If I had to pick my favourite backpacking trip anywhere in the world, this is it. Mt Robson is the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies and it’s a bulky behemoth that towers over its surroundings and impresses from all angles. I hiked into Berg Lake campsite, which is a gorgeous spot on the shore of a glacial lake fed by Berg Glacier, a big serac filled tongue of ice streaming off the flank of the mountain. From there I did a day trip up to Snowbird Pass, which follows the edge of the huge Robson Glacier and then turns away to cross some pretty marmot filled meadows to reach Snowbird Pass, which gives a jaw dropping view of the massive Reef Icefield. The next day I had to hike back to the trailhead to meet a friend, so I didn’t have time to do another day trip up to the meadows above Berg Lake. 3 days felt a little rushed, so 4-5 days would have been better.
Mt Robson tends to make its own weather, so come prepared for anything from thunderstorms, hail, rain and snow to warm, sunny days.
There are limited camping permits for this trail and due to its popularity, it’s important to book early. Online reservations can be made at the BC Parks website:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/reserve/reserveBerg.html
The trailhead is easy to get to and is right off the paved Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) between Jasper and Tete Jaune Cache. The visitor centre is about 87 km west of Jasper. There is a drive in campsite near the visitor centre but limited facilities in the area, so bring all your food and supplies with you.
- Day 1: Trailhead – Berg Lake campsite (21 km, 785 m elevation gain, 8-10 hours)
- Day 2: Berg Lake campsite – Snowbird Pass – Berg Lake campsite (21 km, 750 m elevation gain, 7-8 hours)
- Day 3: Berg Lake campsite – trailhead (21 km, 785 m elevation loss, 7-9 hours)
