Canada has moved to require all Pacific Crest Trail hikers entering the country to do so via an official port of entry.
Those making the trek north had long been able to receive a special permit to walk across the 49th parallel through the woods.
In a press release issued Monday, Canada Border Services Agency announced that it was "discontinuing the issuance of permits to enter Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail without presenting yourself to a port of entry."
"This change will facilitate monitoring of compliance of trail users, enhance security at the border," CBSA added, noting that it now "aligns with the US Customs and Border Protection who does not allow travellers to enter the US from Canada on the trail."
The PCT technically ends at the Canada-US border after running 4,265 km from the US-Mexico border, however many hikers continue 13 km north to Manning Park, where they receive their baggage, clean up, and rest before heading home.
Now, however, those wishing to continue into Canada must enter the country like everyone else. The ports of entry nearest the hike's end point at Osoyoos and Abbotsford, which sit about 100 km as the crow flies east and west, respectively. In reality, the additional distance is much greater, and would add days to hikers' journeys.
In a statement, the Pacific Crest Trail Association called the news "disappointing," but noted that they "can appreciate [CBSA's] points, and the fact that this policy is consistent with the United States' policy."
"Hikers and equestrians should turn around after reaching the Northern Terminus," the PCTA told potential trail users. "We ask that everyone travels with the utmost respect for nature by practicing gold standard Leave No Trace practices. This area will experience increased use now that more people are traveling this section of the PCT twice."