Several upgrades have been completed at Ellison Provincial Park.
The 220-hectare park along the east shores of Okanagan Lake is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, climbing, swimming, camping, boating and fishing.
The campground has been given a facelift, which includes new campsite furniture, new fire rings, water-line improvements, a repaved road and accessible furniture at the beach.
"Too often, people miss out on spending time outdoors due to challenges to accessibility and availability," says Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee, who says the park is a favourite in the region for families, including his own.
“Thanks to funding for Ellison Provincial Park, more people can get out to enjoy what the park has to offer through a new trail, and improvements to the campground and parking that will make this area more welcoming to people."
A new three-kilometre trail has also been created for hikers and mountain bikers to explore. The beginners trail is called the Loopy Campers Trail and it connects the campground to the upper parking lot.
The downhill portion of the trail is now open, while the uphill section will open in the next two weeks.
The Province has also added 30 new parking spaces and a bike pump track in the upper parking lot to enhance the visitor experience.
All of the upgrades to Ellison Provincial Park cost around $635,000 and they’re part of a $21.5-million investment to expand and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities throughout British Columbia.
"Every year, millions of people head to provincial parks to connect with family and friends, and experience the wonders of nature," said George Heyman, minister of environment.
"Ellison Provincial Park is one of BC's natural treasures. We know people care deeply about provincial parks and want them stewarded effectively. Investing in our parks makes the BC Parks experience even better."
