How New Trail Tools Are Helping BC Parks Visitors Understand Dynamic Landscapes

On a scorching day in June 2021, a massive slab of granite broke away from the Stawamus Chief in Squamish, crashing into the forest below. The event occurred during a record-setting heat dome, with temperatures soaring above 40°C. While no one was injured, the dramatic rockfall forced park closures and sparked conversations about how to help visitors understand the ever-changing nature of BC’s landscapes.

Extreme heat likely caused the granite to expand and fracture—a striking reminder that the places we love to explore are dynamic, sometimes unpredictable, and impacted by our changing climate.

Now, a new set of tools is helping visitors to the Chief better understand this reality and plan accordingly. A series of Discover Trail signs, installed in partnership by BC Parks and BC Parks Foundation, invites people to explore how weather, geology, and human activity all shape this iconic mountain—and how we can all recreate more safely and responsibly. 

The Chief, or Siy’am’ Smánit in the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) language, rises more than 700 metres and is one of the largest granite monoliths in North America. It's a place of awe, adventure, and cultural significance—and one where sudden rockfalls, like the one in 2021, can and do happen.

Near the trailhead, one of the new signs reminds hikers to “respect the rock” and “own the risk,” explaining how extreme weather—including rain, heatwaves, and freezing temperatures—can destabilize the cliffside. Another sign offers a 360° drone view of the Grand Wall, showing exactly where the 2021 fall occurred.

“We can’t stop the rock from moving, but we can give people the tools to be informed, aware, and prepared,” said Aaron Butcher, Discover Trails Coordinator at BC Parks Foundation. “Our goal is to help people recreate safely while deepening their relationship with place. When you understand what shaped a mountain, you connect to it differently.”

The Discover Trail at Stawamus Chief Park is part of BC Parks Foundation’s broader initiative to blend on-the-ground signage with digital storytelling. With a quick scan from a smartphone, visitors unlock videos, virtual flyovers, and stories about each park’s extraordinary landscape, making every visit richer and more meaningful. 

“People see the QR code and expect a map,” said Butcher. “What they get instead is a multi-layered look into the land, its history, and the systems at work all around them. These virtual tours are immersive, visual, and they stay with you—you can revisit them long after the hike is over.”

Megan Kobitzsch, BC Parks' Area Supervisor in Squamish, agreed: “We’re proud to support tools that help people engage more deeply with BC’s Parks. Interpretive features like these help visitors better understand both the wonder and the risks of the natural world.”

Not everyone can hike a mountain—but nearly everyone can scan a QR code or access the virtual tour from home. By offering engaging, inclusive content in multiple formats, Discover Trails open the door for more people to connect with nature on their own terms.

As weather and park use continue to shape our landscapes, Aaron says these tools can become more than educational features. “They’re designed to be essential components of safe, responsible recreation. And ultimately, they’ll help build a culture where connection to a place comes with caring for that place.”

Keep exploring! DiscoverParks.ca is your online hub and go-to resource for thousands of activities and resources for BC Parks.