A significant transformation is unfolding in British Columbia’s landscape as researchers report that Mount Robson’s Berg Glacier has receded to the point where it no longer touches the water of Berg Lake. Joseph Shea, a geography associate professor at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), observed this change during a field project on the mountain this summer and captured the moment in a photograph. According to Shea, who has spent years studying mountain regions, the glacier’s retreat is a clear indicator of ongoing climate change impacts.
Situated on the north face of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies near the Alberta border, the Berg Glacier used to extend all the way to Berg Lake, shedding icebergs into the turquoise waters during the summer months. The area encompassing the 23-kilometer Berg Lake Trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with camping spots typically selling out quickly once reservations open in the spring.
Despite the glacier’s separation from the lake, Shea believes that it is unlikely to affect the lake’s water level significantly. However, the disconnection may lead to a reduction in the number of icebergs calving directly into Berg Lake. While acknowledging the visual impact of this change, Shea reassures visitors that Mount Robson will continue to offer a breathtaking experience despite the glacier’s retreat.
Research conducted by UNBC scientist Brian Menounos reveals alarming trends in glacier melt, with approximately 22% of the glacier surface area in Western Canada and Switzerland lost between 1985 and 2021. Climate change-induced events, such as the rapid melting of snow and ice causing flooding during a record-breaking heat wave in 2021, severely damaged parts of the Berg Lake Trail.
Following the evacuation of hikers due to high water levels in 2021, extensive repair work was undertaken, leading to the full reopening of the trail in June 2025. Shea emphasizes the importance of ongoing efforts to monitor weather conditions in the region, noting the installation of real-time weather stations to collect crucial data for park management and safety measures.
B.C. Parks anticipates that real-time weather data will be accessible by fall or winter 2026, aiding in informed decision-making and enhancing safety measures for visitors to Mount Robson Provincial Park.