Tonquin Valley
Backpack in one of the most exceptional scenic backcountry and wildlife-rich areas in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park. Enjoy stunning scenery along Astoria River, Tonquin Valley lakes and Rampart peaks, Moat Lake, Eremite Valley and more on hikes from camps into spectacular mountain valley and passes. Plan a leisurely to moderate pace for opportunities to study nature and take photographs.
on the trail
Day hike options from camp include Amethyst Lakes, Clitheroe Peak, Moat Lake, Tonquin Hill, Majestic Peak, Eremite Valley to Arrowhead Lake, and more. Photo opportunities abound from sunrise to sunset for beautiful reflections, glaciated peaks including the towering Ramparts, a series of ten peaks rising 3,000 feet from Tonquin Valley meadows, cascading streams, lakes, abundant wildflowers, and wildlife sightings and sounds--caribou, moose, grizzly bear, white-tailed deer, wolves, pika, loons, passerines and more.
notes
- Guidebook: Canadian Rockies Trail Guide 9th ed by Brian Patton & Bart Robinson (Summerthought Publishing 2011)
- Guidebook: Jasper-Robson: A Taste of Heaven by Don Beers (Heritage House 2003)
- Backcountry camping permits and fees are required to reserve camps.
- Elevated food storage is available at camps in the valley.
information for leaders
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Considerations for travel to Canada
- Start by reviewing the latest regulations. Look for information on border crossing and travel to Canada on these websites:
- Everyone must have a passport or other valid ID like a NEXUS card.
- NEXUS cards can save a lot of time but only work if everyone in the car has one.
- Make sure your vehicle insurance is valid for Canada.
- Make sure your health insurance is valid for Canada.
- Border crossing regulations are strict in both directions. Know what you’re allowed to take and declare everything to avoid problems.
- You may be able to save time by checking alternate border crossings.
- See the Travel Industry Council of Ontario's 9 Travel Tips for Crossing the Canadian/U.S. Land Border blog post for some good tips on traveling to Canada.
- Start by reviewing the latest regulations. Look for information on border crossing and travel to Canada on these websites:
- Suitable Activities: Backpacking
- Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 40.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 5,000 ft
- 7,200 ft
- Land Manager: Jasper National Park
- Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fee
- Recommended Party Size: 6
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- CNTS Jasper 83D/16
- CNTS Amethyst Lakes 83D/9
- Trails Illustrated Jasper National Park South
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