The Berg Lake trail is officially fully open again! This absolutely stunning blue alpine lake is backed with an incredible glacier, making it a popular spot for hikers and backpackers alike.
After a major flooding incident a few years ago, the whole trail was closed while it was rebuilt, over the last few summers it has slowly started to reopen, section by section but in June 2025, the whole of the Berg Lake trail officially reopened for summer hiking and backpacking.
For many, the Berg Lake trail is an absolute must, whether it is for a long day hike or a multi day backpacking trip, Berg Lake is a destination on almost every hiker’s bucket list in the Canadian Rockies. We were lucky enough to get a two night cancellation at the Berg Lake campground on the trail over the July long weekend and we were so excited to be back out on one of our favorite trails in the Canadian Rockies.
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Table of Contents
Key Facts About The Berg Lake Trail
Distance: 23km one way to Robson Meadows Campground
Elevation: 800m gain
Do you need a reservation: To camp, yes, to day hike, no.
Is it dog friendly: Dogs are allowed for day hiking on the Berg Lake trail but they are not allowed to stay overnight at the campgrounds along the trail.
Hiking The Berg Lake Trail
The Berg Lake trail can be split into different sections, each section of the trail has something different to it and there are campsites along the way so this trail description can help plan your hike and where you want to split it up.
Kinney Lake
The Berg Lake trail starts relatively easy, with the trail from the parking lot to Kinney Lake being a wide, well maintained trail. It follows the river and goes through a beautiful old growth forest which provides plenty of shade on a hot day.
At around the 5km mark, the first glimpses of Kinney Lake appear, the trail crosses the outflow of the lake and there is a trail split. Pick your adventure, fast through the forest, or follow the lake shore briefly, the trails join back up pretty quickly.
A short steep section continues along the Kinney Lake shore, then it comes out on a wash out zone, rocky and at times a wet section, it curves around with the lake’s edge. There was one questionable bridge which was one piece of wood and nothing to stabilise it in this section. The campground is shortly after. A great spot to stop for a break, including an open sided shelter for wet days. This is a popular spot and the turn around for many day hikers, so expect it to be busy.
Whitehorn
From Kinney Lake the Berg Lake trail has been rerouted, heading through the campground and into the forest. The bike racks signal the end of the section which can be cycled. At times of low water, you can follow the left hand fork to cut across Kinney Flats, while the right hand trail cuts through the forest. The Kinney Flats are a cool section and well worth a look if you have the opportunity.
A short steep climb takes the Berg Lake trail back into the forest, shortly it passes the old trail, which cut across the rivers flowing into Kinney Lake, they are clearly closed off and the trail continues for a few meters before crossing a new bridge and then following the base of a rocky mountain, flat and easy but on the opposite side of the valley to the previous trail.
The first major climb of the Berg Lake is next, with a series of steep switchbacks to contend with. This new section of trail was surprisingly brutal but didn’t last for too long. When it levels out, the new trail rolls through the forest with some small ups and downs before popping out at the river. The Whitehorn campground is straight ahead.
Emperor Falls
To continue on the Berg Lake trail, cross the new bridge towards the ranger cabin, following the new section of the trail on the opposite side of the valley to the old trail, it crosses some rocky slide areas, which were tough on the feet but offered up spectacular views of the valley of falls.
A new bridge crosses over the valley and then rejoins the old trail at the base of the big climb. This section of the Berg Lake trail is by far the hardest, it starts as an exceptionally steep climb, take note of the signs warning of areas not to stop due to rockfall. Enjoy the stunning waterfall views as you climb though. The trail continues to climb but not quite so steeply, all the way to Emperor Falls.
The views are stunning, which helps distract you from the climb. Make sure to get water prior to starting the climb as there is no access to water until the Emperor Falls campground.
After crossing a small bridge, there is another steep section before reaching the Emperor Falls junction. A short trail heads down the viewpoint of the waterfall, expect to get wet here from the spray. A worthy and short detour. We opted to do this on the way down, when our packs were lighter.
From the Emperor Falls junction the trail is once again steep, even with some stairs to add to the fun. Pushing legs to the limit, when it starts to level out, the first tent pads of the Emperor Falls campground come into view.
Marmot
The section between Emperor Falls and Marmot campgrounds is one of my favorites of the Berg Lake trail. The trail opens up into the beautiful valley, with a bright blue river running below as the trail traverses over the rocky side of a mountain. It is hard not to get distracted as the views here are incredible.
The trail dips down to the bottom of the valley and the new trail here is wonderfully built, with an easy trail to follow, large rocks have been placed in all the channels which might have water in throughout the year, be prepared for a lot of rock hopping all the way to the Marmot campground.
Robson Meadows
From the Marmot Campground, the Berg Lake trail hugs the side of the valley in the trees, undulating slightly, as it rolls towards the Berg Lake campground. There are some spectacular views when the trees open up along the trail.
The Berg Lake trail cuts through the Berg Lake campground, it is clearly signed past the day use shelter, crossing a river and continuing to traverse the side of the valley, it comes out of the forest into the valley bottom and is almost completely flat from here on out. A small bridge across the creek at the next trail junctions, takes you to the Rearguard campground.
Continuing along the Berg Lake trail, it passes the Snowbird Pass trail junction, then the junction for the Warden Cabin, before finally the junction for the final campground on the Berg Lake trail, Robson Meadows. For those who want to complete the entire Berg Lake trail, the border with Jasper National Park is shortly after.
Campgrounds Along The Berg Lake Trail
There are seven backcountry campgrounds along the Berg Lake trail, all of them require reservations and they can be combined to create a trip to suit almost any skill level.
Kinney Lake campground is a worthy objective for those short on time or new to backpacking, with gorgeous lake side tent pads and a shelter for eating.
Whitehorn campground is a popular spot for families, it allows days hikes to Berg Lake without carrying full packs up the majority of the trail’s elevation. It is also a popular first night spot on a multiday trip into Berg Lake.
Emperor Falls campground has some stunning riverside campsites with beautiful views of Mount Robson. A nice campground right on the trail.
Marmot campground is one of my favorite spots, a small campground tucked into the trees just at the beginning of Berg Lake, offering easy access to the Hargreaves Lake hike.
Berg Lake campground, the biggest and most popular camping spot on the trail, forested campsites offer a fair amount of privacy, a large eating area, enclosed day use shelter and easy lake access make this a popular option.
Rearguard campground is just 1km past Berg Lake and tucked in the forest next to a small creek, a great option for those who want to be in the core day hiking area but want a spot that is a little quieter than the Berg Lake campground.
Robson Pass campground is the last campground, there are sites in the forest but also open sites which offer views towards Robson Glacier.
All the campgrounds have eating areas with picnic benches, clearly marked tent pads, outhouses and bear lockers.
Work is also currently underway on a new ACC Hut which will be located between Rearguard and Robson Pass campground.
How Much Does It Cost
It is free to day hike the Berg Lake trail, however if you wish to stay overnight at one of the backcountry campgrounds, you will need a reservation. It is $10 per person per night to camp along the Berg Lake trail, plus a $6 reservation fee when booking online. All campsites along the Berg Lake trail can be reserved online at the BC Parks website.
Day Hikes From Berg Lake
Snowbird Pass
The hike to Snowbird Pass from the Berg Lake trail is a big day, it starts out fairly easy from the trail junction, heading along beside the run off from the glacier, as it works its way through the valley though, it eventually starts to switchback up the side of the valley before traversing along, gaining elevation.
This section offers spectacular views of the Robson Glacier and for many, that is enough for them. You could easily stop as the trail turns towards the pass, enjoy a snack and marvel at the glacier views.
For those who want to complete the Snowbird Pass hike, you continue through this gorgeous green grassy area, slowly gaining elevation, before the final push to the pass, which becomes quite steep. Once at the Pass the views over the Coleman Glacier below are incredible! However, I’d suggest you pick your day. We completed this on a rainy day in the past and the views were non-existent, our friends were not impressed, already tired from the long hike into the camp the day before.
Hargreaves Lake and Toboggan Falls
Since we were staying at the Berg Lake campground, we crossed the river and followed the signs for Toboggan Falls first, a very steep climb got us sweating immediately. Toboggan Falls is a fun hike in itself, with the water running over the top of the rock slab. You can also see where it has carved deep channels in the softer rock over time.
At the top of the climb, there is a trail junction, head left following signs for Hargreaves Lake, the trail is easy going and fairly flat as it traverses across the mountainside, glimpses of Berg Lake below are plentiful. Eventually you pop out into a rocky expanse, follow the well beaten path down and then up onto the moraine for beautiful views of the Hargreaves Glacier and Lake below.
Head back down the moraine and continue on along the trail as it descends fairly steeply back towards Berg Lake where it meets up with the main trail which will take you back to your campground. This loop can be done in either direction, depending on what you’d prefer, either way involves a steep climb.
Adolphus Lake
My favorite evening stroll, follows the main Berg Lake trail, past the Reargard and Robson Pass campgrounds, to the Jasper National Park boundary. Continue past the boundary following a well beaten trail which brings you to the sandy shores of Adolphus Lake.
We wore our bathing suits and took a dip here since it was much more peaceful than Berg Lake, we had the whole place to ourselves.
When To Hike To Berg Lake
Hiking to Berg Lake is best done in the summer season, typically snow free by mid June and accessible until late September when the snow starts to fly. The Berg Lake trail is also open during the winter however, you’d want previous winter experience before heading 20 odd kilometres into the backcountry in the Canadian winter!
What We Packed
Tent – A good tent is a must, the weather can change quickly in the mountains and although on our last trip we were graced with excellent weather, we’ve definitely been out on the Berg Lake trail in heavy rain before.
Hiking Boots – The trail is well maintained and easy to navigate, I opted for lightweight hiking boots to complete the trail and these were perfect. Comfortable and fast, with waterproofing for the rock hoping.
Stove – The Jetboil MiniMo is my current backpacking go to. It boils water fast for dehydrated meals, oatmeal and tea which is all my heating needs.
Backpack – My Osprey Ariel Pack is the perfect size for a multiday adventure. It offers excellent support to make even the heaviest loads more comfortable to carry.
Bear Spray – Don’t let how popular this trail is make you think it is safe from wildlife, the Berg Lake trail is in bear country, carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Where To Stay Nearby
Robson Meadows Campground – Directly across the highway from the Robson visitor centre is the Robson Meadows Campground, a large campsite with mostly reservable spots and a shower, for one last treat before hitting the trail! It makes an excellent spot to explore the Robson Provincial Park if you are only day hiking as well.
The Crimson Hotel, Jasper – An hours drive from Mount Robson is Jasper, a great spot to spend a few days exploring the National Park and Provincial Park. Note, that between the two, the time zone changes!
Best Western Plus Valemount – The town of Valemount is a thirty minute drive to Mount Robson, it’s a great small town and a perfect spot to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Other Multiday Backpacking Trips Nearby
- Tonquin Valley
- Skyline
- Fryatt Valley
- North Boundary Trail
