July 17, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Mount Robson, Hiking
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Located approximately 275 kilometers from Prince George lies the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies! Commonly known to locals and tourists as Mount Robson, the summit of this mountain reaches 5410 feet in height and is approximately 23 kilometers one way from the base of the Berg Lake Trailhead.
Throughout the entire hike to the peak, there are several places to stop and enjoy the remarkable scenery and breathe in the fresh mountain air, but there are only 7 places to camp overnight and three locations for shelter. You are able to ride your bike into the trail until the edge of Kinney Lake (7 kilometers from the Berg Lake Trailhead) where there are bike racks located for you to lock your bike, as you continue on your trek up the mountain.
The hike to Kinney Lake is the easiest on the route and one that I would suggest for the whole family. The water, as a part of a glacier run off is absolutely stunning. On a sunny day, you can see the reflection of the mountains in the still water of the lake.
After Kinney Lake, the hike will slowly incline and is a bit more difficult. You will come to a point where you come to a complete flat surface and it resembles walking across the Arizona deserts. Do not be fooled! After this easy walk, the steeper and longer inclines begin. The next main stop is Whitehorn. There are a few camping pads and a ranger station and I would suggest stopping there if you are getting tired. My family turned around and headed back home at this point, as we were on a time constraint. However, if you decide to move on, there is a great section of waterfalls above.
It is a steep incline from Whitehorn to Emperor Falls, a waterfall that is located approximately 16 kilometers from the Berg Lake Trailhead. This climb is steep and it is tough, especially if you are packing overnight backpacks. When you come to the falls, you can step in fairly close and expect to get wet! If you decide to move on and find a new camping location, your next stop would be Berg Lake, located 21 kilometers from the trailhead. This stop comes by its name honestly. If you choose to stay at the location for a while, you can hear chunks of the glacier break off and fall into the lake below. If you set up camp at Berg Lake, there are several options for small day trips in the area, including Toboggan Falls and the Hargreaves Glacier.
If you are interested in being outdoors and are wanting to put yourself up to a new challenge, Mount Robson is a great location to check out!!