Mount Robson Provincial Park is located in east central British Columbia, close to the communities of Valemount, Tete Jaune Cache and McBride. Situated just west of the British Columbia / Alberta border Mt. Robson is situated right next to world-renown Jasper National Park. Mount Robson Provincial Park is the second oldest park in British Columbia and named after the highest peak in the Canadian Rocky Mountains (12,900 feet). As part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains World Heritage Site (designated by the UNESCO in 1990), Mount Robson Provincial Park is truly one of the world’s crown jewels.
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For the superb view of this majestic mountain alone, towering over lesser surrounding peaks, Mount Robson is worth a visit. No matter if you visit in summer or winter, Mount Robson has it all. There is something for every taste, age and budget. Explore remote valleys on a guided ATV tour and imagine how early trappers and explorers felt in awe of this simply breathtaking scenery. Make sure you have at least some days to enjoy the many adventures Mount Robson has to offer. Stay at one of the many campgrounds overnight or make it a real Canadian experience by renting a cozy log cabin for some nights.
Mt. Robson Provincial Park protects a unique flora and fauna, typical of the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The park also protects the headwaters of the Fraser River with its important eco system, home to Chinook salmon that return here to spawn each year in late summer. In August and September you can witness this unique spectacle at Rearguard Falls. While hiking in Mount Robson you can experience three different vegetation zones and an abundance of wildlife including mule and whitetail deer, black bear, moose, elk, grizzly bear, caribou, mountain goat and mountain sheep. The opportunities to spot one or more different species are excellent. Birdwatchers enjoy more than 182 species of birds.
Mount Robson Provincial Park in Figures
Mount Robson Provincial Park has a total size of 224,866 hectares.
Mt. Robson is with 3954 metres (12,900 ft) the highest point in the Canadian Rockies.
Arrival
Mount Robson Provincial Park is located approx. 4 hours north of Kamloops and can be reached via Highway 5. From Prince George, take Highway 16 East and travel for about 3.5 hours. A 5-hour drive on Highway 16 brings you from Edmonton to Mount Robson.
Points of Interest near Mount Robson Provincial Park
Kinbasket Lake
Access: Along Canoe Forest Road, approx. 24 km south of Valemount.
Kinbasket Lake, a former small lake engulfed by the flooding of the Columbia River Valley, extends south from Valemount to Golden.
There is a boat launch at Canoe Forest Road. Kinbasket Lake is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. Try your luck on rainbow trout, bull trout and whitefish.
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Jackman Flats Provincial Park - Ecological Reserve
Location: On Highway 5 in Tete Jaune Cache, 10 km north of Valemount.
Jackman Flats Provincial Park protects a unique ecosystem of British Columbia. Vast quantities of sand, deposited by winds some 11,000 years ago, make up shifting sand dunes that are home to some rare plants, such as Juniperus-Stereocaulon, that is found nowhere else in British Columbia. To protect this exceptional ecosystem, please stay on the trails while hiking or cross-country skiing! Jackman Flats offers four different trails: Big Dune Trail (6.2 km difficult), Juniper Trail (3.4 km intermediate), Pine Tree Trail (1.4 km easy), and Lichen Loop (2.3 km easy). While you are at Jackman Flats, don't miss the Lichen Loop trail with its 12 interesting interpretive signs. A natural lichen garden!
Robert W. Starrat Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: One kilometre south of Valemount, on Highway 5.
This sanctuary has 6 km/3.6 miles of trails and walkways, accessing towers for observing wildlife in the wetlands below. The first viewing platform is less than five minutes walk from the parking lot. A hike to the second wildlife-viewing platform takes about 30 minutes; to walk around the entire marsh takes about one and a half hours. The marsh, once a glacial lake that was drained during the Canadian National Railway’s development in the early 1900s, is now home to beaver, otter, moose and deer as well as an abundance of birds including eagles, hawks, ducks, geese, woodpeckers, grouse, sandpiper, owls, finches, swallows, jay’s and many more.
George Hicks Regional Park
Location: In walking distance from the Village of Valemount, along Swift Creek.
Each year, from mid August to mid September you can witness the annual migration of the spawning Chinook salmon at George Hicks Park in Valemount. Chinook salmon swim about 1,280 km to get from the Pacific Ocean via Fraser River and McLennan River to Swift Creek in Valemount. The 2.5 ha park features a small trail, as well as a lookout platform for salmon viewing.
Little Lost Lake
Location: 2 km east of Tete Jaune Cache, on the north side of Highway 16.
The Little Lost Lake Trail is a great hiking trail that leads to a small lake and waterfalls. In spring and early summer you may spot some mountain goats while climbing to the waterfalls. Don’t miss to bring your camera. There is a loop around the lake which offers fishing opportunities.
Rearguard Falls
Location: 5 km east of Tete Jaune Cache, on the south side of Highway 16.
The easy Rearguard Falls Trail leads to a viewing platform of Rearguard Falls of the Fraser River, where you can enjoy some beautiful views of the falls. In August you can watch Chinook salmon attempting to leap the falls after a long and tiring journey upstream Fraser River for spawning.
In winter a snowshoe walk brings you down to the viewing platform where the cold has transformed the Fraser River and the Rearguard Falls in an amazing piece of art consisting out of ice of all shapes and colors.
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Activities at Robson Valley
Recreational activities at Mount Robson and within the Robson Valley are endless. Lake fishing in Robson Valley includes Kinbasket Lake, Moose Lake, and Yellowhead Lucerne Lake. If you prefer river fishing, opportunities exist at Canoe River, Fraser River, Camp Creek, Swift Creek, and McLennan River. Fish species include rainbow trout, bull trout and whitefish. A guided ATV tour is an excellent way of exploring the breathtaking scenery of the Robson Valley. Canoeing and whitewater rafting provide opportunities of fun and wildlife viewing. Tee off at one of the local golf courses of Valemount. If you prefer cowboy style, a trail ride might be just what you are looking for. No matter for what activities you decide, a visit of Robson Valley will provide you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Salmon Run
Coming to British Columbia for the salmon run is truly an once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Not only can you see thousands of salmon with a size of up to 5 feet in length, but you can also witness the abundant wildlife attracted by the spawning salmon. Black bear and grizzlies feast on the salmon to gain weight for hibernation. Have you ever seen a bear standing in the river catching salmon? Bald and golden eagle soar above this annual spectacle to participate in this gourmet event. Local tour operators offer boat trips that bring you right above the action.
For more information on the annual salmon run, please refer to our report Salmon Run of British Columbia.
Accommodations in the Area
Campgrounds:
Summit River Lodge and Campsites
Box 517, 19345 Hwy 5
Valemount, British Columbia
V0E 2Z0
Irvins Park & Campground
PO Box 1059, 360 Loseth Rd.
Valemount, British Columbia
V0E 2Z0
Phone: (250) 566-4781
Log Cabins:
Mica Mountain Lodge
Box 885, 15658 Tete Jaune Rd
Valemount, British Columbia
V0E 2Z0
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