Mt. Robson Provincial Park Corridor Drive
Are you ready for an adventure that will take you through some of Canada's most stunning landscapes? Come meander with me on a Mt. Robson Provincial Park Drive-through. This scenic road trip is a perfect mix of natural wonders, historic landmarks, and short hikes that will leave you in awe of British Columbia's beauty.
I am a solo road tripper who spends my summers exploring British Columbia in my beloved campervan, Wanda. For readers looking for some BC Road Trips, check out my ongoing series featuring road trip itineraries in various regions of the province.
This summer's trip had me lingering in the Rocky Mountain area shared by the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. Check out my posts on other National Parks that I visited before I got to Mt. Robson Provincial Park and Protected Area: Mount Revelstoke: Meadows in the Sky, Kootenay National Park, Jasper's Icefield Adventure Tour, and Rocky Mountain House.
Traveller Information
Getting There
Mount Robson Provincial Park is located in east-central British Columbia, just west of the Alberta border and Jasper National Park. Here's how to get there:
From Kamloops: Approximately 4 hours north on Highway 5.
From Prince George: About 3.5 hours east on Highway 16.
From Edmonton: Roughly 5 hours west on Highway 16.
The closest communities to the park are Jasper, Valemount, and McBride. These towns offer amenities and services. Commercial airports are in Prince George, Kamloops, and Edmonton, where rental vehicles are available.
When to Visit
The Rockies region is a great place to visit year-round, but travelling in remote areas can present challenges that travellers should be prepared for. Be aware that cellular connection is unavailable or unreliable throughout much of the Mt. Robson Corridor. Have offline maps available and ensure your gas tank is full.
At one construction area, the distance and geography means even road crews need to be creative. As the last vehicle to enter the zone, I was given the flagger's sign and told to pass it to the flagger on the other end, as they didn't have radio/cell contact with the other side!
Winter travel in the area can be challenging due to rapidly changing weather, including snow. Parts of the parks are not open year-round, so it would be best to check the Parks Canada website for detailed information on the attractions you wish to see.
In the summer, challenges may include wildfires. British Columbia and Alberta suffer through a long and difficult fire season, during which lightning strikes and human carelessness can spark hundreds of fires. Keep your schedule and routing flexible. Download the BC Wildfires app. Please keep in mind that evacuated locals will need accommodations and campsites. Fortunately, most fires occur in remote areas and are most likely to affect air quality rather than safety.
A Drive Through Mt. Robson Provincial Park
This road trip begins as you leave the town of Jasper in Jasper National Park towards Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies (3,954 m/12,972 ft). The mountain dominates the drive, with plenty of opportunities for stunning photos.
The Mt. Robson Corridor from Jasper to Valemount (the next town) will take about an hour, not including any stops along the way. Before arriving in Clearwater, the town that serves as the entrance to Wells Gray Provincial Park, there are several other small towns. The total time for driving (without stops) from Jasper to Clearwater is about 3 hours.
For those without a vehicle, a Via Rail train service runs between Jasper and Clearwater twice a week.
The History of Mt. Robson Provincial Park
The Texqakallt Nation, the earliest inhabitants in this area, called the mountain "Yuh-hai-has-kun", meaning "the mountain of the spiral road" reflecting the mountains layered appearance. The current name of the park honours Colin Robertson, an early fur trader and explorer.
The park was established in 1933, becoming the second provincial park in BC. The park was created to protect the headwaters of the Fraser River and is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site.
Mt. Robson Parkway Corridor
As you drive through the park, you'll find numerous landmarks and viewpoints that offer breathtaking views and unique experiences:
Yellowhead Lake: At the east entry to the park at the welcome sign, this serene lake offers excellent opportunities for canoeing, paddling, and even swimming (though the water can be quite cold!). The lake has a reputation for good trout fishing.
Overlander Falls Trail: The Overlander Falls Trail is a short and easy hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall. The soothing sound of cascading water and the lush greenery surrounding the falls create a tranquil ambiance, perfect for a short leg-stretching break before continuing your drive.
Berg Lake Trail: For backcountry hiking enthusiasts, one of the must-see landmarks in Mt. Robson Provincial Park is the Berg Lake Trail, with breathtaking views of glaciers, waterfalls, and turquoise-blue lakes. Hikers can choose easier or challenging trails. Start at the end of Kinney Lake Road and continue up into the mountains to Robson Pass.
Reservations are required for this hike. Follow this link to reserve.
Kinney Lake Viewpoint: The Kinney Lake viewpoint along the trail provides a perfect spot to admire the beauty of the surroundings (and catch your breath!). Kinney Lake reflects the towering Mount Robson, resulting in fantastic scenery and spectacular photos.
Japanese Internment Camp Marker: A sombre reminder of the past, this marker commemorates the site of a Japanese internment camp during World War II. It offers a chance to reflect on the area's history and the resilience of those who lived through that difficult time.
Wildlife Viewing
Mt. Robson Provincial Park is a dream for wildlife enthusiasts. Bird Nerds will be in their glory with more than 182 species in the park. As you explore the park's trails and viewpoints, keep your eyes peeled for mule and whitetail deer, moose, elk, black bears, grizzly bears, caribou, mountain goats, and mountain sheep.
Parks Canada reminds visitors not to stop on the road to watch wildlife, as this habituates the animals to human presence. Maintain a distance of about 100m (three bus lengths), and do not attempt to interact with or feed the wildlife. Never get between an adult and their young.
Other Activities
Trails: At the park’s east end, there are several trails. These range from well-developed, hard-surface trails like Yellowhead Mountain Trail to remote backcountry routes like Moose River Trail. They are helpfully marked at the trailhead with the expected time and distance.
Climbing: Peak climbers worldwide come to Mount Robson Park to tackle Mount Robson Peak. At 3,954 m (12,972 ft), Mount Robson is not the highest peak in Canada. However, few mountains worldwide can claim to offer almost 3,000 m (10,000 ft) of pure ascent. Mount Robson Peak is suitable only for highly experienced climbers.
Rafting: Rafting companies operate in the area along various sections of the Fraser River in Mount Robson Park for those looking for either an exhilarating whitewater experience or a lazy river float
Accommodations in the Park
Various accommodation options are available if you wish to extend your stay in Mt. Robson Provincial Park. From cozy cabins to campsites offering stunning views, you can choose the perfect lodging to suit your preferences.
Camping
Spending a night under the starlit sky in this serene wilderness is an experience like no other, allowing you to connect with nature on a deeper level. My style of road tripping is very spontaneous, so I didn't make reservations and was unable to camp inside the park.
Total Campsites: 201 vehicle-accessible sites, 14 backcountry sites, ($10 per night) and 94 reservable frontcountry sites. ($22 - $30 per night)
Reservations: Required for the Berg Lake Trail during the main operating season. Reservations can also be made for the Robson Meadows, Robson River, and Lucerne campgrounds through the BC Parks reservation service.
Cabins
There are no cabin rentals within the park, but several excellent choices are close to the park, including Mount Robson Lodge, with comfortable log cabins featuring great views of Mt. Robson.
Final Thoughts
A drive through Mt. Robson Provincial Park offers an unforgettable experience filled with scenic views and beautiful trails. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography buff, or looking for a peaceful retreat from the stresses of daily life, this stretch of the Yellowhead Highway promises to inspire and rejuvenate.
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