The Berg Lake Trail is an iconic backcountry hike in British Columbia’s Mount Robson Provincial Park. This trail offers stunning views of magnificent glaciers, roaring waterfalls, gorgeous alpine meadows, and turquoise-blue lakes. It is the dream destination for hikers.

This outstanding 5 day trip allows ample time to fully explore the beauty of this trail including time set aside to soak in the splendour of the Valley of a Thousand Falls and the jaw-dropping views of the Berg Glacier and Berg Lake, as well as day hike to the phenomenal Snowbird Pass.

Level of difficulty

Challenging
  • Distance67 km
  • Elevation gain2,695 m
  • Pack~40 lb · 18 kg
  • On the moveup to 6 h a day

This trip is designed for those with an intermediate fitness level. Being self sufficient for 5 days will create a heavy pack and you need to carry it!. You should have the ability to carry ~40 lbs (18 kg) for up to 6 hours over 500 m elevation gain.

If you have the fitness level, minimal experience is needed for backpacking; let me teach you!

6-week hiking fitness program (PDF)

Day by day

5 hiking days · 67 km · 2,695 m of climbing

  1. Day1

    Today is for the pre-trip meeting only. Our meeting will take place in person at 6pm in Valemount BC. Location TBD. We will make sure everyone has everything they need, introduce the group, and distribute the group gear.

  2. Day2

    Trailhead to Whitehorn Campground (11 kms, 520 meters elevation gain)

    11 km+520 m

    Starting Point: Mount Robson Visitor Centre
    Campsite: Whitehorn Campground.

    Highlights:

    • Begin your journey at the Mount Robson Visitor Centre. Then, follow the Berg Lake Trail through dense forest alongside the Robson River.
    • You'll pass Kinney Lake, a picturesque spot to take a break and snap photos.
    • Continue through the Valley of a Thousand Falls, where you'll encounter views of multiple waterfalls cascading from the cliffs.
    • The first night’s stop is at Whitehorn Campground, nestled in the forest and offering access to Robson River’s clear waters.

    Camp Setup: Whitehorn has designated tent pads, picnic tables, and a bear hang for food storage. After a rewarding first day, relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of the river.

  3. Day3

    Whitehorn Campground to Robson Pass Campground (11 km, 655 meters of elevation gain ).

    11 km+655 m

    Campsite: Robson Pass Campground.

    Highlights:

    • This section of the trail is challenging, as you’ll be climbing up Emperor Hill, a steep ascent that rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and falls.
    • Stop at Emperor Falls, one of the trail’s most impressive waterfalls. You can feel the mist as it thunders down the cliffs.
    • Continue hiking up towards Berg Lake, where you’ll catch your first views of the lake’s stunning turquoise waters and the towering glaciers that feed it.
    • Robson Pass Campground offers a quieter, more remote base camp with incredible views of Mount Robson’s snow-capped peak.

    Camp Setup: Settle in at Robson Pass Campground, which is more rustic than others but offers a peaceful atmosphere and proximity to Berg Lake.

  4. Day4

    Day Hike to Snowbird Pass (21 km, 850 meters elevation gain)

    21 km+850 m

    Campsite: Robson Pass Campground (basecamp)

    Highlights:

    • Today's day hike to Snowbird Pass is challenging but spectacular. The trail starts near Robson Glacier and offers close-up views of the glacier’s blue ice.
    • The route ascends through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers in the summer, while marmots and mountain goats are often seen along the way.
    • Upon reaching Snowbird Pass (2,720 meters / 8,920 feet), you’ll be rewarded with expansive views of the Rearguard Glacier and the Rearguard Mountain.
    • The return hike offers more incredible views of Mount Robson and the Robson Glacier.

    Camp Setup: Return to Robson Pass Campground for a second night, resting your legs after a full day of hiking and glacier views.

  5. Day5

    14 km+520 m

    Robson Pass Campground to Whitehorn Campground (14 km, 520 meters elevation gain)

    • Today, you'll wake up early for an exciting climb to the Berg Lake lookout.
    • The trail follows the shoreline of Berg Lake, offering stunning views of Mount Robson, the Berg Glacier, and Mist Glacier.
    • We can leave some weight behind once we hit the Berg Lake campground. As you ascend, you'll pass through alpine terrain with unique alpine vegetation and rocky outcroppings. As you climb, take breaks to enjoy the views, hydrate, and take photos.
    • Look out for wildlife like marmots and mountain goats. Once we reach the viewpoint, we’ll stop here, take in the spectacular views, and have a snack.
    • The outstanding views will continue as we descend the trail and return to the campground for lunch.
    • We will hike down the trail, taking in the sights of the Emperor Falls Campground. From here, we will pack up and hike through the Valley of Thousand Falls, taking in a whole new perspective on the landscape.

    Camp Setup: Spend the night at Whitehorn, preparing for your final hike out the following day.

  6. Day6

    Whitehorn Campground to Trailhead (10 km, 150 meters elevation gain)

    10 km+150 m

    Ending Point: Mount Robson Visitor Centre

    Highlights:

    • The final leg of the hike takes you back through the Valley of a Thousand Falls, past Kinney Lake, and eventually to the trailhead at the Mount Robson Visitor Centre.
    • The primarily downhill route allows for a relaxing pace, and you can stop along the way to reflect on the fantastic journey.

    End of Hike: Congratulations! You’ve completed the Berg Lake Trail with unforgettable experiences in the heart of Mount Robson’s wilderness.

    • Route changes/ detours may occur given weather, fires and snow conditions and are subject to itinerary changes.
    • Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially at higher altitudes.

Gear, food & lodging

Included

  • Backcountry skills learning
  • Wilderness pass for each night
  • Tents for camping - we prefer people from the same "bubble" share tents as some campgrounds have limited tent platforms. Strangers will not be paired together unless requested to help decrease pack weight
  • Amazingly delicious food from lunch on day 1 to lunch on the last day
  • The expertise from an ACMG Guide
  • All group gear - stoves, pots, food storage materials, and water treatment.
  • All safety equipment - bear spray, first aid kit, emergency communication device, and tarp

You bring

  • Accommodations the night before getting on the trail
  • Transportation to the trailhead. If you require transportation please contact us before booking, as we'd love to get you out there.
  • Breakfast on the first day and supper on the last day
  • Personal Gear (Can be arranged for an additional fee)
    Personal Gear List

Photos from the trail

Taken by our guides and guests on this trip.

Where

Mount Robson Provincial Park, BC

Get Outside is based in Canmore, Alberta — 1.25 hours from Calgary International Airport, 5 km from the entrance to Banff National Park. Multi-day trips start with an in-person pre-trip meeting where we check everyone’s gear and hand out group equipment.

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