Mount Robson Provincial Park
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A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
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Sept 10, 2009 - Beginning September 12, 2009, Yellow-head Mountain day use trail will have restricted access / no parking at the trail-head due to Culvert removal and installation of a bridge. The work is expected to take 2 weeks to complete. We apologize for any inconvenience.
As of June 30, 2009:
- Berg Lake Trail is in good condition, all campsites and day use trails open, with the exception of Snowbird Pass trail which opens July !. No further updates will follow unless necessary.
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Park Info
"On every side the snowy heads of mighty hills crowded round, whilst, immediately behind us, a giant among giants, and immeasurably supreme, rose Robson's Peak" ( Milton and Cheadle, 1865 )
Mount Robson Provincial Park, the second oldest park in British Columbia's park system, is truly one of the world's crown jewels. The mountain for which the park is named guards the park's western entrance. At 3,954 meters, Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, towers over the lesser surrounding peaks. Winter or summer, this is one of the finest views in the Rocky Mountains. Just as the early trappers, hunters and explorers felt in awe at the mountain's magnificence, travelers today experience the same feelings.
Mount Robson today
Click image to see an enlargement
With Alberta's Jasper National Park as its easterly neighbour, Mount Robson Provincial Park comprises a portion of one of the world's largest blocks of protected areas. Designated as a part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990, Mount Robson provides everything from developed, vehicle-accessible camping to remote valleys that seldom see a human footprint. Mount Robson Provincial Park also protects the headwaters of the Fraser River. From it's pristine alpine source, the Fraser River gains strength and size to match any of the world's major rivers. Future generations will surely appreciate the protection of this great river's source within Mount Robson Park.
Flora and fauna are typical of the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, North Continental Range. One is able, on some trails, to travel between three different vegetation zones during a day hike. Over 182 species of birds have been documented in the park. All wildlife indigenous in the Rocky Mountain can be found here. Mule and Whitetail Deer, Moose, Elk and Black Bear call the lower elevation home while Grizzly Bear, Caribou, Mountain Goat and Mountain Sheep inhabit the higher elevations. With over 217,000 hectares of mostly undisturbed wilderness available, wildlife populations are allowed to ebb and flow with minimal intervention by humans. There are excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the park. From mountain goats on the many cliffs and rockslides to moose in Moose Marsh, the patient observer will be suitably rewarded.
In recent years, BC Parks has been developing and refining management plans to deal with the park's fragile resources. The challenge lies not only in trying to ensure the resources within the park are maintained in a natural and diverse manner but to look at the landscape with a broader perspective. By considering the needs and objectives of our various neighbours in our management of naturally occurring events such as wildfire, forest disease and insect infestations we will be better able to have our neighbours, be they National Parks or part of the working forest, consider the needs of the Parks resources. Caribou, grizzly bears as well as fire and beetles do not recognize boundaries. By working together, we can ensure places like Mount Robson Park do not simply become islands in a sea of development, while still encouraging sustainable, out of park development.
Park Size: 224,866 hectares
Special Notes:
- The first annual Valemount Bird Festival will be held June 6, 7 and 8, 2008.
For more information please call 250-566-4325. - Public telephones are available at the Robson Meadows campground entrance during the summer season and all year at the Visitor Centre and gas station at the park viewpoint.
- The nearest hospital is located in the Village of McBride, 90 KM west of the park on Highway 16. For those camping or hiking at the east end of Mount Robson Park, the Jasper townsite hospital, 35 KM east on Hwy 16 would be closest. A medical clinic is located in the Village of Valemount, 35 KM south west of the park on Highway 5.
- licenced motor vehicles including motorcycles, trail bikes and similar vehicles are restricted to vehicle roads and parking areas. Please keep vehicles and equipment on camp pad and driveways. Damage can be done by careless vehicle parking or equipment location. Unlicenced vehicles are prohibited in Provincial Parks. All terrain vehicles and snowmobiles are not permitted in the park except with special permission.
| Campground Dates of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice |
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| Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) |
Campground gates are closed during off-season. |
| – Robson Meadows campground | May 15 – September 30 (weather permitting) |
| – Robson River campground | May 15 – September 8 |
| – Lucerne campground | May 15 – September 15 |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | |
| – Robson Meadows campground | May 15 – September 30 (weather permitting) |
| – Robson River campground | May 15 – September 8 |
| – Lucerne campground | May 15 – September 15 |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | |
| – Robson Meadows campground | May 15 – September 8 |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: | Robson Meadows = 125 Robson River = 19 Lucerne = 36 |
| Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) |
Robson Meadows = 32 |
| Note: The above information is for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts. | |
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General Visitor Information
- A number of the trails, walks and backcountry areas are in hazardous terrain. Slippery rocks, cliffs, uneven trail surfaces and fast flowing rivers and waterfalls can all be dangerous. Children should be supervised on all trails, hikes and walks in the park. Never let small children get so far ahead of you on the trail that you are unable to observe their actions or quickly respond in the event of a problem.
- Carry a first aid kit while away from your campsite and have a good understanding of how to manage basic first aid emergencies. All staff at Mount Robson Park have first aid training and can offer assistance when required. As with animal hazards, your best protection will be preparation and knowledge.
- Consumption of mushrooms and other natural items like berries, in addition to being illegal if picked in the park, can be hazardous to the untrained. When in doubt, don't eat it.
- All surface water sources should be either boiled, filtered or treated prior to use.
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Location
The park is located in east, central British Columbia, just west of the British Columbia/Alberta border and Jasper National Park. Approximately 4 hours north of Kamloops, BC on Highway 5; 3 1/2 hours east of Prince George, BC on Highway 16; and 5 hours west of Edmonton, Alberta on Highway 16. The closest communities to this park are Valemount, Tete Jaune Cache and McBride.
There are commercial airports in Prince George, Kamloops and Edmonton. Rental vehicles are available at these centers. The park is also served by Greyhound Bus Lines and Via Rail, contact the Visitor Centre for more information.
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Map / Brochure
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
- Overall Park map (PDF - Updated June 2008)
- Mount Robson brochure (PDF)
- Mount Robson visitor centre/headquarters area brochure (PDF)
- Berg Lake area map (PDF)
- Berg Lake brochure (PDF)
- Lucerne area map (PDF)
- Mount Fitzwilliam Trail map (PDF)
- Mount Fitzwilliam Trail brochure (PDF)
- Robson River and Robson Meadows area map (PDF)
- Robson River and Robson Meadows brochure (PDF)
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Reservations
Campsite Reservations:
Campsite
reservations are accepted only at the Robson Meadows campground
and the Berg Lake Trail. They both also have first-come, first-served
sites available. All campsites at the Robson River and Lucerne campgrounds
are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations for Robson Meadows ONLY must be reserved through Discover Camping.
Reservations by phone only are accepted for the Berg Lake Trail. Internet bookings for the trail cannot be accepted at this time. Please read the information on the Berg Lake Trail page.
Group Camp/Picnic Reservations:
Group campsite reservations are accepted at this park.
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Contact Info
Please note: The following listed number does NOT provide information about the Berg Lake Trail - For information about the Berg Lake Trail - please visit Mt Robson Visitor Information Centre.
Design By Nature Park Services
Email address: designbynature@telus.net
Phone: 250-566-4811
(campground phone is in service only from April 1 to September 30th)
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Activities Available At This Park
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Canoeing | |
- Corridor- Moose, Yellowhead and Whitney Lake are suitable for canoeing and boating. Caution: Lakes subject to strong winds..
- Robson Meadows - A number of rafting companies operate in the area along various sections of the Fraser River. There are no opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this campground.
- Robson River - A number of rafting companies operate in the area along various sections of the Fraser River. There are no opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this campground.
- Lucerne - Good opportunities for canoeing and boating on Yellowhead Lake.
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Caving | |
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Climbing | |
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Cycling | |
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. Please be advised there are no bicycle rentals available at the park. A company in Jasper, Alberta - called Freewheel Cycle offers bicycle rentals @1-780-852-3898.
- Berg Lake Trail - Cycling permitted on the 7 km section from the trailhead to the north end of Kinney Lake. A bike rack is located at Kinney Lake. Pedestrians have the right of way. You may encounter horses on the trail, please dismount and allow any horses to pass.
- Corridor - Trans Mountain Pipeline offers gentle terrain that generally parallels the highway corridor and is well suited for a family ride. Wildlife should be given a wide berth and bells are a good idea to announce your presence.
- Robson Meadows - Various cycling opportunities exist in the immediate area.
- Robson River - Various cycling opportunities exist in the immediate area.
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Fishing | |
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
- Corridor- Portal and Whitney Lakes good for small Rainbow Trout. Yellowhead and Moose Lakes offer Dolly Varden, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Kokanee and Whitefish.
- Robson Meadows - Seasonal fishing opportunities in the Fraser River.
- Robson River - Seasonal fishing opportunities in the Fraser River.
- Lucerne - Portal and Whitney Lakes good for small Rainbow Trout. Yellowhead and Moose Lakes offer Dolly Varden, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Kokanee and Whitefish.
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Hiking | |
- Berg Lake Trail - Several trails. Some trails closed during extremely wet periods and bear activity. Snowbird Pass closed until July to allow for undisturbed Caribou calving.
- Other Backcountry/Wilderness Trails - Several trails are located at the east end of Mount Robson Park. They range from well-developed, hard surface trails such as the Yellowhead Mountain Trail to pure wilderness routes like the Moose River.
- Corridor - Water falls, salmon viewing and self-guided interpretive walks can all be found along this scenic drive.
- Robson Meadows - A number of interesting walks and hikes are available from campground.
- Robson River- A number of interesting walks and hikes are available from campground.
- Lucerne - Self-guided Labrador Tea Trail. An interesting walk in mixed forest adjacent to campground
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Horseback Riding | |
- Berg Lake Trail - Commercial horse outfitters are allowed to use this trail. No private horse use is allowed on the Berg Lake Trail.
- Corridor - Permitted only on the Moose River Route. Suited only to the most experienced backcountry travelers.
- Robson Meadows, Robson River, Lucerne - No horseback
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Interpretive Programs | |
There are scheduled interpretive programs offered at this park. View a schedule of events.
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Pets on Leash | |
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Swimming | |
- Berg Lake Trail - Glacier-fed water. Nearest location for swimming is Yellowhead Lake at Lucerne campground.
- Lucerne - Swimming beach at campground on Yellowhead Lake.
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Wildlife Viewing | |
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Winter Recreation | |
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Facilities Available At This Park
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Boat Launch | |
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Campfires | |
While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood.Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
- Berg Lake Trail - Open fires NOT permitted. Use backpacker stoves for cooking. Wood burning stoves located in shelters at Whitehorn and Berg Lake, but are only open/available for public safety emergencies only. Trail is patrolled by BC Parks Rangers and persons starting or maintaining an open fire will be evicted.
- Corridor - Campfires NOT permitted.
- Robson Meadows - Campfire pits provided at each campsite. Fires NOT permitted between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
- Robson River - Campfire pits provided at each campsite. Fires NOT permitted between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
- Lucerne - Campfire pits provided at each campsite. Fires NOT permitted between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
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Drinking Water | |
- Berg Lake Trail - Several sites along the trail have piped gravity-fed water to the campground. It is recommended that the water be adequately boiled, treated or filtered.
- Corridor - Safe drinking water is located at the park's three campgrounds as well as at the Visitor Centre.
- Robson Meadows - Cold water taps located throughout campground. Taps shut off during the off-season.
- Robson River - Cold water taps located throughout campground. Taps shut off during the off-season.
- Lucerne - No pressurized water system but well water is available at two hand pumps.
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Group Camping | |
There are group campsites at this park. Click here for reservation information.
- Berg Lake Trail - Group camping located at Whitehorn campground and Robson Pass campground.
- Robson Meadows - Group camping complete with covered shelter available adjacent to this campground. No picnicking allowed at this group campsite. This group campsite remains open until October 30th (or until the snow blocks the entrance) for self-sufficient campers (no services provided).
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Group Camping Fee: $19.00 per party / nightYouth Group Camping Fee: $50.00 per group / night
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Picnic Areas | |
- Group Picnicking Fee: $50.00 per group
- Berg Lake Trail - Several picnic tables located at the south end of Kinney Lake approximately 5 km from the parking lot/trailhead.
- Corridor- Several picnic sites located along highway corridor. From East Portal, at park's eastern entrance, to the Mount Robson Park viewpoint at the western boundary.
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Pit or Flush Toilets | |
- Berg Lake Trail - Pit toilets located at all campgrounds. In addition there are three solar powered composting toilets located at Whitehorn, Berg Lake and Robson pass campgrounds. Toilet paper is not provided at any sites along trail, so come prepared.
- Corridor - All day-use picnic areas along highway corridor have pit toilets.
- Robson Meadows - Pit and flush toilets are located throughout the campground.
- Lucerne - Pit toilets are located throughout the campground.
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Playground | |
Robson Meadows - Located adjacent to the campground. Horseshoe pitch available.
Lucerne - A horseshoe pitch is located at campground entrance. No playground.
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Sani-Station/Dump | |
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Showers | |
Robson River - There are hot showers and a family shower room available.
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Vehicle Accessible Camping | |
This park offers vehicle (large and small) accessible campsites. Campsite reservations are accepted at Robson Meadows campground only; first-come, first-served campsites are also available. All campsites at the Robson River and Lucerne campgrounds are on a first-come, first-served basis.
There are three drive-in campgrounds:
- Robson Meadows - 125 treed campsites;
- Robson River - 19 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis only;
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Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $19.00 per party / nightBC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only): $9.50 per senior's couple/night
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Lucerne - 36 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
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Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / nightBC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only): $7.50 per senior's couple/night
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Walk-In/Wilderness Camping | |
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. There is backcountry winter camping offered in this park.The regular campgrounds in the backcountry at Berg and along the trail up to Berg. There is no fee collected for winter camping at this time.
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Backcountry Camping Fee: $5.00 per person / night, for all persons 13 years of age or older
- Berg Lake Trail - Ranging from five tent pads at Rearguard Campground to 26 tent pads at the Berg Lake campground. Reservations accepted for a portion of the sites. Unless you have a reservation, you may not be able to get on the trail during busy periods.
- Corridor - Several trailheads are located along the highway corridor that access wilderness/walk-in campsites.
- Lucerne - Two walk-in/cycle campsites are available.
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Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice |
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Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) |
Year round |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | May 1 – October 31 |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | June 12 – September 15 |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: | 103 |
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Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) |
18 |
| Note: The above information is for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts. | |
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Wheelchair Access | |
- Robson Meadows - Two paved campsites, paved paths, roadways and wheelchair accessible wash/shower buildings.
- Robson River - One paved campsite, paved paths, roadways and wheelchair-accessible wash/shower buildings.
- Lucerne - One campsite with wheelchair-accessible pit
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Winter Camping | |
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