A birthday and an opening day all point to world renowned camping in our own back yard.

Mount Robson, the predominant mountainous feature of the region, has been towering over the local landscape for millions of years but it was designated as a park 100 years ago.

Its centennial birthday will be celebrated all year long.

"Established by the British Columbia Legislature in 1913, Mount Robson Provincial Park is B.C.'s second oldest provincial park, after Strathcona Provincial Park," Environment Minister Terry Lake said. "[It] offers scenic year-round activities for British Columbians to enjoy. Hikers, horseback riders, snowshoers and skiers can explore over 200 kilometres of trails. Climbing, spelunking, canoeing, boating and swimming are a few of the other activities available in the park. Those looking to stay overnight

can set up camp in one of the park's campgrounds from May to October."

Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount, has used Mount Robson as one of the main symbols of her riding. She called it "a spectacular park" with a worldwide community of admirers.

"I invite all British Columbians to come and discover this wonderful B.C. Park for themselves, and help us celebrate the park's 100th birthday."

Mount Robson's park boundaries cover almost a quarter-million hectares of protected land. Over 182 species of birds, 42 species of mammals and four species of amphibians have been documented in the park throughout the years.

Mount Robson is so popular, and such an important ecosystem, that overnight visitation is carefully managed. It is one of the parks in B.C. requiring reservations for those wishing to make the visit into an excursion.

At almost 4,000 metres, Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, lending to its nickname as the Monarch of the Canadian Rockies. It is one of the most popular choices made from the provincial parks menu.

According to ministry data, Discover Camping saw 102,872 campsite reservations during 2012, an increase of more than 10 per cent from the year before.

The non-refundable reservation fee is $6 per night, up to a maximum of $18 (plus tax) per party per campsite. Reservations can be made through the program's telephone call centre at 1-800-689-9025 for a surcharge of $5 (plus tax) or make your reservations online at www.discovercamping.ca.