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A Hiking Guide to the Berg Lake Trail in BC
Have you thought about hiking the Berg Lake trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park? The trail wins the popularity award in the Canadian Rockies. It sees more backpackers (almost 4,000 per year) and day hikers than any other trail in the Rockies. But don’t be put off by this fact.
There is a good reason so many people hike the Berg Lake trail – extraordinary scenery and a fantastic backpacking experience. Imagine gazing at waterfalls galore and looking up to the summit of Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 m. Camp – looking out at glaciers and wildflower-filled meadows. If you get a good weather window, this multi-day hike is bliss.
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Beauty on this standout multi-day hiking trip
If you’re looking for big, bold Rocky Mountain scenery – the kind that takes your breath away then you’ll find it on the Berg Lake trail. The backdrop, should you be lucky enough to see it, as it’s often shrouded in mist or cloud, is Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies rising 3,000 metres above the valley floor.
Mount Robson is so big that it makes its own micro-climate, a good thing if you’re keen to hike by mid-June as it’s warmer than nearby Jasper.
Not only is Berg Lake a first-class destination but the trail up to the lake offers an astounding variety of scenery.
It starts gradually, climbing alongside the Robson River through a micro rainforest of hemlock and cedar. The year I did it was a wet one and large sections of the trail for the first few kilometres were underwater.
The route to Berg Lake
Kinney Lake is the first major landmark you reach and the location of the first of seven campsites. It’s also the end of the trail should you be riding a bike.
Next up is the fantastic Valley of a Thousand Falls, accessed via a very steep climb. Named waterfalls you pass include White Falls, Falls of the Pool and Emperor Falls.
From Emperor Falls it’s another 3 kilometres to reach the shores of Berg Lake. Look for the Berg Glacier as you continue along the trail. Sometimes you might even see a recently calved iceberg. Look up too. The face of Mount Robson rises over 2,300 metres above the lake.
Many people call it quits at the Berg Lake Campground as it’s got a cabin for cooking indoors, a plus when you consider that the climate here is notoriously wetter than in either Banff or Jasper National Park.
But if you want a taste of solitude continue to the Rearguard or Robson Pass Campgrounds, one and two kilometres away respectively. Almost no one goes there.
Try to allot a few extra days in the Berg Lake area and use them to explore Snowbird Pass and/or do the Hargreaves Glacier/Mumm Basin Route. Both offer outstanding vistas and wonderful wildflowers in summer.
Useful information for your hike on the Berg Lake trail
Distance: Gain 800 metres over 23 kilometres (that gets you to the Robson Pass Campground) It’s 21 kilometres to Berg Lake.
Where: The trailhead is at the Visitor Center 80 kilometres west of Jasper, 320 kilometres northeast of Kamloops
Time Needed: Two days at an absolute minimum and up to five days to explore Hargreaves Glacier or Snowbird Pass
When: Mid-June – late September
How: Get a back-country permit at the Visitor Center on Highway 16. There are 7 campgrounds along the trail – in order from closest to furthest – Kinney Lake, Whitehorn, Emperor Falls, Marmot, Berg Lake, Rearguard and Robson Pass. You need to plan ahead where you want to camp.
Reservations
- All campsites can be reserved online via the Discover Camping website. You can start booking October 1 for the following summer.
- You can reserve campsites beginning for the period starting around June 12 to September 30th.
- Each tent pad reservation has a non-refundable charge of $6/night (plus tax) to a maximum of $18 (plus tax).
- Backcountry pass is $10 pp per night for people 16 and over, $5 pp per night if under 16.
- It is an additional $5 to make a reservation by phone. The number in Canada/US is 1-800-689-9025. International callers should dial 1-519-826-6850.
- If you do not have a reservation, the only sites you can hope to score are the non-reserved sites or cancellations when available.
Options: Do the 21.2 kilometre round trip to Snowbird Pass, a 6 kilometre loop to Hargreaves Glacier or the 12 kilometre Mumm Basin loop
Fun fact: Mount Robson Provincial Park, is included within the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks as a UNESCO world heritage site. It boasts 224,866 hectares, 200 kilometres of trails, 182 species of birds, 43 species of mammals and 4 species of amphibians.
What to take with you in this hike
The weather in the mountains can change on a dime so you really must go prepared. Take the 10 hiking essentials. Dress in layers and be sure to include some warm clothing like this lightweight down jacket. My preference is always one with a hood. Take a warm hat and gloves, even in summer.
Hiking poles can be invaluable on the steep sections of trail. And for comfort at night, nothing beats a camp pillow. In case of gear emergencies, I would recommend a product like tenacious tape for repairing coat, tent or sleeping bag rips.
I would also highly recommend carrying a waterproof top map of the Berg Lake area.
Further reading on backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies
- Hiking the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park
- The Overnight Hike to Fish Lakes: One of the Best Hikes in Banff
- A 3 Day Backpacking Trip that Includes Egypt Lake
- Backpacking to Baker Lake in Banff National Park
Are you one of the 4,000 people per year that has hiked the Berg Lake Trail?
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How do you hike on a trail that’s underwater? That doesn’t sound easy at all, but I guess it’s worth it for the gorgeous scenery that you get.
My favorite part of the hike has to be that one person bridge though. I’d be so tempted to stand under it then jump up and make people answer riddles before I’d let them cross.
@Steve You hike the trail by stepping gingerly from rock to rock and occasionally getting wet. I was blown away by ow covered the trail was in places with water. You sound like you’d make a very good toll collector.
Beautiful photos of that spectacular scenery, Leigh!
Thank you Andrew.
Wow—talk about breathtaking vistas! I particularly love that first shot with the mountains reflected in the lake.
@Michael The views up high were also amazing.
Been there 3 times…never seen Mt Robson peak (except in photos by others)
@Cowichan That’s a bummer but that’s exactly the reputation Mount Robson has.
I haven’t been but would love to visit this area! Wow, that first picture sold me. As usual, your pictures have amazed me.
Never thought of backpacking this area, but it’s so beautiful! Would love to have a try and enjoy what the mother nature created there. By the way, you look like a proper backpacker!
@Agness You’re the first person to tell me that I actually look like a proper backpacker. I’ll take it as a compliment.
I think this place will see about 8,000 hikers after this post gets out as who would not want to explore such amazing beauty.
@Ted I’d like to see 8000 readers of this post but I’m not so sure I want to see even more people out hiking – but then that just sounds selfish. We certainly didn’t feel like the trail was very busy and that was over several weekdays in July.
Sure is a big, bold Rocky Mountain scenery, Leigh, but I’ll add one more word: spectacular.
Views like these take your breath away.
@Marcia This hike took my breath away in more than one way. My pack was really heavy and it was one hard hike.
Wow! This is absolutely stunning! Love the reflection picture! This definitely took my breath away and I can imagine how it looks in person.I wouldn’t want to leave! Who wouldn’t want to visit some place called Valley of a Thousand Falls?
@Mary The only time you might not want to be in the Valley of a 1000 Falls is when it’s raining hard. It could be just a tad miserable then. But for us it was very cool to see that enormous rock face with so many waterfalls spilling over.
Although I’m not in the lucky 4,000…yet, I see why it’s worth a try. Scenery is absolutely breathtaking, Leigh!
@Salika I’d like to go back and explore even more – but then my hiking bucket list in the Rockies is already crazy.
What incredible views Leigh. I can see why it’s so popular. You are so lucky to have so many beautiful hikes close to you!
@Jenny I love the fact that the sheer number of world-class hikes not far from my doorstep gives me years worth of possible outings.
The reflection of the mountains in that first photo.. incredible!
@James It’s a pretty incredible hike all in all though as one commenter said – he’s been three times and never seen Mount Robson.
Well, you certainly look very eager the the start of the hike. Beautiful place. No, I’ve never been there, but would love to be one of the 4000. The Valley of 1000 Falls sounds & looks so dramatic.
@Cathy The bulk of the hike offered dramatic scenery. Four thousand sounds like a lot of people but over the season and the length of trail it doesn’t actually feel overcrowded.
That reflection in the Kinney lake makes me want to go hiking.
Great photos! Haven’t done it but would love to!
One of my favorite hikes anywhere in the world. I think I’ve done it 3 or 4 times now.
(and I think I’m good for 3 or 4 more at least)
@Dustin The Berg Lake Trail is definitely one I’d do again – though it’s probably a few years off again as there are so many stupendous trails in the Rockies to check out.
This looks like a great hike and quite cheap for Canada if I may say so.
@Tammy Most of the hiking doesn’t cost much in Canada and it is glorious country.
Oh my gosh I want to go so bad! We camped near Mt. Robson two years ago and the scenery was just amazing. Headed back this year, but bringing our pup – so no backpacking this time around. I’d love to do it on another trip though!
@Adina Hopefully your dog won’t hold you back as it gets bigger as there are so many parks where you can take them with you.
Got my permits for first week of July 2014 (eight weeks from now). Spending four days and hoping to see Snowbird and get a “cloudless” picture of Mt. Robson and berg Glacier. Any tips..??
After that, I am doing the Huber Ledges Alpine and Abbotts Pass in YOHO to make one great week!!!!!
Thank You Canada….
Steve ,WA, USA
@Steve Hope you have time to hike to Snowbird Pass. Your Lake O’Hara trip will be awesome. Are you camping or staying in the hostel? You can have afternoon tea at Lake O’Hara Lodge which is a civilized way to end a hike.
You are in for such a treat. If you have one more day, do the Iceline Trail – also in Yoho National Park.
I backpacked Berg Lake for 4 days last year from 6/30-7/3 and had all bluebird skies..!!! 80 plus degrees. I was on Snowbird Pass trail on July 1st, which is not to be missed. I loved it so much…I’m going back the same week this year!!!
I hope to join the Burg Lake trekking.
Start day: July 5-6, 2015 ( 2 day)
You have a space ?? One Man.
@Jay You’d have to contact a trekking company. I only write about the experience.
Hi, my wife and I are from London and are doing a ‘Heli Hike’ in August this year. So we get dropped off and hike back down. Just wondered if we should carry anything in addition to our ‘normal’ hiking gear, or take any items specific for hiking in this area. Thanks for any advice. Paul
@Paul I would take a can of bear spray. It can get really chilly in the evening or if it rains so I always take a very lightweight but super warm down jacket. Don’t forget a warm toque & mitts as well. It’s a glorious hike. Enjoy it.
That’s great – Thank you
I hiked this trail about two weeks ago and I’m still trying to get over the astounding beauty of it. Spent 4 days in the park with one day dedicated to the Snowbird Pass. Absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for writing this article, I was using it during my research before the trip.
@Peter So glad you had a great trip. I know I get hooked on that in your face big mountain scenery. Glad the blog was of some help.
I have been loving your posts! So much great information I have been using to plan our trip through the Rockies this summer. We have already booked Skoki Trail and the Skyline Trail. I am now considering this one but not sure we will have the time. If we were to hike for a day or two only on this trail what would you recommend? Sounds like it is worth at least some time!
@Tori You could go up and camp part way and then the next AM go another 1-2 hours up without heavy packs and then walk all the way out. That way you’d get a taste. Or do as friends have done and take a helicopter in and walk out.
Just wanted how much I appreciate your articles, thank you for the thoughtful information on all these destinations.
@Tannor And thanks for your great comment.
Is this trail dog friendly?!
@Michelle I’m going to have to check. I don’t actually remember.
Thanks waiting for your reply 🙂
@Michelle The website seems to suggest that dogs are allowed on a leash. But I’ve also tweeted a question out and will see what I get. Otherwise try calling reservations as they should know. If I get something on Twitter I’ll get back to you.
@Michelle – I got an answer to your question on Twitter: No dogs allowed on overnight trails. Allowed on the day trails provided they are on a leash.
Just back from a two-night fly-in/hike-out from Robson Pass to the trailhead, and I enjoyed your nice, succinct trip report, with some inspiring photos! I especially like the mountains reflected in a mirror-still Kinney Lake. Better weather than we had, but i hear this is an especially wet summer in the area…
Thanks also for the stats, which I haven’t seen in other blogs, stories and th elike. I knew the Trail was popular, but didn’t realize it was the most popular in the Canadian Rockies! Thanks for the fact checking. Hope you don’t mind if I cite some of your figures in my own post. I’ll include a citation of course 🙂
@Aaron Glad to hear the trip was a success. My friend has done the fly in- hike out a few times now and much prefers it that way.
Hello,
I am looking at doing this hike next year in place of a bachelor party. and wondering how much farther of a hike it is from berg lake to robson lake via snow bird pass? I think that would put an exclamation point on the hiking trip.
@Zane Let me get back to you. I have to check a few sources. It would be beautiful.
[…] to whether they have last minute cancellations. As an example you can book campsites for the famous Berg Lake hike in Mount Robson Provincial Park beginning on October […]
The Best Trail in the Canadian Rockies!!! Looking forward to go back this summer.