One of BC's most popular hiking, camping sites is set to reopen after 4-year closure

One of BC’s most popular backcountry hiking destinations is set to reopen after a nearly four year closure.

On Wednesday, BC’s Ministry of Environment and Parks announced that the entire 24-kilometre Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Park would be welcoming back hikers and campers.

The park, which is located between Valemount and Jasper, closed in June 2021 due to extensive flooding caused by heavy rain after the 2021 heat dome.

Parts of the trail were washed away and infrastructure like bridges, picnic tables and tent pads were significantly damaged, the ministry said.

Starting on April 2, camping reservations will be opening at seven backcountry campgrounds along the trail with arrivals starting on June 26, which is the same day the trail reopens.

A news release said reservations will open for the entire season and will be available until Sept. 29, 2025. The province notes that visitors will be required to only stay at the campgrounds.

“Mount Robson Park is a special place, drawing thousands of people from across Canada and the world to experience the natural beauty,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks.

“Having undergone repairs to help withstand the impacts of climate change, we’re thrilled to welcome families and friends back to the entire Berg Lake Trail.”

The trail, which welcomes nearly 20,000 backcountry hikers and campers per year, features stunning views of waterfalls, turquoise waters and massive glaciers.

It is currently open for winter recreation. From May 15 to June 25, the trail will be open for first-come, first-served camping at the Kinney Lake and Whitehorn campgrounds with the appropriate permits.

It took three phases of construction to rebuild the trail and the total cost was $5 million.

Phase one focused on upgrades from the parking lot to Kinney Lake and reopened in 2023 for day use and overnight camping. Phase two focused on the trail from Kinney Lake and Whitehorn campground and reopened in 2024 and included a new trail route and new bridges.

Phase three from Whitehorn campground to Berg Lake included various campground upgrades along with significant trail rebuilding and realignment to reduce the amount of time the trail is on the flood plain.

Click here for more information on the pristine camping and hiking destination, including reservations.