Berg Lake is a world class hike with amazing scenery. This is our favorite hike of all time and while it takes a bit of prep work ahead of time it is well worth the effort.
TRAIL DETAILS:
Berg Lake Trail: A Comprehensive Guide
The Berg Lake Trail in British Columbia’s Mount Robson Provincial Park is renowned for its amazing landscapes, challenging terrain and wildlife opportunities. The Berg Lake Trail offers an incredible hiking experience with some of the most stunning scenery in North America.
The trail sadly experienced a massive flood in 2021 closing most of the hike over the past couple of years. Mount Robson Provincial Park is currently constructing the new trail in stages with a full reopening planned for 2025.
Route Overview
The Berg Lake Trail is a 23 km (14.3 miles) one-way trek, leading to the breathtaking Berg Lake at the foot of Mount Robson. It’s a moderately strenuous hike, suitable for those with a good level of fitness and some hiking experience.
Hiking Experience
Start to Kinney Lake: The first 6 km (3.7 miles) of the trail is relatively flat, taking you through beautiful sub-alpine forest with occasional views of waterfalls and the Robson Glacier. This section is perfect for warming up your legs and getting into the hiking rhythm. The trail is well-maintained and offers frequent glimpses of Kinney Lake, a serene turquoise lake framed by rugged peaks and often completely still with great reflections.
Kinney Lake to Whitehorn Campground: As you continue, the trail begins to climb gently. This 5 km (4.3 miles) section is characterized by more varied terrain, including rocky sections and forested areas. You’ll cross several streams and see numerous waterfalls cascading down from the glaciers above. Whitehorn Campground, located at 13 km (8 miles), is a popular overnight stop with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Whitehorn to Berg Lake: The final 11 km (4.3 miles) to Berg Lake is more challenging, with steeper ascents and some rugged, rocky terrain. The trail becomes more exposed, and you'll be rewarded with spectacular vistas of Mount Robson and the Berg Glacier as well as pass by the powerful Emperor Falls.
Wildlife and Scenery
Wildlife: The trail is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to see black bears, the rare grizzly bear, lots of deer, marmots and occasional elk. Bear Bins are provided at the campsites and we did hike with bear spray.
Scenery: The Berg Lake Trail is famed for its incredible scenery which really is some of the best North America has to offer. You will not be disappointed by this hike.
Camping and Permits
Permits: A valid permit is required to camp along the Berg Lake Trail. Permits are issued by the Mount Robson Visitor Centre and can be reserved in advance through their online system. It’s advisable to book early, especially for summer months.
Campsites: There are seven campsites along the trail, including Kinney Lake, Whitehorn, and Berg Lake. Each site is equipped with basic amenities and offers spectacular views. Sites fill up quickly, so securing a reservation in advance is highly recommended.
Kinney Lake (7 km)
Whitehorn (11 km)
Emperor falls (16 km)
Marmot (18 km)
Berg Lake (22 km)
Rearguard (22 km)
Robson Pass (23 km)
Recommended Itineraries:
1 night Itinerary
Night 1: Berg Lake campsite
2 night Itinerary
Night 1: Emperor Falls
Night 2: Berg Lake
3 night Itinerary
Night 1: Whitehorn
Night 2: Berg Lake
Night 3: Emperor Falls or Berg Lake
4 night Itinerary
Night 1: Whitehorn
Night 2: Berg lake
Night 3: Berg Lake
Night 4: Emperor Falls
Our Experience and Recommendations
We hiked the Berg Lake Trail with an initial plan to stay one night at Whitehorn and two nights at Robson Pass. Our plans changed significantly due to very heavy wildfire smoke but we had a clearing and ended up hiking all the way to Robson pass for a 2 night stay before hiking out.
We would recommend at least 3 nights to truly enjoy the experience. Emperor Falls (pre-flood) had quite stunning campsites worthy of a 1 night stay on the way in or out.
Make sure to pack extra layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions. For the best experience, plan your trip well in advance and be ready for a truly memorable adventure in the Canadian Rockies.
Distance & Travel
Nearest Town: Jasper, Alberta
Distance from Major Cities:
Seattle: 10 hours
Edmonton: 3 hours
Vancouver: 8 hours
Photo ESSAY
Excited to get started at the beginning of the Berg Lake Trail. Due to smoke the day before we had to make the 23 km trek in one day.
The river widening right before the bridge to Kinney Lake
Our first view of Kinney Lake, shrouded in wildfire smoke but still beautiful
The water is chilly but definitely worth a dip on warm days
Campsites around Kinney Lake 7 km into the hike
The bridge system just past Kinney Lake. This area will likely look different now as this area was washed out in 2021
The skies miraculously clearing a bit as we got near Whitehorn
The river near Whitehorn. The mixing of blue and cloudy water was stunning
Out first look at Emperor Falls, a short walk from the main trail
The view near Emperor Campsites
Getting close to Berg Lake. We were getting pretty tired at this point.
Our first view of the Berg Lake and the descending Glacier. As it was getting late we didnt have long before moving on to our campsite at Robson Pass (another 2 km)
The trail to Robson Pass with a Ranger station in the background
Smoke starting to roll back in as we got our tent set up
Getting up in the Morning and making breakfast before heading out
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