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.
Adventure Travel in the North Thompson Valley
Tuck into a cozy backcountry alpine cabin after spending the day surrounded by 360 degrees of wilderness.
Backcountry Hut Trips
Tuck into a cozy alpine cabin after spending the day surrounded by 360 degrees of wilderness. Despite the thin air, vast views and sheer isolation never cease to energize me.
Backcountry hut trips can provide some of the most rewarding adventure travel experiences. Luckily for us, BC is home to a wealth of these lodges - they exist in a variety of forms, some as comfortably-catered cabins and others as rustic outposts.
Hiking in Mount Robson Provinvcial Park
Photographer: Nic Collar
Within the Thompson Okanagan, the North Thompson is a mecca for seasoned adventurers. The best spots aren’t always the easiest to get to, but that’s what makes it rewarding. In this article I’m going to identify three North Thompson backcountry lodge trips worth talking about.
Backcountry Lodges of British Columbia
First, when choosing a backcountry hut to visit, research is key. Access and facilities vary greatly. The Backcountry Lodges of British Columbia Association (BLBCA) make up an extensive network of remote accommodation generally situated in the alpine, above the treeline. Visiting a hut within this association helps to ensure that visitation is properly regulated, lodge operations are sensitive to the environment and are within adherence to BC wildlife and employment guidelines.
Due to remoteness, those who run or visit these lodges are experts in using alternative energy systems, responsibly treating water, and ensuring that visitors tread lightly on the natural environment.
With the exception of some transportation (like helicopters), all activities within the backcountry network are non-mechanized. Leaving the smallest footprint possible is a value that is vital to the preservation of these remote experiences.
In Wells Gray Provincial Park, you’re amongst giants. Whether they be old growth forests, untouched mountain ridges, or the famous wildflower meadows - this is a vast playground. There are three lodges that exist within this set: Trophy Mountain Lodge, Fight Meadow Lodge and Discovery Cabin. If you’re new to the backcountry, let Wells Gray Adventures take care of the details. Their packages include guiding, accommodations, catering, and transportation to and from the trail head.
These huts are available year-round. In the winter, this area has one of the most consistent snowfalls in BC - and terrain exists at a variety of levels. Access via helicopter and snowcat are available.
The Monashee Chalet is located south of Blue River. This dormitory-style hut is basic, but let’s face it - you’re not coming all the way here to relax inside. In the summer, the chalet sits beside a lake and a backdrop of endless alpine hiking. In the winter, this area is known for tree skiing and can be reached by touring or snowmobile.
BLBCA advises that guests booking the chalet will be required to provide a resume of their backcountry lodge experience, guided tours are not explicitly offered.
Set amongst subalpine meadows and lakes, this lodge is on the boundary of Mount Robson Provincial Park and has a sunny exposure to spectacular views.
Dave Henry Lodge accommodates up to 10 people in a semi-divided room format. In the summer, guided hikes or horseback rides can be arranged through the owners. When the snow flies, guided ski packages are also available. The owners also operate Swift Creek Cabins, which are located 14 kilometres northwest of Dave Henry, and make for a great hut-to-hut trip.
Backcountry Safety
It may go without saying, but the backcountry is remote and conditions can be unpredictable. Take the proper precautions before setting out and be prepared. Visit BLBCA Safety Training & Resources.
Winter adds a layer of complexity to travelling in the wilderness. Ensure that you go with a reputable guide or have the proper experience and certification. Check backcountry conditions before departing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Meghan Reading is a Canadian travel photographer. She grew up in the rocky mountains of Alberta but now calls British Columbia home. While she looks forward to continuing to explore the world with her camera, her favourite destination will always be her own backyard.