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Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and one of the most iconic mountains in the world. Towering at nearly 4,000 meters, it’s the kind of awe-inspiring place that makes you feel small in the best way possible.
The Berg Lake Trail takes you deep into glacier country to the headwaters of the mighty Fraser River that flows over 1,400 km to Vancouver. You’ll pass turquoise lakes, roaring waterfalls, and hanging icefields that crack and shift above you. It’s wild, raw, and unforgettable hiking experience.
This is not your average hike. It’s a 42 km round-trip journey that climbs through steep alpine terrain. It’s doable for fit hikers, but the distance, elevation, and ever-changing weather make it a real challenge.
That’s where a guide makes all the difference. You get safety, support, and stories that bring the landscape to life. Plus, you can just show up and hike so there is no need to worry about logistics or permits (which sell out a year in advance).
Note: The Berg Lake Trail just reopened in late Spring of 2025 after updates following a massive flood in 2021 so reservations sold out in minutes for 2025. The only way to get into Berg Lake Trail and Mount Robson to stay and camp this year is by hiring a hiking guide.
Berg Lake Trail Stats
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Distance: 42 km round trip
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Elevation Gain: 800 m
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Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
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Time Required: 2–4 days
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Trailhead: Mount Robson Visitor Centre
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Best Season: Late June – September
Berg Lake Trail To Mount Robson Itinerary
Here is how the 3-day trek on the Berg Lake Trail to Mount Robson works:
Day 1: Trailhead to Berg Lake Campground
Distance: 21 km | Elevation Gain: ~800m | Time: 6–8 hours
- Begin at the Mount Robson Visitor Centre and check in.
Hike along a mellow trail to Kinney Lake (7 km), a beautiful rest stop.
Continue through lush forest to Whitehorn Campground (11 km).
Climb the steep but rewarding Valley of a Thousand Falls.
Pause at Emperor Falls (15.4 km) to feel the spray of glacial melt.
Arrive at Berg Lake Campground (21 km), nestled beneath glaciers and peaks.
Day 2: Explore the Berg Lake Area
- Flexible distance based on chosen route
- Wake up to the sound of calving ice and alpine silence.
- There are 3 optional day hikes:
- Hargreaves Lake & Toboggan Falls Loop (~8 km): Panoramic glacier views.
- Mumm Basin Route: A ridge walk with unreal mountain views.
- Snowbird Pass (22 km return): Strenuous but incredible if open (usually after July 1st).
- Camp a second night at Berg Lake, soaking it all in.
Day 3: Return to Trailhead
Distance: 21 km | Time: 5–7 hours
- After a hearty breakfast, begin your descent.
- Retrace your steps through the waterfalls and lakes you passed on the way up.
- Finish with tired legs and a full heart back at the trailhead.
Why Go With a Guide?
There’s no cell signal out here just glaciers, waterfalls, and ancient mountains. A hiking guide helps you stay present and grounded while navigating the trail safely.
They know where to pitch a better tent, how to avoid afternoon storms, and which side hikes are actually worth it. You’ll learn about the area’s wildlife, geology, and history along the way.
Professional ACMG hiking guides also make it feel less like a test of endurance and more like a deep nature immersion. You’ll hike smarter, safer, and with a whole lot more enjoyment.
Plus, you won’t need to worry about permits, backcountry food, or how to use a bear canister.
Just show up, lace up, and let the adventure unfold.
Ready for an Epic Mount Robson Adventure?
Whether you’re looking for a challenging trek or a chance to unplug in wild beauty, the Berg Lake Trail delivers.
Please complete the form below to request to book your guided trek and experience Mount Robson the way it was meant to be… fully present, deeply connected, and awe-inspired.
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Added By Kyle Pearce
I started Nature Retreats to spotlight ecolodges, retreat centers and ecotourism projects following sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and protect fragile biodiversity.
I have been running mindful hiking retreats for the last 7 years that integrate mindful awareness, experiential learning and community building practices.
d lin
11 months agoThe trail up to Kinney Lake is perfect for hikers of all levels. It's an 8km round trip (~2 hours) with a gravel path that is smooth and comfortable to walk on. The trail is relatively flat, with no steep inclines, and is alongside the river. Didn’t have time to go farther than that, but the entire trail is about 42km. The views were jaw dropping and absolutely beautiful. Looked like something straight out of a painting.
Bryson Huculak
9 months agoFrom this trailhead, there is an excellent family-friendly hike to Kinney Lake. You get a wonderful view of Mt Robson, Kinney Lake, and the nearby mountains. 5 km one-way (10 km roundtrip), with the path being ~3m wide and well maintained. There is one short section that is mildly steep, though overall the trail is very doable by most people. Well worth the views of the lake, even if you do not plan to go all the way to Berg Lake. Some of the forest sections were beautiful, with surprisingly lush undergrowth, mosses, and cedar trees. I would recommend this trail to both experienced and novice hikers.
Erin Martin
a year agoBeautiful wide trail to Kinney lake, definitely need good hiking shoes/boots & lots of water. Scenery is gorgeous the closer you get to Mount Robson.
Hamy Do
6 years agoStunning place! It’s definitely worth the hike up to Berg lake if you have the time. Beautiful lakes and waterfalls along the trail and the paths are quite well maintained. If you are planing to camp overnight, I recommend brining a sleeping mat as most of the tent pads are not on comfortable surface.
Ivo Wilhelm
5 years agoUnfortunately we only had time to hike Berg Lake Trail to Kinney Lake and back - which was already great! The trail itself is not very steep and easily doable for beginners or parents with kids. The colour of the water is comparable to the well known lakes of Jasper and Banff. Though we went on a weekend in late August there was enough space for parking.