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Mount Robson Provincial Park
Table of Contents: Culture and History / History / Landscape / Flora and fauna / Climate / Travel to Mount Robson Provincial Park, visa requirements / Fees.2FPermits / Get around / Mount Robson Provincial Park attractions and sightseeing / City tours / Hiking / Climbing / Fishing / Eat and Drink / Hotels, youth hostels, lodging / Camping / Backcountry / Stay safe / Get out More from North Thompson: Mount Robson Provincial Park travel tours Popular destinations Istanbul (Marmara region ) travel tours, Barcelona (Catalonia) culture, Rome (Lazio) tourist attractions, Singapore (Southeast Asia) hotels and youth hostels, Western Europe (Europe) tourist attractions, South Africa (Southern Africa) travel tours, United Kingdom (Western Europe) tourist attractions, Europe (Home) tourist attractions, Vancouver (Greater Vancouver) culture, Morocco (North Africa) hotels and youth hostels |
Mount Robson Provincial Park [1] is in the North Thompson region of British Columbia, and is part of the Canadian Rockies. Its focus is the 3954 meter peak that tells its name.
Culture and History
"On every side the snowy heads of mighty hills crowded round, whilst, immediately behind us, a giant among giants, and immeasurably supreme, rose Robson's Peak" ( Milton and Cheadle, 1865 )
History
Established in 1913, Mount Robson Provincial Park is the second provincial protected area in the province. The Texqakallt First Nations called the peak Yuh-hai-has-kun, "The Mountain of the Spiral Road" owing to the mountain's ringed appearance. Mount Robson was first climbed to the summit in 1913, which with 3000m of pure ascent, is an impressive feat.
Landscape
As you might expect, the park's landscape is quite mountainous, although there are some low flat marshlands around Moose Lake. The portion of the park most seen by travellers follows a long narrow valley from Tete Jaune Cache up to the headwaters of the Fraser River and beyond to Jasper. You will likely not recognize the Fraser River if your first impression is of the large, slow, lumbering waterway that flows into the Strait of Georgia in Vancouver. In this area the Fraser is a fast moving glacier fed river in its infancy, just begining its 1400km (870mi) journey which drains 220,000 square kilometers of British Columbia.
Flora and fauna
A brief survey of mammals native to this area include grizzly and black bears, caribou, wolverines, mule deer, whitetail deer, moose, elk, wolf, and coyote. There are also over 182 species of bird and waterfowl, 4 amphibians and one reptile native to the area.
Climate
Travel to Mount Robson Provincial Park, visa requirements
Fees/Permits
- Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $17 per party / night at Robson Meadows and Robson River. Lucerne is $13 per person / night.
- Backcountry Camping Fee: $5 per person / night
Get around
Mount Robson Provincial Park attractions and sightseeing
- Berg Lake is an azure jewel tucked snuggly to the base of Mount Robson. It is named for the huge chunks of ice that break off (calve) from the Berg Glacier that flows directly into the lake. If you are truly brave, feel free to take a dip in the most refreshing water you can imagine. Berg Lake is a 21km hike from the trailhead.
City tours
Hiking
Mount Robson Provincial Park offers everything from short day hikes to week long backcountry expeditions that meet up with Jasper National Parks trail system.
- Robson Meadows and Robson River campsites have several short trails suitable for day hiking.
- Kinney Lake Trail is a 4.5km (one way) hike that departs from the information center.
- Berg Lake Trail gains 800m in 23 kilometers, and is the entryway to several other trails at or near Berg Lake. You must register at the information center if you plan to camp along this trail, or further backcountry. There are seven separate sites with tent pads along this trail. Bicycles are not allowed past Kinney Lake at the 7km mark. There are many waterfalls along this trail along the Robson River.
- Hargreaves Lake Route is a half day hike that climbs from Marmot campsite (along Berg Lake Trail) to Hargreaves Lake and glacier. After the viewpoint this trail intersects with the Toboggan Falls trail and becomes Mumm Basin Route, which is another steep alpine trail which heads to Robson Pass. It is a half day return to Berg Lake.
- Toboggan Falls Route is a two hour return route that climbs to Toboggan Falls and alpine meadows. If you continue on for 45 minutes past the falls you will find some caves.
- Snowbird Pass Route is a full day hike from Berg Lake past the impressive Robson Glacier and the backside of Mount Robson returning to Highway 16. This is a completely undeveloped trail marked only by rock cairns, so utmost caution should be taken to ensure you stay on course. This trail is closed in May and June so as not to disturb the caribou calving that takes place in this area.
- Moose River Route should only be attempted by experienced, well-equipped backcountry hikers. Orienteering will be required to stay on course. This is a seven day hike that crosses Robson Pass into Jasper National Park before cutting back across Moose Pass into Mount Robson Park. It is 66km from Berg Lake to Highway 16.
- Yellowhead Mountain Trail. The trailhead is 52.8 km east of the Mount Robson Park Visitor Centre at Yellowhead Mountain. This trail gains 800m in elevation in only 8km, so should only be attempted by those in good physical condition. Culminates in subalpine meadows with astounding views of the mountains and lakes of the park. There are no facilities along this trail, and it is recommended for day hikes only.
- Mount Fitzwilliam Trail trailhead is located 54km east of the visitor centre. This trail which heads south from Highway 16 travels 13.5km up and around Mount Fitzwilliam to a sub alpine lake. There are several day hikes available from the end of this trail.
Climbing
Mount Robson features 3000m of pure vertical ascent. Only experienced professional climbers who are fully equipped (including emergency overnight gear) should attempt this climb. Fast changing weather can quickly turn a nice day into a nightmare. Be cautious.
Fishing
There are opportunities for trolling at Moose Lake and Yellowhead Lake. There is seasonal flyfishing along the Fraser and Moose rivers. Species include Dolly Varden, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Kokanee and Whitefish. Ensure you have a proper license, as conservation officers have the ability to confiscate your equipment (including vehicles and boats) if you are not in compliance.
Eat and Drink
Many maps and guides will state there is a gas station and restaurant located with the visitor center: They are only open in summer. You will have to bring in your own supplies the rest of the year.
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
There are no hotels, motels or lodges in the park. The nearest are in Valemount to the west and Jasper to the east. There is, however, ample spots for both tenting, and three spots for Recreational Vehicles.
Camping
- Robson Meadows and Robson River campsites have 144 spots for tents or recreational vehicles. Both spots are located minutes from the visitor center. 32 of the spots at Robson Meadows are reservable. The rest are first-come first-serve. Both sites have hot showers and a family room.
- Lucerne is farther down the highway towards Jasper. This site has 36 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Backcountry
- Berg Lake Trail has seven tent-pad sites along its length equipped with fire pits and pit toilets. Bring your own toilet paper. From the trailhead:
- Kinney Lake, 7km, 14 pads.
- Whitehorn, 11km, 22 pads.
- Emperor Falls, 16km, 9 pads.
- Marmot, 19km, 7 pads.
- Berg Lake, 21km, 26 pads.
- Rearguard, 22km, 5 pads.
- Robson Pass, 23km, 15 pads.
- Mount Fitzwilliam Trail has one tent-pad site at the end of the trail, but sites are limited to only 6 pads.
Other than this it is up to the hiker to make their own camp and practice leave-no-trace camping.
Stay safe
The wildlife in this park can be hazardous, especially if with their young. Do not approach bears, moose or caribou. Many of the trails travel through extreme terrain so utmost care should be taken when hiking alongside cliffs and over wet rocks. It is recommended to boil all water, and it is illegal (and dangerous) to pick and eat mushrooms and berries in this park. When hiking in the backcountry you should always register your itinerary with park staff, and carry adequate supplies including first-aid gear.
Get out
- Jasper National Park is right next door to the east.
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