Berg Lake

Lake Alpine lake at Berg Glacier base, scenic hiking destination

At the foot of Mount Robson in Mount Robson Provincial Park, Berg Lake attracts backpackers to its glacier-fed turquoise waters, floating ice, waterfalls and the multi-day Berg Lake Trail-classic Rockies hiking with campsites and dramatic mountain scenery.

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Berg Lake is a glacial lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada, situated at the base of Mount Robson. It is noted for turquoise waters and icebergs that calve from the Robson Glacier.

The site is reached by the Berg Lake Trail, a well-known multi-day hike that passes waterfalls, alpine meadows and other lakes; many hikers camp at designated sites along the route. The lake and trail are among the park’s primary visitor attractions for backpacking, photography and mountaineering access.

Mount Robson and the surrounding park were established to protect high-alpine terrain and glacial landscapes; Berg Lake became a popular objective as trail access improved in the 20th century. The lake functions as both a scenic destination and a staging area for climbs of Mount Robson.

Berg Lake lies in the Canadian Rockies within Mount Robson Provincial Park in eastern British Columbia, beneath the north face of Mount Robson. The trailhead is reached from the Yellowhead Highway, with the lake sitting well inland from the nearest large towns.

  • Trail distance: The trail from the Mount Robson parking area to Berg Lake is a multi-day route of about 19 kilometres one way; many parties camp at established sites along the route.
  • Mountain setting: Berg Lake sits beneath Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres, and regularly contains ice calved from the Robson Glacier.

What to See #

  • Berg Lake: A glacial lake at the base of Mount Robson that regularly receives ice and melt from the Robson Glacier; known for turquoise water and floating bergs.
  • Robson Glacier: The glacier feeding the lake and valley, source of icebergs and meltwater that define the lake's character.
  • Emperor Falls: A large waterfall on the Berg Lake trail reached after several hours of hiking; a common stopping point for trail parties.
  • Kinney Lake: A scenic lake encountered earlier on the trail to Berg Lake, often used as a campsite and day-hike destination.
Berg Lake
Berg Lake, Mount Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada
53.1469, -119.1578
Free (no park gate fee). Backcountry camping permits and campsite reservations required; Berg Lake Lodge and commercial outfitters charge separate fees.

How to Get to Berg Lake #

The typical approach is by car from Valemount, BC, or from Jasper. Take the Yellowhead Highway (BC-16) to the Mount Robson Visitor Centre/Park entrance; the Berg Lake Trailhead is accessed from the Mount Robson Visitor Centre area. The trailhead is signposted from the highway. Public transit is limited-most hikers drive or take shuttle/charter services from Valemount. Once at the trailhead, expect a multi-day hike to reach Berg Lake; lodges and outfitters in Valemount and nearby communities offer transport and guided trips.

Tips for Visiting Berg Lake #

  • Reserve backcountry campsites early via BC Parks in high season; campsites and hut space fill months in advance.
  • Carry bear spray and know basic food-storage protocol-grizzly and black bears use this corridor.
  • Do the trail in two or three days each way; the river crossings after rain can be swift-check conditions at Mount Robson Visitor Centre.
  • Walk as far as Kinney Lake (about 5 km) on a bad-weather day-the views there are spectacular and many turn back there.

Best Time to Visit Berg Lake #

Best visited in the short, alpine summer; the trail is an exposed wilderness route where weather and river levels determine access.

Summer (July-September)
Jul-Sep · 5-20°C
Trail is usually snow-free; longest daylight, easiest glacier access and the floating icebergs on the lake are visible.
Late Spring (June)
Jun · 0-12°C
Trail may still have snow at higher elevations; rivers run high and spectacular-good for experienced, prepared hikers only.
Early Fall (October)
Oct · -5-8°C
Fewer people and brilliant larch colours some years, but nights are cold and early snow is common.

Weather & Climate near Berg Lake #

Climate

Berg Lake's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from -14°C to 17°C. Moderate rainfall (831 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
17°
Warmest Month
-15°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-14° -7°

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-13° -4°

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-10° -1°

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 87 mm of rain.

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-11° -3°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is the coldest month with highs of -7°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-15° -7°

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

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