A reminder: Visitors near and far can start planning their trips to two popular BC Parks destinations - Berg Lake Trail and Bowron Lake canoe circuit - when reservations open for the 2014 season on Jan. 2.

Visitors should book their reservations through Discover Camping, BC Parks' camping reservation system, making it easier for families to plan ahead.

Advanced preparation is required for adventures on the Berg Lake Trail and Bowron Lake canoe circuit because of the type of backcountry experiences involved. The limited facilities offered on these adventures ensure a true wilderness experience, so visitors need to be prepared.

The Berg Lake Trail and Bowron Lake canoe circuit are quite popular with local visitors and have a higher proportion of international travellers than most other BC Parks destinations. By providing reservations for the entire season early in the year, visitors can properly plan while having the security of knowing a site will be available for their vacation.

In 2013, the Bowron Lake canoe circuit had 1,073 bookings and the Berg Lake Trail had 1,463 bookings, with approximately 25 per cent of bookings originating from outside of Canada.

The Berg Lake Trail is open year-round in Mount Robson Provincial Park, and reservations can be made for the period June 12 through Sept. 15. This remote backcountry hiking trail covers 23 kilometres and climbs 800 metres, offering scenic views and experiences for hikers of all abilities.

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 numerous portages. The entire 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.

For those who like to plan ahead, Discover Camping provides information on the availability and amenities at 113 reservable campgrounds in 95 provincial parks throughout B.C. Reservations open for frontcountry campgrounds on March 15, 2014. Group site reservations are available up to 12 months in advance.

Other BC Parks campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are encouraged to confirm which parks offer reservations on BC Parks' website.

Quote:

Mary Polak, Minister of Environment -

"The popularity of BC Parks boosts the province's tourism industry and the economy of local communities throughout British Columbia. By opening reservations in early January, visitors can make the most of their time by planning ahead to enjoy the Berg Lake Trail and Bowron Lake canoe circuit."

Quick Facts:

• The Bowron Lake canoe circuit had 119 bookings on the first day of reservations in 2013.
• The Berg Lake Trail had 46 bookings on the first day of reservations.
• 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.

Learn More:

For more information about the Berg Lake Trail, visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/reserve/reserveBerg.html

For more information about the Bowron Lake canoe circuit, visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/bowron_lk/

To book the Berg Lake Trail, Bowron Lake canoe circuit or a group campsite, visit: www.discovercamping.ca

For Discover Camping's mobile interface, visit: https://secure.camis.com/BCMobile

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

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834