Berg Lake Trail
~3 days · 13.4 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Berg Lake Trail is known for
One of the Canadian Rockies' classic hikes, climbing through the Valley of a Thousand Falls to turquoise, iceberg-dotted Berg Lake beneath the north face of Mount Robson, at 3,954 m (12,972 ft) the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The out-and-back route in Mount Robson Provincial Park in British Columbia passes waterfalls including Emperor Falls and reaches lakeside campgrounds facing the Berg and Mist glaciers. It is one of the most sought-after backcountry trips in the province.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,799 ft to 5,449 ft over 13.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 6.9 mi · 52%
- Downhill 1.9 mi · 14%
- Flat 4.6 mi · 34%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Berg Lake Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Berg Lake Trail scores 28/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Roughly July through September, once the upper trail clears of snow; the trail has been subject to closures for flood-damage repairs, so check current status before going.
Permits: A BC Parks backcountry camping reservation is required to stay overnight, released in advance and in high demand.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Berg Lake Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Berg Lake Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 13.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Berg Lake Trail?
The Berg Lake Trail climbs roughly 3,907 ft total — about 292 ft per mile, topping out near 5,479 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Berg Lake Trail?
Roughly July through September, once the upper trail clears of snow; the trail has been subject to closures for flood-damage repairs, so check current status before going.
Do you need a permit for the Berg Lake Trail?
A BC Parks backcountry camping reservation is required to stay overnight, released in advance and in high demand.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.