Mount Robson Park is the second oldest provincial park in British Columbia. This popular park offers everything from vehicle-accessible camping to remote, rarely visited valleys.
Mount Robson itself guards the park’s western entrance. At 3,954m, it is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, towering over the surrounding peaks. Winter or summer, this is one of the finest views in the Rocky Mountains.
Mount Robson Park and seven other connected parks make up one of the world’s largest protected areas. Part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains World Heritage Site, Mount Robson Park protects the headwaters of the Fraser River.
Mount Robson Park has more than 3km of elevation change. It rises from the valley of the Fraser River (at approximately 800m) to the summit of Mount Robson (3954m). The first known European mountaineers to summit Mount Robson were Conrad Kain, W.W. Foster, and A.H. McCarthy, in 1913.
The 63km Highway 16 (Yellowhead) corridor moves generally east-west through the middle section of Mount Robson Park. A wide range of facilities, from peaceful campgrounds to walks and exciting hikes, are available here.
Visitors are rewarded with incredible views of the area’s mountains, creeks, wetlands, and valleys. Please do not allow the scenery and roadside wildlife to distract you from driving safely and responsibly.
Many of Mount Robson Park’s trails, walks, and backcountry areas present significant hazards. Slippery rocks, cliffs, uneven trail surfaces, wildlife, fast-flowing rivers, and waterfalls can all be dangerous. For the safest trip possible:
The nearest hospitals are in McBride, to the west on Highway 16, and Jasper, to the east on Highway 16. There is also a medical clinic in Valemount, 35km southwest of the park on Highway 5.
For the most recent available information on trail conditions, download the Trail conditions report [PDF]. Weather forecasts are available from:
All reservations must be made through the BC Parks reservation service. You can make a reservation online at camping.bcparks.ca or by calling 1-800-689-9025 (1-519-858-6161 internationally).
During 2021’s extreme heat and rainfall, the Berg Lake Trail was seriously flood damaged. As a result, many parts of the trail became dangerous or impassable and all campgrounds were closed.
The 7km hiking trail to Kinney Lake Campground reopens on June 27, 2023. Overnight stays will be available at the campground, which has 18 tent pads. This part of the trail is also suitable for day-hikes.
You can reserve a campsite four months in advance of your desired arrival date at Kinney Lake Campground. The sites will remain open until September 30, 2023. For more information, see the Berg Lake Trail reservations page.
Reservations can be made for the Robson Meadows, Robson River, and Lucerne campgrounds. First come, first served campsites are also available. For more information on reservations, see the frontcountry camping reservations page.
Reservations can be made for the group campsite at the Robson Meadows campground. For more information on reserving this groupsite, see group camping, below.
The Berg Lake Trail is a world-renowned backcountry hiking route featuring some of the finest scenery in British Columbia.
For more information, see Reservations above and the Berg Lake Trail reservations page. For specific facility and activity information, see Facilities and Activities below.
Snowbird Pass is closed annually between May 1 and July 1 to allow for undisturbed caribou calving.
A group campsite is available at the Robson Meadows campground. This groupsite includes a covered shelter and grassy field.
Regular group camping | $80 per night plus $5 per adult (16+) and $1 per child (6-15). Minimum charge of $155 (15 adults). Free for children under 6. |
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Youth group camping | $1 per person (6+) per night, with a $50 minimum and $150 maximum. |
For more information on youth group camping policies, and groupsites generally, see the group camping page.
Mount Robson Park offers vehicle-accessible campsites. Reservations are accepted, and sites are also available on a first come, first served basis. All reservations must be made through the BC Parks reservation service
125 non-serviced campsites
This campground by the Fraser River features large private campsites. Scenic walks are available, and it is easy walking distance to the visitor centre, store, restaurant, and commercial services booking office.
First come, first served camping registration and fee payment are available at the campground entrance information shelter. For information and assistance, see the campground host at the campground entrance.
18 non-serviced campsites, 22 electrified campsites (sites 20 to 41)
This small campground by the Robson River has large, private campsites. It is easy walking distance to the visitor centre, restaurant, and store.
First come, first served camping registration and fee payment are available at the campground entrance information shelter.
Vehicle-accessible camping fee | $28 per party per night |
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Electrified sites (15, 30, or 50-amp service) at Robson River | Additional $8 per night (whether power is in use or not) |
BC seniors’ rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only) | $14 per senior party per night |
For information on the BC seniors’ rate, see the camping fees page.
36 non-serviced campsites
At the east end of the park, on Yellowhead Lake, this is a small area with great views of the mountains. Some sites also have lake views. Two sites are walk-in only and ideal for cyclists. The campground has no running water or flush toilets.
Registration and fee payment information are on the information shelter at the campground entrance. A campground attendant is usually onsite.
Vehicle-accessible/walk-in camping fee | $22 per party per night |
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BC seniors’ rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only) | $11 per senior party per night |
For information on the BC seniors’ rate, see the camping fees page.
Two campsites are walk-in only and ideal for cyclists. These sites are available by reservation.
Walk-in camping fee | $22 per party per night |
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BC seniors' rate (epening day to June 14 and day after Labour Day to Sep 30) | $11 per senior party per night |
Wilderness trails and camping are available in the Mount Robson Corridor area. This includes the Mount Fitzwilliam Trail and the Moose River route, which are accessible from the highway corridor. No fees or backcountry permits are required for this area. For trail details, see the east end wilderness trails page.
Berg Lake Trail
Winter backcountry camping is permitted at the campsites along the Berg Lake Trail. Dates when winter camping is allowed change yearly based on snowpack (see Advisories above for more details). If using the trail in the winter, you must be equipped for avalanche conditions. There is no fee collected for winter camping.
Accessibility information is available for these areas of the park:
Boil, treat, or filter water from all sources on the Berg Lake Trail before drinking.
Safe drinking water is available at the Visitor Centre.
There are cold-water taps throughout the campgrounds. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
Well water is available via two hand pumps. Boil or treat water before drinking.
There is a playground next to the campground.
There is a playground and climbing structure located at the west end of the Visitor Centre.
There is a boat launch on Yellowhead Lake, 1.9km east of the Lucerne campground. Canoes and small car-top boats can be launched from the main Lucerne campground.
A sani-station is on the Kinney Lake Road next to the Visitor Centre. The fee is $5 per discharge.
Robson River campground offers 15-amp, 30-amp, and 50-amp electrical hook-ups at 22 campsites (sites 20 to 41). There is an additional charge of $8 per night for these sites, whether you use power or not.
Campfires are not permitted anywhere on the Berg Lake Trail. Use backpacking stoves for cooking. Hikers found starting or maintaining an open fire may be charged and/or evicted.
Campfires are not permitted.
While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage you to minimize the use of fire. Firewood can be purchased from the Park Operator or Campground Host. Campfire bans may be implemented when the fire danger is too high.
To preserve vegetation and ground cover, do not gather firewood from the area around your campsite or anywhere else in the park as this is an offence under the Park Act. Dead wood is an important habitat for many plants and animals, and it adds valuable organic matter to the soil.
The Mount Robson Visitor Centre is at the park’s western entrance, within easy walking distance of campgrounds, a restaurant, and a store. The Visitor Centre provides information on Mount Robson Park, BC Parks, and BC tourism. The centre also features natural history displays.
There are several picnic tables at the south end of Kinney Lake approximately 5km from the parking lot and trailhead. There are no fees for picnicking and sites are available on a first come, first served basis.
There are several picnic sites along the highway corridor. These span East Portal, at the park’s eastern entrance, to the Mount Robson Park viewpoint at the western boundary. There are no fees for picnicking and sites are available on a first come, first served basis.
There is a group picnicking site at Robson Meadows. It is available by reservation and the fee for using the site is $50 per group per day. For more information on group picnicking sites, see the picnic shelters page.
There are pit toilets at all campgrounds. There are composting toilets at Whitehorn, Berg Lake, and Robson Pass campgrounds. Toilet paper is not provided at any sites along trail, so come prepared.
All day-use picnic areas along the highway corridor have pit toilets.
There are pit and flush toilets throughout the campgrounds.
There are hot showers available at Robson Meadows and Robson River campgrounds.
The Berg Lake Trail is a world-renowned backcountry hiking route featuring some of the finest scenery in British Columbia. There is no fee for day hiking from the trailhead. Backcountry camping requires a reservation. For more details on backcountry camping, see the Berg Lake Trail reservations page.
Snowbird Pass is closed annually between May 1 and July 1 to allow for undisturbed caribou calving.
Waterfalls and salmon viewing walks can all be found along this scenic drive. Behind the Visitor Centre there is a 1km self-guided Journey Through Time interpretive trail that should not be missed.
There are several trails at the east end of Mount Robson Park accessible from the highway corridor. They range from well-developed, hard-surface trails such as the Yellowhead Mountain Trail to pure wilderness routes like the Moose River Trail. To learn more, see the east end wilderness trails page.
Interesting walks and hikes are available from the campgrounds.
The self-guided Labrador Tea Trail is an interesting walk in mixed forest next to the campground.
There is a swimming beach at the campground on Yellowhead Lake. The water temperature remains cold year-round.
Moose and Yellowhead Lakes are suitable for canoeing and boating. Use caution, as these lakes are subject to strong winds.
Rafting companies operate in the area along various sections of the Fraser River.
There are good opportunities for canoeing and boating on Yellowhead Lake.
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting page.
Portal and Whitney Lakes are good for catchable rainbow trout. Yellowhead and Moose Lakes offer bull trout, lake trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, and whitefish.
There are seasonal fishing opportunities in the Fraser River.
Interpretive programs and presentations are periodically available at Robson Meadows Campground. For details, contact the park operator.
There are wildlife viewing opportunities throughout this park.
Pets must be leashed and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You must be in control of your pets at all times and dispose of their excrement in the wastebins provided.
Dogs are not allowed on any overnight trips on the Berg Lake Trail. Dogs that are kept under control and on leash are allowed on day-hikes.
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. There are no bicycle rentals available at the park.
Cycling is permitted on the first 7km, from the trailhead to the north end of Kinney Lake. There is a bike rack at Kinney Lake if you plan to stay and explore the area further.
For details on e-biking in Mount Robson Park, see the e-biking section.
Bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted on roadways and the first 7km of the Berg Lake Trail, provided they meet the definitions and criteria for e-bike use as outlined on the cycling page
No horse use is allowed on the Berg Lake Trail.
Riding is permitted only on the Moose River Route, which is suited to only the most experienced backcountry travellers.
No horseback riding is available in these areas.
Climbers from around the world come to Mount Robson Park to tackle this most imposing peak. At 3,954m (12,972ft), Mount Robson is by no means the highest peak in Canada, but few mountains anywhere in the world can claim to offer almost 3,000m (10,000ft) of pure ascent.
This is a mountain is for experienced climbers only. Unexpected changes in weather and snow conditions, heavy snowfalls, avalanches, icefall, and rockfall can persist throughout the climbing season. Only properly equipped climbers, prepared and skilled in all facets of alpine mountaineering, should attempt climbing Mount Robson. We encourage all climbers to use the voluntary self-registration shelter located at the Berg Lake Trailhead. For more information, download the climbers’ information links [PDF]
There are spelunking and caving opportunities in this park.
White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a fungal disease that has been linked to the mass die-off of hibernating bats in Eastern North America. There is evidence that humans have accelerated the spread through entering caves with contaminated clothing, gear, or equipment. To help prevent WNS from taking hold in B.C., the province is making investments in bat conservation projects.
To ensure the protection of bats and their habitats in this park, we strongly advise that personal caving gear that has been used anywhere east of the Rockies should not be used in B.C.
Before entering caves in B.C., consult the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative website, which includes information on a WNS decontamination protocol.
There are opportunities for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing in Mount Robson Park. There are no tracks set. Snowshoeing and backcountry skiing trails follow the hiking trails. For maps, see the Park and activity maps section.
Mount Robson Park is in east-central British Columbia just west of the Alberta border and Jasper National Park. It is approximately four hours north of Kamloops on Highway 5, three-and-a-half hours east of Prince George on Highway 16, and five hours west of Edmonton on Highway 16. The closest communities are Jasper, Valemount, and McBride.
There are commercial airports in Prince George, Kamloops, and Edmonton. Rental vehicles are available at these locations.
Visit camping.bcparks.ca or call the reservation call centre at 1-800-689-9025 toll free from Canada and the US or 1-519-858-6161 internationally.
For more information on the Berg Lake Trail, visit the Berg Lake Trail Reservations page.
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Mount Robson Park’s flora and fauna epitomize the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, North Continental Range. On some trails, you can travel between three different vegetation zones during a day-hike.
More than 182 species of birds have been documented in the park. All wildlife indigenous to the Rocky Mountains can be found here. Mule and whitetail deer, moose, elk, and black bears call the lower elevations home. Grizzly bears, caribou, mountain goats, and mountain sheep inhabit the higher elevations.
In more than 217,000 hectares of mostly undisturbed wilderness, wildlife populations are allowed to ebb and flow with minimal intervention from humans. There are excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the park. From mountain goats on the many cliffs and rockslides to moose in low wetland areas, patient observers will be well rewarded.
To learn more, visit the Mount Robson Park: Nature and culture page.
Mount Robson crosses four bio-geoclimatic zones and a series of complex, interconnected mountain ecosystems perfect for landscape-level analysis. The University of Victoria’s Mountain Legacy Project (MLP) has been conducting a decades-long project to examine, analyze, and understand landscape change.
MLP teams have been comparing reference photographs from 1911, to new images taken in the same locations. You can view all the image pairs completed so far on the MLP website. Change-analysis results are available on the Visualizing 100 Years of Landscape Change website.
Mountain Legacy Project work was completed in part with funding provided by the BC Parks Living Lab Program.
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.