Mount Robson Provincial Park, which was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1990, turns 100 today, announced Environment Minister Terry Lake.

Events are being planned for the upcoming summer season to mark Mount Robson Provincial Park's centennial and honour its great history as one of B.C.'s best known and frequented parks.

Established by the British Columbia legislature in 1913, Mount Robson Provincial Park is B.C.'s second oldest provincial park, after Strathcona Provincial Park.

Mount Robson Provincial Park offers scenic year-round activities for British Columbians to enjoy. Hikers, horseback riders, snowshoers and skiers can explore over 200 kilometres of trails. Climbing, spelunking, canoeing, boating and swimming are a few of the other activities available in the park. Those looking to stay overnight can set up camp in one of the park's campgrounds from May to October.

Spanning 224,866 hectares, Mount Robson Provincial Park is known for its various wildlife viewing opportunities. Over 182 species of birds, 42 species of mammals and four species of amphibians have been documented in the park throughout the years. Whitetail deer, moose, elk and black bear can be found in the lower elevations of the park, while mountain goat and sheep inhabit the higher elevations.

Quotes:

Terry Lake, Minister of Environment -

"From the rugged snow-capped mountains to the sub-alpine forests, it is easy to see the natural beauty of Mount Robson Provincial Park. Whether you're on a family trip through the Rockies or a road trip to see more of British Columbia, join BC Parks as we celebrate the Mount Robson Provincial Park's 100th birthday."

Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount -

"Mount Robson Provincial Park is a spectacular park. Known locally for its hiking, wildlife viewing and family friendly camping, it attracts visitors from across North America and around the world. I invite all British Columbians to come and discover this wonderful BC Park for themselves, and help us celebrate the park's 100th birthday."

Quick Facts:

• At almost 4,000 metres, Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, lending to its nickname as the Monarch of the Canadian Rockies.

• The park includes a portion of one of the world's largest world heritage sites.

• Mount Robson Provincial Park also protects the headwaters of the Fraser River.

• A national highway, railway, fiber-optics system and pipeline all help keep people and goods moving through the park.

• Parking fees were eliminated at provincial parks in 2011, making them more accessible to B.C. families.

Learn More:

A list of events celebrating Mount Robson Provincial Park's centennial will be posted on the park's website as the summer season approaches: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/mt_robson

For more information about BC Parks, visit: www.BCParks.ca

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834