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Nestled up against the Alberta - British Columbia border, Mount Robson Provincial Park is home to the most prominent peak in the Canadian Rockies and a collection of otherworldly landscapes.
The main attraction in the Park is Mount Robson and Berg Lake, a spectacular glacial lake at the foot of Mount Robson. The 20km (12.5miles) uphill hike into Berg Lake means this trail is normally completed as an overnight or multi-day backpacking trip.
Getting started
Permits are required for both camping and day use. Both types of permits typically sell out fast. If you're planning to camp, make sure you have your permits before making the trip. Note that the trail can also be closed in poor weather at short notice.
Getting in
The main trail in the park is the 20km Berg Lake Trail that follows the Robson River and gains nearly one kilometre of elevation.
The first few miles to Kinney Lake are forestry road, rising gently through the forest with the raging Robson River an ever-present companion. Kinney Lake is a turquoise treat and the campground at the northern end of the lake has sites that are literally two steps from the water.
From Kinney, the scenery and physicality of the trail goes up a few notches. The forest gives way to rocky switchback ascents, river rapids become waterfalls, and views of the peaks tower far above the ridgelines. The steep western face of Robson is often present, but make sure to turn around once in a while to take in the impressive Whitehorn.
The uphill trudge, often through heavy mud, continues until Emperor Falls. From here it's a largely a level trail through a pocket of the lush, serene green Robson River valley with Mist Glacier and Mount Robson rising up behind. It's a stunning contrast, which inevitably gives way as the trail arcs to the north and arrives at Berg Lake.
Berg Lake is a photographer's delight. The stunning turquoise water is often topped by bergs from the namesake glacier. Rising up behind is the jagged river of ice, reaching up past the rocky peaks of Mount Waffl and The Helmet until, if you're lucky, you gain a view of Robson's rounded peak. If you listen long enough you're likely to hear, or perhaps even see, rockfall and collapsing seracs.
There's so much to take in at Berg Lake that it's easy for time to run away. Thankfully there's plenty of good camping options along the trail. The Marmot and Berg Lake campgrounds are at either end of the lake, with the smaller Rearguard campground just beyond the lake. Three other picturesque campgrounds are located between the lake and trailhead - Emperor Falls, Whitehorn and Kinney Lake. All campgrounds have outhouses and bear-proof lockers. Berg Lake also has a generously sized communal cabin, which is great on a cold, wet day.
Additional Trail + Hiking Options
There are a couple of options to continue exploring beyond Berg Lake. The popular option is the out-and-back day trip up to Snowbird Pass, a 22km round trip from Berg Lake campground. This is a high alpine hike with shade at a premium, however, that also means endless unobstructed jaw-dropping views of the Robson Glacier, Mount Robson and the vast Reef Icefields. The last few miles to the pass also includes an abundance of inquisitive marmots and mountain goats as you roam through a magic green-carpeted valley.
A more adventurous multi-day option is to continue beyond the Park's northern boundary at Robson Pass. This route is your gateway to the Great Divide Trail. The Great Divide Trail also provides access to some of the park's true wilderness routes, such as the Moose River route.
Lastly, Mount Robson is a feather most mountaineers would be delighted to put in their climbing cap. There are several routes to the summit and a handful of local guiding companies on hand to provide beta and expertise.
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