PLAN YOUR VISIT
understanding closures
FROM RECREATION TO THE RESOURCE EXTRACTION INDUSTRY - BC’S DIVERSE WILDERNESS IS SHARED BY MANY.
LAYERS OF PROTECTION, OFTEN IN THE FORM OF CLOSURES OR SEASONAL RESTRICTIONS, ENSURE BALANCED USE OF BC PUBLIC LANDS.
TRAVELLING ON BC’S FOREST SERVICE RESOURCE ROADS
In the winter, local snowmobile groups transform BC’s remote industrial forest service roads into groomed recreation sites, ushering riders on smooth trails or into alpine freeride zones. At times, roads may remain plowed for industrial traffic. By law, you must not operate a snowmobile in BC on a forest service road if it appears the road has been snow-plowed or the road is otherwise fit for travel by motor vehicles other than snowmobiles. Please observe posted radio call up/down procedures to avoid collisions when traveling by motor vehicle and do not block access.
WILDLIFE AND OTHER CLOSURES
While 94% of the province is public access land, not all areas are open for motorized use. Snowmobiling in provincial parks is generally prohibited. Riders must be aware of commercial or seasonal closures enacted to preserve other recreation experiences. The government administers wildlife closure areas to protect biodiversity in areas of special concern. If you encounter wildlife such as moose, goats, caribou, or even bears, keep your distance, let the wildlife pass safely, or leave the area the same way you came with as little disturbance as possible.
Closures may be vast and not signed, so it is important to check with the local snowmobile club for the latest information before you ride. It is YOUR responsibility to know where you are in relation to any closures.
