Connecting Past and Present – One

October 24, 2026 By: Morgan Turland

The changes to BC Parks’ reservation system show how hard it can be to balance public access while also protecting our natural spaces. In Nature’s Playgrounds, John Sandlos talks about how Canada’s national parks were actively promoted as tourist destinations in the early 1900s, with roads and recreational facilities developed to encourage more visitors. It’s interesting that while attracting tourists was once such a major priority, we now have parks that are so popular we need reservation systems to help manage access. It makes me wonder how we can balance encouraging people to enjoy our parks with protecting these spaces and making sure everyone has a fair opportunity to visit them.

News Article: https://www.castanetkamloops.net/news/BC/631434/BC-Parks-tightens-day-use-pass-system-after-reports-of-reselling-bot-activity