The Canadian Explorer
The Canadian ExplorerDiscover Canada · Explore Beyond
The Canadian Explorer
The Canadian ExplorerDiscover Canada · Explore Beyond
Mount Robson Provincial Park

BC Parks

Mount Robson Provincial Park

British Columbia Est. 1913 2,249 km²

The highest peak in the Canadian Rockies — and the Berg Lake Trail beneath it.

Overview

Mount Robson (3,954 m) is the highest summit in the Canadian Rockies and looms straight up from Highway 16 at the visitor centre. The Berg Lake Trail (23 km one way) climbs through the Valley of a Thousand Falls to Berg Lake, where the Berg Glacier calves icebergs into the lake — one of Canada's best-known backpacks. The trail was closed for reconstruction after 2021 floods; check current status before planning.

  • Highest peak in the Canadian Rockies
  • Berg Lake Trail — the classic Rockies backpack
  • Valley of a Thousand Falls corridor
  • Free viewing from Highway 16 visitor centre

Quick facts

Size
2,249 km²
Highest peak
Mount Robson 3,954 m
Established
1913
Berg Lake Trail
23 km one-way

Things to do

  • Berg Lake Trail backpack

  • Mount Robson viewpoint (roadside)

  • Yellowhead Lake canoe

  • Ranger interpretive talks (visitor centre)

Camping

Reservations: Required · Frontcountry: Yes · Backcountry: Yes · RV: Yes · Glamping: No

  • Robson Meadows and Robson River campgrounds at the visitor centre
  • 7 backcountry campgrounds along Berg Lake Trail
  • Lucerne Campground on Yellowhead Lake

Campgrounds in and near this park

Hiking

  • Berg Lake Trail

    Hard · 46 km

    3-4 day classic; permit required, book on release day.

  • Overlander Falls

    Easy · 1 km

    Family walk to a big Fraser River waterfall from visitor centre.

  • Kinney Lake

    Easy · 9 km

    First stretch of the Berg Lake Trail, do-able as a day-hike.

Wildlife

Common

Elk, Mule deer, Marmot, Osprey

Signature

Grizzly bear, Mountain goat, Wolverine

Viewing tips

Elk on Highway 16 shoulders at dawn/dusk; goats on cliffs above Berg Lake.

Safety

Grizzly country — bear spray on every trail; food storage lockers at all backcountry sites.

Photography

  • Mount Robson from the visitor centre pullout
  • Emperor Falls in the Valley of a Thousand Falls
  • Berg Glacier calving into Berg Lake at sunrise
  • Kinney Lake reflection on a still morning

Best time to visit

spring

May-June: falls at peak flow; trail may still be snowed above Whitehorn.

summer

Mid-July to mid-Sept: full trail passable.

fall

Late Sept: golden larches at Robson Pass.

winter

Highway open; trail closed by snow.

Peak: August · Shoulder: Second half of July, first half of September

Family & accessibility

Family

  • Overlander Falls short walk
  • Visitor centre interpretive exhibits
  • Kinney Lake as a day-hike introduction

Accessibility

  • Accessible visitor centre and viewpoint
  • Paved short walk at Overlander Falls trailhead

Reservations

Book through BC Parks Discover Camping — opens 120 days ahead of arrival.

Berg Lake Trail permits are the fastest sellout in BC — release day requires refreshing at 7am PT sharp.

Reserve now

Suggested itineraries

  • 3-day

    Berg Lake Trail Classic

    Whitehorn → Berg Lake → out; layover day for Snowbird Pass or Toboggan Falls.

  • day-trip

    Highway 16 Photo Stop

    Visitor centre viewpoint, Overlander Falls walk, Rearguard Falls on the return.

FAQ

Is the Berg Lake Trail open?

It's reopening in phases after the 2021 flood damage — check BC Parks alerts before booking.

Can I see Mount Robson without hiking?

Yes — Highway 16 has a signed viewpoint right at the visitor centre.

How do I get a Berg Lake permit?

Discover Camping; release date announced in early winter. Sells out within minutes for July-Aug.

Nearby

Nearby cities

Plan this trip with a human

Our Travel Concierge builds custom itineraries around Mount Robson Provincial Park — permits, campsites, driving times, and shoulder-season strategy included.

Talk to the Concierge