BC Parks Foundation

At BC Parks Foundation—the official charitable partner of BC Parks—our mission is to create the greatest system of parks and Indigenous protected areas in the world. Our brand-new Discover Parks website provides over 1,000 unique experiences in BC Parks with the hopes of enhancing your visits and creating lifelong memories.  

This Earth Day, join us as we connect with nature, celebrate its beauty, and embrace health and well-being with these five park experiences. Enjoy with a friend, your family, or on your own—all you need is a sense of adventure.

1. Nature Bingo at Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park 

Want to explore the breathtaking Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park while engaging in a fun and educational nature activity? That’s an Earth Day BINGO. You’ll practice identifying species like the towering Hemlock tree, fragrant licorice fern, beautiful salmonberry, and the red-breasted sapsucker as you traverse the campground areas or stroll along the Chilliwack Lake Campground Loop. Bring a sense of healthy competition and Bingo your way through the great outdoors.

2. Discover the Life Cycle of Kokanee Salmon in the Okanagan’s Bear Creek Park  

In this immersive experience, you’ll follow the trail next to Bear Creek to learn about the spawning rituals, vibrant colours, and vital role in freshwater ecosystems of the landlocked Kokanee salmon—a unique species quite different from its oceanic cousin. A series of engaging activities demonstrate how this remarkable fish supports freshwater rivers and lakes, and why its cyclical return has symbolized renewal, abundance, and interconnectedness with nature since time immemorial. 

3. Virtual Sunset Photography with Jillian Brown at Porteau Cove Provincial Park 

Have you ever wanted a one-on-one lesson with a professional photographer to help you wow your followers with your sunset-capturing skills? We’ve got you. This free video tutorial was filmed over the course of one glorious sunset in gorgeous Porteau Cove by renowned nature photographer Jillian Brown and her husband-turned-model. She demonstrates essential photography techniques, including the best time to shoot, shutter and exposure tips, and how to create depth in your images. Whether you're an amateur or pro, this virtual experience will help you find your place in the sun(set).

4. Guided Nature Meditation at Rathtrevor Beach

At BC Parks Foundation, we know that one way to encourage folks to protect nature is by demonstrating how nature has protected them. Our nature-prescription program PaRx was born from the mountains and oceans of evidence (this is BC, after all) proving that as little as 20 minutes a day in nature makes you healthier and happier. That’s why we encourage you to try this audio meditation in celebration of Earth Day. Our mindfulness guide brings awareness to your body and the soothing sounds of nature, like the wind in the trees, the crashing waves, and the sound of children playing—as they always are at the beautiful Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.

5. Forest of the Rain Shadow: Recorded Commentary at Wasa Lake Provincial Park 

A rain shadow is a dry area behind a mountain, on the side away from the wind. Prevailing winds carry moisture from water bodies inland, leaving the leeward side dry and hot. On this interpretive tour through Wasa Lake Provincial Park, you’ll learn about this unique environment, smelling the butterscotch scent of the Ponderosa pine bark, touching the black scars of a forest fire, and observing the temperate grasslands—the world's most endangered ecosystem. The recording acts as one of our knowledgeable and trustworthy Discover Parks Ambassadors providing insights into the cultural and ecological significance of this landscape and the traditions of the Ktunaxa People. 

Celebrate the beauty of nature and reap the countless benefits of spending time outdoors not only on April 22, but every single day of the year. Tell your friends and family—just two hours a week outdoors—simply observing the trees and flowers in your own neighbourhood—can significantly improve your health and wellbeing. Join the bold mission of BC Parks Foundation to create the greatest system of parks and Indigenous protected areas in the world. Subscribe to our newsletter for more.