Posts Tagged ‘Hiking’
By Amanda May
Staff Writer
JasperNationalPark.com
If you’re looking for a beautiful day trip out of the town of Jasper, head to the Pyramid Lake area of Jasper National Park. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views, mountain wildlife and more Canadian Rockies fresh air than you can handle.
The Athabasca River viewing point in Jasper National Park. (Photo courtesy John E. Marriott Photography)
To get to the lakes area, take Connaught Drive in Jasper to Cedar Avenue. Take a right on Cedar Avenue. This avenue turns into Pyramid Lake road after passing the Recreation Centre. Climb this meandering road through a huge fir forest (some trees up to a meter in diameter!).
The great Canadian glaciers carved the valleys that the Athabasca River flows in today. The Pyramid Bench was created in the same way, leaving 20 small lakes behind.
A network of trails go by the tranquil ponds- a great hiking experience! You may run into elk, deer, beavers, and even an occasional moose, black bear or grizzly.
The amount of calm water in the area also makes it one of Jasper National Park’s best areas for birding. Bring your binoculars and watch for Barred owl, Pied-Billed Grebe and Barrow’s Goldeneye.
One of the lakes you cannot access is Cabin Lake, protected by a gated road because it is the town of Jasper’s main water supply.
Mountain bikers love the fire roads that lead to the Saturday Night Loop, a 28.9 km (17.3 mile) trail that runs along the shorelines of several area lakes.
Pyramid Mountain reflected in calm lake waters. (Photo courtesy John E. Marriott Photography)
Further along the road, you’ll find Patricia Lake. This lake has a unique history. During World War II, the site was home to Winston Churhill’s “Project Habbakuk.” The project consisted of building an unsinkable battleship made completely of ice. A scale model prototype was built and managed to stay afloat during the whole summer of 1943.
The project was eventually abandoned when the calculations for the full ship were made. The astronomical cost of refrigeration sunk the ship. Divers routinely explore the bottom of the lake to marvel at the remains of this unique structure.
Stay at the Patricia Lake Bungalows for a quiet vacation in the wilderness or press on down the road. Paddle boats are available for rent at the bungalows.
When you do reach the end of the road, you’ll see Pyramid Lake. Rent a boat at the Pyramid Lake Bungalows and get out on the water to explore it! This lake also allows gasoline-powered motorboats. In the summer, it’s a great place to catch a rainbow or lake trout, whitefish or white suckerfish. In the winter, a lighted skating rink is maintained on the lake surface.
Year round the Pyramid Lakes area is a great Canadian Rockies destination!
Jasper, Alberta
By Kay Barbaro
Staff Writer
Hands down, Jasper National Park is one of the most beautiful, inspiring places in the world to visit (and live, if you can do it), in large part because of it’s vast, amazing terrain. If you really want to get out and see some of the best terrain in the Canadian Rockies, and experience it the right way, you’ll want to do an overnight trip here. Below, you’ll find a couple two-night trip suggestions. We also have information on three-night trips, and longer trips in Jasper National Park.
Saturday Night Lake Loop
Medicine Lake, well worth the hike.
This is a great beginners’ trail, partly because it has little elevation gain, partly because it starts and ends in the Jasper townsite. Campsites are at Saturday Night Lake, High Lakes and Minnow Lake. Note: Seasonal fishing in all lakes except Cabin Lake.
Map: Jasper 83D/16.
Distance: 27.5 km.
Elevation gain: 540 m
Maximum elevation: 1700 m.
Jacques Lake
Jacques Lake is a good choice for novice hikers in Jasper National Park. The trailhead is at the south end of beautiful Medicine Lake, 28 km from Jasper townsite. It’s a fairly easy hike. The trail begins with a walk along a fire road for 1.6 km to Beaver Lake. The remaining 10.4 km follow a easy to find trail to the campsite at the far end of Jacques Lake. Note: Camping is not permitted at Beaver Lake. Fishing is not permitted at Jacques Lake.
Map: Medicine Lake 83C/13.
Distance: 12 km one way.
Elevation gain: 90 m.
Maximum elevation: 1555 m.
Geraldine Lakes
Geraldine Lakes is a bit more difficult of a trail, with a quick elevation gain partway in, but it’s well worth the effort. Access to the trailhead is from the Geraldine fire road, just north of Athabasca Falls on Highway 93A. The parking area is 6 km up the fire road. The initial 2 km of this trail are easy, traveling a clear path to the first of the Geraldine Lakes. This is where it gets a little more breathtaking, both due to the scenery and steepness, with each step. Here the trail climbs along a waterfall, crosses a large boulder field and skirts the edge of a small glacial lake (known as a tarn). Then it gets even steeper. You’ll reach the only campsite at the far end of the second lake. Good hiking boots and endurance requirements for this trip. Note: Finding the trail among the boulder field can be tricky; therefore this trail is not recommended for beginners. No open fires.
Map: Athabasca Falls 83C/12.
Elevation gain: 400 m.
Maximum elevation: 1875 m.
Distance: 6 km one way.
Watchtower Basin
Families of bighorn sheep relax in Jasper.
Love steep climbs, creek fording and terrific views? The Watchtower trailhead starts about 19 km from Jasper townsite on Maligne Road. A steep climb leads to an flower-filled (depending on the time of year, of course) alpine meadow. Hikers get to ford the main creek to reach the campsite. Access to the Skyline trail is 3.5 km beyond the campsite. Note: Route finding is a bit difficult between the campsite and Skyline trail.
Map: Medicine Lake 83C/14.
Distance: 9.8 km one way.
Elevation gain: 985 m.
Maximum elevation 2375 m.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
by Paul Peters
Editor, CanadianRockies.net
The Old Fort Point Loop trail is a fairly short and simple hike, offering great view of Jasper National Park and the surrounding Canadian Rockies. The hike also contains interesting geological features, and a bit of Canadian Rockies history.
View from the Old Fort Point Loop trail.
Old Fort Point is a prominent bedrock hill standing 130 m above the river. Rounded on its south side, cliffy on its north side, Old Fort Point is a classic roche moutonnée: a bedrock knob shaped by glaciers.
The loop trail over the top is steep in places, but it provides an excellent view of Jasper and its surroundings. The name Old Fort probably refers to Henry House, a North West Company cabin built near here in 1811, now gone but commemorated as a National Historic Site.
The quickest route to the big view at the top of the hill is up the stairs that start by the cliff. (The stairs lead to a Canadian Heritage Rivers plaque about the Athabasca.) But it’s a steep climb. Instead, we recommend the wide, easy path that begins behind the trail information kiosk. Follow Trail 1 up a short hill and on through the woods.
At 1.3 km you climb a very steep section, with 30 m of elevation gain in a short distance, beside an outcrop of the oldest rock in Jasper National Park. The layer is Precambrian, about 750 million years old. Take a close look at this unusual rock. It’s breccia, made of angular chunks of pink limestone.
What you’ll see:
Viewing clockwise: Mt. Edith Cavell (always snow-streaked) to the south, The Whistlers (mountain with the tramway terminal near the top).
From the trail, you'll see Mount Athabasca, one of Jasper's finest.
To the southwest, the valley of the Miette River leading west toward Yellowhead Pass and B.C., the town of Jasper across the Athabasca River, the reddish quartzite of the Victoria Cross Range
To the northwest beyond the town (the peak with a microwave relay station on top is Pyramid Mountain), Lac Beauvert and Jasper Park Lodge
To the north (other lakes visible northward: Annette and Edith), the gray limestone of the Colin Range to the northeast, rounded Signal Mountain and the cliffs of Mt. Tekarra to the east,
To the southeast, Mt. Hardisty (sloping layers) and Mt. Kerkeslin (layers bowed gently down).
Distance (on trail): 3.5 km return or 1-2 hours.
Distance to the trailhead from town: 1.6 km.
Trailhead: From town or from Highway 16, follow Highway 93A to the Old Fort Point/Lac Beauvert access road. Turn left, cross the Athabasca River on the old iron bridge, then park in the lot on the right.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
by Kay Barbaro
Staff Writer
At more than 10,000 square km, and with at least 1,000 km in trails, Jasper National Park is the largest in Canadian Rockies, and offers a mind-boggling array of hikes and sights to get out and see. So many, that a visitor may be overwhelmed with all the potential activities. Here, we’ve provided 15 Jasper must-sees to help you narrow it down.
Medicine Lake
Mount Edith Cavell's Angel Glacier, a Jasper must-see.
Medicine Lake is perhaps one of the most intriguing lakes in the world. This, in part, is because it is not actually lake, but a part of Maligne River that, after having gone underground, resurfaces. This causes the lake’s water levels to change drastically over the course of the year, which led local tribes to call it Magic Lake. Located 32 km. (19.2 mi.) S.E. of Jasper townsite. Open year-round.
Maligne Lake
Located in incredible Maligne Valley, this is the second largest glacier-fed lake in the world, encompassing 22 km. (14 mi.). A one-and-a-half hour boat cruise will give you views of glacier-topped peaks before bringing you to world-famous Spirit Island. Maligne Lake is a great place for guided fishing, hiking or horseback riding. It is also great for cross-country skiing in winter. Located 48 km. (28.8 mi.) S.E. of Jasper townsite. Open year-round.
Maligne Canyon
Maligne is one of the most amazing canyons in the Canadian Rockies, with sheer limestone cliffs that plunge to depths of over 50 metres (165 ft.) The canyon is easily accessible by a trail that begins at a picnic area and takes hikers across six bridges, where they can catch the spray from the powerful Maligne River, or peer into the its turbulent depths. In winter, take a guided Canyon Tour across the floor of the frozen canyon. 1 km. (6.6 mi.) S.E. of Jasper townsite. Open year-round.
Lac Beauvert
Besides being one of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies, Lac Beauvert is bordered by one of the worlds most scenic golf courses, and the world-famous Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Enjoy the beautiful views, and access to a wide range of activities such as dining, shopping, horseback riding, cycling and boating. 7 km. (4.2 mi.) from Jasper townsite. Open year-round.
Edith Cavell Lake, one of Jasper National Park's most beautiful.
Meitte Hot Springs
As the hottest springs in the Canadian Rockies, the Meitte have to be cooled from 54º C (129· F) to a comfortable 39º C (102º F). The scenic Fiddle Valley facility includes two hot pools (one wheelchair accessible), a cool pool and poolside cafe. Adding to the attraction are nearby hiking trails, picnic sites and accommodations. Swimsuits, towels and lockers are available to rent. 60 km. (36 mi.) East of Jasper townsite. Open daily from May 9 – October 13, 2008
Patricia and Pyramid Lakes
These beautiful lakes are popular for fishing, picnicking, boating, hiking, horse-back riding, boating, canoeing, windsurfing and sailing. In the winter, cross-country skiing and ice-skating on Pyramid Lake are great for family fun. Seasonal and year-round accommodation and dining is also available, and Pyramid Island is now wheelchair accessible.
Whistler’s Mountain
The Jasper Tramway whisks you up Whistler’s Mountain to an elevation of 2285 metres (7496 feet) for stunning vistas over mountain ranges stretching up to 80 km away. Interpretive exhibits explain the high alpine environment and a hiking trail leads you to the summit of the mountain. On a clear day the white pyramid of Mt. Robson can be seen in nearby British Columbia. Gift shops and licensed dining facilities available. 8 km. (4.8 mi.) S. of Jasper townsite. Open mid April – mid October.
Columbia Icefield
One of Jasper’s main attractions, Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield south of Alaska, shimmering glacial ice and snow cover some 389 sq. km. (233 sq. mi.). An exciting 90 minute Ice Age adventure will take you out onto the Athabasca Glacier, a tongue of the Columbia Icefield, for an awe-inspiring glimpse of icy crevasses and ice-fed streamlets. Or, join a guided Glacier Ice-walk and visit the Icefield Interpretive Centre for informative exhibits and slide shows. Seasonal accommodation, dining and camping available. Hiking trails nearby. 105 km. (63 mi.) S. of Jasper townsite.
Sunwapta Falls
Sunwapta is a Stoney Indian word for “turbulent river.” At the falls, you’ll find that an apt name as the Sunwapta River abruptly changes course from northwest to southwest and plunges in a cloud of spray into a deep canyon. Seasonal accommodation and dining. Picnic sites available. A frozen wonder in winter, Sunwapta Falls will delight photographers with its uncanny “ice sculptures”. 55 km. (33 mi.) S. of Jasper townsite. Open year-round.
Mount Edith Cavell
Few summits in the park can match Mt Edith Cavell’s craggy beauty. The small, powder blue Angel Glacier is easily reached by a short self-guiding trail that winds its way along the shores of the lake. Another longer trail leads to picturesque Cavell Meadows. Trails are less crowded mornings or late afternoons. Parks Canada and Friends of Jasper have been working to restore the sensitive meadows after years of misplaced footsteps, please make your footsteps count by staying on the trail. 30 km. (18 mi.) S. of Jasper townsite. Open end of June – October.
Lake Edith and Lake Annette
These two day-use areas offer ample picnic sites and shelters in a beautiful lakeside setting. The water is refreshing and after a delightful swim you can stretch out on the sandy beaches or open grassy areas. Take a quiet evening stroll along the easy trail surrounding the lakes, including the wheelchair accessible Clifford E. Lee Trail. Or, cycle the bicycle trails around Lake Edith. Both 6 km. (3.6 mi.) from Jasper townsite. Open year-round.
Pocahontas
Just off Highway 16 on the Miette Road you will find the remains of the “Pocahontas Coal Mine.” A trail leads through the mine remnants as well as to some spectacular viewpoints that overlook the Pocahontas ponds. Enjoy some time exploring this historic site. 48 km. (28.8 mi.) E. of Jasper townsite.
Athabasca Falls
Don't miss gorgeuous Pyramid Mountain on your trip to Jasper.
Among the most powerful and breathtaking falls in the Canadian Rockies, the Athabasca River thunders through a narrow gorge where the walls have been smoothed and potholed by the sheer force of the rushing water carrying sand and rock. Picnic sites available. Cross-country skiing. Capture the brilliance of rainbow-hued spray or the dazzling sheets of ice suspended from jagged rock on film. 32 km. (14.2 mi.) S. of Jasper townsite. Open year-round.
Stutfield Glacier
A tongue of the massive Columbia Icefield, the Stutfield Glacier pours over 900 vertical metres (3000 ft.) of cliff face, forming a picturesque set of double icefalls visible from a roadside viewpoint. The Sunwapta River braids its way through several channels across the broad, gravel flats below. 95 km. (57 mi.) S. of Jasper townsite. Open year-round.
Goat Lookout
From this elevated picnic area sweeps a panoramic view of the Athabasca Valley and the sheer mountain peaks surrounding it. This is a good place to spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep and other animals searching for mineral licks. Please remember, it is illegal to touch, bother or feed wild animals in any national park. Please help keep the wildlife wild and healthy. 38 km. (22.8 mi.) S. of Jasper townsite.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
SunDog Tour Company
Complete range of outdoor activities, adventures and tours in Jasper National Park as well as surrounding areas. Whitewater rafting, helicopter tours, dog sledding, heli-hiking/skiing, horseback riding, fishing and much more. Sundog does it all, including ransportation for small and large groups in the Jasper, Banff, Canmore, Calgary and Edmonton areas.
Walks & Talks Jasper
“It’s all about Nature”
See the best Jasper National Park has to ofer with a guided tour.
Walks & Talks Jasper was started in the 1990′s when Paula, who grew up in Jasper, realized the need for guided interpretive outings, walks and hikes in Jasper. Walks & Talks Guides has its Professional Level (IGA) qualifications.
They believe the outdoors makes a great classroom to share the wealth of knowledge, so their clients go away with increased awareness, understanding and passion for Jasper National Park. The guided outings are for small groups and take place in unique surroundings that the average person may never discover. Walks & Talks provides the right gear to ensure comfort and safety. The pace is easy, with planned stops to point out the flora, fauna, mountains, history and wildlife habitats, and chances to take photos of all these sites.
In the Summer, Walks & Talks offers:
- Morning birding beaver and wildlife outing.
- Daily guided hike into alpine country with incredible views and a picnic lunch.
- Maligne Canyon, where you’ll hear the roar feel the spray of awesome waterfalls.
In the winter, they offer:
- Easy cross-country ski outings at scenic Wabasso.
- Maligne Valley snowshoe or cross-country ski trip.
Book with Walks & Talks at: Edge Control Ski & Outdoors 626 Connaught Drive next door to
Subway Sandwich shop.
Jasper National Park horseback riding and pack trips
Jasper National Park is one of the premier places in the Canadian Rockies for horseback adventures and cowboy trips. Our approved sponsors can help make your pack trip a trip of a lifetime. Ask if JasperNationalPark.com discounts apply.
Get into Jasper National Park's backcountry with a guided horse tour.
Horseback Adventures Ltd.offers quality guided horseback vacations, trail rides and pack trips to Jasper National Park, Willmore Wilderness Park and Rock Lake Solomon Creek Wildland Park in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta Canada. The Canadian Rockies is an irresistible source of fascination, virtually unchanged since the days of the early explorers.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
The Pyramid Lake area of Jasper National Park, accessed by the Pyramid Road, offers some amazing sights great chances to see the wildlife of the Canadian Rockies, on a relatively short drive from the town of Jasper.
Beginning within the townsite, follow Connaught Drive and turn right onto Cedar Avenue, which becomes Pyramid Lake Road shortly after passing the Recreation Centre. Climbing a bench above town, it meanders through a Douglas fir forest.
Pyramid Mountain, one of Jasper's most photogenic sights.
One of the largest trees in the Canadian Rockies, a thick cork layers allow these giants to survive all but the largest forest fires. As a result, some large Douglas fir trees can be almost a metre in diametre. Most average around 50 cm.
Typical of the true Montane forest, the Douglas fir thrives in the Chinook blasted valleys of the Athabasca River. Pyramid Bench sports more than 20 small lakes left behind by the action of glaciers. With this plethora of ponds, the area is also riddled with trails to access to many of these tranquil locales. Watch for elk and deer, along with the occasional moose, black bear and grizzly. A gated road at the 2 km mark blocks access to Cabin Lake, the town’s main water supply.
Although most fireroads have been made redundant with the advent of helicopters, this road still forms one of the townsite’s first lines of defense. For mountain bikers, it provides access to the Saturday Night Loop, a 28.9 km (17.3 mi.) loop trail which skirts the shoreline of several local lakes. Just beyond the Cabin Lake access, the road passes a cottonwood slough. The “cottonwood” trees in this case are trembling aspen and balsam poplar, part of the same family as the true cottonwoods.
One of the premier birding locations in the park, keep your eyes open for birds like the barred owl, pied-billed grebe, and Barrow’s goldeneye. As the sun goes down, watch for the careful movements of beaver and moose. Along the shores of Patricia Lake, Patricia Lake Bungalows provide quiet accommodation. A boat rental allows for a relaxing paddle. Beneath these waters lie the remains of a top secret world war II project—code name Project Habbakuk. The idea, which came directly from Winston Churchill’s office, was to build an unsinkable battleship. How could this be accomplished? The answer seemed simple; it would be made completely out of ice. Where better to build a prototype than within the frozen wasteland of Canada, specifically Patricia Lake. A 1:50 scale model was built, and they managed to keep it frozen during the summer of 1943.
Unfortunately, the astronomical cost of actually deploying a full-size ship became apparent, and the venture was dropped. The refrigeration equipment was turned off, and the prototype sunk to the bottom where it still rests. Divers routinely explore the bottom to marvel at the remains of this unique structure.
The road ends at Pyramid Lake. This lake allows gasoline powered motors, and boats are available for rent at Pyramid Lake Bungalows. Cast a line for rainbow and lake trout along with Rocky Mountain Whitefish. In fact the Alberta record white sucker was taken in Pyramid Lake. During winter, a lighted skating rink is maintained on the lake surface.
Highlights: Douglas Fir forest, Pyramid Bench, Aspen forest, Patricia Lake, Pyramid Lake.
Activities: Sightseeing, photography, walking, hiking.
Location: begin from Jasper Townsite.
Time: Minimum of one half-hour for driving.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
If you like to avoid major highways in Jasper National Park for the peaceful meander of a Canadian Rockies backroad, then Highway 93A or “the old highway” is for you. Part of the original Banff/Jasper Highway, it now sees much lighter traffic.
The Athabasca River at sunrise.
The views on 93A open up almost immediately. The road climbs above the surrounding valley, providing perfect panoramas of the Jasper townsite. The work of the glaciers is visible in the broad sculpting of the Athabasca valley. Across the valley, the Maligne Range forms a formidable barrier.
Hidden behind their rugged facade is Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake. An optional side trip at kilometre 2.4 (1.5 mi.) takes you towards Marmot Basin Ski Area. Portal Creek trailhead, at the 7 km (4 mi.) mark along this side trip, is one of two main trailheads for the expansive Tonquin Valley. Hidden 20 km (12 mi.) along the creek and over Maccarib Pass, it is one of Jasper’s most popular backcountry destinations—winter and summer.
The ski hill’s 48 runs offer a vertical rise of 701 m/2,300 ft. From snowmobile access in the 1950’s, the hill expanded with a T-Bar in the 1960’s, and has continued to grow over the years. Highway 93A passes the junction with Cavell Road at kilometre 5.2 (3.2 mi.). Kilometre 8.2 (mile 4.3) solves the mystery of why the townsite often seems alive with members of the British military.
This British Army Camp provides a base for extensive mountain training. The soldiers descend upon the townsite on regular occasions to take over the Laundromat—not to mention several local watering holes. Wabasso Campground, at kilometre 9.2 (5.7 mi.), offers a quiet alternative to Jasper’s busy urban campgrounds. The Whirlpool and Athabasca Rivers meet at the “Meeting of the Waters” at kilometre 14/8.4 miles. Although quiet today, this site formed a major junction for countless fur trade expeditions. Here they would leave the Athabasca River and follow the Whirlpool River upstream towards Athabasca Pass.
First discovered in 1811, by David Thompson, one of Canada’s premier fur traders, explorers and map makers, it became the standard route of travel west for many years. Normally, at the junction of Athabasca Pass, fur brigades from the east met other traders from the Columbia. Goods were exchanged, and the traders would turn around and retrace their steps in the opposite direction.
With the Oregon Treaty in 1846, the 49th parallel was set as the international boundary, and the mouth of the Columbia became American territory. Soon, the Athabasca Pass route was all but abandoned as travelers began to traverse the Yellowhead Pass. Another short backroad at kilometre 15.2 (mile 9.4) follows the Whirlpool River for 6.9 km (4.3 mi.), ending within a kilometre of Moab Lake.
For the more adventurous traveler, the road also forms the trailhead for the 43 km/27 mi. trek to Athabasca Pass. Leach Lake at kilometre 19.6/12.2 mi.(don’t worry—it’s not named after those slimy blood suckers—leeches), provides a lovely spot for a relaxing picnic. This lake is most likely a glacial kettle formed from large chunks of ice buried by retreating glaciers. As the ice melted, the material above the former ice block collapsed into the void. The water moved to the surface, creating a tiny pond. Many of the smaller lakes in the Rockies were formed in this way.
Another former fireroad at kilometre 23/14.3 mi., climbs 5.5 km (3.5 mi.) up the lower slopes of Mount Fryatt. From the trailhead at road’s end, a short, steep trail climbs to the former site of the Geraldine Fire Lookout. From this lofty vantage point, the valley is spread beneath you. A second trail climbs higher up the slopes of Mount Fryatt towards a narrow glacial valley containing the Geraldine lakes. Shortly beyond the Geraldine Fireroad, Highway 93A meets the main portion of Highway 93 at Athabasca Falls.
Don’t miss this dramatic falls which cuts a gorge through thick layers of quartz sandstone. The true power of water is experienced as the river plummets amidst a thunderous roar. For your own safety, please avoid climbing over the many retaining walls. The rocks are constantly bathed in water vapour which supports a growth of slippery algae. One misplaced step can make you a permanent part of the mountain landscape.
From the junction with Highway 93 at kilometre 24.1 (mile 15), you can continue south towards the Columbia Icefields or return north to Jasper.
Highlights: Views of the Athabasca Valley, Portal Creek Trailhead, Marmot Basin Ski Area Road, Cavell Road, Wabasso Campground, Whirlpool River, Athabasca Falls.
Activities: Sightseeing, photography, walking, hiking.
Location: A few kilometers South of Jasper.
Time: Minimum of one half-hour.
Jasper, Alberta
By Kay Barbaro
Staff Writer
Mount Edith Cavell is one of the most historically interesting areas in Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies, and also offers a great scenic drive and some great hiking and sight seeing opportunities.
Edith Cavell Lake, one of Jasper National Park's most beautiful.
Traveling south from Jasper, follow Highway 93A for 5.2 km (3.2 mi.). Turn right onto Cavell Road shortly after crossing the Astoria River. The narrow, winding nature of this road precludes motorcoaches, trailers and large motorhomes. Trailers can be left at the parking lot at the start of Cavell Road.
The switchbacks begin immediately, and rapidly climb out of the valley bottom. During the winter months, when this road is closed to traffic, it becomes a popular cross-country ski trail. Skiers often stay overnight at the Mount Edith Cavell Hostel before venturing out into the backcountry of the Tonquin Valley. The Astoria River takes its name from American fur trader John Jacob Aster.
Two kilometres beyond the Hostel, at kilometre 15 (mile 9), the road ends at the Mount Edith Cavell Parking lot.
From here, two short interpretive trails show the two sides to life in the alpine. One, the Path of the Glacier Trail, takes you through the debris left behind by the retreat of local glaciers. In its path, it has left mounds of glacial debris (called moraines), rocks scoured and scraped by the passing ice, and two remnant glaciers, the Angel and Cavell Glaciers. The trail ends at a tiny meltwater pond littered with icebergs, and a fine view of both glaciers. The Cavell Meadows Trail takes you above the glacial debris to a subalpine meadow. This is the trail for flower lovers as it explodes into life each July.
Edith Louise Cavell (1865-1915) was a British nurse during World War I. In 1907, she went to Brussels as a nurse, but by 1914 was put in charge of a unit whose main purpose was to help soldiers trapped behind enemy lines rejoin their units. To the German army, this was treason, and she was executed by firing squad. Today she is remembered as a heroine, and to some, a martyr. In 1916, the snow-capped face of this 3,363 m. (11,033 ft.) peak was renamed in her honour.
Highlights: Astoria River, Access to Tonquin Valley, Path of the Glacier Trail, Angel and Cavell Glaciers, Cavell Meadows Trail.
Activities: Sightseeing, photography, walking, hiking.
Location: 5.2 km (3.2 mi) South of Jasper.
Time: Minimum of one half-hour at the meadows.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
Jasper National Park offers stunning landscapes and amazing activities.
If exploring on your own seems like a daunting task, hire a guide company, like those described in our Guided Tours and Activities section, for a recreational tour through Jasper National Park.
Quick Clicks: Articles on various Jasper activities.
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