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Canada🇨🇦 | hikesBerg Lake TrailMount Robson, Kinney Lake turquoise, Valley of a Thousand Falls, calving glacier | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Berg Lake Trail
🏆 Top pickhike ranked #2
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 23, 2026

The real decision on Berg Lake Trail is whether to stop at Kinney Lake as a long day hike or commit to the full out-and-back to Berg Lake, and it comes down to whether you can secure campsite reservations for at least two nights. The trail runs through Mount Robson Provincial Park in the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia, Canada, west of Jasper. Expect roughly 21 kilometers each way on a wide, well-graded path that climbs steadily past turquoise lakes, thundering waterfalls and a hanging glacier. Public transport to the trailhead is thin, so you will likely rely on a shuttle or a ride from Valemount. Mine was a driver who braked hard on the highway so we could watch a black bear flip logs in the ditch while the van smelled of wet dog and coffee. The reward is Berg Lake itself, where blue-white icebergs knock and crackle below Mount Robson’s north face.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Canada Travel Guide.
Best time to go: June - September
Duration: 4 days
Distance: 42 kilometers
Total ascent: 800 meters


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #2 hike in CanadaWhat makes it a must-see hike

Berg Lake Trail draws backpackers because the scenery arrives in layers, starting with the pale green water of Kinney Lake and ending at the foot of Mount Robson, 3,954 meters, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. You pass waterfalls every few kilometers, so even a tired afternoon of walking pays out with something to look at.

The trail also suits a mixed itinerary. The grade is gentle compared with most alpine routes, and the surface is wide enough to hike beside a friend. Campgrounds sit at set intervals, so you can stretch it into five days of side trips or compress it into three. If you are already working through Jasper and the Icefields Parkway, the park is a natural next stop on the way toward Prince George or Kamloops. Cost stays modest, since there is no guide requirement and … read more 👉
Berg Lake Trail draws backpackers because the scenery arrives in layers, starting with the pale green water of Kinney Lake and ending at the foot of Mount Robson, 3,954 meters, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. You pass waterfalls every few kilometers, so even a tired afternoon of walking pays out with something to look at.

The trail also suits a mixed itinerary. The grade is gentle compared with most alpine routes, and the surface is wide enough to hike beside a friend. Campgrounds sit at set intervals, so you can stretch it into five days of side trips or compress it into three. If you are already working through Jasper and the Icefields Parkway, the park is a natural next stop on the way toward Prince George or Kamloops. Cost stays modest, since there is no guide requirement and the gear you already carry is enough.

The camp at the far end, with a view of the Mist Glacier and floating icebergs, is where most people decide the trip was worth the permit scramble.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Berg Lake Trail

  1. Mount Robson: The park’s namesake and the sight most people come for. Its 3,954-meter summit is frequently wrapped in cloud, so a clear view from the Berg Lake shore stays with you. The north face rises in layered rock bands streaked with ice.
  2. Kinney Lake: The first major stop, about 4 kilometers from the trailhead. Glacial silt turns the water an opaque pale turquoise, and on a still morning the peaks reflect almost perfectly. Many day hikers turn around here.
  3. Valley of a Thousand Falls: A long, cliff-lined stretch past Whitehorn campground where meltwater streams pour down the walls on both sides. You cannot count them all, and the roar fills the whole valley after warm days.
  4. Emperor Falls: A thick, two-stage plunge of Robson River beside the trail. The spray hits you from a short side path,
… read more 👉
  1. Mount Robson: The park’s namesake and the sight most people come for. Its 3,954-meter summit is frequently wrapped in cloud, so a clear view from the Berg Lake shore stays with you. The north face rises in layered rock bands streaked with ice.
  2. Kinney Lake: The first major stop, about 4 kilometers from the trailhead. Glacial silt turns the water an opaque pale turquoise, and on a still morning the peaks reflect almost perfectly. Many day hikers turn around here.
  3. Valley of a Thousand Falls: A long, cliff-lined stretch past Whitehorn campground where meltwater streams pour down the walls on both sides. You cannot count them all, and the roar fills the whole valley after warm days.
  4. Emperor Falls: A thick, two-stage plunge of Robson River beside the trail. The spray hits you from a short side path, and the mist soaks your jacket and the nearby moss. Stand at the viewing area for the best photo.
  5. Berg Lake and the Mist Glacier: The destination itself. Chunks of ice calve from the Berg Glacier into the milky blue lake, and you can hear them crack from camp. Beyond the shore, the trail continues toward Robson Glacier and Snowbird Pass for those with extra days.
Berg Lake Trail takes three to five days to see all of this properly, with the first full day devoted to the walk in and the last to the walk out.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Berg Lake Trail

Maligne Lake Cruise

Maligne Lake Cruise

4.8(1406) 1h 30m
From €80
per personViator
Jasper Wildlife & Maligne Lake Tour with Spirit Island Cruise

Jasper Wildlife & Maligne Lake Tour with Spirit Island Cruise

4.8(791)
From €151
per personViator
Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour

Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour

4.7(949)
From €62
per personViator
Athabasca Falls Run

Athabasca Falls Run

5.0(536) 3h
From €81
per personViator
Athabasca River Mile 5

Athabasca River Mile 5

5.0(471) 2h
From €67
per personViator
Half-Day Jasper Culture Food Tour

Half-Day Jasper Culture Food Tour

5.0(409) 3h
From €104
per personViator
Jasper National Park Tour: Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake and Spirit Island

Jasper National Park Tour: Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake and Spirit Island

4.7(528) 6h
From €132
per personViator
Athabasca River Easy Scenic Raft Trip

Athabasca River Easy Scenic Raft Trip

4.9(387) 2h
From €64
per personViator
Jasper Wildlife and Sightseeing Tour with Maligne Lake Hike

Jasper Wildlife and Sightseeing Tour with Maligne Lake Hike

4.8(319) 6h
From €70
per personViator
Sunwapta River Self-Drive Rafting Trip

Sunwapta River Self-Drive Rafting Trip

5.0(251) 2h 15m
From €92
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Best time to hike the Berg Lake Trail

  • Peak Season (mid-July to late August): Berg Lake Trail is most dependable now, with daytime highs of 15 to 24°C (59 to 75°F) and nights near 2 to 6°C (36 to 43°F). Daylight runs 15 to 16 hours. Campsite reservations fill within hours of opening, and prices for nearby Valemount lodging climb.
  • Early Summer (June to early July): Snow can linger near Emperor Falls and the upper camps, and meltwater makes the falls roar. Highs sit at 10 to 18°C (50 to 64°F). Crowds are lighter.
  • September: Larches and fireweed turn color, mosquitoes fade and crowds thin. Highs drop to 8 to 15°C (46 to 59°F), with frost at night and a rising chance of snow. Daylight shrinks to roughly 11 to 13 hours by month's end.
  • October to May: Snow buries the upper trail, the camps are closed and avalanche hazard is real. This is
… read more 👉
  • Peak Season (mid-July to late August): Berg Lake Trail is most dependable now, with daytime highs of 15 to 24°C (59 to 75°F) and nights near 2 to 6°C (36 to 43°F). Daylight runs 15 to 16 hours. Campsite reservations fill within hours of opening, and prices for nearby Valemount lodging climb.
  • Early Summer (June to early July): Snow can linger near Emperor Falls and the upper camps, and meltwater makes the falls roar. Highs sit at 10 to 18°C (50 to 64°F). Crowds are lighter.
  • September: Larches and fireweed turn color, mosquitoes fade and crowds thin. Highs drop to 8 to 15°C (46 to 59°F), with frost at night and a rising chance of snow. Daylight shrinks to roughly 11 to 13 hours by month's end.
  • October to May: Snow buries the upper trail, the camps are closed and avalanche hazard is real. This is a backcountry ski and winter-camping season for experts only.
Book your campsites the day reservations open, then pick midweek dates in early September for the best mix of space and settled weather.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: below average for travelingFEBFebruary: below average for travelingMARMarch: below average for travelingAPRApril: below average for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: good for travelingOCTOctober: below average for travelingNOVNovember: below average for travelingDECDecember: below average for traveling
canada-hike-berg-lake-trail
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🥾 Hike detailsEverything you need to know before hiking Berg Lake Trail

Total Distance: Berg Lake Trail is about 42 kilometers out and back to Berg Lake, with the farthest campground a little beyond that.
Estimated Duration: Three to five days is typical, with at least one night at Berg Lake.
Difficulty: Moderate. The grade is steady, the path is wide, and the main challenge is carrying a full pack for two long days.
Starting Point: The Berg Lake trailhead sits at the end of a short park road off the highway near Mount Robson Visitor Centre. No regular bus reaches it, so most hikers arrange a shuttle or ride from Valemount, and trains stop at the nearby town.
Major Landmarks:
  • Kinney
… read more 👉
Total Distance: Berg Lake Trail is about 42 kilometers out and back to Berg Lake, with the farthest campground a little beyond that.
Estimated Duration: Three to five days is typical, with at least one night at Berg Lake.
Difficulty: Moderate. The grade is steady, the path is wide, and the main challenge is carrying a full pack for two long days.
Starting Point: The Berg Lake trailhead sits at the end of a short park road off the highway near Mount Robson Visitor Centre. No regular bus reaches it, so most hikers arrange a shuttle or ride from Valemount, and trains stop at the nearby town.
Major Landmarks:
  • Kinney Lake: A flat, easy first stretch, with a campground on its far shore.
  • Whitehorn Campground: Sits below the mountain’s base and the Valley of a Thousand Falls.
  • Emperor Falls: The largest cascade and a good rest stop before the final climb.
  • Berg Lake: The terminus, with several campgrounds near the shore.
Terrain and Scenery: Compact dirt and gravel for the first stretch, then roots, rock steps and a few bridges over braided rivers. The final climb after Emperor Falls is the steepest section and opens onto the lakeshore with the full face of the mountain ahead.
Vegetation: Old cedar and hemlock forest near the start, giving way to spruce, fir and alpine meadow. Wildflowers fill the openings in midsummer.
Wildlife: Black and grizzly bears, mountain goats, marmots, and the occasional moose. Carry bear spray, keep food in the lockers provided at camp, and make noise on blind corners.
Permits: Camping reservations through BC Parks are required and fill quickly once they open, so book early.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

Berg Lake Trail is a well-managed, popular route, and most problems come from weather and underestimating the distance. The trail climbs about 800 meters over 21 kilometers one way, so start early and keep a steady pace rather than racing the first flat stretch. Mountain weather turns fast near Mount Robson, and rain or snow can arrive even in July, so carry a waterproof shell, warm layers and a hat. Footing is rooty and rocky past Emperor Falls, and bridges and boardwalks can be slick. Glacier calving at Berg Lake is loud but distant; stay back from the shore. Black bears and grizzlies live in the valley, so carry bear spray where you can reach it, make noise on blind corners and store all food in the metal lockers at camps. Mosquitoes and bugs can be fierce in early summer, so bring repellent. … read more 👉
Berg Lake Trail is a well-managed, popular route, and most problems come from weather and underestimating the distance. The trail climbs about 800 meters over 21 kilometers one way, so start early and keep a steady pace rather than racing the first flat stretch. Mountain weather turns fast near Mount Robson, and rain or snow can arrive even in July, so carry a waterproof shell, warm layers and a hat. Footing is rooty and rocky past Emperor Falls, and bridges and boardwalks can be slick. Glacier calving at Berg Lake is loud but distant; stay back from the shore. Black bears and grizzlies live in the valley, so carry bear spray where you can reach it, make noise on blind corners and store all food in the metal lockers at camps. Mosquitoes and bugs can be fierce in early summer, so bring repellent. Check BC Parks trail conditions before you leave.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Berg Lake Trail

Most backpackers take 2 to 4 days to do the Berg Lake Trail as an out-and-back, covering about 21 kilometers each way from the Berg Lake Trailhead to Berg Lake. Many people split it with a first night at Kinney Lake or Whitehorn, then spend a night or two at Berg Lake for side trips such as Snowbird Pass. Strong hikers can finish in 2 days, but 3 nights lets you see the glacier without rushing.
Berg Lake Trail is moderate, with a gradual but steady climb of roughly 800 meters over 21 kilometers each way. The first 7 kilometers to Kinney Lake are easy and flat, while the stretch past Whitehorn and the switchbacks near Emperor Falls are the hardest sections. Carrying a full overnight pack over several days is the real challenge, so reasonable fitness and broken-in boots matter.
Berg Lake Trail has no guide requirement, but you do need a backcountry camping reservation through the BC Parks system for every night you stay. Reservations for the short summer season sell out fast, and fees run about US$10 to 15 per person per night plus a small booking charge. Day hikers going only to Kinney Lake do not need a permit, and Mount Robson Visitor Centre staff can give current trail conditions and bear information.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Berg Lake Trail is a long way to carry a pack for a mountain that is hidden behind cloud as often as not, and many first-timers overlook that. I would plan an extra night at the lake so you have a second morning to catch a clear summit. Pack warm layers for the evenings, since camp is cold even in July.

✈️ When did I visit Canada?
As part of my 1.5 year travel around the world trip, I visited Canada in 2016.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Canada, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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