General Information & Regulations
- Hours
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- Parks are generally open between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. unless marked otherwise at a park entrance.
- Entrance gates at Moorecroft and Top Bridge close at 9 p.m. (subject to earlier closure during winter months).
- Dogs
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- Dogs are permitted in RDN Parks if kept under control.
- Dogs must be leashed at Moorecroft, Horne Lake and Descanso Bay Regional Parks, as well as any parks or areas where signage instructs to do so.
- Dogs are not permitted in the Little Qualicum River Estuary Conservation Area at any time.
- Parks Use Permits & Special Events
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- Park Use Permits are required for any commercial activity, commercial filming and for any event taking place within an RDN park.
- For more information on permit fees and conditions, refer to Bylaw 1801
- Please apply at least six weeks prior to the event to ensure time to process the permit.
- Park Use Permit process:
- Contact RDN Parks at recparks [at] rdn.bc.ca or 250-248-4744 with any questions regarding your event and permitting.
- Please fill out the application and return to recparks [at] rdn.bc.ca.
- Once the application is received you will be contacted by staff in order to discuss your applications, and we may request further information.
- Submit insurance and additional required supporting documents.
- Permit will be completed and emailed for payment. Once payment is received, the permit will be emailed to you for signature. Please sign and return a copy to RDN parks staff.
- For events with over 500 people, a RDN Special Event Permit is required.
- Parks Amenity Donation Program
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- The Regional District of Nanaimo's Parks Amenity Donation Program provides an opportunity for an individual, organization or service group to contribute toward park improvements in the RDN.
- More information on this program is available at https://www.rdn.bc.ca/parks-amenity-donation-program
- Camping and Campfires
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- Camping is available at Descanso Bay and Horne Lake Regional Parks
- Campfires are only permitted within RDN Campgrounds. Campfire bans may be in effect during dry weather. Please check here for any bans or alerts.
- Parks Advisory Committees
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- Community Park planning in the RDN is supported by area residents who volunteer to participate in Advisory Committees.
- Regional Parks and Trails planning is supported by a Committee made up of RDN Board representatives.
- Learn more about RDN Parks Advisory Committees and how to volunteer
- Vehicles, E-Bikes and Vessels
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- ATVs, dirt bikes and other personal motorized recreational vehicles are not permitted in RDN Parks or Trails.
- Electric bikes are not considered vehicles and are permitted in RDN Parks and Trails.
- Overnight mooring of vessels (on land or water) is not permitted.
- No person shall bring in, park, operate, launch or run ashore a personal watercraft (seadoo/jet-ski).
- Please refer to Bylaw 1801 for more information.
- Wildlife & Our Natural Environment
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- The RDN is bear and cougar country. Learn facts and tips here!
- Please respect wildlife, vegetation and other natural features in RDN Parks and Trails.
- Hunting, harvesting, salvage or disturbance of any natural feature is not permitted.
- Where garbage cans are not provided, please take out what you take in.
- Park Use Regulations
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- For safe enjoyment by all park visitors, please observe and obey signage posted at RDN Parks and Trails.
- Additional information can be found in the Park Use Regulations Bylaw No. 1801.
- Park Use Bylaw 1801 - Frequently Asked Questions
- Park Policies