CAMPING FEES IN BC. BE AWARE!

[jssailem]

I just came across this bit of information that took me a bit by surprise. The Camping Fees have changed in BC.
Here is a link to the 2026 information.

camping-fees

What’s changing
Starting May 15, 2026, some camping fees are increasing. These increases apply at four iconic backcountry areas and during peak summer season (June 15 to Labour Day) at 59 high-use frontcountry parks.

Additionally, visitors from outside B.C. pay a non-resident fee for reservations, backcountry permits, first come, first served camping, cabins, moorage, and dock use.

Looks like the welcome mat is shrinking.

 

[Hello Below]

What a mess this is. I'm certainly not about to fall on my sword to defend this one. In early June we were moored in Montague Provincial Park and I questioned a park operator about the fee increase. Her response was that it was not her job to determine whether the visitor fee should be charged or not, no matter what flag the boat was flying nor the license displayed on the side of the boat if any.
I certainly understand the requirement for a fee increase but IMHO it should be across the board for all users as WA state has done for their park permits this year. The increase in that state went up by over 50% for single use ($15 to $23) and 40% for the annual permit ($5/ft to $7/ft which I opted for). But this was for every user not just nonresidents. FWIW I did notice a buoy usage vacancy rate of over 50% in Reid Harbor, Prevost and Echo Bay. Fossil Bay was near void of users (1 out of 12) but that may have due to the negative tides that were experienced during my 3 days at Sucia. There were many many boats anchored in all the harbors though. If the whole purpose was to reduce the buoy usage in state parks then I believed they have succeeded.

 

[BCsailor-skier]

Seems reasonable for BC residents to pay less for parks they own (and their taxes support). (And it has often become a challenge to get a buoy in the busy Summer.)

I don't see this as "shrinking the welcome mat". More about chronically underfunded BC Parks seeking increased revenue.

(Note: Gulf Islands National Park Reserve mooring buoys are now C$24/night, versus BC Parks C$14.)

Not sure how the C$20 non-resident fee for mooring buoy (e.g., Montague Hbr) works. One time? Each night? Nothing noted on buoys (as of last week).

Any "non-resident" with recent experience?

 

[jssailem]

The information popped up as I’m planning my July trip to BC. As you identify, there is some gaps in the information that is available.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Looks like the welcome mat is shrinking.

as WA state has done for their park permits this year

Seems to have happened on both sides of the border.

 

[Terry Cox]

If the whole purpose was to reduce the buoy usage in state parks then I believed they have succeeded.

That's the funny thing about taxes that our bureaucrats fail to understand. They raise taxes in hopes of increasing revenues, but the opposite goes into affect. The basic principle, if you want to use less of something, you increase the tax/price. I figure my boat tab fees pay for the use of WA state parks/moorings, etc. If in doubt, anchor out.

 

[BCsailor-skier]

UPDATE: At Plumper Cove (Howe Sound).
Park Operator said non-resident charge is "C$20 per visit" on mooring buoy. So if you stay 1, 2 or more nights, it is $20x1. He was using boat's home port as indicator of residency (i.e., BC or not).

So, ONE night for non-resident is more expensive than Gulf Islands Nat Park Reserve (and slightly more than Wash state). Two or more nights: cheaper than GINPR or Washington State.

 

[Hello Below]

Park Operator said non-resident charge is "C$20 per visit" on mooring buoy. So if you stay 1, 2 or more nights, it is $20x1.

Is this $20/visit in addition to the mooring fee $12/night? If not then after 1 night the non-resident benefits over the resident. Or is it:
1 night = $20 + $12 = $32
2 night = $44
3 nights = $56

So, ONE night for non-resident is more expensive than Gulf Islands Nat Park Reserve (and slightly more than Wash state).

What are you basing your the WA state cost on? The current fee is $23 (USD)/night for all users or $32.65 CAD.

He was using boat's home port as indicator of residency (i.e., BC or not).

Boy that is open to debate.

 

[BCsailor-skier]

Yes, open to debate!
(Our previous boat was registered in Toronto, but we live in BC....)

WA cost in C$ depends on exchange rate... whatever, very close for 1 night.

Correct (according to Park Operator):
night = $20 + $12 = $32
2 night = $44
3 nights = $56

BUT: Montague C$14/night

 

[Terry Cox]

At Plumper Cove (Howe Sound).

No need to use mooring. I've anchored in here before. Good holding and plenty of room.

 

[BCsailor-skier]

wasn't plenty of room for anchoring. Several (4-5) boats already anchored and now private buoys in the outer parts of anchorage.

 

[Terry Cox]

wasn't plenty of room for anchoring. Several (4-5) boats already anchored and now private buoys in the outer parts of anchorage.

Wow! Certainly a different place from when I was last there several years ago. Then, us and one other boat and a couple of private moorings.