Mount Robson and Berg Lake Trail
Calgary, Canada
Trip Highlights
- Stunning Glaciers
- Drive the World-Renowned Icefields Parkway
- Turquoise Lakes
- Impressive Waterfalls
- Wildlife Sightings
- Rocky Mountains World Heritage Site
- Alpine Meadows
- Guide's Choice Trip
Description
This Candian Rockies backpacking trip is a truly special one and a must-do. With more solitude and being more remote than Banff National Park, Mount Robson Provincial Park offers some of the best views you can ask for! Starting with a pickup in Calgary (or Banff for those who want to arrive early), we’ll drive Canada’s famous Icefields Parkway from Alberta into British Columbia, passing through Banff and Jasper and non-stop views of glaciers, waterfalls, and ice fields along the way. This trip includes two nights of hotel, pre and post trek, and 4 nights of camping along the incredible Berg Lake Trail. Highlights include views of Mt. Robson (the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies), crystal-clear waters of Kinney Lake, Valley of a Thousand Falls, falling asleep to the trickling sounds of Robson River, enormous views of Robson Glacier, Rearguard Glacier, Berg Lake, feeling the mist of the mighty Emperor Falls, Snowbird Pass with views of Rearguard Glacier, and more.
3800
On this trip the single supplement includes single rooms in the hotel we stay at before and after the trek. It also includes single tents while camping.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
Hiking Distances:
Up to 13 miles
Backpack Weight:
35-45 lbs.
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
2,800 ft.
Heights Exposure:
Moderate Exposure
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 35-45 lb. backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Canadian Rockies hike a solitude 3. You can expect to have some solitude, as much as an hour at a time without seeing other groups.
We require a minimum of 4 guests to confirm this trip. If a trip date is not confirmed yet, you can register and will be notified when the trip is officially confirmed. We recommend not making final travel arrangements until your trip meets the minimum number of guests and is confirmed.
In most cases, if a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 65-60 days before the departure date.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group or family!
In many areas we can run trips with group sizes larger than our normal capacity of 12 guests. There’s no minimum number of guests on a private tour, and in many cases, we have flexibility around minimum age as well.
For all international trips outside the United States, we quote private trip requests on a case by case basis. Please complete the form below to inquiry about a private tour.
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Itinerary
Pre-Trip Orientation
The evening before your trip, your guide will arrange for the group to meet via a video call to answer any last-minute questions and ensure you have the appropriate gear.
Day 1
- Driving Duration: 6-7 hours
- Accommodation: Hotel in Mt. Robson Park
Welcome to the Canadian Rockies! We will pick you up at 9 am from the Calgary Airport (or downtown Banff if you’ve come a few days early to explore) and make our way towards Mt. Robson Provincial Park. This 6–7-hour drive is widely known as one of the most beautiful drives in all of Canada. We’ll drive through Banff National Park, Peyto Lake, the famous 93 North Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper National Park, and Moose Lake — just to namedrop a few iconic sights. We’ll enjoy a sack lunch along the way as we take in all the views and stretch our legs. After we get settled into our hotel in Mount Robson Park, we’ll gather for our orientation meeting where we will take a more in-depth look at the coming days, ask questions, and issue gear. We’ll enjoy dinner and get a good night’s rest as tomorrow the trek begins!
Day 2
- Driving Duration: 15 minutes
- Hiking Mileage: 6.8 mi./11 km.
- Elevation Gain: 1,730 ft./527 m.
- Elevation Loss: 830 ft./253 m.
- Accommodation: Premier Camping at Whitehorn Campground
Today the real adventure begins! After breakfast, we’ll take a short drive to the Mount Robson Visitor Center and arrive to the trail head. We will follow Berg Lake Trail through a dense forest alongside the Robson River. Throughout the day, we’ll pass by Kinney Lake which affords us the perfect spot for lunch. With the right conditions, this lake is as smooth as glass and reflects the surrounding peaks and clouds. Post-lunch, we’ll continue on to cross a couple of suspension bridges and take in the views of turquoise streams until we arrive at the Valley of a Thousand Falls. The falls cascade off of the mountain, one right after another. We’ll arrive to Whitehorn Campground, nestled in the forest and offering access to Robson River’s clear waters. We’ll enjoy our first backcountry dinner, wonderfully prepared by our guide, and relax to the soothing sounds of the river.
Day 3
- Hiking Mileage: 6.2 mi./10 km.
- Elevation Gain: 2,100 ft./640 m.
- Elevation Loss: 405 ft./123 ft.
- Accommodation: Premier Camping at Rearguard Campground
Be sure to enjoy the hearty breakfast made by our guide, as today is more challenging than yesterday. Today requires a steep ascent up Emperor Hill (and rewards us with breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and falls). As we soak in the views of the impressive Emperor Falls, feel the mist as it thunders down the cliffs. We’ll continue up towards Berg Lake where we’ll catch the first views of the lake’s truly stunning turquoise waters and the towering glaciers that feed it. We’ll arrive to Rearguard Campground that we will call home for the next two nights.
Day 4
- Hiking Mileage: 13 mi./21 km.
- Elevation Gain: 2,800 ft./853 m.
- Elevation Loss: 3000 ft./914 m.
- Highest Elevation: 8,920 ft./2,720 m.
- Accommodation: Premier Camping at Rearguard Campground
Though our mileage and elevation gain are higher today, we have the luxury of tackling today as a day hike as we can leave most of our gear at our campsite since we’ll return here tonight. Our hike to Snowbird Pass will nevertheless be challenging and quite spectacular. The trail starts near Robson Glacier and offers close-up views of the glacier’s blue ice. Our route ascends through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers in the summer. Marmots and mountain goats are no stranger to this trail so keep your eyes peeled. Upon reaching Snowbird pass at 8,920 ft./2,720 m., we’ll be rewarded with expansive views of the Rearguard Glacier and Rearguard Mountain. The return hike is equally impressive with views of Mount Robson and Robson Glacier.
Day 5
- Hiking Mileage: 3.3 – 8.3 mi./5.3 – 13.3 km.
- Elevation Gain: 2,170 ft./661 m.
- Elevation Loss: 2530 ft./771 m.
- Accommodation: Premier Camping at Emperor Falls Campground
This morning, we’ll make an early start for Berg Lake Lookout. This trail follows the shoreline of Berg Lake and offers stunning views of Mount Robson, Berg Glacier, and Mist Glacier. As we ascend, we’ll pass though alpine terrain. Keep your eyes (and ears!) peeled for marmots and mountain goats. We’ll then continue our trek back down the trail to Emperor Falls Campground. We have another opportunity to hike through the Valley of a Thousand Falls, taking in a whole new perspective of this landscape. Tonight is our last night on the trail so be sure to soak up the quiet, peaceful, beautiful piece of the Rockies we are in.
Day 6
- Hiking Mileage: 9 mi./14 km.
- Elevation Gain: 960 ft./293 m.
- Elevation Loss: 960 ft./293 m.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Mt. Robson Park
This morning, we will savor our final breakfast of the trek as we head back to the trailhead today. The final leg of the hike takes us by Kinney Lake. The trail today allows for a relaxed pace as it’s moderately downhill, so we can reflect on the incredible journey we have shared. We’ll say goodbye to the unforgettable Berg Lake Trail in the heart of Mount Robson’s wilderness as we approach our van waiting for us at the Mount Robson Visitor Center.
Day 7
- Driving Duration: 6-7 hours
We’ll have one final breakfast together at the hotel and hit the road back to Calgary. As we make our way back through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, you can take in those extraordinary views one last time (or take a well-deserved nap!). We’ll again have a sack lunch enroute. If you plan to extend your trip in Banff, we can drop you there along the way, or continue all the way back to Calgary for your departure flight.
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: lodging/campground availability, extreme weather, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Transportation for the duration of the tour including Calgary Airport transfers (or option for transfers from Banff)
- Camping permits, entrance fees, and Icefields Parkway tickets
- Gear including multi-day backpack, tent, sleeping pad, trekking poles and more
- High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) – or bring your own
- All meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 7
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
- Transportation to Calgary, Alberta
- Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (strongly encouraged)
- All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
- Clothes, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuities are optional and at the discretion of each customer. A suggested guideline is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 10-20% of the total trip cost. Local currency is preferred, or USD is also appreciated.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
All of our hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables (fresh and dried). In addition, we provide you with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Multi-Day backpacks
- Tents
- Synthetic-fill sleeping bags (or bring your own)
- Sleeping pads
- Trekking poles
- Cooking stoves and cookware
- Bear spray canisters and food-hanging gear
- Company-issued first-aid kit and emergency communication device
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Additionally, some guests choose to bring their own sleeping bag. We supply high quality, synthetic fill bags that are professionally laundered after every trip. Synthetic fill is non-allergenic, insulates when damp and stands up well to repeated washings, but is heavier and bulkier than down. If you’re able to bring your own down sleeping bag, there are multiple benefits. If not, we’ve got you covered!
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
You’ll meet your hiking guide and group at 9 am at the Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Alberta, Canada.
Alternate pickup options: You may also arrange for pickup at the Calgary Airport hotels or downtown Banff for no additional fee. For pickup in downtown Calgary, there is a $20 fee.
Our Canada team will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip and will specify the exact time & location of the orientation meeting at that point if there are changes from the above time/location. The next morning we’ll pick you up at your hotel for transport to the trailhead.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Trip Start/End: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Closest Airport: Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Alternate pickup or drop-off options: You may also arrange for pickup at the Calgary Airport hotels or downtown Banff for no additional fee. For pickup in downtown Calgary, there is a $20 fee.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guides
Our approach to international travel is to combine the best of two worlds: the dialed-in details, professionalism and consistency Wildland trips are known for; and the cultural immersion and intimate regional knowledge that only locals can provide. To excel with this approach, we vet and hire the best local guides, welcome them into the Wildland family and train them to meet our standard of excellence with every aspect of a trip. But along with managing logistics and safety, your guides will teach you about the area’s history and culture, and provide a level of familiarity and intimate detail only locals can.
Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 8 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements determined on a case-by-case basis
Trip Insurance
Field evacuation, repatriation, and medical insurance is highly recommended on all trips (field evacuation and repatriation minimum coverage is a combined $200,000 USD).
We recommend IMG/iTravelinsured. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance.
For information on the recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
If you already have insurance or wish to purchase from anyone other than IMG/iTravelinsured, we recommend careful consultation with the provider to ensure appropriate coverage. This is because many providers have a number of policy exclusions.
Weather in the Canadian Rockies
The weather in the Canadian Rockies is typical of high mountain climates with sunny weather, summer thunderstorms, and radical and abrupt temperature changes. We recommend being prepared for a range of conditions by packing layered, non-cotton clothing, and having high quality waterproof and breathable rain gear (jackets and pants). Always expect 4 seasons in the Rockies. Whilst we hope it does not, it can snow in every month of the year. For a more comprehensive packing list, please refer to the detailed trip packet that you can download from this page and receive it when you register.
| Month | Hi | Low | Precip |
| June | 66° F | 41° F | 58.4 mm |
| July | 71° F | 45° F | 51.1 mm |
| August | 70° F | 44° F | 51.2 mm |
| September | 60° F | 38° F | 37.7 mm |
Accommodations
2 Nights
Premier Camping
4 Nights
Sleeping on this trip is in premier 1-person or 2-person backcountry tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided. Campsites have pit toilets.
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