Parks along Vancouver Island’s Highway 4 closed for road work

B.C. is temporarily closing three day-use parks on Vancouver Island as it prepares to reopen Highway 4.

The highway — which is the only fully paved route to Port Alberni, Tofino, and more — is opening this weekend to single-lane, alternating traffic according to the B.C. government.

The Ministry of Environment says MacMillan Provincial Park — the location of ancient trees in Cathedral Grove — and the picnic areas of Cameron Lake and Beaufort in Little Qualicum Falls will be closed to the public until the highway fully reopens.

“Signs will be posted about these closures. Barrier fencing will be in place at MacMillan Provincial Park. Parking areas will be reserved for use by ministry staff only. Ministry staff will be on-site to guide traffic,” reads a release from the ministry.

Read more:

• Vancouver Island highway connecting Port Alberni and Tofino to reopen

• Tofino, Ucluelet, tourism businesses doing their best to make it through Highway 4 closure

• Hwy 4 to remain closed at least another week due to wildfire: Ministry

The ministry says the aim of the closures is to help reduce traffic congestion until the route can be fully reopened.

(B.C. Ministry of Transportation Image)

The highway closed on June 6 because of the Cameron Bluffs wildfire, and since then, falling trees and rocks have been a problem.

“Once the highway has fully reopened, BC Parks looks forward to welcoming back visitors,” the ministry added.