Opening up access to Watersprite Lake with a trail and a backcountry hut seemed like a good way of easing the demand for hiking in the busy Sea to Sky corridor. No one could have anticipated its extreme popularity or the lessons learned from so many visitors. 

For the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC’s June webinar, we will hear the Watersprite story right from the British Columbia Mountaineering Club members who have been on the frontline from the beginning. We’ll hear about the effort that went into getting the trail and hut built, how the infrastructure attracted thousands of hikers and campers, the impact all those boots and tents had on the fragile sub-alpine area, and the team effort that turned the area into a Recreation Sites and Trails BC rec site. 

In the end, it’s a positive story of user management. Within the saga are many lessons and advice that any outdoor club or land manager can learn from.

Date: June 2, 2026

Time: Noon–1:00 PM Pacific

The one-hour webinar will be recorded and shared with everyone who registers, so sign up even if you can’t attend live. We’ll also share links and resources with the recording.

The panel discussion will include:

• How the club worked with Recreation Sites and Trails BC to get the trail and hut built

• Learnings from responding to overuse of the area

• Why it can it be easier to raise money and hire professional trail builders than use volunteers.

• And how the project fits into a long-term vision for outdoor recreation in the area.

We’ll have several speakers in the Zoom webinar including:

David Scanlon, the past president of the BCMC and current president of the BC Mountain Foundation. Watersprite exists because of David. It was his vision, and his decades of work that has resulted in the establishment of the trail, the hut and the rec site.

Cliff Eschner, a long term BCMC member, having taught a number of courses to members over the years. Currently he is one of the operators of the Watersprite Rec Site on behalf of the club

Greg Hamilton, BCMC president. He will provide a brief overview of the club.

The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC is a non-profit organization. These webinars are free, thanks to the support of our generous donors and sponsors. If you would like to support our work, make a donation or get in touch about sponsorship opportunities.