British Columbia has hundreds of options for gorgeous backpacking trips. Most are free or require a permit, but for a few special trips, you need to make reservations in advance. If you’re planning ahead of time, these are the BC backpacking reservation dates you need to know for 2023.
The most spectacular trips are often ones that are in popular or fragile places, so they often have reservation systems in place. And nothing sucks more than finding out a trip you want to do is booked up! Put these dates in your calendar! (Or if you’re like me, agonize over which trip to pick since they all sound amazing!)
I’ve got reservation dates for you for nine different trips in British Columbia including Vancouver Island, the Vancouver Area, the BC Interior, and the Canadian Rockies. Plus I’ve also got details on how to reserve and my top tips for getting those hard-to-get reservations.
Didn’t get a reservation? No worries! Read my guide to Backpacking in BC Without Reservations.
This post includes details on reservations for:
- West Coast Trail (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)
- Keeha Beach (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)
- Narvaez Bay (Saturna Island, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve)
- Watersprite Lake (near Squamish)
- Garibaldi Provincial Park (near Squamish)
- Joffre Lakes Provincial Park (near Pemberton)
- Tenquille Lake (near Pemberton)
- Eva and Jade Lakes (Mount Revelstoke National Park)
- Hermit Meadows (Glacier National Park)
- Lake O’Hara (Yoho National Park)
- Yoho National Park (Iceline, Whaleback, Little Yoho, etc.)
- Rockwall Trail (Kootenay National Park)
- Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
- Berg Lake (Mount Robson Provincial Park)
- Bowron Lake Circuit
Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn
Table of Contents
Quick Calendar
| Trail/Park | When to Reserve |
|---|---|
| Bowron Lake Circuit | December 1, 2022 |
| Berg Lake | Closed in 2023 |
| West Coast Trail | March 25, 2023 |
| Keeha Beach (Pacific Rim NP) | March 13, 2023 |
| Narvaez Bay (Saturna Island, Gulf Islands NP) | March 13, 2023 |
| Rockwall Trail | March 22, 2023 |
| Lake O’Hara | March 28, 2023 (camping)/April 12, 2023 (bus) |
| Yoho National Park | March 22, 2023 |
| Eva and Jade Lakes (Revelstoke NP) | March 13, 2023 |
| Hermit Meadows (Glacier NP) | March 13, 2023 |
| Garibaldi Provincial Park | 4 months before your trip |
| Joffre Lakes Provincial Park | 4 months before your trip |
| Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park | 4 months before your trip |
| Watersprite Lake | 60 days before your trip |
| Tenquille Lake | 60 days before your trip |
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West Coast Trail Reservations for 2023
What: This 75km (46.5 mi) trail is full of beaches, coastal rainforest, ladders, and boardwalks. It is probably the most popular multi-day hike in Canada, which is why it is at the top of my list for 2023 BC backpacking reservation dates. Want more info? I wrote a whole series of posts about the West Coast Trail. Start with my West Coast Trail Guide, then check out my section-by-section overview, itineraries, campground guide, packing list, transportation, and coastal hiking tips posts.
When to Reserve: March 25, 2023 at 8 am PT
Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Pacific Rim National Park website.
How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $25.75. There is a $136 fee to hike the trail, plus two mandatory $24 ferry crossings and a National Parks entry fee ($10.50/person /day).
Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.
Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates.
For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations.
READ NEXT: Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia
Keeha Beach Reservations for 2023
What: This beautiful remote sandy beach is near the northern trailhead for the West Coast Trail in Pacific Rim National Park, but isn’t nearly as busy. The trail to get there is only 3.5 km long, but it’s really muddy so expect it to take longer than you think. You can also day hike to the Cape Beale Lighthouse.
When to Reserve: March 13, 2023 at 8am PT
Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Pacific Rim National Park website.
How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $10.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park entry fees ($10.50/person/day).
Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. The trail is open from May to September and you must reserve.
Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. This is probably one of the easiest trips to get a reservation for.
Narvaez Bay (Saturna Island) Reservations for 2023
What: It’s a short 2 km hike to the waterfront backcountry campground at Narvaez Bay on Saturna Island in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. This is one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC. There are several short day hikes from the campground.
When to Reserve: March 13, 2023 at 8 am PT
Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Gulf Islands National Park website.
How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $10.50/person/night.
Do You Have to Reserve? Yes from May to September. The rest of the year all camping is first-come, first-served.
Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates.
For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations.
Watersprite Lake Reservations for 2023
What: A gorgeous ice-blue lake nestled against rocky spires in the remote mountains east of Squamish. The lake became very popular thanks to social media, so starting in 2022 the campground requires reservations. For more info, check out the BCMC website or my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
When to Reserve: Starting at midnight 60 days before your trip. The campground requires reservations between July 1 and Thanksgiving weekend each year.
Where to Reserve: Online on the BCMC’s Watersprite Lake campground page.
How Much Do Reservations Cost: Sites are $20/night and must be paid in full at the time of booking to reserve a site. There is no extra reservation fee.
Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.
Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip.
Garibaldi Provincial Park Reservations for 2023
Note: The Elfin Lakes Shelter is currently closed for repairs.
What: South West BC’s premiere alpine backpacking destination with several trailheads and campgrounds to choose from. Reservations are required for all the campgrounds as well as the Elfin Lakes Shelter. For more info on trails and destinations, check out the BC parks website or my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
When to Reserve: Starting at 7am PT four months before the first day of your trip.
Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.
How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $10 for campsites and $15 for the Elfin Lakes Shelter. If you book via phone there is an extra $5 surcharge.
Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.
Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip.
If you can’t get a reservation for the Garibaldi Lake campground, consider booking Taylor Meadows or Helm Creek and then hiking over to Garibaldi Lake for the day.
Get My Book…
Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia
A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.
- 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
- Info about permits, reservations, and campsite facilities
- Detailed maps and photos
- Advice for extending your trip
- Points of cultural and natural history
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park Reservations for 2023
What: This super-popular lake near Whistler has a backcountry campground next to a glacier lake. It’s a short 5.5km hike from the trailhead, so it’s one of the best easy backpacking destinations close to Vancouver. For more info on the trail, check out the BC parks website or my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
When to Reserve: Starting at 7 am PT four months before the first day of your trip.
Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.
How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $5/person/night. If you book by phone there is an additional $5 surcharge.
Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.
Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip.
Get my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia – it has all the info you need to backpack to Joffre Lakes
Tenquille Lake Reservations for 2023
What: A beautiful sub-alpine lake near Pemberton BC, surrounded by mountains. It’s a popular location for fishing as well as scrambling the nearby peaks, which are mostly non-technical. The lake has both a cabin and campsites that can be reserved.
When to Reserve: Starting at midnight 60 days before your trip.
Where to Reserve: Online on the Pemberton Wildlife Association’s Tenquille Lake booking page.
How Much Do Reservations Cost: Camping reservations are $25/tent/night. You can fit up to two tents on each site. There is no extra reservation fee.
Do You Need to Reserve? Yes from July 1 to October 31. Tenting outside of those dates is first-come, first-served.
Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip.
Eva and Jade Lakes Reservations for 2023
What: This hike starts high on the slopes of Mount Revelstoke in Mount Revelstoke National Park. Walk through wildflower meadows and forest to the shores of Eva Lake, one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC. Jade Lake is a few extra kilometres away over a pass. Both lakes have backcountry campgrounds.
When to Reserve: March 13, 2023 at 8 am PT
Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Mount Revelstoke National Park website.
How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $10.50/person/day.
Do You Have to Reserve? Yes from July 28 to September 17. There is first-come, first-served camping available from June 30 to July 27 and September 18 to October 9 (depending on snow levels), which requires a backcountry permit.
Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates.
For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations.
READ NEXT: The Best Hikes in Revelstoke, BC
Hermit Meadows Reservations for 2023
What: This steep hike in Glacier National Park is fairly short but has incredible views and alpine meadows. The backcountry campground has an incredible setting.
When to Reserve: March 13, 2023 at 8 am PT
Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Glacier National Park website.
How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $10.50/person/day.
Do You Have to Reserve? Yes from July 28 to September 17. There is first-come, first-served camping available from July 1 to July 27 and September 18 to October 1 (depending on snow levels), which requires a backcountry permit.
Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates.
For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations.
Lake O’Hara Reservations for 2023
What: Lake O’Hara is a truly spectacular spot set among alpine lakes and hanging valleys in the Rocky Mountains inside Yoho National Park. You can base yourself at the campground and head out on a different and spectacular hike each day. And the best part? You can take a shuttle bus on a private road right to your campsite! If you can’t get a camping reservation, you can also just take the shuttle bus up for the day. For more info and some drool-worthy photos, check out my Lake O’Hara Camping and Hiking Guide.
When to Reserve Camping: March 28, 2023 at 7 am PT
When to Reserve Day-Use Shuttle Bus: Unlike previous years, there is no lottery in 2023. Instead, all bus reservations go on sale starting April 12, 2023 at 7 am PT.
Where to Reserve: Reserve camping or enter the day-use shuttle bus lottery on the Parks Canada Reservation site.
How Much Do Reservations Cost: Camping Reservations cost $11.50. You’ll also need to pay $12.50/person/night for camping and $17.14/person for the shuttle bus. Bus reservations cost $11.50/reservation for up to 6 people plus $17.14/person.
Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.
Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred dates and a few alternates. For better odds, avoid August which is the busiest.
For day hiking, you can put up to 6 different bus days and times on your application. Use them all! And maybe consider putting in more than one lottery application.
READ NEXT: Your Guide to Camping and Hiking at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park Backcountry Reservations for 2023
What: Yoho National Park has a network of trails in the Yoho Valley that lead to four backcountry campgrounds. The most popular option is a circuit that includes the Iceline and Whaleback Trails. The loop includes great views of mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls.
When to Reserve: March 22, 2023 at 7 am PT
Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Yoho National Park website.
How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $10.50/person/day.
Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no first-come, first-served sites.
Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates.
For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations.
Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group
Rockwall Trail Reservations for 2023
What: The premier backpacking destination in Kootenay National Park is the Rockwall Trail. It’s a 55km multi-day high alpine backpacking route through the Rocky Mountains. It passes by alpine lakes, incredible wildflower meadwos and the famous rockwall with cliffs up to 900m tall. For more information, read my Rockwall Trail Guide.
When to Reserve: March 22, 2023 at 7 am PT
Where to Reserve: Online via the Parks Canada Reservations Service or by phone at 1-877-737-3783.
How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.70. You’ll also need to purchase a wilderness pass for $9.80.
Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.
Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You have reserve each of your campsites on the trail so have a few different itinerary options prepared before you book. For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations.
READ NEXT: Rockwall Trail Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Mount Assiniboine Reservations for 2023
What: Nestled at the base of Mount Assiniboine in the Canadian Rockies is a cluster of small lakes, plus tons of hiking trails to gorgeous views. The core area of the park at Lake Magog has a popular BC Parks backcountry campground. To get there, choose from several different hiking trails or charter a helicopter. There is lots more info on camping and hiking on the BC Parks website. Note: The info below applies only to the BC Parks campground.
When to Reserve: Up to four months before your trip starting at 7 am PT. (Reservations are required for trips between June 26 and September 30.)
Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.
How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $10 for campsites. If you book via phone there is an extra $5 surcharge.
Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.
Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip. Keep checking back for cancellations.
Berg Lake Reservations for 2023
NOTE: The Berg Lake Trail suffered severe flooding damage in July, 2021. In 2023, only the Kinney Lake portion of the trail will be open. The full trail will not open until 2025.
What: The Berg Lake Trail is a 23km backcountry trail into a gorgeous glacier lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park on the BC side of the Rocky Mountains. It’s called Berg Lake since the glacier calves icebergs right into the lake. For more info check out my super detailed guide to hiking the Berg Lake Trail and the BC Parks website.
When to Reserve: N/A. The Berg Lake Trail is closed for repairs in 2023.
Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service
How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $10/person/night. If you book via phone there is an extra $5 surcharge.
Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.
Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation. Reserve as early as possible since this route is popular with international travellers. There are 7 campgrounds on the trail and you need to book your whole itinerary in advance, so be sure to have a few options for first choice, second choice, etc.
Since this trail books up so far in advance, there are often cancellations as people change their minds. Keep checking back to see if spots open up.
READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Berg Lake Trail
Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit Reservations for 2023
What: The Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit connects numerous lakes and rivers through portages to make a roughly square-shaped 116km (72 mi) route. It takes about 6 to 10 days to complete. (Yes I know this is a canoe trip, but it’s a similar wilderness experience and the only canoe trip in BC that requires reservations, so it made the list of BC backpacking reservation dates.) To plan your trip, see my complete Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit paddling guide.
When to Reserve: December 1, 2022 at 7am PT
Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.
How Much Do Reservations Cost: The reservation fee is $18.00 per vessel (plus tax) and there is also a $60 per person canoe circuit user fee. If you book via phone there is an extra $5 surcharge.
Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.
Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: Book online as it is faster and you won’t have to wait on hold. Reserve as early as possible since this route is popular with international travellers.
Know how many canoes and people will be in your party before you make your reservation as only a set number of canoes and people may depart per day.
July and August are the busiest and if you opt for June or September you’ll have much better chances. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations.
READ NEXT: Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit: Paddling in British Columbia
So there you have it: 2023 BC backpacking reservation dates for 8 different trips. How many of these hikes have you done already? Tell me in the comments. I’ve done all of them except Mount Assiniboine. But the real question should be: which of these trips do you want to do most? (My answer might be all of them. Eep.)
PSST! Heading to Washington? Check out the 2023 Washington Backpacking Reservation Dates
BC BACKPACKING TRIP GUIDES:
- Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia
- The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Berg Lake Trail
- Your Guide to Camping and Hiking at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park
- Rockwall Trail Guide: Everything You Need to Know
- Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit: Paddling in British Columbia
- North Coast Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island
- Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island
- Juan De Fuca Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island
BACKPACKING TIPS AND ADVICE:
- How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations
- 30 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
- Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies
- 25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia
- 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners
- Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
- Backpacking for Beginners: Tips for Getting Started
- My book: Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia
- How to Camp and Hike on Your Period
- Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Backpacking
- 16 Things to do Before a Hike
- How to Leave No Trace (And Why it’s Important!)
- 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners - January 24, 2023
- Romantic Valentine’s Gifts for Hikers and Campers - January 12, 2023
- 2023 BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know - January 6, 2023
Dan
Sunday 8th of January 2023
Do reservations require everyone in the parties name? I am good to go but I am not sure who my hiking partners will be for Westcoast trail
Taryn Eyton
Monday 9th of January 2023
You need to put everyone's name on the reservation when you make it, but you can edit the names on your reservation up to your start date so it's not a big deal don't have your group sorted out. For more info on WCT reservations, see my WCT guide: https://happiestoutdoors.ca/guide-to-the-west-coast-trail/
Nick Dal Farra
Friday 10th of December 2021
Hello Taryn, thanks for your article. Where did you find the opening date for WCT reservations? I can't find any information on the Pacific Rim National Park website, and they didn't have any dates when I called a few weeks ago!
Taryn Eyton
Friday 10th of December 2021
You can find opening information for all National Parks on the Parks Canada reservations page: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/reserve
Andrew Duncan
Wednesday 24th of November 2021
Noticed above you mention Washington Backpacking reservation dates for 2022 however when clicking on your link it's 2021 permits and reservation dates. Doubtful they will be identical from one year to the next if that's what you are saying. Perhaps you could clarify?
Thanks.
Taryn Eyton
Wednesday 24th of November 2021
Ah sorry Andrew, I update the posts annually and haven't updated the Washington one yet as many of their dates haven't been announced yet. But the 2022 version of the post should be live in a few weeks.
Paul
Thursday 15th of April 2021
Hi Taryn, a question on Rockwall Trail; Is access to Numa Creek campground fm Trailhead closed or the camp grounm ground is closed too ?
cheers
Paul
Taryn Eyton
Friday 16th of April 2021
Hi. The Numa Creek trail is closed from the trailhead to the junction with the Rockwall Trail. But the Numa Creek campground is open. Parks Canada plans to open the Numa Creek trail this year though.
Sally Chung
Tuesday 26th of January 2021
Looks like they've changed Mt. Assiniboine reservation times. Says up to 2months in advance now, and even this will probably change is my guess.
Taryn Eyton
Wednesday 27th of January 2021
Thanks for flagging that Sally. Things are changing fast this year. I'll update the post to reflect the new time frame.