Jasper National Park of Canada

Backpacking

You have chosen a very special place to enjoy a wilderness experience. Jasper National Park is the largest and most northerly of Canada's mountain national parks. It protects more than 10,000 square kilometres of the Rocky Mountains, a beautiful and dramatic landscape supporting a rich variety of plants and animals. The human history is interesting too. Many of the park's backcountry trails were established by early travellers including First Nations people, fur traders, explorers and adventurers.

There are more than 1,200 kilometres of trails and 100 backcountry campsites in the park. Licensed commercial services include three backcountry lodges, a number of horse outfitters, and many hiking/interpretive guides. The Alpine Club of Canada manages four alpine huts.

This section will help you plan a hike that is safe, exciting and low impact.

Have a wonderful trip!

Printable Version (PDF, 80 KB)

Quick Links
Where to go? Reservations Wilderness Pass Voluntary Safety Registrations Weather Transportation The Basics Playing it Safe Water Wildlife Bears Information Sources What to Expect	Backcountry Lodges and Alpine Huts Guides and Outfitters Traveling with Horses Trail Bicycling Climbing, Mountaineering and Glacier Travel Fishing Backcountry Wardens Managing our Use Please Leave No Trace A Fellow Traveller Looking for Trip Ideas? Sharing the Trail

Where to go?

The trip ideas on this website are a good starting point for selecting a hike that meets your needs and abilities. More detailed trail guidebooks and topographic maps are available through the park's cooperating association, the Friends of Jasper National Park (see Information Sources) and bookstores. The best way to begin your trip is with knowledgeable park information centre staff, who can provide you with up-to-date trail conditions, bear warnings and other essential information.

Reservations

Campsite reservations are advisable for busy trails during the peak hiking months of July and August. Busy trails include Skyline, Tonquin, Brazeau Loop and Maligne Lake and Pass areas. You can make a reservation up to 3 months in advance of your trip by contacting the townsite Trail Office (see Information Sources). A non-refundable reservation fee applies.

Wilderness Pass

Purchase of a Wilderness Pass is mandatory for any overnight backcountry visit. It specifies the area/trail/ and campsites you are using and the number of people and tents in your group. You must pick up your pass from a park information centre within 24 hours of your departure for updates on trail conditions, closures and other information. All Wilderness Pass fees (excluding reservation and modification fees) are entirely refundable until 10 a.m. on your proposed date of departure. If your plans change, take advantage of the refund policy and make your space available to others. Wilderness Pass fees are used to fund the trail maintenance, bridge building, campground maintenance, trip planning assistance and other services backcountry users have come to expect. Frequent travellers can purchase an Annual Wilderness Pass valid in all four mountain parks for a full year after purchase date.

Voluntary Safety Registrations

If you plan to participate in an activity involving significant risk, you may choose to register your trip in person at the time you purchase your Wilderness Pass. A safety registration ensures that a search will be initiated on your behalf if you do not return by the date and time recorded.

Safety registration is recommended for individuals or small groups engaged in activities such as mountaineering, canoeing, kayaking, skiing outside regularly tracked routes and any activity on glaciers or icefields. We also recommend it for solo travellers without a local contact. The safety registration system is voluntary, but becomes a binding agreement if you choose to use it. It is your responsibility to provide a comprehensive and accurate description of your route, including any side trips. You must report back immediately upon your return to a park info centre, or, if they are closed, call the Jasper Warden Office at (780) 852-6155 (open 24 hours).

Weather

The most predictable thing about mountain weather is its unpredictability. Rain or snow can fall at any time of the year and freezing temperatures are possible even during the summer. The best way to deal with the weather is to prepare for all conditions. For a detailed weather forecast, contact the Environment Canada Weather Office at (780) 852-3185 or visit the website at http://weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca .

Transportation

Trailheads can be difficult to get to without a vehicle. Public transportation to outlying park trailheads is limited. Information centre staff can assist you with information about available options.

The Basics

• Select a trip which best suits your party's abilities and experience, interests, equipment and the time you have available.
• Familiarize yourself with the trail you have selected. This includes using additional reference guides and topographic maps. Both are available at park information centres through the Friends of Jasper National Park.
• Reserve the campsites you wish to use by calling (780) 852-6177 (Jasper) up to 3 months before your departure date. A non refundable reservation fee applies and a modification fee for additional changes to your itinerary. Book early for popular campsites.
• Pick up your Wilderness Pass at a park information centre, or Parks Canada's office in Calgary, within 24 hours of your departure. At the same time, you will receive up-to-date information on trail conditions and bear activity.
• Be prepared to be self-sufficient during inclement and rapidly changing mountain conditions by packing the right clothing and camping gear.
• Bring along a backpacker's camp stove and fuel as well as two sections of 20 m rope to hang food and other tempting items so they are not within reach of bears and other wildlife.
• Let a friend or family member know about your travel plansor use the safety registration system.
• Check the current weather forecast by calling (780) 852-3185.
• Check at the trailhead kiosk prior to your hike. It contains valuable information.
• Read the rest of this webiste carefully for additional information on park opportunities, regulations, low impact travelling, information sources, wild-life and more!

Playing it safe

All outdoor activities involve some degree of risk. Rapidly changing weather, steep, rugged or unfamiliar terrain, avalanches (at any time of year), cold, swift-flowing streams, canyons, rapids and waterfalls, glacial crevasses, falling rocks and wild animals are all backcountry hazards visitors may encounter. Caution and self-reliance are essential. You or your trip leader should have a knowledge of natural hazards, experience in avoiding them and a plan to deal with them successfully when required.

Water

Giardia lamblia is a parasite carried by humans and some domestic and wild animals. These parasites can be in any surface water and may contaminate the water supply. Boiling water will destroy the organism.

Special filters and iodine tablets can also be used to purify water.

Wildlife

Never forget that park animals are wild and can be dangerous. Any animal can become aggressive if it feels threatened, so keep your distance30 metres from most animals, and at least 100 metres from bears.

Bears

Both black and grizzly bears are of special concern to backcountry travellers. You can significantly reduce the risk of bear encounters by following the guidelines on food storage and garbage provided in the
Please, Leave No Trace section of this brochure and the park wildlife safety publication Bears and People, available at park campgrounds and information centres.

Remember - YOU are responsible for your own safety.

Hire a Local Guide

Numerous guiding companies are licensed by Parks Canada to offer their services within Jasper National Park, for example: interpretive day hiking or snowshoeing guides, backpacking and mountaineering guides, horse-back and boat-trip guides, and fishing guides.

Before booking your guided activity, you should ensure that the company you are considering is legally licensed to operate within the national park. Please report any illegal or inappropriate guiding activities to Parks Canada by calling 403.762.1470.

If you are considering a guided hiking, snowshoeing or mountaineering experience, look for guides who are accredited by either or both the following professional organizations, for the highest standards of local knowledge and safety:

The Mountain Parks Heritage Interpretation Association (MPHIA)
www. mphia.org

The Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG)
www.acmg.ca

Information Sources

Main Contact

Parks Canada Trail Office
Jasper Townsite Information Centre
Wilderness Pass, safety registrations (in person only), trail reservations/information.
500 Connaught Dr.
P.O. Box 10, Jasper, AB ,T0E 1E0
Ph: (780) 852-6177; Fax: (780) 852-6152
E-mail: jnp.info@pc.gc.ca

Additional Contacts

Parks Canada Information, Icefield Centre
(May 1 to October 15)
Wilderness Pass, safety registrations (in person
only), trail information.
103 km south of Jasper on the Icefields Parkway
Ph: (780) 852-6288; Fax: (780) 852-6287
E-mail: jasper.icefields@pc.gc.ca

Warden Office
Information on mountaineering, ice climbing,
public safety.
Ph: (780) 852-6155; Fax: (780) 852-4775

Parks Canada Calgary Service Centre
Information on all four mountain national parks
and others in the region.
1300 635 8 Ave. SW
Calgary AB T2P 3M3
403-292-4401
E-mail: NatlParks-AB@pc.gc.ca

Friends of Jasper National Park
Retail outlets at both Parks Canada information
centres. P.O. Box 992, Jasper, AB, T0E 1E0
Ph: (780) 852-4767; Fax: (780) 852-4799
E-mail: friends@incentre.net
Website: www.friendsofjasper.com

Mt. Robson and Hamber Provincial Parks
P.O. Box 579, Valemount, B.C., V0E 2Z0
Ph (250) 566-4325 (year round) 566-9174 (summer)
Reservations: 1-800-689-9025
Website: http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/

What to Expect

Jasper National Park offers a range of backcountry experiences. In areas designated as semi-primitive you will find maintained trails and designated camp-sites with amenities like pit toilets, tent pads, food storage cables, rustic picnic tables and metal fire grates at sites where campfires are allowed. You are very likely to meet others on the trail. In more re-mote, primitive areas of the park, trails are not as well maintained and campsites will have only a pit privy, fire grate and bear pole. In wildland areas, travellers must be prepared for the rigours of remote travel including river fords, basic route finding and random camping.

The Tonquin, Skyline, Brazeau Loop and the Maligne Lake and Pass areas are the most popular hikes. These areas can see high levels of use during the summer and reservations are recommended. If your goal is to get away from it all and see as few people as possible, check with staff for alternative areas.

Backcountry Lodges and Alpine Huts

Lodge reservations can be made by calling:

Tonquin Valley Pack Trips
(780) 865-4417 or www.tonquinadventures.com

Dixon's Tonquin Valley Pack and Ski Trips
(780) 852-3909 or www.tonquinvalley.com

Skyline Trail Rides, Curator Lake
(780) 852-4215 or www.skylinetrail.com/

Alpine huts may be booked by contacting:

Alpine Club of Canada
P.O. Box 8040, Indian Flats Road
Canmore, AB, T1W 2T8
Ph: (403) 678-3200; Fax: (403) 678-3224
www.alpineclubofcanada.ca

A Wilderness Pass is required if you bivouac or use
Alpine Club of Canada facilities.

Guides and Outfitters

Information centres can provide you with a list of local guides and horse outfitters.

Travelling With Horses

Park information centres have information about guided day or overnight horse trips in the park. The Horse Users' Guide provides detailed information to individuals or small groups planning a horseback trip on their own. Horse users must contact the Jasper Trail Office to obtain the permits required for an overnight horse trip. Fees apply.

Trail Bicycling

Cycling is permitted on trails designated for bicycle use. All other park trails are closed to bicycles. For more information on trails and biking etiquette, ask for the Jasper mountain biking brochure at an information centre.

Climbing, Mountaineering and Glacier Travel

Highly specialized equipment and knowledge are necessary for safe mountaineering and glacier travel. If you plan to take part in climbing or mountaineering activities you may wish to discuss your plans with a Park Warden in Jasper. A number of excellent guide-books are available for reference at information centres or Friends of Jasper National Park retail outlets. Since climbing and mountaineering activities involve some risk or hazard, a voluntary safety registration is recommended. Mountaineering parties can apply to bivouac in non-vegetated areas. Special restrictions may apply. The Alpine Club of Canada operates four mountaineering huts in Jasper National Park. To find out more, see the Backcountry Lodges and Alpine Huts section.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted in most backcountry lakes. A National Park Fishing Permit is mandatory. Fishing permits can be purchased at the park information centres and at several Jasper retail outlets that sell angling supplies. Be sure to obtain a copy of the current Fishing Regulations Summary with your permit. It covers opening seasons, bait and tackle restrictions and catch and possession limits. Seasonal closures may be in effect on some lakes.

Backcountry Wardens

National Park Wardens conduct backcountry patrols throughout the year. They are there to assist you in case of emergency, provide information, and ensure that the park's natural and cultural resources are protected. Any Park Warden you encounter in the backcountry will ask to see your Wilderness Pass.

Since their duties require them to patrol large areas, you should not count on being able to find a Warden in case of emergency. Prepare to be self-reliant.

Managing Our Use

Humans have an impact in all areas of the park. The backcountry is especially vulnerable to our use. Vegetation is fragile, especially at higher elevations, and wildlife are not as habituated to people. Park management regulations are in place to minimize our impact. They include quota restrictions on trails and campsites, a limit on group size, a permit system and restrictions on special use. You can support this program by respecting the regulations and using low impact techniques on backcountry trips (see the section Please, Leave No Trace!). Parks Canada continues to evaluate and implement human use management in Jasper National Park for the benefit of the park's wilderness and its visitors.

Please, Leave No Trace!

Garbage

Please Pack it in and pack it out! You are responsible for everything you take into the backcountry and this includes garbage. Litter in the backcountry is both unsightly and hazardous. A piece of broken glass or foil could magnify the sun's rays enough to start a forest fire. Animals may be injured by scavenging in garbage left lying around. Do not dispose of garbage in pit toilet sit may attract animals.

Shortcutting trails

Shortcutting between trail switchbacks damages both the soil and plant life. This not only ruins the look of an area, but makes it susceptible to further damage by erosion.

Collecting Natural or Cultural Objects

Rocks, fossils, horns, antlers, wildflowers, nests and all other natural or historical objects in a national park are protected by law. Leave them as you found them for others to enjoy. Ignoring this regulation can lead to prosecution.

Camping

Please camp only at the campsites indicated on your Wilderness Pass and use the tent pads (where provided). Check with park staff for special restrictions in wildland areas.

Washing

Wash well away from any lakes, streams or rivers and keep the use of soap to a minimum. Even biodegradable soaps are pollutants. Strain out those last bits of food waste and pack them out. Disperse grey water on land, a good distance from water sources and campsites.

Pets

Pets may provoke confrontations with wildlife and affect your safety. Dogs must be kept on a leash while in a national park. They may be happier if left at home.

Campfires

Campfires are a luxury in the mountains and are not permitted in all areas. If you choose to have a fire, use the metal fireboxes provided, keep your fire small and use only deadfall. Tend your fire at all times and extinguish it completely before you move on. Gas stoves are cleaner and more efficient for cooking. We recommend you use one. Please check with staff for information on the campfire policy in winter.

Food Storage

To reduce your campsite's attractiveness to bears, all food, garbage, toiletries and cooking equipment must be suspended from the food storage cables provided at designated campsites. In random camping areas, find two tall/sturdy trees and hang your food at least four metres above the ground and two metres from each tree trunk (bring two 20 m lengths of rope along with you). Please remember that food left behind in vehicles at trailheads may encourage damage by bears.

Human Waste

Use the pit toilets provided if possible. When there are no facilities nearby, select a spot away from trails, campsites and at least 50 m from water sources. Dig a hole 12 to 16 cm with a stick, the heel of your boot or a small trowel. You want to reach the dark-coloured, biologically active soil layer. Fill the hole with soil afterward; do not pack it down. Use as little toilet paper as possible and burn it if the fire hazard is not extreme. (Some people pack out their used toilet paper).

A Fellow Traveller

Hikers travel park trails that often look empty and unused. Not so. Wildlife use the trails for the very same reason we doto get from one area to another.

Take a close look at this photograph. It was taken by remote camera along one of the park's backcountry trails. The cougar triggered the shot when it stepped into an infrared beam. The park is monitoring the movement of large mammals like this cougar as part of a Movement Corridor Study. We are trying to answer questions like How do large carnivores travel through some areas of the park? Are certain trails more important than others? How does human use affect wildlife use?

LOOKING FOR TRIP IDEAS?

The following trail descriptions briefly outline the park's main hikes. For detailed information and further trip planning there are several excellent guidebooks available, including The Canadian Rockies Trail Guide by Brian Patton and Bart Robinson, Graeme Pole's Classic Hikes in the Canadian Rockies and Jasper-Robson: A Taste of Heaven by Don Beers.
Information centre staff are also pleased to offer advice on trip selection.
Interested in hiking for just a few hours? Day hiking opportunities are highlighted in the Summer Trails Guide to Jasper National Park.

TWO-DAY HIKES (distance less than 34 km)

SATURDAY NIGHT LAKE LOOP - 27.4 km.

Elevation gain 540 m. Maximum elevation 1700 m. A good novice trail on a plateau, beginning and ending in the Jasper townsite. The route is all below timberline making it a good selection for the novice or early season
hiker. Campsites are at Saturday Night Lake, High Lakes and Minnow Lake. Note: Seasonal fishing in all lakes except Cabin Lake.
Map: Jasper 83D/16.

JACQUES LAKE - 12 km one way.

Elevation gain 90 m. Maximum elevation 1555 m. A good choice for novice hikers. The trailhead is at the south end of Medicine Lake, 28 km from Jasper townsite. An 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 well-defined trail to the campsite at the far end of Jacques Lake. Camping is not permitted at Beaver Lake. Note: Fishing is not permitted at Jaques Lake. Map: Medicine Lake 83C/13.

GERALDINE LAKES - 6 km one way.

Elevation gain 400 m. Maximum elevation 1875 m. 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 first 2 km of this trail are deceptively easy, travelling along a well-defined path to the first of the Geraldine Lakes. Beyond this point, however, the work (and rewards) begin. The trail climbs steeply along a waterfall, across a large boulder field and skirts the edge of a tarn (small glacial lake). It continues along an even steeper pitch to a viewpoint. You'll reach the only campsite at the far end of the second lake. Good hiking boots and endurance are absolute requirements for this trip. Note: Routefinding can be tricky; not recommended for beginners. Use of a stove is mandatory. No open fires. Map: Athabasca Falls 83C/12.

WATCHTOWER BASIN - 9.8 km one way.

Elevation gain 985 m. Maximum elevation 2375 m. Trailhead about 18 km from Jasper townsite on Maligne Road. A relatively steep climb leads to an alpine meadow. Hikers must ford the main creek to reach the campsite. Access to the Skyline trail is 3.5 km beyond the campsite. Note: Route finding is tricky between campsite and Skyline trail. Map: Medicine Lake 83C/14.

THREE-DAY HIKES (distance 34-50 km)

FORTRESS LAKE - 24.2 km.

Elevation gain nil. Maximum elevation 1400 m. Trailhead is at Sunwapta Falls, about 55 km south of the townsite on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). The trail travels along the valley bottom to a bridged crossing of the Athabasca River. Note: Fording of the Chaba River is necessary and can be dangerous (or impossible) especially when the river is high. Maps: Athabasca Falls 83C/12, Fortress Lake 83C/5.

MALIGNE PASS - 48 km.

Elevation gain 700 m. Maximum elevation 2240 m. Trailheads are at Maligne Lake (50 km from Jasper townsite) and at km 72 on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). The trail tends to remain wet throughout the season but all major crossings are bridged. The pass area is a lovely alpine meadow, but the remainder of the trail lies in heavy timber. Some horse use. Note: Rugged and isolated. Maps: Sunwapta Peak 83C/6, Southesk Falls 83C/11, Athabasca Falls 83C/12.

SKYLINE - 45 km.

Elevation gain 1380 m. Maximum elevation 2490 m. Trailheads are at Maligne Lake (50 km from Jasper townsite) and just before Maligne Canyon (about 8 km from Jasper on the Maligne Road). Snow in higher areas may remain until mid-July. While the route passes through some wet and boggy areas, its entire length is very scenic. Since most of the trail is above treeline, firewood is unavailable and use of a stove is mandatory. Note: No open fires. Maps: Medicine Lake 83C/13, Athabasca Falls 83C/12.

TONQUIN VALLEY - 42 km.

Elevation gain 700 m. Maximum elevation 2210 m. Trailheads are at km 12.7 on the Cavell Rd and at km 6.3 on the Marmot Basin Rd. This is a beautiful alpine region although in rainy seasons the trail gets muddy. There are several good day hikes in this area. Seasonal fishing is permitted in Amethyst and Moat Lakes. Regular horse use during July and August can make trails difficult for hikers. Note: No open fires. Use of a stove is mandatory. Maps: Amethyst Lakes 83D/9, Jasper 83D/16.

FRYATT VALLEY - 20 km one way.

Elevation gain 760 m. Maximum elevation 1980 m. Access to the trailhead is via Highway 93A and the Geraldine fire road just north of Athabasca Falls. The trailhead is approximately 2 km up the fire road. The first 10 km are very flat with the majority of the elevation gain occurring after the lower Fryatt campsite. Additional camping is available at Brussels and Headwall camp-grounds or visitors can book the Fryatt Alpine Club hut in advance. Note: Biking allowed to 36 Map: Athabasca Falls 83C/12.

FOUR-DAY HIKES (distance 50-80 km)

FIDDLE RIVER - 25 km one way.

Elevation gain 1025 m. Maximum elevation 2120 m. The trail begins behind the old pool building at Miette Hotsprings (60 km from the townsite). It is relatively primitive and has few bridged crossings. Some short sections of trail may be very muddy. Beyond scenic Whitehorse Pass a well-defined trail continues down to a provincial campground near Cadomin. Map: Miette 83F/4.

POBOKTAN-BRAZEAU-NIGEL - 80 km.

Elevation gain 750 m. Maximum elevation 1950 m. Trailheads are 72 km and 112 km south of Jasper townsite on the Icefields Parkway. The trail passes through extensive alpine meadows and three passes. Seasonal fishing in Brazeau Lake. Snow levels may hinder travel until mid-July.
Some horse traffic. Maps: Sunwapta Peak 83C/6, Columbia Icefield 83C/3.

JONAS PASS - 53 km.

Elevation gain 555 m. Maximum elevation 2470 m. Trailheads are the same as for Poboktan-Nigel-Brazeau. This is an impressive hike with over 13 km of travel above treeline. Good views and prime habitat for park wildlife including hoary marmot and mountain caribou. Note: No camping is allowed in Jonas Pass. Campsites are located at the beginning and end of the 20 km pass section. Horse use prohibited. Maps: Sunwapta Peak 83C/6, Columbia Icefield 83C/3.

SEVEN-DAY HIKES (distance approx. 100 km)

ATHABASCA PASS - 51 km one way.

Elevation gain 560 m. Maximum elevation 1800 m. Access to the trailhead is via Highway 93A south, then follow Moab Lake fire road for 6.4 km. The trail follows the Whirlpool River valley, the traditional route of early fur traders crossing the Rocky Mountains. Large gravel flats and glaciers dominate the scenery in sections. All major crossings are bridged as you climb toward Athabasca Pass National Historic Site. Some horse traffic. Maps: Athabasca Falls 83C/12, Amethyst Lakes 83D/9, Athabasca Pass 83D/8.

TEN-DAY HIKES (distance less than 200 km)

These are lengthy wilderness hikes that require careful planning and extensive preparation.

NORTH BOUNDARY - 192 km.

Elevation gain 1055 m. Maximum elevation 2019 m. Trailheads are located at the Celestine Lake parking lot (limited access), 53 km from Jasper townsite; Rock Lake off Hwy 40 to Grande Cache and at Mount Robson, 88 km west on Highway 16. The trail is rugged in places although all major river crossings are bridged. A variety of side trips are possible. Some horse traffic. Note: Very remote. Maps: Snaring 83E/1,
Rock Lake 83E/8, Blue Creek 83E/7, Twintree Lake 83E/6, Mt. Robson 83E/3.

SOUTH BOUNDARY - 176 km.

Elevation gain 790 m. Maximum elevation 2255 m. Trailheads are at Medicine Lake (28 km from townsite) on the Maligne Rd and at Camp Parker (112 km from townsite) on the Icefields Parkway. The trail is marked and most major crossings are bridged. A few side trips are possible. Note: Overlaps popular Jonas Pass trail. Check on campsite availability. Maps: Columbia Icefield 83C/3, Sunwapta Peak 83C/6, Job Creek 83C/7, George Creek 83C/10, Southesk 83C/11, Mountain Park 83C/14, Medicine Lake 83C/13.

Sharing the Trail

Hikers often share trails and campsites with horse parties and/or mountain bicyclists in certain parts of the park. Respect for others can go a long way toward reducing conflicts. Move off the trail to allow horse parties to pass, and avoid sudden movements. Cyclists must dismount and walk their bicycles when they encounter horses or hikers.

Maligne Lake Travel And Wilderness Campgrounds

---

Note: To read the PDF version you need Adobe Acrobat Reader on your system.

If the Adobe download site is not accessible to you, you can download Acrobat Reader from an accessible page.

If you choose not to use Acrobat Reader you can have the PDF file converted to HTML or ASCII text by using one of the conversion services offered by Adobe.

---