The highest notable peak in Alberta is Mount Edith Cavell. It is situated in the Athabasca and Astoria rivers valleys in Jasper National Park, Canada. The following is a guide to the peak of Mount Edith Cavell through hiking.
Mount Edith Cavell: A great mountain for adventures
The meadows, Angel Glacier, Cavell Glacier, and Mount Edith Cavell are unquestionably the area’s highlights. This mountain is magnificent with its vast quartzite north face and the shape created by the glaciers.
The landscape of Mount Edith Cavell, along with the Cavell Pond and its floating ice chunks, is a photographer’s paradise. It isn’t easy to comprehend that a parking lot was once completely covered in ice by enormous glaciers.
The Angel Glacier is now a skeletal remnant of what it once was and is slowly receding. Plants and animals gradually migrated there as the environment warmed.
Subalpine firs, a variety of summer wildflowers, and grass and shrubs are all present in the area surrounding Mount Edith Cavell Meadows Trail. And watching pikas run about on the rocky scree is so entertaining.
The origin of the name
A courageous British nurse named Edith Louisa Cavell helped many soldiers during World War One escape from German-occupied Belgium and saved countless lives on both sides. She was detained and killed as a result of this act. In her honor, Mount Edith Cavell was given a name.
Hike at Mount Edith Cavell
For all levels of hikers, the Mt. Edith Cavell area has some great hiking paths. The Path of the Glacier Trail is the quickest and easiest. Since this trip is popular with travelers, the trail might become a little congested. The Cavell Meadows trek may be the best option for you if you’re seeking a more challenging hike in Mount Edith Cavell.
Do you know Why is Mount Thor in Canada the Steepest and Highest Cliff in the World?
Path of the Glacier Trail
The 1.6-kilometer Path of the Glacier Trail offers breathtaking views of Mount Edith Cavell peak and the glacier lake on its route there and back.
At the further end of the parking lot, where you can also read a little bit more about the local history and Mount Edith Cavell region, is where you will locate the trailhead. The trail is paved at the beginning and gradually ascends to a viewpoint with a panoramic view of the entire area.
Even families with young children can enjoy the walk because it is not challenging. Enjoy the vistas of Mount Edith Cavell, Cavell Pond, and Angel Glacier from the overlook.
The glacier’s shape, which resembles a pair of wings, gave rise to its name, albeit the wings are no longer as striking as they once were.
Cavell Meadows trail
If you have more time, take into account the 3-5 hour Cavell Meadows trail, which will take you above the tree line and into an environment resembling tundra.
Make sure you have hiking boots and always pack a rain jacket because this trail frequently becomes muddy and slippery. The weather in the Mount Edith Cavell area can change quickly (as anywhere in the Canadian Rockies).
When using trekking poles, you lessen the strain on your knees when going uphill as well as when going downhill.
Tonquin Valley
Consider the Tonquin Valley for challenging trekking choices.
Tonquin Valley, which is well-known for its grizzly bear population, offers an excellent backcountry track that can be completed in three or four days. This walk is a fantastic way to avoid crowds and affordably take in the breathtaking beauty of Jasper National Park (if you have plenty of time).
Tips for hiking at Mt Edith Cavell
- Avoid walking on the delicate tundra.
- Avoid going over cliffs.
- Cavell Pond’s edge and Angel Glacier shouldn’t be approached due to the possibility of ice falling from them.
- Take out all of your trash.
- Don’t give animals food.
- The weather can change quickly on the higher loop in Cavell Meadows, so dress in layers.
- The use of hiking poles during the descent might lessen the strain on the knees.
- Bring some snacks or a lunch to enjoy at one of the viewpoints, along with water.
The best time to visit
Mount Cavell Road is not always accessible. From June 14, Cavell Road is available to traffic until October 15. The route is closed from November 1 to February 15 to conserve caribou.
The road is accessible for cross-country skiing outside of these times. In the Canadian Rockies, this is relatively typical; for instance, Moraine Lake in Banff National Park has similar regulations. Obviously, that is a relatively small window of time, and this region becomes highly crowded as both domestic and foreign travelers rush to take advantage of the opportunity.
The greatest time to explore Mount Edith Cavell is in the late spring and early summer when the slopes are studded with colors as the flowers flower in full force. Some of the routes will take you around alpine meadows.
Additionally, the Mount Edith Cavell Day Use area has been updated, and a Cavell Meadows Permit is no longer required.
Getting to Mount Edith Cavell
From Jasper, travel 14 kilometers south on the Icefields Parkway until you reach the exit for Wabasso Road (93A). Make a right turn onto Cavell Road at the intersection. You should first know that Cavell Road is a 14-kilometer path that winds uphill.
Driving uphill is entertaining due to the road’s abundance of switchbacks and drop-offs, but proceed slowly and carefully as there will be other vehicles on the road.
In truth, Cavell Road is extremely congested, and no vehicle greater than 7 meters (25 feet) is permitted. After visiting the region, you have two choices when returning to the crossroads. Turn right to continue on Highway 93A down to the famous Athabasca Falls, one of the best destinations along the Icefields Parkway, or turn left to return to Jasper.
You can rejoin the Icefields Parkway here and continue your journey southward toward Saskatchewan Glacier, Athabasca Glacier, or Sunwapta Falls.
Read more The Rocky Mountains: Unique Things To Know For An Interesting Trip
Getting around
If you are on vacation, you should seriously consider hiring a car so that you can maximize your time in this special region of the world. Or, of course, a campervan. The best option if you don’t have a car but still want to see this location is to book a tour or taxi in Jasper.
Mount Edith Cavell is one of the most well-known mountains in Jasper National Park. Get here as soon as possible to get started on your incredible trip. Please share your thoughts in the comment section down below!
