We found that many of the sites were booked by now. When we arrived we visited the visitor center and they mentioned that some people do cancel their reservations. You might get find a site by waiting.

We have done the trail twice, in early July 2017 and in early August 2018. Neither time did we use bug repellant and we hardly noticed the mosquitoes.

We did not. This is a pretty busy trail so encounters I imagine are rare. Make noise and travel in a group. 😀

It is fairly secure, but a lot of people from all walks of life venture that far up the trail, so if you have a very expensive bike don’t risk it. It is not Japan😋

I’d agree with powdergal. I’ve done one short swim though, but a lake with a few ice bergs in it is fairly cold!

Really will depend a bit on the weather. We’ve had major fires in BC this August. Rain coming through is clearing out the wide spread smoke. If you have the time spend two nights on the Berg Lake trail, Whitehorn and Berg Lake if you can. I’d try get over to go through the Okanagon and see Victoria on the island. Have fun!!

I would always have 2-3 liters on hand in case you run into an issue. You are beside the river the entire way so lots of water points. At Whitehorn there is easy access to the river, as well as many other spots before that. Whitehorn to Emperor falls is a grind and you will use up a lot of water over this few kilometers, there is limited access to water in this area from what I remember. At the top, near Marmot there is a small river or walk down to the lake. You can carry a pump, gravity filter, or lifestraw, I have never had too much luck with those over time and factoring in cost. Personally I always just filter my water through cheesecloth/mesh to take out any grit (if needed) and then add an Aquatab, wait 30 minutes and your good. I prefer a $10, 50 pack of Aquatabs, but each to there own. Boil it if you are really concerned.

We have done the Berg Lake trail in June, July, Aug & Sept. Each year is different. Have had snow in all months.