JASPER NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 332

along this route is Horseshoe Lake, reached along a 350-meter (0.2-mile) trail from a
parking lot three kilometers (1.9 miles) north of Athabasca Falls. The southern end of this
delightful little body of water is ringed by a band of cliffs (popular with locals in summer
as a cliff-diving spot), but many private (unofficial) picnic spots line its western shoreline.
Two kilometers (1.2 miles) north of the Horseshoe Lake parking lot are a couple of
lookouts with sweeping views across the Athabasca River to Athabasca Pass, used by
David Thompson on his historic expedition across the continent. To the north of the pass
lies Mount Edith Cavell. From this lookout it is 26 kilometers (16 miles) to the town of
Jasper.
HIKING
For those who aren't comfortable hiking in remote areas, the trails branching off the Ice-
fields Parkway can be somewhat intimidating. If that sounds like you, consider one of the
shorter walks not detailed below, such as to Horseshoe Lake.
MM Wilcox Pass
• Length: 4 kilometers/2.5 miles (90 minutes) one-way
• Elevation gain: 340 meters/1,115 feet
• Rating: moderate
• Trailhead: Wilcox Creek Campground, 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) south of the Icefield
Centre
Views of the Columbia Icefield from the Icefields Parkway pale in comparison with those
achieved along this trail, on the same side of the valley as the Icefield Centre. This trail was
once used by northbound outfitters because, 120 years ago, Athabasca Glacier covered the
valley floor and had to be bypassed. Beginning from the Wilcox Creek Campground access
road, the trail climbs through a stunted forest of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir to a
ridge with panoramic views of the valley, Mount Athabasca, and the Athabasca Glacier.
Ascending gradually from there, the trail enters a fragile environment of alpine meadows.
From these meadows and the pass, most hikers return along the same trail (the distance
quoted), although it is possible to continue north, descending to the Icefields Parkway at
Tangle Ridge, 11.5 kilometers (7.1 miles) along the road from the trailhead.
Fortress Lake
• Length: 24 kilometers/15 miles (7-8 hours) one-way
• Elevation gain: minimal