Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, towers over Berg Lake and the extensive sub alpine forests and tundra stretching to the northwest. It is the constant and amazing backdrop on this, our most relaxed hiking trip.
Our easiest backpacking trip begins with a helicopter drop off deep in Mount Robson Provincial Park and away from the crowds. We spend two days sampling some of the excellent hiking in the region before shouldering our packs for the easy three day hike back to civiization,
This is a great trip for a first backcountry backpacking experience or for those who like to keep pack weights to a minimum. The tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies doesn't need to be climbed to be fully enjoyed but we can do that if you so desire! Click the link below.
Itinerary
Day 1: Canmore to Mount Robson Park
At 8.30am we meet at the Yamnuska Mountain Adventures office in Canmore. We'll go over the trip with you and check to see that you are properly outfitted before leaving for Mount Robson.
We drive (3.5hours) along what is arguably one of the most spectacular highways in the world, the Banff - Jasper Parkway to the town of Jasper. We will stop en-route for a short hike to stretch our legs at the Columbia Icefields. From Jasper we head 80km west on the Yellowhead Highway to Mount Robson Provincial Park where we will first see the peak of Robson looming high above. We camp at Robson Meadows for the night.
Day 2: Fly to Robson Pass and Berg Lake
From the nearby helipad we fly 15 minutes to the northern side of Mount Robson, landing near Robson Pass (1600m). While mere minutes separate us from the road we couldn't feel further away. Across Berg Lake the icefalls cloaking Mount Robson keep up a cacophony of falling ice. We are on treeline and surrounded by tundra-like meadows. It is a stunning place!
After moving 2km to the campsite and setting up for the next 3 nights, we can walk over to Berg Lake and soak up views for the rest of the day.
Day 3: Day Hike to Snowbird Pass
After breakfast the day's objective is Snowbird Pass and one of the finest hikes in the area. We approach via alpine meadows, with marmots sunning themselves on rocks, to finally reach the Pass and a superb view of the Robson Glacier and the eastern flanks of the peak. Distance 21.6km. Elevation gain 780m.
Day 4: Day hike to Mumm Basin
Another day of hiking in the shadow of the Monarch and the views continue! This time we head to Mumm Basin to the north of Berg Lake and a marvellous vista of both Berg Lake and the mighty North Face of Mount Robson. We can then traverse high above the valley to the Hargreaves Glacier to make a circuit that will bring us back to Berg Lake. Distance 14.8 km. Elevation gain 500m.
Day 5: Berg Lake - Whitehorn
Well, we can't put off the backpacking forever, and now it's time to head down the valley. Carrying our personal gear and a share of group camping gear, we hike down the valley past three major waterfalls: White Falls, Falls of the Pool and the magnificent Emperor Falls to arrive at Whitehorn Camp where we spend the night. Distance 11.5km. Elevation loss 525m.
Day 6: Whitehorn to the road, return to Canmore
After a leisurely start we drop into the lower valley to skirt the tranquil waters of Kinney Lake then hike in the shade of lush British Columbian rain forest before arriving at the trailhead 4 hours later. We then drive back along the Icefields Parkway to Canmore and the end of our journey for hot showers, comfort and an evening of celebration awaits us. Distance 10.9km. Elevation loss 265m.
Logistics
Meeting Place and Time
We will meet you at our Yamnuska Mountain Adventures office at 8.30am the morning of Day 1.
Our office is located at 200, 50 Lincoln Park, Canmore. See this map for location.
For your greater convenience we offer a pre-meeting shuttle service within Canmore. Please let us know in advance where you will be staying if needing this service. Pickup will occur between 8.00 and 8.20am.
Please ensure that you have your hiking equipment with you.
Accommodation and Meals
On the trail you will be staying in modern, lightweight 2- and 1-person weather-proof tents.
Accommodation in Canmore is not included. For your convenience we can arrange hotel accommodations in Canmore for $160 per night. These will be at the recommended Canmore Radison. Double or single occupancy, the cost is the same. This accommodation can be booked with the trip online or by calling us. Subject to availability.
You can also make your own arrangements and we would be please to offer advice based on your preference.
Excess luggage can be left at your hotel or our office.
We supply all meals and trail snacks from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6. Groups generally go out for dinner in Canmore with the guide on the final evening (own cost).
Trail cuisine is constructed from lightweight ingredients including our Yamnuska custom-made dehydrated dinners. Please specify any special dietary requirements you have on booking so we can incorporate them into our menus. In case of more complicated diets a surcharge may apply.
Guides and Group Size
Yamnuska Mountain Adventure guides are certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Our professional guides have extensive experience in the Canadian Rockies. Guides also have advanced wilderness first aid training and heritage interpretation accreditation. Guides carry emergency equipment including a first aid kit, bear spray and radio.
There will be a maximum of eight guests and a minimum of four.
Yamnuska is licensed to operate in Mount Robson Provincial Park by B.C. Parks.
Getting to Canmore and Transportation
Canmore is situated 100km (65miles) west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway. It is well served by scheduled bus lines both from Calgary (airport and downtown), Banff (20km west) and points further west. Calgary International Airport is well connected to major cities throughout North America and Europe. Once in Canmore we will supply all transport needed for the trip.
Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore. We can arrange your airport ground transportation at time of booking.
Gear
Clothing and Equipment
We supply group camping and cooking equipment plus a full emergency and first-aid kit. You will need to bring personal equipment (backpack, sleeping bag etc) and clothing. Yamnuska Mountain Adventures does have rental and retail equipment such as sleeping bags, mats, and backpacks. Rental Gear List. Contact us in advance to reserve.
What you bring will have a big impact on the quality of your experience, we especially urge you to read our notes on lightweight gear and clothing.
Please download the list below and make sure that you will have the items listed.
Clothing and Equipment List (pdf)
Contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Fishing
Berg Lake either does not have fish or if so fishes very poorly. It is not worth bringing fishing gear.
Booking Information
Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. A 35% deposit CDN (including HST) is required at time of booking. Final payment is due eight weeks before the start of the trip.
For detailed Booking Instructions and Conditions, click here.
Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the trip. Click here for waiver copy.
Insurance
In Mount Robson Provincial Park you may have to pay for evacuation should you hurt yourself or fall ill (not astronomically expensive). However, it is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident while here.
Yamnuska offers a "Visitors to Canada Plan and Gold Trip Cancellation and Interruption Plan" through Travel Guard insurance. These plans offer comprehensive coverage for all your travel needs including trip cancellation/interruption, emergency medical expenses, and personal effects loss. For more information and to purchase this coverage visit Travel Guard's website.