Ministry of Environment
VICTORIA – After the toys have been unwrapped, turkey cooked and Auld Lang Syne sung, people from around the world start planning vacations for the year ahead, and will soon be able to book two popular BC Parks adventures.
Beginning at 7 a.m. PST, Jan. 2, 2015, those looking to hike the scenic Berg Lake trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park or navigate the world-renowned Bowron Lake canoe circuit in Bowron Lake Provincial Park can take to their computers to reserve a spot for the 2015 season through Discover Camping.
Reservations can also be made through the Discover Camping call centre at 1-800-689-9025 for a surcharge of $5.
Last year, 1,585 bookings were made for Berg Lake trail and 975 for the Bowron Lake canoe circuit. Approximately 22 per cent of the total number of reservations were made from outside of Canada.
The Berg Lake trail and the Bowron Lake canoe circuit reservations open ahead of any other BC Parks’ experiences, and allow booking for the entire 2015 season, giving the public time to properly plan for their wilderness adventure.
The Berg Lake trail is open year-round in Mount Robson Provincial Park, and can be reserved from June 12 to Sept. 14.
This year, 100 per cent of spots available on the remote backcountry trail are now part of BC Parks’ camping reservation system, giving explorers more options when booking ahead. The trail covers 23 kilometres and climbs 800 metres, offering scenic views of waterfalls and icebergs.
Bowron Lake Provincial Park’s unparalleled canoe circuit can be reserved from May 15 to Sept. 21. The entire circuit encompasses 116 kilometres of paddling across 10 lakes, and includes a few portages that are relatively easy and flat.
The whole trip takes from six to 10 days to complete. The West Side experience is also available, which is less than half the circuit and takes two to four days to complete. Those interested in paddling the Bowron Lake canoe circuit should have some wilderness canoeing experience.
Reservations for frontcountry campsites in other provincial parks open on March 15, 2015. Group site reservations are available up to 12 months in advance of the arrival date.
“By opening reservations in the new year for the entire season, we are helping British Columbians and families from around the world plan their vacation so they can make the most of what our provincial parks have to offer,” said Mary Polak, Environment Minister.
The Berg Lake trail and the Bowron Lake canoe circuit have a higher proportion of international travellers than most other BC Parks destinations.
Many BC Parks are open year-round, but activities are weather-dependant. Confirm park access before you go to make sure your favourite provincial park is open for the season.
Parking fees were eliminated at provincial parks in 2011, making them more accessible to families.
To book a trip along the Berg Lake trail or the Bowron Lake canoe circuit, or a group campsite, visit: www.discovercamping.ca
For more information about the Berg Lake trail, visit: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/reserve/reserveBerg.html
For more information about the Bowron Lake canoe circuit, visit: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/bowron_lk/
For more information about B.C.’s provincial parks, visit: www.bcparks.ca
Connect with BC Parks on Facebook: www.facebook.com/YourBCParks
