Visitors can start planning their trips to two popular BC Parks destinations even earlier this year as bookings for the world-renowned Berg Lake trail and Bowron Lake canoe circuit open soon.

Beginning at 7 a.m. (Pacific Time) on Saturday, Oct. 1, 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 2017 season through Discover Camping.

BC Parks has opened reservations for the Berg Lake trail and Bowron Lake canoe circuit three months earlier than last year, based on growing visitor demand and feedback asking for longer planning horizons. By opening reservations for the entire season in October, this change allows more time for visitors from throughout British Columbia and around the globe to plan their wilderness adventures.

While 2016 numbers are not yet final, 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 6% increase in bookings in 2015, from 975 in 2014 to 1,030 in 2015.

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 17 to Sept. 17. The trail covers 23 kilometres and climbs 800 metres, offering scenic views of waterfalls, turquoise-coloured lakes and icebergs.

The Bowron Lake 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.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount –

“It’s not surprising that hundreds of backcountry enthusiasts from B.C. and abroad are attracted to these two particular outdoor experiences. Our province attracts interest far and wide because of world-class opportunities like Mount Robson and Bowron Lake provincial parks.”

Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo North –

“These are some of the most pristine spots for hikers and canoers to visit on the planet. Berg Lake offers some of the best views of the Canadian Rockies while the Bowron Lakes canoe circuit is a stunning portage.”

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.
• The Discover Camping reservation system is reviewed every year. Further improvements to ensure fairness for campers using the system are being considered for the 2017 season, with any changes being announced later this year.

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, visit:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/campingEthics.html