Day 1

After all members of the group have been picked up, we have a group meeting and introduction to the guide(s) and other members of the group. The guides check over all equipment and make sure all necessary preparations have been made to start our trip for the next couple of days. From Edmonton we van shuttle to Jasper and Jasper National Park. We camp close to Jasper, and enjoy the atmosphere and beautiful views of the surrounding Rockies. With your guide you discuss, pack, and prepare for the beginning of the hike for the following day.

Day 2

After an early breakfast we pack up our gear and shuttle the approximately 60 km from Jasper to Maligne Lake. From here we start out trek. From the Maligne Lake picnic area the trail starts off by winding through forest of Lodge-pole pine with little elevation gain over the first 5 km. After these first 5 km the trail starts to climb up to Little Shovel Pass, the views start to improve with the surrounding Maligne peaks now becoming visible around us. A short 400m side trip to Watchtower Col provides exceptional views of the surrounding Skyline sub-alpine valley. From Little Shovel Pass the trail drops down into the so called “Snowbowl” with its lush sprawling meadows, and trickling creeks. After about 12 km we reach our goal for the day, Snowbowl Campground. We pitch camp and enjoy the sunset and atmosphere is this stunning environment.

Day 3

Today’s hiking stretch is approximately 18 km, after breaking camp we continue on from Snowbowl Campground past the Wabasso Trail junction. From here the Skyline starts to climb up to the shores of Curator Lake, in the midst of the surrounding wild treeless landscape.
From Curator Lake we climb once again as we ascend up to the “Notch”. At 2510 m it is the summit ridge of Mount Amber and considered the highest point on the Skyline Trail. This alpine divide provides an awe-inspiring view point for the Athabasca Valley and Mount Edith Cavel. On clear days it is even possible to view Mount Robson the highest peek in the Rockies 80 km away in the distance. As we continue approximately another 2 km along the ridge, the trail starts to descend steeply just beyond the summit of Amber Mountain. The trail switchbacks down until we reach Center Lakes were it levels off and continues on to Tekarra Lake and Tekarra Lake Campground our goal for this evening.

Day 4

Today is our last day on the Skyline Trail. As we enjoy the sunrise and an early breakfast, we break camp and pack up our gear. As we start our hike for the day we begin by crossing the outlet stream of Tekarra Lake, we enter stands of alpine fur as we hike around the northern slopes of Mount Tekarra. As we enjoy the crisp freshness of the mountain morning we are rewarded with majestic views of the Colin Ranges, and well known Pyramid Mountain as well as other familiar peaks that surround the Jasper area. About 5 km into our journey for the day and the trail intersects the Signal Mountain Fire Road.

From here there is a 500 m side-trip to the mountain’s old fire lookout site and impressive views of the Athabasca Valley. As we pass the last campground on the hike, the small winding trail changes into a broad fire road that steadily and continuously descends downhill the last 8.4 km of the trip, to the trailhead parking area on the Maligne Lake Road just 800 m from the Maligne Canyon Parking area and Tea House. Here our van awaits us, as we unpack and load up our gear into the van. As a reward for our efforts over the last couple of days there is the possibility to make a stop for fresh coffee or tea and homemade baked goodies from one of Jaspers local bakeries. If time permits there is also the opportunity to make a quick side-trip to Maligne Canyon to see the surging water of the Maligne River below. After parting with the beautiful surroundings of the Jasper area, we shuttle the 380 km back to Edmonton, as we aim to be back by late afternoon or early evening.