JASPER NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 389

If the uphill walk in seems too ambitious, contact Robson Helimagic (250/566-4700 or
877/454-4700, www.robsonhelimagic.com ) , which makes helicopter drop-offs at Robson
Pass from Valemount every Monday and Friday; $229 per person (minimum four).
Other Hikes in the Park
Aside from the popular trail to Berg Lake, the park holds only two other established trails.
The shortest ascends the slopes of 2,458-meter (8,060-foot) Yellowhead Mountain. From
the trailhead across the rail line at Yellowhead Lake, it's a steady climb through subalpine
forest to the first viewpoint at the one-kilometer (0.6-mile) mark. Another three kilomet-
ers (1.9 miles) and an elevation gain of 720 meters (2,060 feet) bring you to flower-filled
meadows and panoramic views extending east to the Continental Divide and west to the
Selwyn Range. Allow two hours each way for this hike.
The other option is the 13-kilometer (eight-mile) Fitzwilliam Basin Trail, which re-
quires an overnight stay in the backcountry. Elevation gain is 950 meters (3,120 feet), so
it's a demanding trail. From the trailhead on the south side of Highway 16, three kilomet-
ers (1.9 miles) east of Lucerne Campground, the trail climbs steadily for six kilometers
(3.7 miles) to the confluence of Rockingham and Fitzwilliam Creeks. Although easy to fol-
low, the remaining seven kilometers (4.3 miles) along the northern slopes of 2,911-meter
(9,550-foot) Mount Fitzwilliam are rough going. After ascending a steep ridge, the trail all
but disappears, but many camping spots can be found in the wide lake-filled basin.
Accommodations
The park has no indoor accommodations, but two lodges lie just outside the park's western
boundary, and motel accommodations are available 42 kilometers (26 miles) to the south-
west in Valemount.
Mountain River Lodge (4 km/2.5 mi west of the visitors center, 250/566-9899,
www.mtrobson.com ) is in a delightful setting right alongside the Fraser River. The main
lodge holds four guest rooms, each with a different character, a balcony, and a private bath-
room. The smallest of the rooms (with twin beds and a private bathroom down the hall)
is $110 s or d, while the other three are $135; rates include a cooked breakfast. Self-con-
tained cabins cost $159-179 s or d per night, with breakfast available at an extra charge.
One kilometer (0.6 mile) west of Mountain River Lodge is Mount Robson Lodge
(250/566-4821 or 888/566-4821, www.mountrobsonlodge.com , May-Oct., $79-139 s or
d), with 18 freestanding cabins; the more expensive ones have kitchens, or eat at the small
café.