Kinney Lake is one of Mount Robson Provincial Park’s most accessible gems – a spectacular turquoise lake framed by mountain peaks, including the highest in the Canadian Rockies, located less than 5km from the trailhead.
This popular hiking trail has a reputation that is well deserved. Featuring a wide, well built path with only gentle incline, the Kinney Lake Trail is approachable for almost all levels of hikers.
The trail parallels the rushing Robson River and winds through an old growth forest before arriving at the shores of Kinney Lake. On calm days, the lake’s surface mirrors the towering mountains around it, doubling the beauty of the scenery.
We hiked the Kinney Lake Trail as part of the longer Berg Lake Trail. Even on a trip filled with incredible sights, Kinney Lake still stood out. It amazed me that a location this gorgeous was so conveniently accessible.
This post shares everything you need to know about hiking to Kinney Lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park.
The breakdown looks like this:
Kinney Lake Trail
Location: Mount Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia
Distance: 9km return to lakeshore day use area, 13km to campground
Elevation gain: 200m / 300m
Hike type: Out and back
Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours / 3.5 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to lakeshore, low side of moderate to campground
Camping: Yes
Fees: Only for camping
When to go: June to early October
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Backcountry necessities
- Always bring the 10 Essentials
- Know how to stay safe in the backcountry
- Remember to Leave No Trace to help keep the wilderness wild
- Understand how to avoid negative bear encounters
- Trying out backpacking for the first time? Read Backpacking 101
- Check out our packing guide with gear recommendations
- Sign up to our newsletter for a free backpacking checklist
The Kinney Lake Trail
Kinney Lake is located in Mount Robson Provincial Park in British Columbia Canada, the traditional territory of the Simpcw First Nation, the Lheidli T’enneh Nation and the Red Bluff Indian Band.
It sits below Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies (3954m). The mountain is known by the Secwepemc people as Tsyécelcten, ‘mountain of the spiral road,’ referring to its layered appearance.
The Kinney Lake Trail is part of the longer Berg Lake Trail and is perfect for hikers looking for beautiful yet easy going mountain trail. Most day hikers turn around at the day use area (4.4km from the trailhead) or at the campground (6.5km).
Situated right on the lakeshore, the Kinney Lake campground is a great destination for first time backpackers, weekend trippers or anyone wanting to split up the journey to Berg Lake.
Kinney Lake is named after George Kinney, a Methodist preacher, mountaineer and one of the 79 founding members of the Alpine Club of Canada. He first visited this area in 1907 and became obsessed with becoming the first person to summit Mount Robson.
Kinney tried numerous times in the following years to make it to the top, claiming to have been successful on his twelfth attempt alongside Donald “Curly” Phillips in 1909. There is some doubt whether the two really made it to the true summit.
Most mountaineers agree that the first confirmed ascent of Mount Robson was made by William Foster, Albert H. MacCarthy, and Conrad Kain in 1913.
Quick facts:
- 9km return to lakeshore, 13km to campground
- Gentle incline throughout, with some small ups and downs
- Usually snow free from mid May to early October
- Bikes can be used on the trail (wider tires recommended)
- Visit as a day hike, overnight trip or longer adventure on the Berg Lake Trail
- Completely free to hike, no reservation required (only for camping)
Kinney Lake hike experience
Read on for the step-by-step breakdown of the Kinney Lake Trail. The below distances are based on our hike.
Please note that the Kinney Lake Trail is very popular – if you’d like a quieter hike, avoid weekends and start the trail around 8am.
| Kinney Lake Trail location | Distance from trailhead |
| First views of Mount Robson | 1km |
| Old growth forest | 1.7km |
| Trail junction | 4.2km |
| Kinney Lake Day Use Area | 4.4km |
| Kinney Lake Campground | 6.5km |
Trailhead to Kinney Lake shoreline
The first section of the trail is very wide and well graded. It is slightly uphill, gaining around 90m over two kilometres. Forest lines the trail, with the Robson River rushing by on the right hand side.
On a clear day, it is possible to see the snowy summit of Mount Robson rising above the trees. The first really good views of the peak appear around the 1km mark. A bench provides the perfect place to rest and take it all in.
Not long afterwards, the trail narrows a little and passes through a beautiful old growth cedar hemlock forest. There are some surprisingly large trees visible from the trail.
The following two kilometres also feature a gentle incline, another 100m. Just before the 4km mark, the forest gives way on the right hand side to reveal stunning views of Mount Robson. The river runs slightly slower here and shines a milky turquoise colour in the sun.
Shortly after, a bridge crosses the river to meet a trail junction with an adjacent outhouse. You’ve reached the edge of Kinney Lake!
Turn left to walk along the shoreline to the day use area or straight ahead to continue through the forest instead. Both routes are a similar distance (400m).
Kinney Lake shoreline to campground
The shoreline trail is more scenic and flat. It offers several viewpoints across the lake, with some picnic tables. This path can get flooded. There were a couple of sections underwater during our mid July hike but we were able to keep our feet dry. Watch for tree roots.
This is a good turnaround point if you don’t have the time to walk further around the lake. The total hike distance would be around 8.8-9km.
Once the shoreline and forest trails join together again, the path stays close to Kinney Lake for the next 2km. Great views can be seen through the trees.
There are some small ups and downs along this section – another 90m ascent with a similar amount of downhill. The width of the trail is a bit narrower and the surface slightly rockier.
The approach to the campground is signified by tent pads in the trees. At the campground, there is a large open-sided shelter with picnic tables right by the lakefront. An outhouse can be found in the forest behind.
Enjoy lunch or a snack at the shoreline area or even a refreshing dip in the lake before returning to the trailhead along the same route.
Kinney Lake Trail hiking guide
Keep reading to learn everything you need to plan your hike on the Kinney Lake Trail, including camping information, safety tips and recommendations for places to stay nearby.
Location and trailhead
The trailhead for the Kinney Lake Trail is situated at the end of Kinney Lake Road in Mount Robson Provincial Park. It’s only a few minutes drive from Highway 16, the Welcome Centre and the Cafe Mount Robson. Parking is free.
There is a large parking lot with space for around 100+ or so vehicles, though it is obvious that the approach road is used as overflow as well. This parking lot is also used by Berg Lake Trail hikers so it can get very busy.
There are two outhouses in the parking area as well as an open-sided shelter with picnic tables, trash bins and trail signage. Keep in mind that there is no phone signal here.
Fees and permits
The Kinney Lake Trail is completely free to hike – no permit, day pass or reservation required. There are no parking fees either.
From mid May to late September, campers must have a valid backcountry camping permit to stay at the Kinney Lake Campground. In addition, a reservation is required from late May to late September – the exact dates vary from year to year.
Outside of the reservation period, camping permits can be obtained from the Welcome Centre.
Camping fees are $10/per person/per night. The reservation fee is $6/night for the first three nights (so up to $18 total) in one booking. A reservation guarantees a spot in the campground though all tent pads work on a first come, first serve system.
For the 2026 season, Berg Lake Trail reservations will open 2nd December 2025 at 7am.
At this time, all campgrounds along the trail will be available to reserve for the entire summer hiking season – 27th May to 29th September 2026.
Reservations can be made via the BC Parks website only. Select ‘backcountry,’ then ‘Berg Lake Trail.’ Be sure to open a BC Parks account prior to the launch date and take some time to practice making a reservation.
The Kinney Lake Campground is popular, especially on summer weekends. Having said that, it usually has more availability than the rest of the Berg Lake Trail.
If you don’t manage to secure a spot, keep an eye out for cancellations or let an automated service like CampNab do the work for you. It’s amazing how often people cancel, particularly when the forecast isn’t sunny.
Kinney Lake Campground
Kinney Lake hosts one of the most beautiful backcountry campgrounds in BC. The cooking area and shelter are set very close to the shoreline, offering excellent water access and spectacular views during meal times. Reservations are required from late May to late September.
While camping at Kinney Lake for a few nights, you could day hike up to Whitehorn Campground (8km return) Emperor Falls (17km return) or even Berg Lake itself (26km return).
The campground is 6.5km from the trailhead. There are 18 tent sites, the majority of which are framed dirt pads. There are a couple that are wooden tent platforms (freestanding tent recommended).
A few of the tent pads sit right on the lakefront, providing premier views and access. Unsurprisingly, these are the ones most in demand! The other sites are scattered in the forest behind.
The open sided shelter has space for four picnic tables underneath, with additional picnic tables spread along the lakefront. Water can be collected (and then purified) from nearby creeks – there is one 200m west from the shelter area.
The shelter does not have a wood stove, unlike some of the other Berg Lake Trail campgrounds. There is a grey water disposal next to the shelter for waste cooking water.
This campground is fairly expansive. I managed to find two outhouses – one on the trail heading towards Whitehorn Campground and the other in the forest behind the shelter. There are two sets of metal food caches, with enough individual ‘boxes’ for each tent pad.
Difficulty, navigation and safety
The trail to Kinney Lake is popular and very well established. The first section features a very wide path, which gradually narrows down closer to the lake.
There are plenty of navigational signs pointing hikers in the right direction. Colourful signs mark each kilometre along the trail.
I would rate the Kinney Lake Trail as being easy to the lakeshore and then the low side of moderate to the campground. The latter is only ‘harder’ as it is 13km return. Most of the path is graded well with not many obstacles. There is only 300m total elevation gain on the way to the campground.
If you don’t hike very often, you may find this hike tiring and take longer than the estimates listed in this post. 13km is a decent distance. Be sure to bring the 10 Essentials.
Lots of families with children hike this trail. We spotted some people using wagons to transport gear to the campground. A stroller with big wheels could possibly be used (though I have no personal experience!)
Robson River runs alongside most of the trail. The current of the river is strong and fast, with the temperature very cold. You really do not want to fall in! Be careful around the edge of the water, especially when hiking with children.
Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Check the predicted weather on Mountain Forecast but be prepared for all conditions. Bring a waterproof jacket and warm layers.
Mount Robson Provincial Park has no phone signal – tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back. There is free wi-fi at the Welcome Centre.
Wildlife
42 species of mammals live in the park, including black bears and elk. Be sure to make noise while hiking (e.g. talking). This alerts wildlife to your presence and gives them a chance to avoid you. As a general rule, animals don’t want to be close to humans.
Give wildlife space. If you do see any animals, keep your distance – ideally 100m or more. This offers them an escape route.
Leave No Trace. After eating, make sure you haven’t left any food or wrappers around. Pack out everything you bring with you, including trash.
When camping at Kinney Lake, be sure to store food properly. Put all of your smelly items (food, toiletries, trash) in the provided metal food caches overnight and when not in use.
Where to stay
Two frontcountry (vehicle-accessible) provincial park campgrounds are situated very close to the Kinney Lake trailhead. Reservations can be made four months in advance via the BC Parks website.
Robson Meadows is the larger of the two campgrounds, featuring 125 sites arranged in a circular layout south of the highway. Robson River is located on the north side of the highway (slightly closer to the trailhead) and is smaller with just 40 sites.
Both campgrounds are an excellent choice for hikers planning to stay before or after their Kinney Lake hike. Each offers free showers. The nightly camping fee is $28 per site. Robson River also has several electrified sites available for an additional $8.
The nearest town to Kinney Lake is Valemount. It’s about 30 minutes drive south and has a range of lodging options, including chain motels, hotels, and locally owned B&Bs and inns.
For the most upscale stay in Valemount, consider the Best Western Plus. For those on a budget, the Canadas Best Value Inn being a decent option. If you’re looking for something a little more unique and local, try Valemount Mountain Retreat Guesthouse.
The community of Jasper is one hour drive from the Kinney Lake trailhead. It is also a great place to stay but keep in mind that accommodation is more expensive than Valemount. Whistler’s Inn is a solid mid-range downtown accommodation pick.
Other posts you may find helpful
17+ of the Best Day Hikes in British Columbia, Canada
Berg Lake Trail: Complete Hiking Guide
Berg Lake Trail Packing List Guide
Canadian Rockies Road Trip Loop: Detailed 9 to 12 Day Itineraries
The Best Things to Do And See in Wells Gray Provincial Park, BC
Ultimate 2 Week Western Canada Road Trip from Vancouver
Check out these recently published articles next
One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Consider buying us a coffee if you have find any of our guides helpful!