Berg Lake Trail: hiking to the foot of Mount Robson

The Berg Lake Trail leads to arguably the most spectacular alpine lake in the Canadian Rockies. Tucked at the foot of Mount Robson — the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres — Berg Lake is a turquoise expanse fed directly by the Berg Glacier, which still calves small icebergs into the water during warm summer days. The mountain rises 2,500 metres above the lake in a near-vertical wall of rock, ice, and hanging glaciers. Few views in Canada compare.

Reaching Berg Lake requires a 22-km backcountry hike (44 km return) through Mount Robson Provincial Park in eastern BC. The trail ascends through rainforest, crosses white-water rivers, passes under glacier-fed waterfalls, and ultimately arrives at a protected campground on the lake’s southern shore. It is one of Canada’s great multi-day hikes — and also, for day-hikers, one of Canada’s great out-and-back day objectives to the lake’s lower approaches.

Trail overview

Trailhead: Berg Lake Trailhead parking area, 2 km east of Mount Robson Provincial Park Visitor Centre on Highway 16, 90 km west of Jasper

Total distance (full trail to Berg Lake): 44 km return (22 km one way)

Elevation gain: 795 metres (trailhead 838 m, Berg Lake 1,633 m)

Difficulty: Moderate to moderately difficult. Steady ascent with some steep sections.

Duration: 3-5 days typical (backpacking). Strong hikers do it in 2-3 days.

High point: Hargreaves Lake viewpoint / Berg Lake area (~1,650 m)

Season: Typically accessible June through September. Snow at Berg Lake persists into late June; early snowstorms possible in September.

The route in stages

Kilometres 0 to 4 — Robson River to Kinney Lake

The trail begins gently alongside the Robson River through a corridor of ancient western red cedar, Douglas fir, and western hemlock. This is inland temperate rainforest — unusual for the Rockies and a direct product of the massive snowfall and runoff from Mount Robson’s glaciers. The path is well-graded and easy, popular with day hikers and families.

At 4 km you reach Kinney Lake, a stunning turquoise lake with views of the summit of Mount Robson at its far end. Many hikers make Kinney Lake their day-hike destination — out-and-back from the trailhead is 8 km round-trip and can be done in 3-4 hours.

Kilometres 4 to 7 — Kinney Lake to Whitehorn Camp

The trail follows Kinney Lake’s eastern shore before turning inland and ascending moderately to the head of the lake. At km 7, the Whitehorn Campground offers 16 tent sites and serves as the first overnight option for slower hikers.

Kilometres 7 to 11 — The Valley of a Thousand Falls

This is arguably the most dramatic section of the trail. The valley ahead narrows into a steep box canyon. The trail climbs alongside the Robson River as it thunders through the canyon. Three major waterfalls punctuate the climb:

• White Falls (km 9)
• Falls of the Pool (km 10.5)
• Emperor Falls (km 11) — a thunderous 35-metre cascade, often shrouded in spray

Climb pace here is serious — about 500 metres of elevation gain over 4 km. Sections of the trail are built into the canyon walls. The views looking back down the canyon to the Robson River and Kinney Lake are extraordinary.

Kilometres 11 to 15 — Emperor Falls to Marmot Camp

Above Emperor Falls the valley opens dramatically. You emerge from the forest into a subalpine landscape of meadows, stream crossings, and open views of the Mount Robson massif. Mount Robson’s vast east face becomes visible. Marmot Campground at km 15 offers 14 sites in a setting that is already jaw-dropping — many hikers choose Marmot as their overnight rather than pushing on to Berg Lake.

Kilometres 15 to 22 — Marmot to Berg Lake

The final 7 km climbs gradually through alpine meadow and along the Robson River as it threads between towering walls. Glaciers become visible on either side. You pass:

• Rearguard Campground (km 19)
• Berg Lake Campground (km 22) — 30 sites, the principal overnight for Berg Lake visitors
• Berg Lake itself — the turquoise glacial lake with Mount Robson rising directly above

From Berg Lake Campground, day-hike options abound: the Toboggan Falls trail, the Hargreaves Glacier viewpoint, and the Snowbird Pass (a challenging full-day side trip) all radiate from the campground.

Permits and reservations

Berg Lake Trail camping is regulated by BC Parks and requires advance reservation via the BC Parks reservation system (bcparks.ca). Permits typically open in late fall for the following summer season and the popular July-August dates sell out within hours.

Permit cost: Approximately CAD $10/person/night plus a reservation fee. Prices subject to change.

Day hiking is permit-free but parking at the trailhead is managed during peak season — arrive early.

Reservation strategy: Set a calendar reminder for when reservations open (typically October or November for the following summer). Be online and ready at the exact opening time. Have preferred dates and alternate dates ready. Berg Lake Campground is the most competitive; Marmot and Whitehorn Campgrounds are slightly easier to reserve.

Trail status update

Important context: the Berg Lake Trail was severely damaged by flooding in summer 2021, and access above Kinney Lake was closed for extended periods during 2022-2024 for bridge replacement and trail repair. The upper trail reopened in stages. Before planning a trip, check the current status at bcparks.ca for the latest conditions, trail closures, and any temporary restrictions.

Gear checklist

Essential for the multi-day trip:

• Backpack (50-65 L recommended for 3-4 day trip)
• Tent — free-standing preferred (campgrounds have tent pads)
• Sleeping bag rated to -5°C (nights can be cold even in July at altitude)
• Sleeping mat
• Stove and fuel (wood fires prohibited; cooking must be on stove)
• Bear-resistant food canister OR bear lockers are provided at campgrounds — check current policy
• Water filter — streams are abundant but silty in places
• Rain gear — rain is common even in summer
• Layers — temperatures range 30°C+ (sunny valley sections) to near freezing (nights at altitude)
• Trekking poles — highly recommended for the Valley of a Thousand Falls ascent
• Sturdy hiking boots — trails are rough, wet, and rocky in places
• First aid kit
• Bear spray
• Maps and/or GPS — mobile coverage is nonexistent above Kinney Lake

Wildlife on the trail

Bears — Both black bears and grizzlies inhabit Mount Robson Provincial Park. Food must be properly stored at all times. Make noise while hiking (bear bells, conversation). Carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Mountain goats — Often visible on cliffs around Emperor Falls and in the alpine meadows near Berg Lake.

Moose and elk — Lower valley meadows, particularly at dawn and dusk.

Marmots — The namesake rock-dwelling rodents are common at Marmot Campground and throughout the alpine sections.

Day-hike alternative: Kinney Lake

If you cannot commit to the full multi-day trip, the day hike to Kinney Lake is outstanding:

• 8 km round trip from the trailhead
• 150 metres elevation gain
• 3-4 hours return
• Views of Mount Robson above the lake
• Easy terrain suitable for families with older children

Best times to hike Berg Lake

July — prime conditions. Snow has cleared the upper trail, wildflowers bloom, days are long.

August — excellent weather. Wildflower season continues at higher elevations. Bugs (mosquitoes) can be persistent in meadows.

Early September — brilliant autumn colours in the meadows, fewer bugs, but cold nights and shortening daylight. Possible early snow.

Late June — Kinney Lake is accessible but higher trail sections may still have snow patches. Waterfalls are at peak flow.

Combining Berg Lake with wider travel

Berg Lake sits in Mount Robson Provincial Park on Highway 16, between Jasper and Prince George. Natural combinations include:

• Jasper (Alberta) to Mount Robson + Berg Lake — Jasper is 90 km east; Berg Lake makes a superb add-on to any Icefields Parkway trip
• Yellowhead road trip — continuing west from Berg Lake via Prince George to Prince Rupert and the coast
• BC Rockies loop — combining with Yoho, Kootenay, and Glacier National Parks in BC (see the BC vs Alberta Rockies comparison)

Browse Mount Robson and BC Rockies adventure tours

Frequently asked questions about Berg Lake Trail: hiking to the foot of Mount Robson

Is Berg Lake the best hike in Canada?

A reasonable claim. It combines scale (Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies), colour (the lake is a deep turquoise from glacial flour), scenery variety (rainforest, canyon, meadow, alpine), and infrastructure (reserved campsites, maintained trail). Very few hikes in Canada match it for cumulative impact.

Can I day-hike to Berg Lake from the trailhead?

At 44 km round-trip with 795 m elevation gain, Berg Lake is too far for a realistic day-hike for most people. Very fit ultra-runners complete it in a single day; mortals should plan for 2-4 nights.

Do I need a permit for the Berg Lake Trail?

Day hiking is permit-free. Overnight camping requires a BC Parks reservation and permit. Reserve well in advance — peak dates sell out in minutes when reservations open.

Is the trail dangerous?

The trail itself is well-maintained but has objective risks: bears, river crossings, rockfall in the canyon, hypothermia if caught in unexpected weather. Come prepared. It is not a trail for complete backpacking novices.

What is the best campground for the best views?

Berg Lake Campground has the signature view of Mount Robson above the lake. Marmot Campground has one of the finest mid-trail views. Most hikers divide nights between multiple camps.

Are there outhouses or pit toilets?

Yes, all campgrounds on the trail have pit toilets. No other facilities — no potable water at camps, no garbage collection (pack out all waste).