JASPER NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 356

MM Astoria River/Tonquin Valley
• Length: 19 kilometers/11.8 miles (6-7 hours) one-way
• Elevation gain: 450 meters/1,480 feet
• Rating: moderate
• Trailhead: opposite the hostel on Cavell Road
From Cavell Road, this trail descends through a forest on the north side of Mount Edith
Cavell for five kilometers (3.1 miles), then crosses the Astoria River and begins a long
ascent into spectacular Tonquin Valley. Amethyst Lakes and the 1,000-meter (3,280-foot)
cliffs of the Ramparts first come into view after 13 kilometers (eight miles). At the
17-kilometer (10.5-mile) mark, the trail divides. To the left it climbs into Eremite Valley,
where there is a campground. The right fork continues, following the Astoria River to Ton-
quin Valley, Amethyst Lakes, and a choice of four campgrounds.
Maccarib Pass
• Length: 21 kilometers/13 miles (7-8 hours) one-way
• Elevation gain: 730 meters/2,400 feet
• Rating: moderate/difficult
• Trailhead: 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) up Marmot Basin Road
This trail is slightly longer and gains more elevation than the trail along the Astoria River
but is more spectacular. It strikes out to the southwest, following Portal Creek for a short
distance, then passes under Peveril Peak before making a steep approach to Maccarib Pass,
12.5 kilometers (7.8 miles) from the trailhead. The full panorama of the Tonquin Valley
can be appreciated as the path gradually descends from the pass. At Amethyst Lakes it
links up with the Astoria River Trail, and many options for day hikes head out from camp-
grounds at the lakes.
OTHER SUMMER RECREATION
Several booking agents represent the many recreation-tour operators in Jasper. Jasper
Adventure Centre (604 Connaught Dr., 780/852-5595 or 800/565-7547,
www.jasperadventurecentre.com ), in the lobby of the Chaba Theatre, takes bookings for
all of the following activities, as well as for accommodations and transportation to various
points in the park and beyond. Maligne Tours (616 Patricia St., 780/852-3370) operates
all activities in the Maligne Lake area, including the famous lake cruise.