News release
Safe fun in Mission’s backcountry
May 20, 2026
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Mission, British Columbia
From: Mission RCMP
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Although the weather over the long-weekend was a little cool and damp at times, people from all around the Lower Mainland still flocked to the wilderness areas around Mission, for some fun in the backcountry.
While most people head into the backcountry to enjoy nature, the behaviour of others in the past has ranged from irresponsible to downright dangerous, by doing things such as shooting guns in close proximity to others, driving dangerously, or driving while impaired (which is illegal even on Forest Service Roads). To help backcountry-adventurers be safe, Mission RCMP regularly patrol these areas throughout the warmer months. Over the Victoria Day long weekend, additional resources from the BC Conservation Officer Service, the City of Mission Bylaws department, and the RCMP’s National Weapons Enforcement Support Team also joined Mission RCMP in maintaining a presence on the Florence Lake Forest Service Road and the Lost Creek Forest Service Road. Here are some stats of interest:
- On Sunday, 105 vehicles came through a checkpoint at the base of the Lost Creek FSR, with people from places including Mission, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, Vancouver and even Toronto and Poland!
- 11 vehicles with firearms inside came through the checkpoint;
- 5 other males associated to 2 vehicles came through with firearms, with the intention of shooting illegally. They were informed that no shooting was allowed in most vehicle-accessible areas, and were turned away;
- 27 written warnings were issued over the weekend;
- Only 14 violation tickets were issued over the weekend.
Backcountry users should expect to continue to see RCMP, Conservation, and other law enforcement officers in the wilderness areas around Mission throughout the coming months. As always, be prepared for the possibility of a breakdown or injury when heading out, let someone know where you are going and when you will be back, and report any concerning behaviour. We’ll see you out there, Mission!
