The Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Park is set to fully reopen on June 26, marking the end of a nearly four-year closure caused by extensive flood damage.
The British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Parks announced the reopening, highlighting that restoration efforts included substantial upgrades to infrastructure to improve the trail’s resilience to future extreme weather events.
Camping reservations for seven backcountry campgrounds along the 24-kilometre trail will open on April 2 for the entire season, with availability through September 29. The province has emphasized that visitors will be required to stay within designated 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, in a report by Victoria Now.
“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.”
For businesses operating in and around the outdoor hospitality sector, the reopening presents renewed opportunities for tourism-based enterprises, including campgrounds, outfitters, and guided tour providers.
Prior to its closure, the trail welcomed nearly 20,000 backcountry hikers and campers annually, generating demand for accommodations, equipment rentals, and visitor services in the region.
With improved infrastructure and increased resilience, the park’s reopening is expected to support local businesses that depend on adventure tourism.
The restoration project, which cost $5 million, was completed in three phases. Initial efforts focused on reopening the trail to Kinney Lake in 2023, followed by the section to Whitehorn campground in 2024, which included trail realignments and new bridges.
The final phase, covering the stretch from Whitehorn to Berg Lake, incorporated further campground upgrades and significant rebuilding to mitigate future flood risks.
The trail is currently open for winter recreation, and from May 15 to June 25, first-come, first-served camping will be available at the Kinney Lake and Whitehorn campgrounds with appropriate permits.
The return of the Berg Lake Trail is expected to benefit outdoor recreation businesses, particularly those in lodging, retail, and guided experiences.
Tourism stakeholders in the Valemount and Jasper areas may see a resurgence in visitor traffic, reinforcing the importance of maintaining strong partnerships with park services and leveraging the reopening to attract clientele.
