Privacy policy
Last updated: March 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how the BC Parks Foundation (“we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you visit or make a donation to discoverparks.ca or bcparksfoundation.ca (the “Site”). We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information in compliance with British Columbia’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
Information we collect
Device information
When you visit the Site, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including your web browser, IP address, time zone, and some of the cookies installed on your device. As you browse, we collect details about:
- The pages you view;
- The websites or search terms that referred you;
- How you interact with the Site.
We collect this “Device Information” using:
- Cookies – small data files placed on your device. You can disable cookies through your browser settings. For more information, visit allaboutcookies.org.
- Log files – track actions on the Site, collecting IP address, browser type, internet service provider, referring/exit pages, and date/time stamps.
- Tags, pixels, and web beacons – electronic files that record how you use the Site.
Donation information
When you make a donation or attempt to do so, we collect certain details, such as your name, billing address, payment details, email, and phone number. We call this “Donation information.”
We use trusted third-party service providers to process payments securely. Payment card details are not stored by us, and our processors comply with applicable security standards (such as PCI DSS).
How we use information
We use the information collected to:
- Process donations and issue receipts;
- Communicate with you about our programs, initiatives, newsletters, and opportunities to support our work, where you have an existing relationship with BCPF or have chosen to receive updates from us;
- Screen donations for potential risk or fraud;
- Improve and optimize our Site, including through analytics about how visitors browse and engage with it.
Analytics and tracking
We may share your personal information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, processing donations, delivering program communications, and analyzing how our programs and content perform. This includes payment processors, email delivery platforms, analytics providers, and program delivery partners.
These providers are authorized to use your information only as necessary to perform services on our behalf and are required to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security standards.
Where we operate newsletters or community programs, subscriber information such as name, email address, region, and engagement data may be shared with our service providers solely to deliver those communications and measure their effectiveness. We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
We may also disclose information when required to do so by law, regulation, or lawful authority.
Sharing information
We may share your personal information with trusted third-party service providers (for example, donation processors, email platforms, analytics providers) to help us operate the Site and deliver our services.
We may also share information when required to do so by law, regulation, subpoena, court order, or lawful request.
Managing your communication preferences
BC Parks Foundation may, from time to time, enroll existing supporters, donors, and community members in new programs or newsletters that align with the purposes for which their information was originally collected and are consistent with their relationship with BCPF.
Where we do so, we will provide clear notice of the new communication and a simple, immediate mechanism to opt out. We will honour all opt-out requests promptly.
You can update your communication preferences at any time by contacting us at [email protected] or by using the preference management tools included in our email.
Program communications & newsletters
As part of our mission, BC Parks Foundation operates a range of programs, newsletters, and community initiatives related to parks, outdoor recreation, conservation, and nature-based health. We may use your contact information to communicate with you about these programs, including sending newsletters, updates, event information, and related content that we believe is consistent with your relationship with BCPF and relevant to your interests.
Some of our program communications may include partner offers, sponsored content, or promotions from organizations whose values and activities align with our mission. We will always identify sponsored or partner content clearly.
You may opt out of any specific communication at any time using the unsubscribe link included in every email, or by contacting us at [email protected]. Opting out of one communication does not automatically remove you from others — each program or newsletter has its own opt-out mechanism, and you can manage your preferences at any time.
Your rights
As a resident of Canada, you have the right to:
- Access personal information we hold about you;
- Request correction or updates;
- Withdraw consent for certain uses of your information;
- Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and contractual restrictions.
You may also contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia if you have concerns about how we handle your information.
Data retention
We retain donation records as required by law and for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes set out in this policy, unless you request deletion (subject to legal and financial record-keeping requirements).
Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes to our practices or for operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. The updated version will always be posted on this page with the “Last Updated” date.