The highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies
Mount Robson Lodge is the ideal base from which to explore Mount Robson Provincial Park (the oldest provincial park on the British Columbia mainland). As the highest peak in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, 3954 metre high Mount Robson towers above the surrounding peaks, and is easily visible from several locations at the west end of Mount Robson Park as well as from Mount Robson Lodge. The Park has been designated by UNESCO as part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains World Heritage site, and offers hiking, biking, sightseeing, rafting, fishing, helicopter sightseeing, and wildlife viewing.
From Mount Robson Lodge it is a short 5 minutes to reach the Park headquarters and Visitor Information Centre where information can be obtained regarding trails or local activities and while there be sure to explore the many interpretive displays about Mount Robson Park’s natural environment and local history.
Mount Robson Park is home to the world famous Berg Lake trail, an overnight hiking trail that offers spectacular views of thundering waterfalls, alpine terrain, glacial lakes, and cracking ice-blue glaciers all while being surrounded by spectacular Rocky Mountain Peaks. For those that don’t want to go overnight on the trail an easier half day hike to Kinney Lake, the first lake along the Berg Lake Trail, is a popular option for people of all hiking levels. Along the way to Kinney Lake you’ll pass through stunning old-growth interior rain forest and follow alongside the rushing Robson River. Find out more about hiking to Berg Lake here.
Several other short trails within the park will lead you to waterfalls, along paths beside the Fraser River, or to spectacular views of Mount Robson. There are several more trails just outside the western boundary of the park, as well as tours to explore the Rocky Mountains by All-Terrain Vehicle.
Scenic float tours and whitewater rafting on the Fraser River are other favourites on the “to do” list while staying at Mount Robson Lodge.
In late August and September there are opportunities to view the world’s second longest salmon migration in the Fraser River. The mighty Chinook salmon can be viewed attempting to jump Rearguard Falls after a short 10 minute hike from the Yellowhead Highway or the salmon can be viewed up close and personal while relaxing on a gentle scenic float trip.
A scenic drive east through Mount Robson Park towards Jasper provides even more Rocky Mountain scenery and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. You will pass Moose Lake and Moose Marsh, with opportunities to view the bog-loving animal for which they are named.
Those with their own canoes or kayaks can enjoy a leisurely paddle on the lake, the only one on the entire length of the Fraser River. Farther East you will come to Lucerne Lake, where you will find hiking trails and a small beach for those who wish to swim. Before leaving Mount Robson Park and entering Jasper National Park, you will travel over the Yellowhead Pass, on the continental divide. It is from this point that all water on the west side flows to the Pacific Ocean, and all water to the east flows to the Atlantic or Arctic Oceans.
Jasper and Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is must-see destination on any Rocky Mountain Vacation and is easily reached while using Mount Robson Lodge as a base. The Lodge is a scenic one hour drive from the Jasper town site through the Yellowhead Pass. The drive offers views of majestic mountains, the beginnings of the Fraser River, and tranquil Moose Lake and follows the historic route of fur-traders and the Canadian National Railway. Opportunities for wildlife viewing are present on every section of the drive.
Once arriving in Jasper, you will have your choice of many activities and sights. Horseback riding, fishing, hiking, biking, rafting or canoeing are just some of your choices. Some of Jasper’s most famous sights include Maligne Lake, Mount Edith Cavell, Athabasca Falls, and Miette Hot Springs. All are within a 1 hour drive of the Jasper town-site.
For those who want a longer day trip it is possible to drive part of the world famous Icefields Parkway, visit the Columbia Icefields and take a tour in a snocoach going out onto the Athabasca Glacier.
For a bird’s eye view of the Rocky Mountains the Jasper Tramway takes you to the top of Whistlers Mountain for scenic views of the Jasper town-site, glacial lakes, the Athabasca River, and six mountain ranges. On a clear day you can see the peak of Mount Robson, over 80 km away.
Exploring the Jasper town site will not leave you disappointed. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, this charming alpine village offers excellent shopping, quaint cafes, and a number of dining experiences. If you’re interested in history, you can visit the Jasper Park Information Centre National Historic Site or the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum & Archives.
Valemount
Valemount, British Columbia is located approximately 20 minutes by car from Mount Robson Lodge. This small mountain community offers a great alternative to the hustle and bustle of city life while providing world class scenery, recreation and wildlife viewing opportunities. This friendly mountain village, home to approximately 1000 people, is set amongst three different mountain ranges, the Cariboo, Monashee and Rocky Mountains, all of which are visible from Valemount.
To the west of the town site is the stunning Premier Mountain Range, part of the Cariboo Mountains, where thirteen peaks have been named for Canada’s prominent politicians including Mount Pierre Elliot Trudeau one of Canada’s more recent and colourful prime ministers.
Valemount’s main attraction is the natural beauty and outdoor recreation. The local mountains offer several hiking and mountain biking opportunities all within a close distance to the town, many offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains or unique ecosystems.
Just outside Valemount, travellers can visit a semi-desert environment at Jackman Flats Provincial Park a unique sand-dune environment found no-where else in British Columbia that houses some plants which are native to Arizona. Within a 20 minute drive from this semi-desert you can be standing in an interior rainforest at Mount Robson Provincial Park or a sub-alpine forest on one of the surrounding peaks.
Adventure seekers to the Valemount area will not be disappointed. For those who like to fish, nearby mountain streams and lakes, as well as the massive Kinbasket Lake will be sure to offer enough variety to keep any angler busy. For canoeing, rafting, or kayaking enthusiasts, Valemount is in close proximity to the Thompson and Fraser Rivers, as well as several creeks lakes and wetlands.
Just 5 minutes south of Valemount, the R.W. Starratt Wildlife Sanctuary, which can be explored by hiking trail or canoe, has been designated as one Canada’s top bird-watching destinations. This 6000 acre wetland is home to over 140 different species of birds and is directly on a major migration route.
In August the world’s second longest salmon migration passes through George Hicks Regional Park by way of Swift Creek, a tributary of the Fraser River.
Two nine-hole golf courses offer a beautiful Rocky Mountain golf experience within minutes of Valemount and during the winter months Valemount is considered to be a top Canadian Snowmobile Destination.
Valemount offers several restaurants and amenities for travellers with Canadian small town atmosphere. The Valemount and Area Museum offers displays on the first settlers in the area and the rich railway history of the town. At the Valemount Visitor Centre you can view displays on the Premier Mountain Range and the Spawning Salmon, or take in daily nature talks during July and August.
