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Contents:

1. Trails In Banff National Park

2. Jasper Area Campgrounds

3. Jasper Townsite & Area Day Hikes

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Trails In Banff National Park - Icefields Parkway

1. HECTOR LAKE
Distance: 2.4 km (1.3 mi)

This short hike involves a major ford of the Bow River, which can be treacherous at high water. Look for the trailhead sign on the west side of the parkway, 1 km north of the Hector Lake viewpoint.

2. FISH LAKES/NORTH MOLAR PASS
Distance: 11.5 km (7.1 mi) to the pass: 14.8 km (9.2 mi) to the lakes.
Time: 5-6 hours to fish lakes
Elevation: 760 m (1200 ft)

The trail begins across the road from the Mosquito Creek campground and follows the creek into the forest. The trail tends to be muddy and wet throughout the summer, but eventually opens into alpine meadows. The trail branches at 6.9 km: to the right 3 km is is Molar Pass, to the left, North Molar Pass with the Upper and Lower Fish Lakes beyond.

3. HELEN AND KATHERINE LAKES/DOLOMITE PASS
Distance/Time: 6 km (3.7 mi) to Helen Lake, approx. 3 hours
8.1 km (5 mi) to Katherine Lake
8.9 km (5.5 mi) To Dolomite Pass, approx. 4 hours
Elevation: 550 m (1800 ft)

This trail begins opposite the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint (km 33). It climbs through subalpine forest, then into open meadows offering breathtaking views of the Bow Valley. Past Helen Lake, the trail switchbacks steeply and summits overlooking Katherine Lake and Dolomite pass.

4. BOW GLACIER FALLS
Distance: 4.3 km (2.7 mi)
Time: approx. 1.5 hours
Elevation: 155 m (500 ft)

Park at the Bow Glacier viewpoint (km 37), walk past the Num-ti-jah Lodge, and follow the footpath along the lake to the creek. Follow the creek bed to the first ridge, then pick your way across the flats to the next hill. Here the trail ascends steeply along the edge of a gorge (NOTE: this part of the trail may be hazardous in wet weather). The trail ends at the outwash of the Bow Glacier, but you can make your way to the base of the thundering falls - a great spot for a picnic on a hot summer day.

5. BOW SUMMIT
Actual Elevation: 2000 m (6600 ft)

This is a paved, self guided trail leading to Lake viewpoint (Handicapped accessible from the upper parking lot). The trail loops through subalpine forest, then meadows which are great for wildflowers. This is a very beautiful and fragile area, so please stay on the path...

6. CHEPHREN AND CIRQUE LAKES
Distance: 3.9 km (2.4 mi) to Chephren Lake
4.6 km (2.9 mi) to Cirque Lake
13.6 km round trip to both
Time: 1-2 hours for either lake
Elevation: 80 m (250 ft)

From Waterfowl Campground the trail crosses the Mistaya River, then branches at km 2: to the right, Chephren Lake, to the left, Cirque. These trails are often wet, and the views are outstanding along the lake shores.

7. MISTAYA CANYON/ SARBACH LOOKOUT
Distance/Time: 0.5 km to Mistaya Canyon, approx. 15 min.
5.2 km (3.2 mi) to the lookout, 2-3 hours
Elevation: 590 m (1920 ft)

The trailhead is located 5.3 km (3.3 mi) south of Saskatchewan River Crossing. A short walk takes you to Mistaya Canyon, a lovely pot-holed gorge. The trail to the Lookout is to the right, Immediately after the bridge. It ascends to a viewpoint overlooking the Howse, Saskatchewan, and Mistaya River valleys.

8. GLACIER LAKE
Distance/Time: 8.9 km (5.5 mi) to the lake, approx. 3 hours
Elevation: 210 m (700 ft)

The trailhead is on the west side of the Parkway, 1 km (0.6 mi) north of Saskatchewan River Crossing. The trail crosses the Saskatchewan River (there is a bridge), then into the forested valley, up the Howse River, and finally to the lake.

9. SUNSET PASS/PINTO LAKE
Distance/Time: 8.2 km (5.1 mi) to Sunset Pass, 3-4 hours
13.7 km (8.5 mi) to Pinto Lake, 6-7 hours
Elevation: 725 m (2380 ft)

The trailhead is on the east side of the Parkway, 5.1 km (3.2 mi) north of the Rampart Creek Campground (km 88). The trail to Sunset Lookout is steep and demanding, but the views are worth the effort. The trail continues through the wet meadows of the pass, and then decends sharply to Pinto Lake.

10. SASKATCHEWAN GLACIER
Distance: 6.0 km (3.7 mi) to the Saskatchewan Glacier basin
Time: approx. 2 hours
Elevation: 155 m (500 ft)

From the Big Bend parking lot, walk 1km south along the Parkway to where the old Banff-Jasper highway leads to the right. For a pleasant, short hike, follow this road for a few kilometers - it will take you to a canyon and two waterfalls. To get to the Sasatchewan Glacier, take the old fire road that branches off immediately after the first bridge. Remember that glacier travel requires specialized equipment and training, and is inherently hazardous.

11. NIGEL PASS
Distance: 7.2 km (4.5 mi) to Nigel Pass
Time: 2-3 hours
Elevation: 365 m (1200 ft)

The trailhead is located on top of the Big Hill, 8 km (5 mi) south of the Banff - Jasper boundary. The trail ascends through open meadows to a lovely view at the top of the pass.

12. PARKER RIDGE
Distance/Time: 2.4 km (1.5 mi), 2-3 hours
Elevation: 275 m (900 ft)

The trailhead is located 4.2 km (2.6 mi) south of the Banff - Jasper boundary (Sunwapta Pass). This short hike is one of the few that is almost entirely in the alpine. It ascends the ridge, then descends gently to the Saskatchewan Glacier Viewpoint.

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Jasper Area Campgrounds and their Facilities

1. Pocahontas (44km from Jasper)
130 sites, 10 walk-in tent sites, flush toilets, hot/cold water. May-Oct; $13

2. Snaring River (16km from Jasper)
56 sites, 10 walk-in tent sites, kitchen shelter, dry toilets. May- Sept; $10

3. Whistlers (3 km from Jasper)
781 sites, kitchen shelter, sewage disposal, hook-ups, showers, flush toilets, (showers and toilets wheelchair access). May-Oct. $15-$22

4. Wapiti (3.8 km from Jasper)
366 sites, kitchen shelter, flush toilets, showers, electricity. May-Sept; $15-$18

5. Wabasso (16 km from Jasper)
232 sites, 6 walk-in tent sites, flush toilets, hot/cold water, sewage disposal. May-Sept; $13

6. Mt. Kerkeslin (36 km from Jasper)
42 sites, kitchen shelter, dry toilets, swimming. June-Sept; $10

7. Honeymoon lake (52 km from Jasper)
35 sites, kitchen shelter, dry toilets, swimming. May-Oct; $10

8. Jonas Creek (77 km from Jasper)
13 sites, 12 walk-in tent sites, kitchen shelter, dry toilets, May-Oct; $10

9. Icefield (109 km from Jasper)
30 sites, kitchen shelter, dry toilets. Tents only. May-Oct;$10

10. Willcox Creek (111 km from Jasper)
46 sites, kitchen shelter, dry toilets, sewage disposal. June-Sept; $10

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Jasper Townsite & Area Day Hikes

The following trails are all close to the town of Jasper. Most trailheads can be reached by walking, cycling or driving.

Saturday Night Lake Circle #3 (Pyramid Exit, Pyramid Lake Road)

If you decide to hike the whole circuit, this trail is an overnight trip or a very long day hike. However, if you are looking for a short hike to a backcountry lake within walking distance of the townsite, you can travel a portion of this circuit in either direction. Length: 27.5km (total).

Trailheads: There are two: The parking lot opposite the town pool (see B on map): or the parking lot in the west end of town just before the Cabin Creek West subdivision (see A on map).

Profile: (*From trailhead B) This trail loops through one of the lake districts on Pyramid Bench beginning with a climb to the left across a steep slope. It then widens and leads to the Cabin Lake Fireroad and up to Cabin Lake. The trail skirts the north shoreline of the lake, then passes a series of swamps in the valley below before reaching the Saturday Night Lake trail junction at km 8.8. The path to the lake is a moderate 0.5 km climb.

The main trail continues on through a number of small hills and valleys interspersed with low boggy areas. At the High Lakes junction (km13.4) a short path leads to the campsite at High Lakes. The main trail continues along the plateau and then descends quite steeply to the Minnow Lake junction at km 17.6. The lake is 0.8 km northwest of the junction.

The remainder of the trail follows a gentle downhill grade, passing Caledonia Lake at 22.4, the junction to Hibernia Lake at km 24 and Marjorie LakeJust ab km 24.6. Another 2.6 km brings you to the end of the trail beside the Cabin Creek West subdivision. Trail Note: Camping is allowed only at primitive campsites at Saturday Night Lake, High Lakes, amd Minnow Lake and a mandatory Park Use Permit is required. Check with the Trail Office. In season, trout fishing is possible in all lakes except Cabin, which is the source of the townsite's water supply.

Old Fort Point Loop # 1-1A
(Old Fort Exit. Connaught Drive/93A; Not signed, look for controlled railway crossing at Hazel Ave.)

Length: 6.5 km return.

Trailhead: Use the Old Fort Exit and follow 93A crossing the railway tracks and Highway 16 (caution: uncontrolled intersection). Continue until you come to the Old Fort Point/Lac Beavuvert turnoff. Turn left and follow the road to the parking lot just beyond the bridge (Trailhead G on the map). Use the parking lot on the right. Total distance to trailhead: 1.6 km.

Profile: This short, moderately steep trail is ideal for hikers interested in both the human and the natural history of the park. The name "Old Fort" probably refers to "Henry House" a Northwest Company Trading Post which was located further downstream. One can imagine fur traders and Company men in the area climbing up the Old Fort Point for a bird's eye view of the valley. Just above lies the confluence of Miette and Athabasca Rivers: important routes during the fur trade era. From the parking lot, climb the steep staircase to your right, past the stone cairn to where the trail forks. The branch to the left climbs to the top of the knoll. (The right hand branch follows the Athabasca River and eventually joins the Valley of the Five lakes trail (#9) approximately 10 km away). The view from the top is a rewarding sweep from Mount Edith Cavell in the south, to Mount Bridgland, the Victoria Cross Range, the limestone front ranges, Jasper townsite, Jasper Park Lodge and the surrounding lakes. Bighorn sheep frequent this area. The trail descends gradually to the 1A junction. From this point, the left branch takes you back to the parking area along the north side of the hill. The right branch leads to the Valley of the Five Lakes trail.

The Whistlers #5
(Connaught West, Connaught Drive/Icefields Parkway 93/Highway 16)

Length: 7 km one way.

Trailhead: Use the Connaught West Exit and travel 1.8 km south on the Icefields Parkway, #93. Turn right onto Whistler Mountain Road and travel 2.8 km to a gravel access road just before the Whistler Hostel. Turn left to the trailhead parking area just beyond. Trailhead J on the map.

Profile: This is an uphill hike that requires good physical condition and stamina. The trail climbs approximately 1200 m vertical, but the effort is well rewarded by the panoramic views of the Miette and Athabasca River Valleys from the summit. Along the way the route passes through three major life zones of the park - mountain forest in the valley bottoms, subalpine forest on the mid-slopes and, near the summit alpine tundra. Each is characterized by its own plants and animals which are well represented along the trail.

The trail begins with a series of long switchbacks bordered by dense vegetation and, in season, beautiful summer flowers. It then turns toward the Tramway and crosses under the cable, downslope from the midpoint tower. Tree growth becomes sparse as the trail ascends into a large basin and eventually up to the Tramway's upper terminal. From there, a much wider, self-guiding interpretive trail continues on to the mountain's summit.

Trail Note: Drinking water may be scarce along this trail so carry a supply.

Valley of the Five Lakes #9
(Connaught West, Connaught Drive/Icefields Parkway 93/Highway 16)

Most people choose to hike just the Five Lakes portion of this lengthy trail. The description which follows covers this section only. If you are interested in more information on the section from the Old Fort Point trail #1 or the section connecting to Wabasso lake, check with the park staff at the Trail Office.

Length: 2.3 km one way.

Trailhead: Use the Connaught West Exit and continue for 9 km on the Icefields Parkway to Trailhead K on map.

Profile: This trail offers a variety of features - rolling hills, forests, meadows, marshes, streams and five beautiful lakes. If you're observant and tread lightly, you will also detect signs of mule deer, elk, beaver, bear, coyote and squirrels. The lakes are the highlight however and the trail skirts all five. Look for picnic spots at lakeside; some equipped with firegates and picnic tables.

The trail begins with a leisurely walk through lodgepole pine forest continuing across a boardwalk and, after crossing the trail leading to Old Fort Point, steadily climbing a ridge at km 1. The views from this ridge are surprisingly good with Mount Edith Cavell figuring prominently across the valley. The trail continues down into the lakes area from this point. Turn left at the first junction and continue along the trail as it leads between the first and second lakes.

Note: At the junction just beyond, turn right to complete the circuit. A left turn would lead you toward the town of Jasper via the Old Fort Point trail.