On the drive from Quesnel to McBride we passed through Prince George before heading east into wide open country with growing mountains on either side as we passed through the Robson Valley. The Robson Valley is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and mountain goats. The valley is part of the Rocky Mountain Trench, which is one of the most important wildlife corridors in North America, connecting the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific coast.
McBride is a small town located in the Robson Valley region of British Columbia. The town of McBride was founded in 1913 as a railway stop for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. The railway played an important role in the development of the town, and it remains a significant part of the local economy to this day. The town has a rich history, with many heritage buildings and and small restaurants to explore.We stayed at the NV Mountain Chalets RV Park east of McBride.
The next morning we drove to Mount Robson Provincial Park. The highlight of the drive was when we rounded a corner and were greeted with a view of massive Mt Robson directly in front of us. We couldn’t help but pull over and take in the awe-inspiring view. Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies (12,972 ft) and the second highest peak in the province of British Columbia, Canada. The mountain is surrounded by the Mount Robson Provincial Park, which covers an area of 2,249 square kilometers (870 square miles) and was established in 1913. It is a very popular destination with around 140,000 visitations per year.
Once we arrived at the park, we immediately headed to the visitor center to get some information about the different hikes available in the park. We decided to take one of the many hikes to higher viewpoints of the mountain, which promised some of the best views of the mountain and the surrounding area. The hike was challenging, but well worth it. As we climbed higher, the views of the mountain and the valley below became more and more spectacular. We were able to get some great pictures and admire the natural beauty of the area. After reaching the viewpoint, we took a break to rest and enjoy the view before heading back down to the valley floor. Click on thumbnail to view image
We then decided to do Overlander Falls Trail along the crystal clear headwaters of the Fraser RIver, marveling at the numerous waterfalls and the strength and color of the river water. The trail was well-maintained and easy to follow, and the sound of the rushing water was truly mesmerizing. We stopped several times to take pictures of the waterfalls and to just take in the beauty of the area.
Overall, our visit to Mount Robson Provincial Park was an unforgettable experience. The natural beauty of the area is truly awe-inspiring and the hiking opportunities were diverse and challenging. We were able to see the majestic mountain, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and take in the tranquility of the river. It was a perfect way to end our trip to McBride and the Robson Valley.