With the arrival of summer, it’s time to get out and explore the great outdoors. And in Alberta there’s no better place than the Canadian Rockies for hiking and nature appreciation.
In Jasper National Park you will find one of the most spectacular hikes in Canada.
The Edith Cavell Meadows hiking trail includes glaciers, a glacial fed lake, wildflower filled meadows, and the chance to see some Canadian wildlife.
This is absolutely one of the best hikes in Jasper.
In this post you’ll find everything you need to know to hike the Edith Cavell Meadows trail in Jasper National Park.
Trailhead Edith Cavell Meadows
Edith Cavell Meadows trailhead is at the end of Edith Cavell Road, south of Jasper town.
- Take Hwy 93 south from Jasper for 7 km
- Turn right onto Hwy 93A continuing for 5.4 km
- Turn right onto Cavell Road
- Follow Cavell Road for 14 km to the parking lot.
There are trash bins, recycling bins, and vault toilets at the trailhead.
Edith Cavell Meadows Trail Details
Distance: 8.4 km (5.2 miles)
Type of hike: Out and back with a loop to viewpoints #2 and #3
Elevation gain: 582 m (1909 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: Allow 2.5 to 3.5 hours
The start of the trail follows Path of the Glacier Trail from the parking lot, then continues up to the alpine meadows and viewpoints.
Best time to hike this trail is July and August when the wildflowers are blooming.
Have a look at the map of the trail before you set out. Take a photo of the map at the trailhead so you can reference it later if needed.
The trail is well marked and features information maps at important intersections.
Edith Cavell Meadows Trail Description
Starting from the parking lot you will take the Path of the Glacier Trail
Follow the paved trail which changes to a rocky dirt trail to the pond.
Even if you are unable to do the entire hike it’s worth it to go see the glacier and small lake at the beginning of the hiking trail.
Path of the Glacier Trail is only 1.6 km round trip and 70 m elevation gain to Cavell Pond, Cavell Glacier, and the north face of Mt Edith Cavell.
When the Ghost Glacier collapsed into Cavell Pond in 2012 it created a huge wave that destroyed a portion of the trail and parking lot.
Signs are posted warning people to stay away from the pond.
You may witness a chunk of Cavell Glacier breaking off, with a loud thunder-like sound, and dropping into the water below.
Among the rocky terrain along the trail watch for pikas, squirrels, and marmots hanging out around the rocks.
The trail continues along the forest and to the meadows filled with wildflowers. A steady incline makes it a good workout but not too strenuous.
The steepest part of the trail is after the meadows and up the ridge to the viewpoint.
Watch for pikas, squirrels, marmots, and occasionally grizzly bears.
Bring bear spray and know how to use it. Watch this short but informative video on how to use bear spray.
East Ridge Summit
You can continue beyond Viewpoint #3 to the East Ridge Summit. It is quite steep and rocky.
Stunning panoramic 360 degree views are your reward…provided the weather cooperates. On rainy days the cloud cover can disrupt the view.
9.3 km round trip if you combine Cavell Meadows with East Ridge Summit.
Hiking up to the summit brings the total elevation gain to 825 m (2,707 ft) and hiking poles are a good option for this hike.
After the viewpoint 3 continue the trail as it loops back down towards the glacier and viewpoint #2 with wonderful views of the Cavell Pond and Angel Glacier.
More Things to Do in Jasper
Get the list of things to do in Jasper and enjoy exploring in the Rockies
Valley of the Five Lakes is an easy family friendly hike with gorgeous aquamarine lakes
You have a lot of choices for kayaking in Jasper
Pyramid Island is great spot to watch the sunset in Jasper
Hiking Miligne Canyon should be on your Jasper bucket list
Medicine Lake is a beautiful lake on the Maligne Road
Visit Maligne Lake for hiking, kayaking, camping, and boat tours
Athabasca Falls is an excellent stop on the Icefields Parkway – read more about where to stop on Icefields Parkway scenic drive
Wilcox Pass trail is a cool hike to do on your way to/from Jasper on the Icefield Parkway
Have fun exploring the Canadian Rockies.
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