Illegally camping near Tofino could cost you up to $25K

Kennedy Lake, B.C. – July has arrived on Vancouver Island’s West Coast and so has the onslaught of ignorant campers—plus the garbage they leave behind.

To encourage respectful camping practices, Parks Canada and local authorities are conducting regular patrols, targeting illegal 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.

“As per the Canada National Parks Act, individuals can be fined up to $25,000 for camping without a permit,” said Dave Tovell, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve superintendent.

During the Canada Day long weekend, Ucluelet resident Awilda Sanchez witnessed a group of about 15 people set-up a canopy and five tents at a section of beach near the Kennedy Lake Park boat launch. She says they likely camped in the same spot for two nights; The area is clearly marked with signage that says it’s for day-use only and that overnight camping is not permitted.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Sanchez. “They were ready for camping. They were having their breakfast on Monday. They came ready to camp anywhere they could find and they may do it in the future.”

Sanchez reported the unlawful campers to the Ucluelet RCMP and after the long weekend, she returned to the site and cleaned up the garbage the out-of-towners had left behind.

“It’s important for people to know that camping in an unauthorized area is not acceptable in this area. People on the West Coast are very respectful of the land in the protected area. It's not welcome, this kind of behaviour here,” said Sanchez.

Call ahead to reserve, please

Local leaders issued a joint media statement on June 24 urging campers to reserve campsites before journeying to the Pacific Rim.

“The disrespectful behaviours of some users have had a negative impact on Indigenous territorial lands and on highly sensitive ecological areas, including local aquifers,” reads the joint media release.

“Garbage left behind from unauthorized camping contributes significantly to local environmental degradation and 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,” the media statement continues.

Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Guardians have long been working with Parks Canada, BC Parks, and local governments to find a solution to curtail the negative impacts illegal campers have on the land. In August 2021, a road closure was set up to block tourists from entering the Kennedy Lake area.

Establishing a campground at chuu’is, the popular day-use area on Kennedy Lake known as Rainbow Beach, is a possibility.

“However, this is purely a fiscal situation since a campground established in this rural setting will not be cheap,” said Saya Masso, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s manager of Lands and Resources.

“With costs to establish a ‘campground with services’ at such a height, our Guardian program is focused on education and awareness and presence,” said Masso in an email.

You can camp on Crown land for 2 weeks

In BC, any person may camp on Crown land for up to 14 consecutive days, provided they follow some rules, like packing out garbage, respecting wildlife, and following fire restrictions. When it comes to Kennedy Lake, or Haa’uukmin, within the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations Tribal Park, jurisdiction is complicated, with areas belonging to the Crown, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, BC Parks, Parks Canada, or Mosaic Forest Management.

Backroads campfires also contribute to an increase in wildfire risk, putting pressure on local emergency services.

“BC Wildfire doesn’t have a presence on the West Coast,” said Ucluelet Fire Chief Rick Geddes. “If they do get word of a possible incident, they will contact me and we will do our best to investigate. That ties up a lot of resources, and oftentimes it’s unnecessary when these fires can be prevented. We would act on it while BC Wildfire crews are trying to get out here.”

Fire is always a concern

Geddes told the Ha-Shilth-Sa that, like all fire chiefs, he cautions about wildfires. He encouraged campers to use portable propane fires as an alternative to having a fire out in the open.

“We are obviously a different climate here with our humidity, but that is definitely changing. I’ve been noticing in the six years that I’ve been out here the trends in the weather are warming up or drying up. It’s just a matter of time that it does happen out here, so we really want people to think of wildfire as a threat,” he said.

Local leaders say if campers can’t get a reservation at a Tofino or Ucluelet campground, they should consider booking a hotel or motel or delaying their trip to the West Coast.

Tourism Tofino has an Accommodation Inquiry Form on their website that puts travellers in touch with accommodation providers with vacancies.

For campers winging it, the West Coast Campground, located at 2201 Pacific Rim Highway across from the Pacific Rim Visitor Centre at the junction of Highway 4, takes bookings online and usually has availability for last-minute guests. Tent sites are under $35 per night.

“If you’re on a budget, $35 camping in Tofino and Ucluelet is unseen these days,” said West Coast Campground owner David Schiaffino.

“(Conservation Officers) just shot a bear today (July 9) because of this pollution that tourists are leaving behind. It’s the worst thing,” he said. “It’s sad that we see a lot of wildlife being in danger for the amount of debris that is left in the woods.”

Parks Canada encourages members of the public to report any illegal activity to park wardens immediately by calling Jasper Dispatch at 1-250-726-3604 or 1-877-852-3100.

For suspicious fire activity within the municipality of Ucluelet, call the district office: (250) 726-7744 or the District of Tofino Fire Department: (250) 725-3365. If it’s after hours or an emergency, call 9-1-1.