Skaha Bracing for Rush of Climbers on May Long Weekend

Skaha is one of the B.C. parks that will be opening on May 14, unlike other climbing areas like Stawamus Chief and Shannon Falls. “We are keeping these parks closed for now in order to keep staff, park operators, park visitors and the parks themselves safe,” B.C. Parks said. See what parks will open here.

Skaha locals are hoping climbers don’t rush to Penticton, but Facebook groups are filling with climbers making plans to visit. Rolf Ryback with Climbers Access Society of B.C. said on the Skaha Buffs Collective page: “Please send an email to the executive director of parks and request he postponed opening Skaha till after the May Long Weekend, we don’t need the out of town visitors at the busiest weekend of the year. David.ranson@gov.bc.ca / Thank you”

The covid-19 pandemic still has most of Canada on lockdown and non-essential travel isn’t recommended. Skaha and other open climbing areas will be overflowing with climbers on the May Long Weekend. Maybe B.C. Parks should open all of the parks, as people will be flocking to the few that are open. Stay safe.

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BC Parks: Re-Opening⁠ May 14 ⁠ BC Parks staff and park operators are looking forward to welcoming you back into our provincial parks, protected areas and marine parks soon!⁠ ⁠ Most provincial parks will open for day use only on May 14 and most campgrounds and backcountry camping will open on June 1.⁠ The Discover Camping reservation will be back online on May 25 at 7 am PT to accept camping reservations. ⁠ We’ll do everything we can to ensure parks are safe, but visitors are reminded they are responsible for their own safety and to practice physical distancing by giving extra space when passing people on trails and in parking lots and practicing appropriate hygiene. In keeping with public health guidelines around non-essential travel, people are urged to only visit a park close to their home and avoid travelling to small communities. Some parks will remain closed at this time.⁠ ⁠ We are all in this together, and we are counting on everyone to do their part so our parks can stay open!⁠ ⁠ For a list of parks with day-use opportunities that will re-open on May 14, and Frequently Asked Questions, visit us at www.bcparks.ca.⁠ Photo: Cape Scott Provincial Park

A post shared by BC Parks (@yourbcparks) on May 6, 2020 at 3:53pm PDT

Would you visit Skaha on the May Long Weekend after it opens on May 14? Locals are hoping people will stay away:https://t.co/qjput1bdTW

— Gripped Climbing (@GrippedMagazine) May 7, 2020