Visiting two of the region鈥檚 most scenic parks is now easier and more comfortable due to upgrades to trails, parking areas, and backcountry campsites.
At Myra-Bellevue Park near 琉璃神社, infrastructure improvements are nearly complete, including a major expansion to the Myra Station parking lot that added 60 regular spots and 12 spaces for buses and trailers. Six new accessible toilets have also been installed at the day-use area.
鈥淚nvesting in infrastructure upgrades at Myra-Bellevue Park ensures this natural treasure remains safe and accessible for everyone who comes to explore the trails, history and biodiversity of this special region in B.C.,鈥� Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks, said.
The $2.1-million project also included upgrades to the historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail, a major draw for cyclists and hikers. All 18 trestles along the Myra-Bellevue section of the trail have had their wooden decking removed and replaced. Each trestle has also been widened to support safe two-way traffic in 2024.
Monashee Park, located northwest of Vernon, also saw improvements. A bridge at Little Peters Lake, removed in 2024 after heavy snow damage, is being replaced. The bridge is essential for accessing alpine recreation areas, including Big Peters Lake.
Upgrades at the lake include expanding the backcountry campground from 10 to 18 raised tent platforms. Other improvements include replacing one pit toilet, adding another, and installing a secure storage container for food and gear. The total cost was $445,000.
鈥淩eplacing the bridge at Little Peters Lake and adding more campsites at Big Peters Lake means more people, whether visitors or locals, can enjoy the beautiful Monashee Mountains,鈥� Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee, said.
The Monashee Park improvements are part of a larger five-year, $21.5-million initiative to expand outdoor recreation across B.C., including new campsites, trail upgrades, and accessibility improvements. The Myra-Bellevue work is being funded through the B.C. Parks capital budget.