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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Berg Lake #
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).
January
January is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 87 mm of rain.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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December
December is the coldest month with highs of -7°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).