Tour Details
Number of Days: 14 days
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Pickup: Edmonton, Alberta
Ending Place: Edmonton, Alberta
:
Seasonal Availability
Dec 31 to Dec 31
Weather permitting, custom departures may be available outside of our normal seasonal operations. Please contact us to make a booking.
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North Boundary Trail - 14 Days
Description:
The North Boundary Trail along its length provides both the spectacular alpine beauty of the Mount Robson area (highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies) as well as immense stretches of unique solitude. A wilderness of broad valleys and distant views, inhabited only by grizzlies, wolves, and caribou. The start of this eleven-day trek is marked by the spectacular Snake Indian Water Falls, and the trip culminates with breathtaking views of Mount Robson and Berg Lake. A feeling of complete isolation and vast wilderness awaits any hiker on this once in a lifetime trekking experience.
Group Size: 6 - 14 Participants
Highlights:
What’s Included in the Trip:
Extras or Not Included in the Trip Package:
Personal expenses, sleeping bag, service tip, alcoholic beverages, fishing equipment and fishing license, mountain bike rental (approx. $30.00-$45.00 Can), whitewater rafting (approx.$120.00 Can)
Single Room & Tent Surcharge: $600.00 Can
Trip Expectation:
Active holiday, with moderate to difficult hiking including carrying a multi-daypack. Participants are required to carry their own camping equipment, tents, and provisions over the ten day period. The guides/trip leaders will teach all necessary skills but it is recommend that participants have some previous hiking experience.
Do you have Questions or are you looking for more Information:
If you have any questions or would like some more information you can contact us anytime by email, phone or Facebook. We would love to help answer your questions or set up a trip for your or your friends.
Itinerary
Arrival
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.
Day 1
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.
Day 2
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.
Day 3
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.
Day 4
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.
Day 5
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.
Day 6
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.
Day 7
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.
Day 8
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.
Day 9
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.
Day 10
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.
Day 11
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.
Day 12
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.
Day 13
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.
Day 14
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.
Tour Details
Number of Days | 14 days | Skill Level | Intermediate/Advanced |
---|---|---|---|
Pickup | Edmonton, Alberta | Ending Place | Edmonton, Alberta |
Activities
Camping
Hiking/Trekking
What is included:
A breathtaking experience of a lifetime
All group camping and outdoor equipment including Tents, cookware, cook shelter, emergency gear, etc. (excluding personal outdoor and camping equipment for example: sleeping bag, mattress, raingear, clothing etc)
All meals for the entire length of the trip (Menu is varied and is nutritious and delicious)
All transportation
Experienced and fun loving guide(s) with a maximum 6:1 ratio of participants to guides
Small group sizes (max 14)
What is not included:
Expenses incurred as a result of an emergency Evacuation by plane or Helicopter or coverage as a result of delays due to extreme weather conditions.
Personal outdoor equipment including sleeping bad, sleeping mattress, cloths raingear, etc.
Click ’show’ beside Personal Gear to view a list of suggested personal gear and equipment.
Personal gear to bring:
Weather conditions can change quickly in the outdoors therefore it is essential to have proper equipment and even prepare for extreme conditions to ensure your comfort and most importantly your safety. Try to avoid cotton fabrics as they provide very little insulating value when wet and are very slow drying. Rely mainly on fleece, wools and synthetics as these fabrics still provide substantial insulating value even when wet (which can frequently occur in the outdoors). In early and late summer it is not uncommon that 0 degress C or below freezing temperatures can occasionally occur, thus it is important to always bring enough warm clothing. When selecting equipment pay attention to quality as this may greatly enhance your enjoyment and comfort.
Do not bring external frame backpacks.
Sleeping Gear
-Duffel Sacks
-Good sleeping bag (minimum comfort range to 0 degrees C)
-Thermarest sleeping mattress
Clothing
-2 long shirts
-Bandana
-Fleece jacket / wool pullover
-Gloves or mitts
-Hat (for protection from the sun)
-Long pants (quick drying)
-Rain gear (water proof Jacket and pants Gore-Tex or equivalent)
-Several pairs of socks (quick dry)
-Several pairs of t-shirts
-Shorts (quick drying)
-Sun glasses
-Undershirt
-Underwear
-Warm hat or touque against the cold
Rain Gear
Personal Items
-Environmentally Biodegradable soap
-Medications (if required take extra)
-Small towel
-Sunscreen
-Toiletry Items
Additional Outdoor Gear
-Binoculars
-Camera (in waterproof case)
-Flashlight
-Garbage bags (for waterproofing)
-Matches/lighter (in a waterproof case)
-Pocket Knife
-Sewing kit (for ripped clothing)
-sturdy hiking boots
-Waterbottle
-Whistle
-Note: Due to the long hiking nature of this trip but sure to minimize the weight of the gear you bring as much as you can, Weigh your pack and if possible do a shorter hike beforehand to get used to the weight
Seasonal Availability
Summer Season: Dec 31 to Dec 31
Weather permitting, custom departures may be available outside of our normal seasonal operations. Please contact us to make a booking.
Planned Departures
All prices are per person in Canadian dollars.
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Canadian Wilderness School and Expeditions
Contact Information
42 Lac Des Arcs Drive
Lac Des Arcs, Alberta, Canada T1W 2W3
1-877-554-0116 (Toll-free)
1-780-695-5141 (Edmonton)
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