Visitors can soon start booking trips to two popular BC Parks destinations drawing outdoor enthusiasts from around the world – Berg Lake trail and the Bowron Lake canoe circuit.

Beginning at 9 a.m. PST, on Jan. 2, 2016, those looking to hike the scenic Berg Lake trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park or paddle the pristine Bowron Lake canoe circuit in Bowron Lake Provincial Park can reserve a spot for the 2016 season through Discover Camping.

BC Parks saw a record 2,295 reservations for the Berg Lake trail in 2015, a 45% increase from 2014. The Bowron Lake canoe circuit also saw a six per cent increase in bookings in 2015, from 975 in 2014 to 1,030 in 2015 as more people discover these amazing adventures.

Reservations for the Berg Lake trail and the Bowron Lake canoe circuit open ahead of any other BC Parks experiences – and allow booking for the entire 2016 season – giving the public time to plan for these wilderness adventures.

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

The Berg Lake trail is open year-round, and can be reserved from June 12 to Sept. 14. The trail covers 23 kilometres and climbs 800 metres, offering scenic views of waterfalls, turquoise coloured lakes and icebergs.

Bowron Lake Provincial Parks’ world-renowned canoe circuit can be reserved from May 15 to Sept. 21. The entire circuit boasts 116 kilometres of paddling across 10 lakes, and includes several portages that are relatively flat. The entire trip takes from six to 10 days. The West Side experience is also available, which is less than half of the circuit and takes two to four days to complete. BC Parks recently produced a short video for the Bowron Lake circuit so visitors can better plan their trip: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/bowron_lk/

Quotes:

Mary Polak, Minister of Environment –

“The Berg Lake trail and Bowron Lake canoe circuit are two amazing opportunities that are unique to BC Parks, and draw hundreds of visitors each year. These unparalleled adventures offer outdoor enthusiasts a true wilderness experience. By opening reservations in the new year for the entire season, we help give visitors from B.C. and around the world a chance to experience these truly inspiring adventures in our provincial parks.”

Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo North –

“Bowron Lakes circuit is a beautiful world-class tourist attraction that gives people the chance to get back to nature. I encourage everyone to secure your spot and explore what the Cariboo has to offer.”

Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount –

“Mount Robson and the Bowron Lakes are two magnificent natural attractions for outdoors enthusiasts from around the world. The Berg Lake trail is a gem on the slopes of Mount Robson, and the Bowron Lakes circuit is a world-class canoeing destination. Both are ideal for an unforgettable staycation and being able to reserve a spot at either of them starting Jan. 2 will give more British Columbians the opportunity to plan ahead and experience these beautiful places.”

Quick Facts:

• 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-dependent. 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:

To book a trip along the Berg Lake trail or the Bowron Lake canoe circuit, visit: www.discovercamping.ca

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/

For tips on how to prepare for your wilderness adventure, please visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/campingEthics.html