Historic Yellowhead Pass
This historic pass gets its name from a famous fur trader that worked here during the early part of the 19th century. "Tete Jaune" was the nickname of Pierre Bostonais, a fair haired Iroquois trader who was employed by the North West and Hudson's Bay fur trading companies. Today we know this area by the English translation "Yellowhead."
The Yellowhead Pass is an important transportation route across the Continental Divide. It is one of the lowest elevation passes across the Great Divide in the Northern Rockies and for centuries Aboriginal people traversed this pass on foot. It was an important route for the fur traders from 1825 to 1850. The Overlanders used this route to get to the rich Cariboo Goldfields later in the century.
In the early 20th century, the Yellowhead Pass was selected as the corridor for bosh the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway and the Canadian Northern Railway. During the Second World War a rough "tote road" was constructed through the pass by interned Japanese Canadians. Over the years this road was upgraded and by 1970 it was paved and officially opened as part of the Yellowhead Highway.
Yellowhead Pass was declared a National Historic Site in 1971. To date 71 archaeological sites have been recorded within the park boundaries.
Transcribed from sign
"Today the Yellowhead Pass is a valley corridor containing a highway and railway beside crystal clear rivers, through dense forests under rugged peaks links Jasper town site and the provincial border of British Columbia. In the past the low elevation made for easy movement for Indigenous peoples, fur trappers, railways and explorers. The name Yellowhead is the nickname of a fair-haired Metis-Iroquois-freeman named Bostonais, active here in the early 1800s." Source: Parks Canada
Lucerne Campground is part of the large network of parks and campgrounds in the Mount Robson Provincial Park system. Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains and its majestic views can be seen along the Yellowhead.
Lucerne Campground borders the Yellowhead Lake with easy access to the boat launch for fishing, canoeing, boating and swimming. There is a Self-guided Labrador Tea Trail that is a leisurely walk among the forest and is near the campground.
The Campground is small with 36 campsites that will accommodate RVs, campers and tents. There are two hand pumps that are the only potable water source. It is recommended to not drink the lake water. The campground is wheelchair accessible and pit bathrooms are located in several locations. Domestic pets are allowed in the park, however they must be on a leash at all times.
As a side note: at the visitor center is the UNESCO World Heritage Site plaque and several signboards about the history and area information. It is not too far from the entrance to the park if you are entering from the west, there are signs pointing the way along the Yellowhead.