Discover the majestic beauty of Path of the Glacier and Cavell Meadows Trails in Jasper National Park!
For an unforgettable day in Jasper National Park, head to Mount Edith Cavell! Two stunning hikes await at the end of Cavell Road: Path of the Glacier, and Cavell Meadows. Whether you hike the interpretive trail to the Angel Glacier viewpoint or up to alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers, you will be treated to some of the best views in Jasper National Park. Pack a picnic and extra clothes; you’re gonna wanna stay a while!
Path of the Glacier Trail
- Distance: 1.4 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: 70 m
- Dogs permitted on a leash.
- Trailhead and parking: End of Cavell Road
Witness the raw power of ancient glaciers on the Path of the Glacier Trail in Jasper National Park. This short but scenic trail offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the remnants of retreating glaciers and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
As you set foot on the trail, you’ll be greeted by a display about Edith Cavell, a World War 1 war hero for whom many landmarks in the area are named; and a crystal-clear, glacial-fed stream. Follow the trail along the moraine (ridge of rocks deposited by glaciers), and go right at the junction, to reach the viewpoint. Interpretive panels along the way describe how the landscape changed as glaciers retreated.
From the viewpoint, you can see the Angel Glacier (can you see her wings?) and Cavell Glacier (smaller glacier at lower left). If you’re lucky, you might see Cavell Glacier calve icebergs into Cavell Pond! While it may be tempting to head down to the pond, stay on the trail, behind the barriers. There is significant risk of ice fall, rock fall, and avalanches. “House-size blocks of ice” (source: Parks Canada) have fallen down the cliffs!
The Path of the Glacier Trail also provides ample opportunities for wildlife sightings. Keep your eyes peeled for marmots, pikas, bighorn sheep, and elusive mountain goats that call this rugged terrain their home.
Return the way you came, or take a right at the junction on your way back for Cavell Meadows Trail.
Cavell Meadows Trail
- Distance: 7 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: 500 m
- Dogs NOT permitted.
- Trailhead and parking: End of Cavell Road
Cavell Meadows is a moderate hike, with an elevation gain of 500 meters, but the views are well worth the effort.
From the junction, take the trail to the back side of the moraine, watching for marmots, pikas, and golden-mantled ground squirrels. As you make your way up the switchbacks through subalpine forest, you’ll be treated to occasional views of Angel Glacier, perched in the cirque between Mount Edith Cavell and Sorrow Peak.
As you continue on, you’ll pass through fields of wildflowers, including alpine forget-me-nots, yellow columbines, and pink moss campion. The blooming season typically runs from mid July to mid August, so be sure to plan your hike accordingly if you want to see the flowers in full bloom.
When you reach the next junction, go left to ascend the steeper part and return on the the less steep side of the loop. At the next two junctions, you can stay left to go to a ridgetop cairn, OR take a right to start heading down. Once you reach the cairn, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies! This is the perfect spot to have a snack and take in the breathtaking scenery.
While the terrain is stunning, it’s important to remember that this is an area of great ecological importance. The alpine meadows are fragile ecosystems that are easily damaged by human activity, so it’s important to stay on the designated trails and pack out any garbage you bring in. Be sure to keep an eye out for any wildlife that may be in the area – including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep – and give them lots of space!
Hiking Cavell Meadows is an experience that should not be missed. From the stunning views of Angel Glacier to the vibrant wildflowers and panoramic views from the ridgetop, this hike has something for everyone. So grab your hiking boots, pack a lunch, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of Canada’s most beautiful national parks!
Know Before You Go
Cavell Road is open to vehicles from June 23 to early October, weather permitting.
- Please note the following vehicle restrictions for Cavell Road in Jasper National Park:
- Maximum vehicle length allowed is 7 metres/25 feet.
- Trailers and large motorhomes are not permitted on Cavell Road (the road is narrow and has lots of tight turns). If you’re traveling with a trailer or large motorhome, you should leave it at the campground, or park it at the parking lot at the beginning of Cavell Road on 93A.
- A Parks Canada Discovery Pass / daily admission fee is required to stop in Banff National Park.
- You are in bear territory (yes, bears have been spotted here even though it’s a busy area!). Review our Bear Safety Tips, keep bear spray accessible, and pack out all trash.
- Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains, so pack extra clothes and wear proper hiking shoes/boots so you don’t slip (See “What to Bring” for more info).
- Stay on designated trails, follow any posted signage, and respect the fragile ecosystem to ensure its preservation for future generations.
- Dogs are permitted on Path of the Glacier Trail if they are on a leash. Dogs are NOT permitted on Cavell Meadows Trail.
What to Bring
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Good hiking boots, a down hoody or fleece, toque, gloves, and windproof/waterproof shell are recommended year round. Trekking poles are useful for long hikes, steep descents, or when you’re carrying a heavy pack. You should also carry The Ten Essentials including: water, extra food, extra clothes, a first aid kit, headlamp, GPS / compass, and map of the area, sunscreen (this mineral sunscreen is fragrance free, paraben free, and reef-friendly), bug spray (this Deet-free one contains 20% icaridin and will repel ticks), and bear spray. Carry bear spray in a Bear Spray Holster or Scat Griz Bear Spray Running Belt.
A Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator is highly recommended for contacting Search & Rescue and emergency contacts in the event of an emergency, or communicating with friends and family when you are out of cell phone range. You can send text messages and your GPS coordinates via satellite, but a monthly service plan is required!
Getting Here
The parking for Cavell Meadows and Path of the Glacier are located at Mount Edith Cavell, 45 minutes south of Jasper. Trailers and motorhomes are not permitted on Cavell Road; leave them in the parking lot at the bottom of the road.
More things to do in Jasper
- Valley of the Five Lakes, Jasper National Park
- Experience the Maligne Lake Cruise & Maligne Canyon
- Discover the Legends of Jasper with Open Top Touring
- Wilcox Pass and Ridge, Jasper National Park
- The Best Stops on the Icefields Parkway
- Treat Yourself to a Luxurious Stay at Glacier View Lodge, Icefields Parkway
