Mt Robson
Explore Mount Robson — the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies where waterfalls, glacial lakes, wildflowers and wildlife draw you in.
Mount Robson-Berg Lake Trail Repairs
Significant repairs need to be made along the entire 23 kilometres of trail. Due to the scale of damage, the dynamic actions of the river (use this season to see if the river channel is reasonably stable), the brief construction window (due to road bans/freshet/stream work windows, etc), and taking into account climate resiliency in rebuilding, BC Parks plans to reconstruct the trail over a staged, multi-year process, with the following targets for re-opening:
- Trailhead to Kinney Lake – Summer 2023
- Kinney Lake to Whitehorn – Summer 2024
- Whitehorn to Berg Lake – Summer 2025
For more information visit the Mount Robson Provincial Park site.
A Giant Among Giants
Old growth forests, deafening waterfalls and wildflower meadows mingle with steep climbs and dramatic descents at Mount Robson Provincial Park. There are great hiking and camping opportunities at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Elevation changes means you might experience each of the four seasons, sometimes in a single day.
Catch sight of mule and whitetail deer as they roam unhindered through the forest, which is also home to mountain goat and even grizzly bears. Take your time, camp under the stars and meet new friends along the way. People come from around the world to experience the epic hike to Berg Lake.
An Impressive History
The first inhabitants of the Robson Valley called it “Yuh-hai-has-kun,” or “The Mountain of the Spiral Road,” for its layered appearance. Mount Robson’s colossal, snow-capped peak has put visitors in a state of awe for centuries. There is not a soul who passes through this valley without giving reverence to this pinnacle at 3,954 m (12,972 ft). Mount Robson Provincial Park is the second oldest park in the province. At the heart of this protected area are the headwaters and the first 100 km (60 mi) the largest salmon producing river in the world: the Fraser River. It begins as an icy trickle here in the park before flowing 1,378 km (856 mi) to the Pacific Ocean.
Heli-Hike
Book a tour of Berg Lake. and arrive at the top in style in a helicopter. Drink in the sights of the Valley of a Thousand Falls, Emperor Falls and Berg and Kinney lakes. Watch in awe as the glaciers calf into the turquoise waters of the lake. The helicopter tour is done by noon. The ride up makes it easy for hikers of all ages and fitness levels to explore the alpine and appreciate the spectacular views.
Nature Up Close and Personal
Forget about looking at nature shows on television. Grab some binoculars and watch majestic creatures, big and small, go about their lives. There are over 180 species of birds here, from majestic golden eagles, to American Pipits, Hammond Flycatchers, Rufous Hummingbirds and grey Owls. There are 42 species of mammals found in the park, from the valley and wetland-loving moose, to the mountain goats in the alpine. Both black and grizzly bear make a home in the park, as do elk, deer, wolf, and coyote.
Hiking and Camping in Mount Robson Provincial Park
With a park this large it’s a given that you’ll find spectacular spaces to spend the night. Awaken your inner adventurer with a hiking and camping excursion to Berg Lake on the Berg Lake Trail. There are seven campgrounds along the way. This world renowned backcountry trail gains 800 m (2,624 ft) in 23 km (14 mi) and crosses three biogeoclimatic zones. You’ll find spectacular scenery along the trail, but few amenities. Beyond Kinney Lake, make your way into the Valley of a Thousands Falls where you’ll watch the Mist, Berg and Robson glaciers as they break off into the turquoise waters of Berg Lake. This is a popular hiking and camping destination so we recommend reserving your spot.
Mount Robson in Winter
Once the snow falls, strap on your snowshoes and explore some of the Canada’s most spectacular hiking trails. In winter, these trails become works of art as the snow falls, covering the lushness in a soundproof cocoon. Explore how seasons change the shape of the landscape as you snowshoe along Kinney Lake Trail. Work your way through the old-growth cedar and hemlock forest that follow Robson River to the lake, and when you get to the trail’s peak, stop and listen. Close your eyes and feel your heart rate slow as you experience the ultimate Canadian winter wilderness.
This is avalanche terrain starting at km 1 of the Kinney Lake trail. All users should be equipped with avalanche gear and knowledge of avalanche terrain.
Top Ways to Enjoy Mount Robson Provincial Park
- Book a heli-hiking tour with Robson HeliMagic, fly to Berg Lake and spend the rest of the day stretching your legs and breathing in that alpine air
- Reserve a campsite at Robson Meadows Campground in Mount Robson Provincial Park, and spend your holiday discovering the songs of the 182 species of birds that call the park home.
- Spend three days hiking to Berg Lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park and reserve a space at one of the seven campsites along the trail
- Come in September for the annual Mount Robson Marathon — an impressive feat that takes athletes along a 44 km (27 mi) out-and-back route along the world-famous Berg Lake Trail. You’ll climb 825m (2,624 ft) over the first 21km (13 mi) to the turnaround point, and you’ll be greeted by spectacular views all along the way.
- Arrive in June for the Mount Robson Park Bird Blitz, and join birders from far and wide as they try to identify the various species that call this park home
- Ride your mountain bike to Kinney Lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park, lock up the bike and carry on the rest of the way to the Whitehorn Campground and beyond on foot.
- Create your own postcards. Bring a camera and take spectacular photos of the wildflowers in full bloom in mid-to-late June, the cascading waterfalls, the turquoise waters of the glacial lakes, and of course, Mount Robson as it stands guard over it all
- Well-trained and well-prepared mountaineers can attempt to scale the 3,954 m (12,972 ft) ascent of Mount Robson, which is considered an extremely challenging climb as it offers almost 3,000m (9,843 ft) of pure ascent
- Throw in a line and see what happens. Catch some lake trout, rainbows and kokanee in Moose Lake.
- Bring a canoe and paddle your way around Yellowhead Lake, a perfect way to glimpse area waterfowl
Need To Know
- When backcountry camping in Mount Robson you must register at the British Columbia Visitor Centre at Mount Robson before you go
- You must also make a booking through discovercamping.ca in order to secure a site.
- Pack out what you pack in. Help us keep Mount Robson pristine for future generations to enjoy.
- Hiking poles or walking sticks come in handy when hiking the alpine
- Dogs are not permitted on the Berg Lake trail for overnight hikes and must be leashed during the day
- Only the very experienced should consider climbing Mount Robson. Only properly equipped climbers, prepared and skilled in all facets of alpine mountaineering should make the attempt
- Public telephones are available at the Robson Meadows campground entrance during the summer and all year at the British Columbia Visitor Centre at Mount Robson and gas station at the park viewpoint
- Licensed motor vehicles are restricted to vehicle parking areas and are not permitted off road in the park
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes
- Please respect campfire bans
- Always pack a first-aid kit and carry it with you when away from your campsite
- Consumption of mushrooms and other natural items like berries can be hazardous. When in doubt, don’t eat it
- All surface water should be boiled, filtered or otherwise treated prior to use
- Mosquitoes love our mountain air – remember your bug repellent
- Give wildlife space, and never feed wildlife. Even if it doesn’t appear dangerous, it could be in the right circumstances
- Safely store your food and dispose of garbage in bear-proof garbage receptacles provided on site. Be bear smart
When to Go
- Have fun exploring Mount Robson Provincial Park year round
- Snowshoe along trails in winter. Be prepared for avalanche terrain
- Hike and camp in the park from mid-May to mid-September
