Guide to Exploring Mount Robson in the Fall and Winter Months
Mount Robson, stands as the tallest peak in the Canadian Rocky Mountain range, in the Thompson Okanagan region's northernmost part. The Mount Robson Park area is unique and a true representation of the British Columbia wilderness. This guide is created to explain best how to navigate and enjoy the new trails and open sections of the park in fall and winter!
Credit: Destination BC/Megan McLellan
Mount Robson, stands as the tallest peak in the Canadian Rocky Mountain range, in the Thompson Okanagan region's northernmost part. The Mount Robson Park area is unique and a true representation of the British Columbia wilderness. This second oldest provincial park in British Columbia, is free to enter and waiting for you to explore!
In recent years, some areas and trails within the park have experienced flooding, which has led to modifications in trail access and routes. Therefore, this guide is created to explain how best to navigate and enjoy the new trails and open sections of the park. Mount Robson Park is a large area, so sticking to these tips and tricks will ensure you experience the best parts of the park safely.
Being Prepared:
Many trails in and around Mount Robson Park are backcountry hiking routes and campsites that require some preparation before ascending upon. Here are a few recommendations to ensure a safe and memorable adventure:
Know Before You Go: Check out the Thompson Okanagan Know Before You Go, or BC Parks websites for updates and current advisories on weather and closures.
Drive BC: In the winter months be sure to have snow tires and take the proper precautions to ensure safe winter driving. To check road conditions in advance throughout the year, visit DriveBC.ca.
Carry a First-Aid Kit: Alongside water and snacks, as fresh water sources are limited in the park.
Dress for Changing Weather: In the Canadian Rockies, weather can shift rapidly. Pack layers—think rain jackets, hiking shoes, and warm coats.
Plan for Navigation: Cellphone service is unavailable in much of Mount Robson Park. Be sure to pre-download maps, bring printed versions, or use a GPS device.
Getting There:
Mount Robson Provincial Park is nestled in East-Central British Columbia within the North Thompson Valley. Access the park by following these routes:
565 km (351 mi) 5.5 hours from Kelowna on Highway 97, then Highway 5
357 km (221 mi) 4 hours from Kamloops on Highway 5
288 km (178 mi) 3 hours from Prince George on Highway 16
453 km (281 mi) 5 hours from Edmonton on Highway 16
912 km (567 mi)7 hours from Washington, USA
Travelling along the Yellowhead Highway, HWY 16 will bring you to the Mount Robson Visitor Centre, the entrance to the park. Open until the end of October, the visitor centre offers maps, information, camping reservations, and a restful stop before venturing further into the park. For those seeking a quick view and photo opportunity, a short 1 km interpretive trail loop behind the centre provides stunning, unobstructed views of Mount Robson—a perfect introduction to the area.
Exploring the Area:
Mount Robson Provincial Park is alive with wildlife, from deer, moose, and elk to black bears, grizzlies, caribou, mountain goats, and dozens of bird species. Depending on the month you visit, you are able to experience alpine flower meadows, frozen glacier fed lakes, and incredible waterfalls. Best of all, you are in the vast, biodiverse, and unique, Canadian Rockies.
Credit: Tourism Valemount
Backcountry exploration is one of the main ways to explore the park. The main hiking trails are Berg Lake Trail connecting with Kinney Lake, Mount Robson Summit, and Mount Robson Corridor. These trails lead in and out of campsites, up and around lakes and rivers, and are best as multi-day hiking adventures.
Frontcountry camping is a great option for those who want to see and experience Mount Robson Provincial Park with comfort and convenience. Frontcountry is vehicle-accessible campsites that have fresh water, RV hook up, cellphone service, playgrounds, and washroom facilities. These BC Park campgrounds included Robson Meadows, Robson River, and Lucerne campgrounds. All these sites can be reserved ahead of time. Frontcountry camping provides a leisurely way to enjoy the Park’s beauty with amenities. Experience "The Crown Jewel of the Canadian Rocky Mountains" and the surrounding North Thompson Valley!
Credit: Tourism Valemount, Mary Putnam & Destination BC/Robert Downie
Written by Caroline Peterson
A local who went from the lower mainland to the Okanagan. As a student with a passion for tourism, she aims to highlight the Thompson Okanagan experience with a fresh, adventurous perspective.
Disconnecting to Reconnect in Wells Gray Park
Sometimes you need a change in pace, a quiet spot to forget everyday life and soak in nature. Somewhere where there’s no cell service, limited amenities, spotty-to-no-wifi and very little traffic.
No technology, no excess, no stress
Sometimes you need a change in pace, a quiet spot to forget everyday life and soak in nature. Somewhere where there’s no cell service, limited amenities, spotty-to-no-wifi and very little traffic. A place you’re as likely to see wildlife as you are another person. Wells Gray Park, only a few minutes out of Clearwater, BC provides those, while being only a short distance from civilization.
Bear crossing in Wells Gray Park
Photographer: Matt Ferguson
A gem of a park, mostly known for the amazing breadth of waterfalls (39 named, countless others), holds many other secrets. An amazing place for anyone to go, whether you are looking for an adventure or some quiet time away with someone special, there’s something for everyone. There are plenty of beautiful B&Bs to stay at during the fall season, or if you’re well equipped and can brave a little cold, try out one of the campgrounds. We choose to live it up a little and stay in a cozy B&B, the Blue Grouse Country Inn (worth a trip for the breakfast alone, not to mention Regina’s incredible hospitality) right in the middle of the park.
Amazing breakfast at Blue Grouse Country Inn
Photographer: Matt Ferguson
Amenities in the park are limited, so grab some groceries in Clearwater before heading into the park. There are plenty of ways to check out the park aside from driving. There are over 200 km of hiking trails, many great bike trails, endless opportunities to get out on the water (anything from rafting to a slow canoe trip) and even horseback riding! All of these options can help lessen your carbon footprint while visiting.
Clearwater Valley Road
Photographer: Matt Ferguson
The park lends itself to opening up to nature - all five senses are touched.
Sight - Put your phone and camera down for a while and use your eyes! Huge vistas, incredible colour palettes and if you’re lucky, amazing wildlife viewing opportunities.
Helmcken Falls, Wells Gray Park
Photographer: Matt Ferguson
Touch - The coolness of fog, the crunch of frosty grass, the mist running off the falls. Always be respectful of what you are touching - the plants are rugged, but fragile, the animals are accessible but wild, and trails and fences are there for a reason!
Wells Gray Park
Photographer: Matt Ferguson
Smell - Take a deep breath as often as you can. Leaves decomposing, sweet moss and mushrooms growing in the forests, the occasional waft of late season berries.
Sound - Don’t just hear; really, really listen. Rustling leaves, the crash of a cascading waterfall, the rush of the river. Absolute quiet in the dark.
Milky Way, Wells Gray Park
Photographer: Matt Ferguson
Taste - Cool spray from the falls landing on your lips, forests so green you can taste the freshness when you breath in deep. Hop n Hog for dinner.
Hop N Hog, Clearwater
Photographer: Matt Ferguson
Come visit Wells Gray. Put your phone away (unless you’re taking photos of course), spend time talking to someone, or just listening to nature. Put your hand in the creek, touch the dewy moss, skip some rocks and breath in deeply. Enjoy unbridled nature. No technology, no excess, no stress. Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but a little piece of your heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Matt Ferguson is a BC born and raised photographer, currently living in Kelowna. When his camera isn't strapped to him, you can usually find him at the beach with his family, skipping rocks or if it's cold enough, strapping on some skates and hitting a frozen pond.
www.mattfphotography.com
IG @mattfphotography
FB Matt Ferguson Photography