Raft Cove Provincial Park reopened to the public this week.
An announcement on the BC Parks Facebook site Monday read: “Raft Cove Provincial Park is now open. We would like to thank the World Rainbow Gatherers for recognizing that this was not the right location for their event.
“We encourage the public to come and enjoy the natural beauty of this west coast park on northern Vancouver Island.”
During the closure representatives of Tourism Vancouver Island were quick to point out that the North Island had a wealth of stunning alternative sites that were unaffected by the closure.
“We are fortunate to have so many wonderful parks and recreational camping sites throughout the Vancouver Island region,” said Dave Petryk, President and CEO of Tourism Vancouver Island. “Although Raft Cove on the North Island may be closed until further notice, outdoor enthusiasts will find ample outdoor recreational experiences in other North Island parks and outdoor sites including Cape Scott, Schoen Lake, Marble River and God’s Pocket Provincial Parks to name a few.”
Raft Cove Park was closed in response to concerns arising from the planned World Rainbow Gathering and the increase in visitors to the remote site.
For further information about the parks and recreation on the North Island, visit the web site at www.vancouverislandnorth.ca/.