Arrival in Edmonton, transfer to hotel. Meet guide(s) and other members of the group. We check over all personal equipment to make sure everyone is properly equipped and prepared. In the evening dinner and discussion with your guide(s) of the detailed tour itinerary for the following fourteen days.

From Edmonton we drive (approx 450 km) to Jasper and Jasper National Park. We camp close to Jasper, enjoying the atmosphere and beautiful views of the surrounding Rockies. With your guide you discuss, pack, and prepare for the beginning of the hike the following day. 

After an early breakfast and a quick van shuttle to the access gate on Celestine Lake Road, we commence our trek. As we cross the bridge across the Snake Indian River we follow a well developed fire road for the next 27 km to ease us into the hike. After approximately 17 km we arrive at our first camp, Shalebanks Campground. Here we pitch our tents for our first night under the stars of the North Boundary Trail. 

After an early start we hike (approx 9 km) to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, the Snake Indian Falls. As we continue on from the falls, another 8 km brings us into the Snake Indian Valley. As we hike through subalpine  meadows, we are treated with expansive panoramic views of open valleys and surrounding mountain peaks. Our “etape” today of approximately 17 km brings us to Horseshoe Campground.

Our stretch today is approximately 15 km. The landscape remains open with pleasant panoramic views. The trail winds through stands of lodgepole pine and tiny aspens. Our goal today is Welbourne Campground and wardens cabin.

As we approach the rugged peaks forming the gateway to the Upper Snake Indian Valley and Blue Creek, the valley begins to narrow noticeably. Today we cover a shorter distance of approximately 12.5 km to Blue Creek Campground. From here there is a true sense that we are entering the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Along the way we pass Nellie Lake and its reflection of Mount Simla. Blue Creek is the northern gateway to some of the most remote and scenic sections of Jasper National Park.

We continue west across the Blue Creek suspension bridge and are rewarded with beautiful views of the Snake Indian River. At “Three Slides,” the first major glacier of the trip can be seen on the slopes of the surrounding southern mountains. We cover a stretch today of around 15 km, and our goal for the evening is the Three Slides Campground. 

Today we begin our climb of Snake Indian Pass. We climb moderately but steadily, passing the Hoodoo Wardens Cabin. Our goal is to camp at Oatmeal Campground or (weather depending) on Snake Indian Pass itself, the highest point of the trek at 2020 m. Above treeline, the Snake Indian Pass is set in beautiful alpine meadows and surrounded by the prominent peaks of the Snake Indian and Monte Cristo Mountains to the north. Snake Indian Pass is one of the scenic highlights of the North Boundary Trail.

Today we continue our journey to either Twintree Campground or Donaldson Creek Campground. The descent from Snake Indian Pass lasts a good 6 km. We continue on to the shores of Lake Twintree, the largest lake on the North Boundary Trail. Glacier waters from Mount Swoda and Mount Calumet paint the lake a beautiful turquoise color. Today’s stretch approximately 14 km.

Today we encounter one of the hardest sections of the trail. As we continue down Twintree Creek and climb the north end of Twintree Mountain, we start a steep descent into the Smoky River Valley. This stretch is often wet, boggy, and relatively rocky. Our goal today is the scenic Chown Creek Campground or Wolverine Wardens Cabin. Having descended into the Smoky River Valley, there is a complete change in atmosphere; we are now surrounded by swift rivers, massive ramparts, and glacier-tipped mountains. Today’s stretch approximately 17 km.

As we steadily make our climb towards Robson Pass we are rewarded by the increasing beauty of the area. The scenery continues to improve as we pass beneath Mural Glacier and, weather permitting, finally set our sights upon Mount Robson. From Robson Pass the massive pillars of the Rockies tower in all their majesty. We camp at Berg Lake. Today’s stretch approximately 18-20 km.

Today is our last day of hiking as we leave the Berg Lake and Robson area. Be it our last, it is one of the longest stretches, yet also one of the most visually stunning. From Berg Lake we have returned to a more “civilized” hiking path. This part of the trail, being one of the most popular hikes in the Rockies, will no doubt feel overcrowded after the isolation of the past days. We hike through the Valley of a Thousand Waterfalls, past Emperor Falls and majestic Kinney Lake. By evening we arrive at the Berg Lake trailhead. Hot showers and a good meal await us as we celebrate the adventure of the past ten days. Today’s stretch approximately 21 km.

After a relaxing breakfast, we slowly return to Jasper. Optional stops include the Overlander Falls. Our 80 km return trip only takes about an hour. We arrive in Jasper by early afternoon. This allows for a free afternoon in the town of Jasper itself. In the evening enjoy dining out at one of the local restaurants or have a drink at one of the cozy pubs.

Today we spend a full day in Jasper National Park. Options include Maligne Canyon, Maligne Lake, and a short hike up Bald Hills. Other options include a gondola or hike up Whistler Mountain, biking one of the local trails, or enjoying a scenic afternoon at Lake Annette or Lake Edith. In the evening possibility of visiting the Miette Hotsprings. 

Today we return to Edmonton. We enjoy our last breakfast as a group, and slowly take our time for the 450 km return trip to Edmonton. We aim to be back in Edmonton by late afternoon or early evening.