One of British Columbia’s most iconic hiking trails will fully reopen in Mount Robson Provincial Park on June 26 following four years of phased restoration.
Located between Valemount and Jasper, the Berg Lake Trail was closed in June 2021 due to extensive flooding caused by heavy rain following the heat dome. This is the first season that it has fully reopened.
“Mount Robson Park is a special place, drawing thousands of people from across Canada and the world to experience the natural beauty,” said B.C. Environment and Parks Minister Tamara Davidson in a news release. “Having undergone repairs to help withstand the impacts of climate change, we’re thrilled to welcome families and friends back to the entire Berg Lake Trail.”
The flooding had washed away sections of the trail and damaged infrastructure such as bridges, picnic tables and tent pads.
The trail was rebuilt in three phases. The first phase focused on the parking lot to Kinney Lake campground, with this section of the trail reopening in 2023.
For the second phase, Kinney Lake to Whitehorn campground reopened in 2024. Improvements included a new trail route and new bridges at the far end of Kinney Lake and over the Robson River.
The final phase from Whitehorn campground to Berg Lake included various campground upgrades as well as trail rebuilding and realignment. According to B.C. Environment and Parks, this trail work reduces the amount of time the trail is in the flood plain or crosses the river.
The total cost of restoring the trail is estimated at $5 million.
“We are thrilled that the Berg Lake Trail, one of the iconic experiences in the Thompson Okanagan region, is reopening,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, in a statement.
“The Berg Lake Trail not only draws visitors to its unique experience but helps to attract and welcome Canadian and international visitors to the spectacular North Thompson Valley and surrounding communities,” Walker-Matthews added.
The Berg Lake Trail gains 800 metres of elevation in 23 kilometres and sees nearly 20,000 visitors each year. It features views of waterfalls, turquoise-coloured lakes and massive glaciers.
Mount Robson itself is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres. The park is the second-oldest provincial park in B.C. and was established in 1913 to protect the Fraser River’s headwaters.
Valemount Mayor Owen Torgerson noted the Berg Lake Trail and Mount Robson Park were important for tourism, contributing about 25 per cent to the village’s local economy every year.
“I encourage everyone to plan a trip to experience the beauty of Berg Lake, and I appreciate the extensive work that has gone into restoring this beloved trail,” Torgerson said in a statement.
McBride Mayor Eugene Runtz added reopening the Berg Lake Trail would help boost visitation and drive tourism revenue to the Robson Valley and his community.
“Reopening this iconic trail strengthens McBride’s position as a premier destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies and inviting travellers to explore all that the Robson Valley has to offer,” Runtz said in a statement.
Reservations will launch at 7 a.m. on Wednesday (April 2) and are required to stay at campgrounds along the trail until Sept. 29. Tent pads will be available at any of the seven backcountry campgrounds along the Berg Lake Trail.
Reservations can be made at camping.bcparks.ca.
The Berg Lake Trail is also open for winter recreation. From May 15 until June 25, the trail will be open for first-come, first-served camping at Kinney Lake and Whitehorn campgrounds. Permits are available for purchase at the Mount Robson Welcome Centre.
