Berg Lake Trail

The Berg Lake Trail is a 22-km point-to-point hiking trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada, gaining roughly 800 m of elevation over 3 to 5 days. Rated moderate, it climbs from valley forest to alpine meadows beneath Mount Robson (3,954 m), passing turquoise lakes, thundering waterfalls and the calving Berg Glacier that drops ice straight into Berg Lake.

About the Berg Lake Trail

The Berg Lake Trail is widely regarded as the finest backpacking route in the Canadian Rockies, and the numbers explain why. In roughly 22 km one-way it travels from a forested trailhead at about 855 m to the shores of Berg Lake at 1,646 m, all within sight of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 m. Operated by BC Parks, the trail is a there-and-back route that most hikers walk as a point-to-point to Robson Pass and then return, covering close to 44 km in total.

What sets this trail apart is the sheer density of scenery packed into a single valley. You pass beneath glaciers, alongside three glacier-fed lakes, and past a string of waterfalls including the powerful Emperor Falls. Berg Lake itself is one of the few places in the world where you can watch ice break off the Berg Glacier and float across the water as small icebergs through summer. The combination of accessible grading on the lower stages and genuine high-alpine wilderness near Robson Pass means the route works for fit first-time backpackers as well as seasoned hikers.

The trail follows the Robson River upstream for most of its length, which is why bridges and water levels matter so much to the experience. Three named glaciers feed the valley: the Robson Glacier on the eastern side near the pass, the Mist Glacier, and the Berg Glacier that hangs directly above the lake. Together they keep the lakes their distinctive milky turquoise, a colour created by fine glacial silt suspended in the meltwater. Wildlife is common along the way, with marmots, mountain goats, mule deer and both black and grizzly bears present, which is why every campground has bear-proof food storage.

The trail reopened to its full length in late June 2025 after a multi-year closure. A 2021 flash flood on the Robson River destroyed bridges and washed out long sections, and BC Parks rebuilt and rerouted the damaged stretches to reduce future flood risk. The result is a safer, well-graded path that is once again open end to end.

Route Overview & Stages

The trail is structured around seven campgrounds, which double as natural staging points. Distances below are measured from the Berg Lake trailhead near the Mount Robson Welcome Centre. Most hikers base themselves at Berg Lake or Robson Pass for one or two nights and use the day to explore side trails.

The crux is the climb from Whitehorn to Emperor Falls, where the trail gains over 500 m in roughly 5 km through the aptly named Valley of a Thousand Falls. With a loaded pack this is a demanding morning, but the waterfalls keep coming and the reward at the top is the open valley leading to Berg Lake. Beyond Robson Pass at 21.5 km the maintained route ends; experienced parties sometimes continue into the Mount Robson backcountry or link toward Jasper, but the standard trip turns around here and retraces the valley back to the trailhead, making the full outing close to 44 km.

Because the route is an out-and-back, you can tailor the daily distances to your fitness and your campground reservations rather than committing to a fixed loop. Slower hikers often split the inbound journey with a night at Whitehorn before tackling the big climb fresh the next morning, while strong walkers reach Berg Lake in a single long day of around 20 km.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Kinney Lake (6.5 km): A vivid turquoise lake fed by glacial silt, reached on the easy first stage through old-growth forest.
• Valley of a Thousand Falls (11–15 km): The steep central climb, lined with cascades tumbling off the surrounding walls.
• White Falls and Falls of the Pool: Two powerful waterfalls passed on the ascent, just below Emperor Falls.
• Emperor Falls (15 km): A thunderous drop where the Robson River plunges around 40 m; the mist reaches the trail on warm days.
• Berg Glacier and Berg Lake (19.5 km): The trail's namesake, where ice calves off the glacier and drifts across the milky-blue lake as small bergs.
• Mount Robson (3,954 m): The highest peak in the Canadian Rockies looms over the entire valley, snow-capped and frequently wreathed in cloud.
• Robson Pass (21.5 km): The high point of the route and the boundary with Mount Robson's eastern wilderness and Jasper National Park beyond.
• Toboggan Falls and Snowbird Pass side trails: Popular day hikes from Berg Lake camp, with Snowbird Pass reaching a glacier-fringed alpine basin.

Best Time to Hike the Berg Lake Trail

The hiking season runs from mid-June to late September, dictated by snowmelt at the higher campgrounds and the timing of bridge installation by BC Parks. In June, lingering snow and high river levels can make the upper sections wet and cold, and early-season hikers should expect mud and the occasional snow patch near Robson Pass.

The single best month is August. By then the snow has cleared, the alpine wildflowers around Berg Lake are at their peak, river crossings are stable, and daytime temperatures sit comfortably in the high teens to low twenties Celsius. July is a close second but tends to be busier and can still hold snow on the high side trails such as Snowbird Pass.

September brings crisp air, fewer bugs and golden larch colour, though nights drop near or below freezing and the first snow can arrive late in the month. As of 2026, BC Parks continues to require advance reservations across the whole season, so even shoulder-season dates need booking well ahead. Always check the official trail status before you travel, as washouts and bridge work can still close sections at short notice.

Practical Information

Accommodation

There are no huts or lodges on the trail itself; this is a tent-only backcountry route with seven designated campgrounds. Camping costs roughly CAD 10 per person per night (about €7), plus a reservation fee of around CAD 6 per night (about €4), capped at three nights. A typical four-day trip therefore costs in the region of €25–35 per person in fees. Each campground has tent pads, bear-proof food storage, pit toilets and, at the larger sites, a covered cooking shelter. Berg Lake (26 sites) and Robson Pass (15 sites) are the most popular bases. In nearby Valemount and along Highway 16 you will find motels, hostels and serviced campgrounds (typically €60–110 per night) for the nights before and after your hike.

Getting There & Back

The trailhead sits just off Highway 16 beside the Mount Robson Welcome Centre. The nearest town is Valemount, about 30 minutes south by car. Jasper is roughly 1 hour east (88 km) and is also the closest passenger rail and bus hub. Kamloops is about 3 hours 50 minutes southwest (360 km), and Vancouver is around 7 to 7.5 hours away (711 km). The nearest major airports are Kelowna and Kamloops for regional flights, with Vancouver International (YVR) and Calgary International (YYC, about 5.5 hours east) as the main long-haul gateways. There is no public transport to the trailhead itself, so most hikers drive or arrange a shuttle from Valemount or Jasper.

Permits & Fees

Overnight permits are mandatory and reservations are required from May to September through BC Parks' online system. You book specific campgrounds for specific nights, so plan your stage-by-stage itinerary before booking. Demand for Berg Lake camp is high and dates can sell out within minutes of release, so set a reminder for when the booking window opens. All hikers must check in at the Mount Robson Welcome Centre before starting, where staff confirm reservations and provide current trail and wildlife updates.

Gear & Packing List

Berg Lake is a self-supported backcountry trip, so your pack must carry shelter, sleeping system, cooking gear and several days of food. For most hikers a 50–60 litre pack hits the sweet spot between capacity and weight; the Arc Haul Ultra 60L is a strong ultralight option, while the more structured Atmos AG 50 suits hikers carrying heavier loads over the steep central climb. If you keep your base weight low, the 2400 Windrider is light enough to make the 500 m ascent through the Valley of a Thousand Falls noticeably easier. Pack layers for alpine weather that can swing from sun to sleet, a waterproof shell, and bear-aware food handling for the storage caches. For more on choosing a pack, see our roundup of the best ultralight backpacks of 2026. Because you climb with full food weight, plan your meals carefully — our guide to how many calories you need hiking a full day helps you carry enough fuel without overpacking.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the alpine scenery and multi-day backcountry format of Berg Lake appeal to you, several other Canadian classics deliver a similar experience. The West Coast Trail trades glaciers for rugged Pacific coastline and is one of the country's most demanding routes. For a high-alpine ridge walk full of larch meadows, the Skyline Trail (44 km) in Jasper is a natural next step just over the provincial border. History buffs and long-distance hikers will enjoy the Chilkoot Trail (53 km), which follows the Klondike gold-rush route from British Columbia into Alaska. For something further afield, our guide to the Theth to Valbona trail in Albania covers another spectacular mountain crossing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Berg Lake Trail?
August is the best month. By then snow has cleared from the upper trail, wildflowers peak around Berg Lake, river levels are stable and daytime temperatures sit in the high teens to low twenties Celsius. July is a close second but busier, while September offers golden larches and fewer bugs alongside near-freezing nights and the chance of early snow.

How difficult is the Berg Lake Trail?
It is rated moderate over three to five days, with around 800 m of elevation gain across roughly 22 km one-way. The first stages are easy and well graded, but the climb from Whitehorn to Emperor Falls gains over 500 m in about 5 km with a loaded pack, which is the most strenuous part. Good fitness and proper backpacking experience are recommended.

How far should I hike per day?
Most hikers cover 10 to 12 km per day on the way in, often camping at Whitehorn or Emperor Falls before reaching Berg Lake. A common plan is two nights at or near Berg Lake, using a full day for side trips like Snowbird Pass, then returning over one or two days. Spreading the 44 km round trip over four days keeps the pace comfortable.

What accommodation is available on the trail?
The route is tent-only, with seven designated backcountry campgrounds spaced along the way. Each has tent pads, pit toilets and bear-proof food storage; larger sites add covered cooking shelters. Camping costs about CAD 10 (around €7) per person per night plus a small reservation fee. There are no huts on the trail, but Valemount and Highway 16 offer motels and campgrounds before and after.

Do I need a permit for the Berg Lake Trail?
Yes. Overnight permits are mandatory and reservations are required from May to September through BC Parks' online booking system. You reserve specific campgrounds for specific nights, and popular dates at Berg Lake sell out quickly. All hikers must check in at the Mount Robson Welcome Centre before starting the trail to confirm their booking and receive current conditions.

For full trip planning and current conditions, consult the official authorities: BC Parks – Mount Robson Provincial Park and Parks Canada – Jasper National Park for the adjoining region.