as to whether you require a Park Use Permit for an activity, or for general inquiries about Park Use Permits, you may call us at the following numbers.
- Victoria: 250-387-2928
- Toll free in B.C.: 1-866-433-7272 (1-866-433-PASB)
- Outside of B.C.: 250-387-2928
- Fax: 250-387-1695
