Cathedral Provincial Park Reopens: Explore Half of the Trails as Wildfire Restoration Progresses

Cathedral Provincial Park will soon welcome visitors back after closures due to the 2023 Crater Creek Wildfire. Starting June 20, half of the park will reopen, but access will be limited to foot traffic for now.

The wildfire caused significant damage, destroying the bridge on Lake View Road and impacting key areas such as the Lake of the Woods and Pyramid campgrounds. Fortunately, plans are in place to rebuild the bridge this summer. By fall, vehicle access should be restored.

While some campgrounds are still closed, the backcountry campground at Quiniscoe Lake is now offering reservations. It’s a beautiful spot that can only be reached by hiking. There are two trails to get there: the 14-kilometer Lakeview Trail and the 20-kilometer Centennial (Wall Creek) Trail. Reservations will be required from June 27 to September 20, 2025, making it a popular choice for campers wanting to enjoy the wilderness.

Interestingly, the Lower Similkameen Indian Band has taken proactive steps to restore areas affected by the wildfire. Their ambitious plan aims to replant 840,000 trees by 2027, showing a strong commitment to environmental recovery.

As the park reopens, five trails will also be accessible: Scout Lake, Diamond, Glacier Lake, Ladyslipper, and the Rim Trails. Visitors can enjoy these beautiful landscapes once again, though some areas may take a while to fully recover.

For those eager to plan their trips, you can reserve campsites at Quiniscoe Lake online at BC Parks Reservations.

In light of recent events, statistics show that wildfires have increased by 50% over the last decade. Experts suggest that climate change is a significant factor in this rise, making recovery efforts like those at Cathedral Provincial Park crucial. As communities work towards rebuilding and restoring, it’s important to consider how we can all contribute to environmental recovery efforts.

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