Mount Robson reservations roll out as entire Berg Lake Trail reopens
One of the most iconic trails in the Canadian Rockies will fully reopen this summer for the first time since catastrophic flooding forced evacuations in 2021.
The Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park on the B.C. side of the Rockies will complete the final step of its three-phase reopening plan in time for the warmer weather. It’s scheduled to reopen on June 26.
BC Parks announced that reservations for tent pads at the seven backcountry campgrounds along the 25-kilometre trail will open at 7 a.m. PDT on April 2. Reservations are required to stay at campgrounds along the trail between June 26 and Sept. 29.
Part of the Berg Lake Trail is currently open for winter recreation, with Kinney Lake and Whitehorn campgrounds accepting visitors on a first-come, first-served basis from May 15 to June 25.Ā Permits can be purchased at the Mount Robson Welcome Centre before heading up the trail.
BC Parks shared a video outlining the extensive repair process since the flooding in June 2021.
Heavy rains caused the river to overflow and send mud and rocks crashing into bridges and pathways hikers had used for more than 30 years. The situation got so bad that people using the trail in June 2021 had to be flown out.
From there, the trail remained closed while engineers mapped a new route that would stay away from the riverbed.
Part of the popular B.C. hiking trail reopened last summer, with the remainder becoming accessible again this year.
“Hiking the Berg Lake Trail is an unforgettable experience, with nearly 20,000 backcountry hikers and campers coming to this special part of B.C. every year,” Spencer Chandra Herbert, minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport, said in a news release.
“Having the entire trail open again is important for local businesses, communities and visitors, and I encourage everyone to get out this summer and explore beautiful B.C.”
Owen Torgerson, mayor of Valemount, estimates hikers headed for Berg Lake Trail contribute to about a quarter of the village’s overall economy. He’s looking forward to welcoming them back.
“I encourage everyone to plan a trip to experience the beauty of Berg Lake, and I appreciate the extensive work that has gone into restoring this beloved trail.”
It typically takes hikers three to five days to complete the Berg Lake Trail, and it’s known as a strenuous but rewarding route.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the entire Berg Lake Trail would reopen on May 15. Only Kinney Lake and Whitehorn campgrounds will begin accepting first-come, first-served campers that day. The entire Berg Lake Trail is scheduled to reopen on June 26.Ā