Visitors from around the world and throughout the province can soon plan their trips to two awe-inspiring BC Parks' destinations. The Berg Lake Trail and Bowron Lake canoe circuit will be open for advanced reservations beginning Jan. 2, 2013, announced Minister of Environment Terry Lake.

Last year, the Bowron Lake Park canoe circuit had close to 100 bookings on the first day. This year, BC Parks is doubling the early reservation options for visitors by adding the Berg Lake Trail.

These two well-known treks are favourites for international travellers. In 2012, the Bowron Lake canoe circuit had 1,003 bookings and the Berg Lake Trail had 1,932 bookings with 22 per cent and 25 per cent of reservations, respectively, coming from outside Canada.

By providing early reservations for the entire season, visitors will have the security of knowing a site will be available for their vacation, and they can relax and enjoy these spectacular sites and the memorable experiences that BC Parks have to offer.

The Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park is a world-renowned hiking track that covers over 23 kilometres and climbs over 800 metres. This remote, back-country trail is a favourite destination for visitors from throughout the province and around the world. Mount Robson, the second oldest provincial park, will be celebrating 100 years in 2013.

Bowron Lake Park's unparalleled canoe circuit is another of BC Parks' desirable natural destinations. The circuit encompasses 10 lakes and includes numerous waterways and portages. The entire trip takes from six to 10 days to complete.

According to research in Market Profiles 2012, compiled by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Tourism Division, many tourists from key markets are coming to B.C. to experience parks. In 2010, 75 per cent of German visitors, 71 per cent of UK visitors, 56 per cent of Indian visitors, 34 per cent of American visitors and 35 per cent of Chinese visitors who visited B.C. stayed overnight at a national or provincial park.

Tourism is one of the key economic sectors identified in 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan'. The Province's new tourism strategy builds on the Jobs Plan, providing a framework for government and industry to work together to attract more visitors and create jobs for British Columbians. The strategy focuses on increasing the number of visitors by building on the global awareness generated by the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

The Spring/Summer 2012 Tourism Marketing Campaign featured tourism products that are B.C.'s competitive advantage and of highest interest to our target audiences, including outdoor adventure.

For those that like to plan ahead for other BC Parks' camping spots, Discover Camping provides information on the availability and amenities at more than 108 reservable campgrounds, including group sites, in 94 provincial parks throughout B.C. Reservations for most reservable campgrounds begins March 15, 2013.

Other BC Parks campgrounds are available on a first-come first-serve basis only. Visitors are encouraged to first confirm which of the BC Parks have reservation availability on the Discover Camping website.

Quotes:

Minister of Environment Terry Lake -

"Our family has always enjoyed spending time in BC Parks, and these early reservations will mean visitors from around the world and throughout the province can plan their vacations to include two of our most spectacular destinations. Whether bonding on a canoe trip or on a spectacular hike, these trips offer two great ways for families to enjoy B.C.'s unparalleled natural environment."

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skill Training and Responsible for Labour Pat Bell -

"With endless possibilities for adventure in BC Parks, there's little wonder that visitors to B.C. are looking for ways to plan the best possible vacation in British Columbia. Providing reservations for Bowron Lake canoe circuit and the Berg Lake trail is a great way to ensure the visitor experience is the best it can be."

Share your favourite camping spot with us on BC Park's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/YourBCParks

Learn More:

For more information about B.C.'s provincial parks visit: www.bcparks.ca

Reserve your BC Parks' camping spot at: www.DiscoverCamping.ca

For more information about the Berg Lake Trail visit: http://ow.ly/fZjYN

For more information about the Bowron Lake canoe circuit visit: http://ow.ly/g2XF6

Media Contact:

Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9745