For information concerning the Front-Country Campgrounds (Robson Meadows, Robson River, Lucerne) only, email:
Design By Nature Park Services
Email address: designbynature@telus.net
For more details about the Berg Lake Trail - click here.
To reserve a camping spot on the Berg Lake Trail, contact Discover Camping website (24 hrs/day): www.discovercamping.ca
Or call toll-free from CAN/USA:
1-800-689-9025
Other International:
1-519-826-6850
Weekdays: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm (PST)
Sat, Sun & hols:9:00am-5:00pm(PST)
Hours:
May 7 to June 18 - 8am to 5pm
June 19 to Sept 6 - 8am to 7pm
Sept 7 to 30 - 8am to 5pm
Oct 1 to 12 - 9am to 4pm
Mount Robson Provincial Park
January 5, 2012
- Due to a recent wind event the Berg Lake Trail is not recommended for skiers/snowshoe’s as it is almost impassable between the Trailhead and Kinney Lake outflow. The Overlander Trail is in the same state and is also not recommended at this time. Expect two to three weeks before trails are usable once more.
Winter conditions are now present on the Berg Lake Trail and Mt Robson Park. Knowledge of how to travel safely in avalanche terrain and having the relevant safety equipment and training in its use is strongly suggested.
Please view the CAC website for current regional conditions and other useful information to assist in ensuring a safe trip.
Know Before You Go
Safety Notes
- 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.
About This Park
"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, travellers 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 its 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.
First attempted in 1907, it was not until 1913 that humans finally stood on the summit of Mount Robson. On that clear, cold day guide Conrad Kain, W.W. Foster and A.H. McCarthy beheld a view no person had ever seen before.
Park Size: 224,866 hectares
Special Notes:
- 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 |
|
|---|---|
| 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 6 |
| – 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 6 |
| – Lucerne campground | May 15 – September 15 |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | |
| – Robson Meadows campground | May 15 – September 6 |
| 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. | |
Reservations
Robson Meadows
Robson Meadows campground reservations can be made through Discover Camping, online or by phone. First-come, first-served sites also available.
Berg Lake Trail
Berg Lake trail reservations can be made through Discover Camping. First-come, first-served sites also available. Please read the information on the Berg Lake Trail.
Group Camp/Picnic Reservations
Group campsite reservations are accepted at this park. Find out about making group campsite reservations.
Location and Maps
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.
Maps and Brochures
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)
Management Planning
The management plan for Mount Robson Park was approved in March 2011, this replaces the 1992 Mount Robson Management Plan and the Swift Current Addition Purpose Statement.
- Mount Robson Management Plan 2011 (6.65MB/ PDF)
- Mount Robson Management Plan 1992 (621KB/ PDF)
- Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan (2MB/ PDF)
Climate Change Background
The posters below provide additional information about climate change and its expected effects on Mount Robson Provincial Park:
- Poster 1 - Climate Change Past and Future (193KB/ PDF)
- Poster 2 - Future Climate in Mount Robson Provincial Park (1.55MB/ PDF)
- Poster 3 - Potential Impacts of Climate Change on the Park (4.11MB/ PDF)
Fixed Roofed Accommodation
A summary document detailing the current Alpine Club of Canada Fixed Roofed Accommodation Proposal in Mount Robson Provincial Park is available:
Ecosystem Management Plan
- The approved Ecosystem Management Plan is now available in PDF format. This plan is Occasional Paper No. 6.
Forest Health Strategy for Mount Robson Provincial Park
- The Mount Robson Forest Health Strategy - July 2005 (1.4/MB PDF).
Activities Available at this Park
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.
Caving
Climbing
There are climbing opportunites in this park. Read more about climbing Mt Robson peak.
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. The pipeline right of way west of Hargreaves Road is private property and is closed to public use.
- Robson Meadows - Various cycling opportunities exist in the immediate area.
- Robson River - Various cycling opportunities exist in the immediate area.
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.
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
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
Pets on Leash
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.
Wildlife Viewing
Winter Recreation
Facilities Available at this Park
Boat Launch
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.
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.
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).
Youth group camping charges per night are $1/person (6+), with a $50 minimum and $150 maximum.
Regular group camping charges per night are the base rate for the site, listed in the fee schedule, plus $4/adult (16+, minimum charge for 15 adults), plus $1/child (6-15).
Picnic Areas
- 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.
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.
Playground
Robson Meadows - Located adjacent to the campground. Horseshoe pitch available.
Lucerne - A horseshoe pitch is located at campground entrance. No playground.
Sani-Station/Dump
Showers
Robson River - There are hot showers and a family shower room available.
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;
- Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $21.00 per party / nightBC Senior's Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $10.50 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.
and
Lucerne - 36 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
- Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $16.00 per party / nightBC Senior's Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $8.00 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.
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.
- 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.
|
Campsite Operation Dates
All dates are subject to change without notice |
|
|---|---|
|
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 30 |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | June 13 – September 14 |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: | 103 |
|
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. | |
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
