If you're planning to travel with dogs around B.C. this summer, there's a park that will have to be struck from your list of destinations to visit.

As of May 18, B.C. Parks banned dogs and other domestic pets from Joffre Lakes Provincial Parks, located east of Pemberton.

The prohibition, which will be enforced by park rangers, was initiated due to a sharp increase in the number of people using the Joffre Lakes trail, which has risen above 170,000 visitors per year.

The rapid growth in visitors has also resulted in more dogs visiting as well, which has raised public-health and conservation concerns.

In a news release, B.C. Parks explained that the presence of dogs, including their sound or scent, can cause birds and animals to seek out other habitats.

Several health concerns were cited, including canine excrement not removed by their owners that can contaminate the water system, and dogs swimming in the lakes can contaminate water that campers use for drinking.

Similar bans are in effect at Garibaldi, Bowron Lake, Kokanee Glacier, and Cathedral provincial parks to protect the environment.

Many provincial parks permit dogs on a leash at all times, though they are not allowed on beach or picnic areas or in park buildings.

A list of provincial parks which offer off-leash or swimming areas for dogs is available at the B.C. Parks website.