Northern Rockies South - Alberta Culture and Tourism

Family walks abound in and around the Town of Jasper (www.jasper-alberta.com). The Jasper Discovery Trail, with lots of
interpretive signage, rings the town, and quiet nearby walks circle the tranquil, turquoise waters of Lake Annette15 (2.4 km,
wheelchair accessible) and Lac Beauvert; the latter passes the famous Jasper Park Lodge34 and its renowned golf course. The
slightly greater effort of hiking up to the bald summit of Old Fort Point23 (3.5 km return), across the Athabasca River from town, is
amply rewarded by a stunning panorama of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Jasper truly has something for every type of non-motorized trail user. The choices on foot range from short, paved trails to dramatic
canyons and groomed cross-country ski tracks to some of the most famous backpacks in Canada. Mountain bikers can spend days
exploring networks of trails, while equestrian enthusiasts can take a day’s or a week’s ride.
Just north of town, the long Maligne Valley offers plenty of choices for walkers and hikers. A 2.1km paved trail around Maligne
Canyon16 is a magnet for visitors, who gawk from several bridges into the depths of the limestone gorge. Farther up the valley at
Maligne Lake18 – the largest glacial-fed lake in the Canadian Rockies – options range from the lakeside Mary Schaeffer Loop
(3.2 km return) to stiffer climbs to Bald Hills (10.4 km return) and Opal Hills (8.2 km return) and their superb views over the lake.
Near the park’s northeast boundary, a side road off Highway 16 leads to Miette Hotsprings21, a perfect place to soak after a fine,
steep hike up Sulphur Skyline (9.6 km return).
Jasper’s valleys are long and wide, providing unobstructed, distant views of a panorama of peaks. The forest cover also tends to be
light, frequently giving way to viewpoints overlooking the alpine splendour. The valleys, too, offer substantial rewards: big, glacier-fed
lakes and even rare alpine sand dunes.
The following three multi-day hikes are very popular, so making campsite reservations (780-852-6177) well in advance is
recommended; park wilderness passes are also required for backcountry overnight trips. Because they are in sensitive caribou range,
all three routes prohibit dogs.
Jasper has a full range of tourist attractions and services, including two park information centres (Jasper townsite37 and Columbia
Icefield36), historic sites, museums and accommodations ranging from hostels and campgrounds to world-class resorts. Check
www.jaspercanadianrockies.com (800-473-8135) for more information on events and attractions.
The Skyline Trail is justly considered one of Canada’s premiere multi-day hikes. For more than half its 45 km length, the route stays
above tree line, offering continuous and varied views over the wild country between Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon. The
Tonquin Valley (42 km return) is also very popular for its alpine meadows and the sublime Amethyst Lakes, backed by the impressive
long rock wall of the Ramparts. Not far from the Columbia Icefield, the 80 km Brazeau Loop explores tremendously varied, remote
country, much of it in the alpine.
Patricia Lake
The winter scenery is superb around Maligne Lake, though there are no track-set trails or directional signs for routes such as the
10.4 km (return) Bald Hills Trail. Alpine areas such as this are critical winter habitat for dwindling herds of mountain caribou; check
at park information centres for restrictions and closures. For avalanche safety information, talk to park staff and check avalanche
bulletins (800-667-1105 or www.avalanche.ca).
Jasper National Park
M
al
Backcountry Ski Route
gn
M
ali
Lake R
oad
er
ca
as
ab
Ath
Connau
30
Hibernia Lake
Con
Marjorie Lake
rr
ek
Cr
e
in
bo
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Cr
ee
k
zie
on
ns
t
Ra
ek
MacKen
k
El
Thunder Lake
G
6
k
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k
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Whitehorse Wildland
Provincial Park
Cr
Brazeau Canyon Wildland Park
Brown Creek Viewpoint
Forest Recreation Area
per
Op
ab
in
Middle Mons Lake
Lower Mons Lake
ee
k
ive
r
Tra
i
zea
Bra
l
uR
Blackstone Gap
Forest Recreation Area
uR
az
ea
i
iab
W
Br
Po
lig
ve
ive
r
r
uR
az
ea
Obstruction Lakes
Br
n
oh
-J
k
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C
Whisker Lakes
Job/Cline
FLUZ
il
leh
Litt
at
il
Trail
Pinto Lake
Waterfalls Creek
Forest Recreation Area
40
Douglas Fir
Natural Area
Upper Clearwater/Ram
FLUZ
Wa
Cr terfa
ee
k T lls
rai
l
Job/Cline
FLUZ
Pinto Lake
Forest Recreation
Area
s
nd
La
Kootney Plains
Ecological Reserve
Kootenay Plains
Siffleur Falls Staging
Provincial Recreation
Area
lide
il
Tra
ke
La
40
Saskatchewan
River Crossing
26
11
420000
430000
440000
39
Upper Clearwater/Ram
FLUZ
Siffleur Wilderness Area
450000
460000
470000
480000
490000
500000
510000
520000
530000
540000
Access to recreational opportunities on
public and private lands is built on a
foundation of responsible use. By
focusing your activities on managed
trails, you are contributing to the sustainable enjoyment of
Alberta’s magnificent natural landscapes.
Be a leader and ambassador for your favourite outdoor
activity. Join the many hikers, cyclists, horseback riders,
cross-country skiers, off-highway vehicle users, snowmobile
enthusiasts and other recreationists who proudly take a
stewardship role by:
Cline River Canyon
Snowmobiling
Quading
550000
• knowing and abiding by applicable regulations and trail
signs;
• staying on designated trails and restricting use to
approved activities;
44
• sharing trails with courtesy and respect – Wheels yield to
heels; heels yield to horses. Motorized users should pull
over to the right side of the trail, turn off the engine and
remove helmets when horses are approaching;
Fish Lake
• respecting landowners by leaving gates and fences as
found and avoiding livestock;
• leaving artifacts and natural features undisturbed;
• controlling pets and keeping them on leash;
This map encompasses the northern half of Bighorn Backcountry, 5,000 square kilometres of public lands east of Jasper and Banff
National Parks. Here, numerous multi-use trails wander through forested foothills and front-range mountains, with many routes following
fast-moving streams into alpine terrain. The nearby town of Nordegg44 (www.travelnordegg.com; 403-721-2625 in summer) is a
good gateway to the area, offering accommodation, other services, historical coal-mining sites41, scenic viewpoints and nearby trails.
• properly disposing all waste in provided facilities and
following the pack-in, pack-out philosophy;
• avoiding the spread of invasive species by cleaning
recreation equipment (vehicles, tents, packs, boots, etc.)
after every trip and using certified weed-free feed for pack
animals;
• minimizing the threat of wildfire by ensuring flammable
debris is kept away from hot exhaust systems, and by
keeping campfires small, contained and in designated
areas, and ensuring they are fully extinguished;
The White Goat Wilderness Area is included in this area and offers an uncrowded backcountry experience for hiking and
camping. For more information, check www.albertaparks.ca
• respecting wildlife by observing from a distance and
properly managing food and garbage;
The Blackstone/Wapiabi FLUZ, west of the Forestry Trunk Road, contains a number of backcountry hiking, equestrian and cycling trails.
From the Blackstone Gap Forest Recreation Area, the Mons Chungo Trail leads north into the scenic Mons Lakes area, the
Southesk Trail heads west towards Jasper National Park and the Bighorn Trail swings south along George Creek.
• avoiding recreation use during sensitive times (e.g. wet
conditions, wildlife mating and rearing seasons) and in
sensitive areas (e.g. watercourses, stream banks, wetlands
and alpine areas);
The Job/Cline FLUZ lies southwest of the Blackstone/Wapiabi and provides hiking, biking and equestrian trails that lead to spectacular
views and wildlife viewing; the majority of its trails accessed from Highway 11 near Abraham Lake. The 42 km Coral Creek Trail, for
example, is a gateway to longer explorations of remote areas to the north including Job Creek, Whisker Creek and Brazeau
River Trails.
• ensuring motorized vehicles are licensed and insured, and
that all vehicles and equipment are operated with care;
In winter, the Whitegoat and Littlehorn Trails are open to motorized traffic, providing access from Highway 11 to the Sugar
Bowl, a sledding area for advanced snowmobilers experienced at travelling in avalanche terrain. A network of trails around Shunda
and Goldeye Lakes provides a popular playground for off-highway vehicles and non-motorized activities, with lots of nearby
camping available.
• actively participating in local club and trail stewardship
programs.
The southern reaches of Bighorn Country (on this map) are popular among overnight equestrian riders and hardy backpackers. A
favourite trip is the 33 km trail to the lovely Pinto Lake along the south side of the Cline River. A trail on the river’s north side provides
access to the south end of White Goat Widerness Area. The trails into picturesque Allstones Lake and, farther south, Landslide
Lake, Lake of the Falls and Michele Lakes are popular, with some seasonal equestrian closures.
Thompson Creek
1:300,000
All trail distances are one way unless otherwise indicated.
l River
il
a
Tr
35
go
a
Tr
Cline
River
24
Kilometres
Non-motorized
410000
30
Cardinal Divide East Trail
Bighorn Backcountry is carefully managed to protect its sensitive environments and wildlife while still providing superb experiences for
a wide range of trail users. For more detailed information, consult the Bighorn Backcountry map, available from Sustainable Resource
Development. For current trail conditions, visit www.srd.alberta.ca/RecreationPublicUse/RecreationOnPublicLand/
BighornBackcountry/TrailAreaUpdates.aspx
Abraham
Lake
te
ek
20
Snowmobile
400000
hi
re
10
Columbia
Icefield
Campground
Banff National Park
Trails
Multi Use/Mixed Use
(including motorized)
Allstones
Lake Trail
W
lC
Lower Toe of the
Glacier Trail
White Goat
Wilderness Area
Wilcox Pass
Wilcox Creek Campground
Cardinal
River Falls
Big Horn
No. 144A
rra
36
93
10
Respect the Land
Dry Haven
Kiska/Willson
FLUZ
Co
29
Columbia Icefield
5
38
orn
Tr
a
ek
Cr
e
op
Jo
b
Lo
Sugar
Bowl
Creek
27
0
4
41
Tra
il
Ch
Leah Lake
Samson Lake
Coral Lake
Upper Toe of the Glacier Trail
Glacier Forefield
Viewpoint
3
11
Crescent
Falls
Job Lake
au
Staging area
Snow Creek
42
Job
ab
aR
Upper Longview Lake
ze
Stanley Falls
Goldeye Lake
Lower Longview Lake
J
Spelunking/caving
Watchable wildlife site
ark
Bighorn Backcountry
734
Nordegg
kay
Cr
Trail eek
Ri
Brazeau Lake
n
oh
Group campground
Snowmobile
al P
41
Jonas Creek Campground
Sunwapta Lake
except on designated trails
Medicine
Hat
Trail Etiquette and Safety
Upper Shunda
Creek
Sun
au
a
Br
No public access (industry use only)
1
23
Lethbridge
k
45
reek
Aztec Lake
ze
Trail
Lak
eT
rail
ra
ive
r
Fortress
k
r
ve
Ri
5790000
a
5780000
t
ap
5770000
tB
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Cr
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nw
Su
Lake Tra
il
k
bo
Po
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Cr
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Tra
i
ne
n
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Bighorn
Self-guided canoe trail
Forest land use zone
56
2
ee
Cr
Wapiabi
Provincial
Recreation Area
ker C
Motorcycle
Wilderness park
36
23
5
ap
Blackstone/Wapiabi
FLUZ
Whis
Information Kiosk
Wildland park
390000
No
Historic site
Provincial park
Drumheller
9
72
22
Blackstone
Fry
att
Va
lle
yT
rai
l
Cr
ek
Hiking
National park
ion
41
9
24
Cardina
iver
La
ine
ral
d
Ge
k
ee
Provincial recreation area
56
21
27
CALGARY
Upper Mons Lake
Job Cre
Equestrian
Forest recreation area
12
54
22
r
S
er
Riv
43
Day use area
Natural area
41
Red Deer
1
ve
Ri
k
th
es
So
u
l
esk
th
ou
ke
sT
rai
Southesk Lake
Coronet Glacier
Cycling
Metis settlement
rail
kT
e
Cre
11
734
Cardinal River Divide
Forest Recreation Area
Isaac Creek
Cross-country skiing
Indian reserve
Nat
Blackstone Viewpoint
Forest Recreation Area
Campground
Urban
Rocky
Mountain
House
Banff
National
Park
reek
Mile C
16 1/2
il
Lloyd MacKay (Mt. Alberta) Hut
Habel
21
11
d
oa
Tr
a
ek
All terrain vehicle
Water
Jas
Brown Creek
Areas with pullout map
Rail
Park
2
R
sk
Lynx Cre
Special interest site
National
Whitehorse
Creek
PRA
m
Dru
Lloydminster
16
39
22
s
he
Cr
1
nd
mo
EDMONTON
22
at
Marshybank
Ecological
Reserve
Riv
er
ut
ck
Secondary & gravel roads
16
47
Fl
r
ve
ne
So
Li
Primary highways
Hinton
ve
Ri
im
ne
Marshybank Lake
Cairn Lakes
Gong Glacier
Backcountry
accommodation
44
734
ek
Mountain Park
Cemetary
Backcountry campsite
Jasper Towns with trails
43
Edson
rse Cre
ts R
Fla
e
rav
ree
ek
e
Cr
Cold Lake
32
Kakwa Wildland
Provincial Park
ra
tle
2
Athabasca
40
Jasper
Whiteho
oad
Marshybank
C
Alexis
by
Ru
Cardinal
Flapjack Lake
River
No. 234
is
Th
Slave
Lake
Grande
Prairie
Trail
k
Brazeau Canyon
Wildland Park
Whitehorse Falls
ee
re
63
2
Muskiki Lake
ek
Peace
River
Dr
r
Rive
eek
Cadomin
Cave
Fort McMurray
35
G
ss
53
C
re
dC
ek
C
y
R
inal
Card
k
e
re
Brazeau River
e Cr
Ch
Creek
Ha
k
ee
Cr
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Tr
ai
ke
La
s
ue
cq
Ja
Ra
cL
eo
d
M
r
re
ub
le
lig
il
River
Ruby Lake
r
ve
Ri
st
Ma
a
Tr
Aston
ia
5860000
Pr
os
pe
ct
5880000
5870000
Meadow Cre
ek
Coal Branch
FLUZ
ent
Re
e
5850000
l
in
5840000
ive
ma
yl
5830000
lR
Grav
il
ina
4
a
Tr
rd
No
Sk
5820000
Mile 12 Interim
Staging Area
Tra
i
ine T
Alexis Elk River
No. 233
ss
er
Riv
Legend - South Half
Northern Rockies Boundary
Northern Rockies
Trail Map
Boundary
Pa
ca
5810000
k
Cr
e
Park
There are also considerable opportunities for motorized trail
uses on the lower slopes of the Coal Branch area and eastern
portions of the Bighorn Backcountry region, with access to
trails leading to splendid mountain and foothills landscapes.
These public lands are managed by the Alberta government to
ensure protection of sensitive environment and wildlife, with
timing restrictions often in place for horses and OHVs.
ee
ek
Meadows Lake
Ca
Cardinal River Divide
Forest Recreation Area
Medic
The Northern Rockies area is big country, much of it protected
and designated for non-motorized recreation use. Within its
boundaries are the immense Jasper National Park of Canada,
two sizable wilderness areas – Willmore and White Goat –
and three provincial wildland parks – Rock Lake-Solomon
Creek, Whitehorse and Brazeau Canyon. Here hikers, cyclists,
horseback riders, cross-country skiers and snowshoers can
explore canyons, visit waterfalls and venture over high passes
into alpine meadows and mountain basins with stunning views.
In many cases, the trails are designed to accommodate a
variety of users. This map also covers the 500 km northern
stretch of the Great Divide Trail, which links various hiking trails
along the often-wild and remote Continental Divide.
High
Level
dl
ry
The map area embraces the northeast slopes of Alberta’s
Rocky Mountains, marked on the west by the Continental
Divide separating the province from British Columbia. From this
height of land – featuring some of the Rockies’ loftiest, most
glaciated peaks – the terrain tumbles down into broad valleys
cut by the headwaters of big, wild rivers such as the
Athabasca, North Saskatchewan and Smoky. The topography
continues its eastward descent through the front ranges and
into forested slopes of pine, fir and spruce.
Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park
d
Fi
da
Valley of
Five Lakes
Fairfax Lake
Moose Lake
d
Clairvaux
Alberta Forest Service Museum
Medicine Lake
Whistler Campground
Jasper
Kelley's Bathtub Visitor Centre
13
Athabasca Lookout Nordic Centre
5 30 37
Cadomin Cave
20
Wapiti
14
Campground
Cardinal Falls
Whitehorse Falls
of the
31 Valley
Natural Resource Interpretive Park
Five Lakes
Surprise Lake
Hinton Visitor Information Centre
Curator Lake
Portal Creek
Wabasso
Athabasca Falls
Wrangler’s Cabin
Lakes
Shangrila
Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier
Curator Cabin
Clairvaux Glacier
Wabasso Campground
Ewan Moberly Homestead
Meadow Glacier
Army Campground 19
Skyline Horse
Goat Lookout
Trailhead
Opal Lake
Antler Lakes Shangri-La Cabin
Jasper Tramway
Jasper-Yellowhead Museum & Archives
Mona Lake 18
Lake Annette & Lake Edith
Tonquin Valley Backcountry Lodge
Whirlpool Group
Lorraine
Lake
Campground
Maligne Canyon
Moat Lake
Maligne Canyon Teahouse
Tonquin Horse
16 1/2 Mile Lake
Maligne Lake
Trailhead
Tonquin Valley Adventures
Amethyst Lakes
Cavell Lake
Marmot Basin
Horseshoe Lake
Cavell Meadows
Medicine Lake
Miette Hot Springs
9
Angel Glacier
Geraldine
Evelyn Lakes
Henry House
Fire Road
Chrome Lake
Maligne Lake
12
Buttress Lake
Fraser Glacier
Old Fort Point
Moab
Lake
Wates-Gibson ACC Hut
Parker Ridge
Beryl Lake
Pyramid and Patricia Lakes
Simon Glacier
Spirit Island
Eremite Glacier
Saskatchewan River Crossing
Kerkeslin Campground
r
e
Stutfield Glacier
iv
93
R
Mastodon Glacier
Sunwapta Falls
ol
o
p
l
r
Tangle Falls
hi
W
The Den Wildlife Museum
M
al
Fishing Access above
k
Valley of the Five Lakes
ig
ree
C
Athabasca
Falls
ne
on
m
i
Pocahontas Coal Mine Site
S
Pa
Jasper House
ss
Honeymoon Campground
Beaver Boardwalk
Tr
ai
Weeping Wall Viewpoint
Buck Lake
l
Beacon Lake
Buck and
Columbia Icefield Visitor Information Centre
Osprey Lakes
Jasper Park/Visitor Information Centre
28
Chalk Lake
Crescent Falls
Siffleur Falls
Cline River Canyon
Brazeau Collieries Minesite Industrial Museum
Fryatt ACC Hut
Bighorn Canyon Lookout
Wapiabi Caves
Nordegg Heritage Centre
Kain Meadows
Sulphur Canyon
Smoky River Nordic Ski Club
Grande Cache Campground and Golf Course
Sulphur Gates
Muskeg Falls
Hooker Icefield
Eaton Falls
Kane Glacier
Grande Cache Tourism and Interpretive Centre
Grande Cache Lake
Ruby Falls
Committee Punch Bowl
Hinton Bike Park
un
Creek
Pembina Forks
Coal Branch
FLUZ
Cardinal River
Bo
y
oa
rR
d
ve
Ri
uth
bas
5800000
a
So
an
pl
Al
Beaver Lake
Mount Brown Icefield
5760000
r
23
bin
Twin Lake
ve
Caledonia Lake
Watchtower
ile
re
Whitehorse Wildland
5
31
The Northern Rockies area is a trail lover’s paradise. Several
thousand kilometres of trails crisscross the mountains and
foothills of this expansive region. They range from short
interpretive walks close to major roads to remote week-long
backcountry adventures.
m
National
Ba
C
Road
Skyline
Cottonwood Slough 25
Jacques Lake
Wapiti
Campground
Lovett River
Provincial
Recreation
Area
Northern Rockies Trails
The Northern Rockies is home to a wealth of wildlife with
larger species including black and grizzly bears, elk, moose,
bighorn sheep, woodland caribou, deer, wolves and cougars.
Within the vast, mostly unsettled region covered in this map,
there are only a few towns which offer a diversity of multi-use
trails within and close to their boundaries as well as a full
range of tourist services and attractions. Besides trails, the
Northern Rockies region offers abundant opportunities for
other recreational activities such as camping, fishing, rafting
and sightseeing.
Ri
6
s
at
Fl
Maligne Canyon
ek
Pe
Whitehorse Creek
Whitehorse Wildland
Park
a
Ath
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
16 17
Jasper
Dorothy
Lake House
Iris Lake
Hibernia Lake
Decoigne
Creek
Cardinal Divide Hiking
Whistlers
Campground
Coal Valley
Foothills
Lovett River
am
erd C
re
av
Be
Cadomin
Cave
ve
ra
16
il
6
Minnow Lake Saturday Night Lake
Miette River
4
G
r
Der
Cutt Lake
Special Interest Sites:
15
13
Cadomin
Tr
a
Whitehorse
Jasper
Pyramid
Fire Road
Rink Lake
ss
Riv
er
Yellowhead Pass
k
Pa
Mount Colin Centennial Hut
22
ee
cky
Snaring Overflow
Henry House
Cr
le
Ro
Ruby Lakes
as
11
Snaring Campground
16
dd
er
Miette Lake
Fi
iv
R
Overlander
Coal Branch
FLUZ
Cadomin Cave
Miett
To Tramway
Whistlers Road
16
ba
le
Immediately west of Mount Cadomin is the entrance to the 175 km2 Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park, which protects prime
habitat for such wildlife as bighorn sheep, grizzly bears and breeding harlequin ducks. This mountain haven is an increasingly popular
destination for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and backpackers – the latter two can travel over Fiddle Pass to Miette
Hotsprings21 in Jasper National Park.
93a
Em
River
dd
Point
er
e Riv
93
r
23 Old Fort
Twin Lakes
Coalspur
Close to town are two heart-pounding climbs to fine viewpoints: the Palisades
Lookout (11 km) and Signal Mountain Fire Road (8.5 km). For flatter,
quieter rides, cyclists can tour fire roads up the further removed valleys of
Fryatt Creek (11 km) or Whirlpool River (8 km) or venture up to
Watson Creek
Celestine Lake (6.6 km).
Fi
16
ght
nau
The Jasper townsite area offers 190 km of cross-country mountain biking options, ranging from
quick rides to all-day excursions that combine a number of loops on lightly forested benchlands.
Favourites include the intermediate Old Fort Point23 to Wabasso Lake (15 km), which
crosses several low ridges, and two advanced single-track rides – Saturday Night Loop
(25 km return) and the scenic Overlander trail (16 km one way).
ve
As Grave Flats Road swings east, it passes trailheads for several routes frequented by OHVs – these include the 8 km trail along Toma
Creek (it becomes a hiking trail after reaching the Coal Branch FLUZ boundary) and a longer ride to Ruby Lakes, where camping is
available. The latter trailhead also provides access to a much larger network of OHV trails west of Brazeau Canyon Wildland
Provincial Park. OHVs are not allowed in the park.
37
Mountain Biking
Ri
6
Further south along Grave Flats Road, the delightful 1.5 km Cardinal Divide East Trail quickly leads hikers to an alpine ridge with
outstanding views of the surrounding mountains and foothills. The nearby 15 km Cardinal River Headwaters Trail takes users,
including off-highway vehicles, through alpine terrain to Cardinal Falls.
Riv
Pyramid
Cycling near Valley of Five Lakes
ne
Cr
Maligne Canyon
Popular backcountry rides include guided trips into the Shovel Pass Lodge and the spectacular Tonquin Valley. Longer pack trips can
venture for days along historic exploration routes, often looping into the park from trails originating in such places as the Willmore
Wilderness, to the north.
The campground and corrals at Whitehorse Creek Provincial Recreation Area provide a convenient spot for launching scenic hiking,
biking and horseback day trips along park trails to Whitehorse Falls6 (12 km one way), Leyland Basin (4 km) and Drummond
Creek (9 km). Close by is the popular 2 km trail to Cadomin Cave4, which provides critical habitat for bats.
14
Columbia Icefield from Wilcox Pass
ig
To Maligne
Canyon &
Maligne Lake
15
Heading north, the Icefield Parkway (Highway 93) passes two thundering waterfalls, Sunwapta28 and Athabasca9, both reached by
short, paved walks. A detour up the winding Cavell Road leads to the base of the towering Mount Edith Cavell. Here, the well-used
Path of the Glacier Loop (1.6 kilometres return) passes near a hanging glacier, while the 7 km (return) Cavell Meadows Trail
circles through alpine terrain. Back on Highway 93, a popular family trail (4.2 km return) loops through the scenic Valley of the
Five Lakes.
Close to town, equestrian riders can enjoy many of the same trails used by cyclists and hikers. Popular short rides explore Maligne
Canyon, tour past Lake Annette15 on Trail 4 and, from stables above town, follow a loop along Patricia and Pyramid
Lakes25.
Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park Area
16
Pyramid
Overlook
e
Athabasca Falls
Most park trails are excellent for snowshoeing, though snowshoers are asked not to use groomed ski trails.
nd
The Columbia
is arguably the signature attraction in Jasper National Park. From the lower parking lot across the highway
from the Icefield Centre, scores of visitors trek up a well-beaten path (1.5 km return) to the toe of Canada’s most accessible glacier,
the Athabasca (Note: Travelling onto the crevassed glacier beyond is dangerous). For a superb overview of the Athabasca Glacier10
and a glimpse at the expansive icefield beyond, head south to the Wilcox Campground and hike into the alpine meadows of
Wilcox Pass (2.4 km return to the first viewpoint), often frequented by grazing bighorn sheep.
Riders can bring their own horses or hire an outfitter for both short rides and pack trips into the backcountry. The former should consult
regulations on permitted equestrian areas, horse stabling and holding corrals and, in the backcountry, campsite rules and reservations
and required permits for grazing and overnight stays. To help plan your equestrian trip, go to www.pc.gc.ca/jasper and check
“Horseback Riding” under “Activities”.
ad
Icefield10
Jasper has plenty of track-set ski trails, primarily located south of town along or near the forested Highway 93A, which retains its snow
cover well and is largely closed to vehicle traffic in winter (they’re not far from the Marmot Basin19 ski hill). One easy-to-moderate
favourite here is the Athabasca Falls9/Meeting of the Waters Trail (10.5 km), which offers fine views of the Athabasca and
Whirlpool Valleys and their surrounding peaks. For more of a wilderness feel, consider track-set trails to Summit Lakes (5 km) and
Jacques Lake (11 km), reached from the south end of Medicine Lake20 on the Maligne Valley Road.
Ro
Hiking
Equestrian
mo
At 11,228 km2, Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and one of several parks that make up the Rocky
Mountain World Heritage Site. While much of Jasper’s great expanse lies in the deep backcountry, most of its 1,200-plus kilometres
of trails can be easily accessed from paved roads. Some 190 km of the park’s trails can also be found in and around the Jasper
townsite.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
um
(www.pc.gc.ca/jasper)
ght
Jasper National Park of Canada
5
Farther north, and west of Highway 11, there are a number of fine day hikes, offering spectacular views of waterfalls and alpine lakes.
These include Crescent Falls38 (6 km return), Allstones Lake (13 km return) and Cline River Canyon40 (6 km return) and
Kinglet Lake (12 km return).
• wearing an approved helmet for your particular activity;
and
For caving etiquette and safety visit www.caving.ab.ca/
safety_and_manners
For more information on responsible recreation and
stewardship opportunities, contact Alberta’s recreation
associations or visit www.srd.alberta.ca.