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For Immediate Release: June 24, 2025

NUU-CHAH-NULTH TERRITORIES / PACIFIC RIM, B.C. – Citizens of Vancouver Island’s west coast are asking all overnight vehicle and tent campers to make a reservation at an authorized campground before arriving on the West Coast, and to only camp at authorized campgrounds.

“The environmentally friendly and responsible way to camp in the region is to make a reservation at one of the many authorized campgrounds in the area,” says Daniel Sailland of the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District. “There are no serviced camping sites on backroads along Kennedy Lake or highway pullouts. Unauthorized camping along back roads creates unacceptable risk to our communities.”

The West Coast experiences a high level of illegal and backroad camping. The disrespectful behaviours of some users have had a negative impact on Indigenous territorial lands and on highly sensitive ecological areas, including local aquifers.

Garbage left behind from unauthorized camping contributes significantly to local environmental degradation. It can also lead to negative wildlife interactions. Animals that have been fed or have found food left by humans can quickly become food conditioned. These animals often become increasingly aggressive food-seekers, ultimately posing a danger to people and pets.

With some of the warmest and driest summers on recent record, unauthorized camping has also contributed to an increase in wildfire risk, which puts pressure on our much-needed first responders and threatens generations of conservation efforts.

To help limit the visitor impact on this region, increased patrols and enforcement in 2025 will target unauthorized camping within the areas of the Clayoquot Arm, along the Kennedy Lake Watershed, within Tla-o-qui-aht, Yuułuʔiłʔath, and Toquaht traditional territories, on municipal streets and lots, and within BC Parks and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Patrols on the West Coast will be communicating regulations and respectful camping practices, and where needed, they will be issuing tickets or fines.

Reservations at West Coast campgrounds fill up quickly, so if campers do not already have a reservation at an authorized camping area, they should find alternative arrangements such as booking a hotel or motel in the area, delaying their trip to the West Coast, or finding a campsite reservation in another community.
We look forward to welcoming well-prepared visitors to our beautiful region.

Quotes:
“Unauthorized backroad camping increases risk of wildfires and damage to the environment. One stray spark from a campfire is all it takes to start a wildfire that could cause irreversible damage to our forests, homes, and businesses. We strongly encourage all visitors to plan ahead, to secure legal accommodation and treat our ḥaḥuuɫi (traditional territory) with respect so future generations can enjoy it too.” President Charles McCarthy, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government

“While we welcome you to visit our traditional territories of our Ha’wiih (Hereditary Chiefs), please camp responsibly! With the limited resources that we have to effectively monitor unauthorized camping in our traditional territories, it is strongly encouraged that when visiting you use campsites available in our communities. We have been fortunate that the fires we did have we were able to be contained immediately without any further spread. Please keep this in mind when you visit small communities.” Chief Elmer Frank, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation

“I am privileged to live here, and I hope those visiting show respect to the region in all their actions.
We are expecting you to.” Mayor Marilyn McEwen, District of Ucluelet

“I am proud that the West Coast communities have come together as a unified group to stop destructive backcountry behaviour. Tla-o-qui-aht Guardians have done an exceptional job patrolling, educating, and ensuring notable areas are clean and free from unauthorized use. Our region's natural amenities are a precious shared resource that must be protected and preserved for all responsible users.” Mayor Dan Law, District of Tofino

“Parks Canada works closely with local First Nations, the Districts of Tofino and Ucluelet, as well as local tourism organizations to ensure a memorable, safe, and respectful visit. Guardians, Junior Guardians, Beach-Keepers, Coastal Stewards and Parks Canada staff work together to encourage and promote appropriate visitor behaviour. Parks Canada advises visitors to book ahead and recommends visiting Pacific Rim National Park Reserve between October and April when visitation to the area is lower.” Dave Tovell, Superintendent, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve