The peak of Mount Robson is the highest in the Canadian Rockies, towering 12,972 feet (3954 m) over the western entrance to the park. As well as occupying a portion of the Main (Park) Ranges of the Rockies, the park, one of the oldest in British Columbia, also contains the headwaters of the Fraser River, and, in the northwest section of the park, the massive Berg Glacier, notable for being one of the few living (or advancing) glaciers in the Canadian Rockies. Before the discovery of Mount Waddington on the central coast in 1925, Mount Robson held the distinction of being the tallest mountain in British Columbia.
The superb scenery in the park makes it an excellent site for hikers, climbers, and backcountry enthusiasts. Fishing is generally poor because of the cold temperature of the waters and their high sediment load, but Yellowhead and Moose Lakes support populations of dolly varden and lake char, and kokanee and rainbow trout. To simply observe the fish, go to the west side of the park, where a lookout gives a view of Rearguard Falls, the furthest migration point possible on the Fraser for most returning Pacific salmon.
Three camping areas in the park have a combined total of 180 vehicle/tent sites at Robson Meadows Campground (125 vehicle/tent sites – May 1 – September 30) and Robson River Campground (19 vehicle/tent sites – May 19 – September 30), both near the western boundary, and Lucerne Campground (36 vehicle/tent sites – May 6 – September 30), just west of the Alberta border. Campsite reservations are accepted at Robson Meadows campground only; first-come, first-served campsites are also available. All campsites at the Robson River and Lucerne campgrounds are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. Berg Lake Trail: Ranging from five tent pads at Rearguard Campground to 26 tent pads at the Berg Lake campground. Reservations accepted for a portion of the sites. Unless you have a reservation, you may not be able to get on the trail during busy periods.
Corridor: Several trailheads are located along the highway corridor that access wilderness/walk-in campsites.
Lucerne: Two walk-in/cycle campsites are available.
Wildlife
Over 182 species of birds have been documented in the park. All wildlife indigenous in the Rocky Mountain can be found here. Mule and Whitetail Deer, Moose, Elk and Black Bear call the lower elevation home while Grizzly Bear, Caribou, Mountain Goat and Mountain Sheep inhabit the higher elevations. With over 217,000 hectares of mostly undisturbed wilderness available, wildlife populations are allowed to ebb and flow with minimal intervention by humans. There are excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the park. From mountain goats on the many cliffs and rockslides to moose in Moose Marsh, the patient observer will be suitably rewarded.
Hiking
Several challenging hikes are possible in Mount Robson Provincial Park, as well as many easy walking trips: there’s a hike for every skill level here. If you want a two-day hike past glaciers and waterfalls, take the very well-known and popular Berg Lake Trail (moderate; 27 miles/44 km return). The trailhead is at the parking lot beside the Robson River, close to the visitors centre. The trail leads to Kinney Lake and the base of Mount Robson, skirts the lake, and enters a valley heavily dotted with spectacular waterfalls.
Hikers will discover more than 15 glaciers before reaching Berg Lake, at an elevation of 5,341 feet (1628 m). From here the trail continues through Robson Pass into Jasper National Park. It’s possible to make a loop via the Berg Lake and Moose Rivers Trail, a distance of about 65 miles (105 km), in approximately seven days. This route is particularly rigorous; only attempt it if you’re a highly experienced backcountry hiker. (Note: The first half of the Berg Lake Trail as far as Kinney Lake is accessible by mountain bike. Some keeners have been know to bike to Kinney Lake and then hike to Berg Lake from there, making it back to the parking lot before sundown.)
Several other hikes are rewarding. The eastern portion of the park has trails ranging from easy to difficult. Some of the more challenging are Mount Fitzwilliam (moderate; 7.5 miles/12 km return to Rockingham Creek wilderness campground; 13.5 miles/22 km return to alpine lakes); Moose River Route (strenuous; 87 miles/140 km return; allow six days); Fraser River Route (strenuous; 30 miles/50 km return); and Yellowhead Mountain Trail (moderate; 10.5 miles/17 km return). The Mount Fitzwilliam Trail starts at Yellowhead Lake and continues for 4.4 miles (7 km) to the designated campsite at Rockingham Creek. An additional 4.3 miles (6.9 km) takes hikers up Fitzwilliam Creek to the wilderness campsite and several day-hike opportunities. All hikers should check with park staff regarding the condition of trails before starting off; hikers entering Jasper National Park must register with park officials beforehand.
Canoeing and Boating
Moose, Yellowhead and Whitney Lake are suitable for canoeing and boating. Robson Meadows and Robson River: A number of rafting companies operate in the area along various sections of the Fraser River. There is a boat launch beside Hwy 16 in Mount Robson Provincial Park that provides access to Moose Lake and Yellowhead Lake in the park.
Cycling
Cycling is permitted on the 7 km section of the Berg Lake Trail from the trailhead to the north end of Kinnery Lake. Trans Mountain Pipeline offers gentle terrain that generally parallels the highway corridor and is well suited for a family ride. Various cycling opportunites exist around Robson Meadows and Robonson River.
Horseback Riding
Berg Lake Trail – Commercial horse outfitters are allowed to use the Berg Lake Trail. Along the Corridor, horseback riding is permitted only on the Moose River Route. No horseback riding at Robson Meadows, Robson River or Lucerne. Guided horseback riding is available elsewhere in the Robson Valley.
The Mount Robson Park Visitor Centre is located at the park’s western entrance, within easy walking distance of campgrounds, restaurant, store and commercial activities booking office. The Visitor Centre provides information on Mount Robson Provincial Park, the BC Parks’ system, British Columbia Tourism and also serves as the registration center for the Berg lake Trail.
Mount Robson Provincial Park is located in east central British Columbia, just west of the British Columbia/Alberta border and Jasper National Park. The park is approximately 4 hours north of Kamloops, on Highway 5; 3 1/2 hours east of Prince George on Highway 16; and 5 hours west of Edmonton, Alberta on Highway 16. There are commercial airports in Prince George, Kamloops and Edmonton. Rental vehicles are available at these centers. The park is also served by Greyhound Bus Lines and Via Rail.
Nearby Regions & Towns
Park Notices
