Mountain River Lodge Mount Robson, BC, Canada: FAQ Mount Robson Inn

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

Mountain River Lodge is located at Mount Robson Park, British Columbia. Bordering on the east side is Jasper National Park in the province of Alberta, with the town of Jasper found 90 km away on highway #16 north-west. We are 12 km east of the junction of highways #5 and #16. 20 minutes by car on highway #5 is our nearest town, Valemount, B.C. We are on the travel route taken by all visitors as they travel through the Rockies and onward to Vancouver or Calgary.

How far are you from:

Edmonton – 455 km
Calgary – 515 km
Banff – 380 km
Lake Louise – 320 km
Jasper – 90 km
Valemount – 35 km
Kamloops – 375 km
Vancouver – 700 km
Prince George – 300 km

What will the weather be like?

We experience 4 seasons here in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, sometimes all in one day! The weather can be a little bit unpredictable in the mountains, although we have come to expect snow in July at the Columbia Icefields! Hopefully summer will bring beautiful warm sunny days, with only the occasional much-needed rain shower. In general, no matter what the season, the mornings tend to be cooler, with the afternoons warming up, and cooling down again in the evenings.
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What kind of clothes should I pack?

We suggest you dress like an onion. Think layers of clothes; a T-shirt under a long-sleeved fleece, topped with a vest or a windbreaker. This allows you to remove clothing as the day warms up, and add on as the evening cools down. Don’t forget rain gear for those wetter days. A sturdy pair of shoes for trail walking, and a hat to keep off the sun and rain will come in handy.
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What attractions are nearby?

Our guests will enjoy the many activities and hiking trails available, conveniently located nearby. Whitewater Rafting, Horseback Riding, 4×4 ATV tours, guided Fishing, and family River Floats are all offered here. There is an abundance of walking trails to suit all types of outdoor enthusiasts, from the avid hiker to casual strollers. A few minutes by car will soon have you at the start of the famous Berg Lake Trail. Explore the picturesque alpine town of Jasper during the day, and visit the Jasper Tramway, Maligne Boat Tours, Mount Edith Cavell, and Miette Hot Springs.
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Where can we eat?

Due to our rural location, restaurants are limited. A café at the Information Centre offers light fare until 6 pm, and 12 km away at Tete Jaune a licensed diner is open until 9 pm. We recommend the Caribou Grill in Valemount, and if touring Jasper during the day, many restaurants can be found there. An evening meal is also served here at the lodge at 6:30 pm if you would rather not go out. It is served most evenings, one or two choices, set price ranging between
$30-35/person depending on the menu. If you are traveling to us that day and are interested in the evening meal, you can phone us from on the road to inquire what is being served, and sign up at that time. We have a toll-free phone for your convenience; 1-888-566-9899 valid in British Columbia and Alberta. Same-day reservations welcome.
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Should I bring bug spray from home?

Best to be purchased here in Canada, we personally use “Deep Woods OFF!”
Our over-sea’s guests find their stuff doesn’t work as well on the hardy Canadian mosquito, which requires its own solution. Please do not import pressurized spray canisters in your airline luggage.
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What are the roads like?

All major highways and roads typically traveled by visitors are in good repair with paved surfaces. Highway and street signage, and a good road map will help you find your way around.
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Do you have air conditioning?

Yes, provided by Mother Nature herself! The glacier river rushing past the front yard keeps the air temperature moderate. Nights tend to cool off considerably, and an open bedroom window will bring in the cool evening breeze.
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Do I need a car?

Although we do occasionally have guests arrive by bus with pre-arranged pick-up service, we recommend a car while here. Because we are in a quiet setting, away from civilization, having a car will allow you the freedom to explore the area and nearby attractions.
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Is there a time change?

Yes. If you are arriving from Alberta, you will find a time change from Mountain Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time at the BC/Alberta border. This means you will be 1 hour younger at our place! It can really work to your benefit if arriving from Jasper. It takes 1 hour to drive from Jasper to us, and with the 1 hour time change, you will arrive here at the same time you left Jasper. Huh? Really, just think about it for a moment.
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Why should I choose to stay at your lodge?

Your experienced hosts offer you warm hospitality in beautiful home and setting.
Long time owners of the lodge, with over 35 years experience in the always enjoyable and fun hospitality & tourism industry, we invite you to share our home. With fresh spring water flowing out of the faucets, clean mountain air filling the rooms, the soothing sound of our glacier river, and the occasional visit by wildlife as you enjoy a scrumptious breakfast. All this nestled into endless forest near the base of the highest peak in the entire Canadian Rockies, our guests have an unique opportunity to experience the real outdoors in comfort and charm.
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What is a bed and breakfast? Inn Etiquette

Staying at a small inn offers an experience well beyond your typical travel accommodation. A night’s accommodation at a bed and breakfast provides you with the extra added value frequently sought by travelers as they seek a holiday accommodation. If you have not yet had the pleasure of spending the night in a B&B, allow us to offer a few comments on how the guests and innkeepers might expect to interact with one another for the best possible overnight accommodation experience.
A B&B is not an appropriate place for a noisy party. You will find that many B&Bs have a no smoking policy. Honor the check-in policy, along with the check-out time, and be fully aware of what is often a personalized cancellation policy.
When coming and going from the inn in the evening, be mindful of the fact that sounds carry easily. If you stay at a B and B in which you share a bath, it should be left the way YOU would like to find it. Staying at a B&B is a wonderful experience and great fun. Read the rules, ask a few questions and you’ll soon feel at home. During your stay you will meet new friends, enjoy exceptional hospitality, and learn all there is to know about the local area. You are sure to love it so much that you will soon become a regular B&B traveler.
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Berg Lake Trail

This is the #1 best-rated trail in the Rockies. Impeccably groomed and well-maintained, this trail is famous for its incredible scenery and international hikers. Take advantage of the location of Mountain River Lodge as the closest accommodation to the trailhead, only 5 minutes away.
Backpackers will follow the trail for 22 kilometers, past lakes, waterfalls and hanging glaciers to the wilderness campsites of Berg Lake. For those who prefer an easy afternoon walk for a couple of hours, enjoy the first 4 km easy walk to Kinney Lake, one of the loveliest turquoise lakes in the Rockies. Be sure to bring your camera for the many photo opportunities as you walk along the scenic Robson River and through lush cedar forests.

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Registering for a campsite on the Berg Lake Trail

Mount Robson Park allows 18% of the campsites on the trail to be pre-booked up to 3 months in advance. The other 78% is held back for 24 hour reservations. This allows for open-access to the campgrounds for many visitors. To pre-book ph: Discover Camping at 1 800 689 9025
If registering 24 hours in advance, sign up at the Mt. Robson Visitor Centre, located only 4 km from Mountain River Lodge to purchase your campsite for
$10/night. No dogs allowed on overnight camping and fires are prohibited so make sure you pack enough fuel canisters for your backpacking stove.
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