Tonquin Valley Trail (42.6 km, Challenging) – Jasper National Park

Overview

About Tonquin Valley Trail

This is a difficult, point-to-point, horseshoe-shaped traverse from the Astoria Trailhead on Cavell Road to the Portal Creek Trailhead, about 42.6 km (26.5 miles) one way. Plan on roughly 16 hours of hiking, normally spread over 2–3 days. From Astoria, the route passes Astoria, Switchback, Clitheroe, Surprise Point, Amethyst, Maccarib, and Portal campgrounds before reaching the Portal end. The high point is near 2,200 m.

Why go

World-class dark skies and huge alpine scenery around Amethyst Lake
Designated, spaced-out backcountry camps with bear-safe food storage

Heads up

Long, remote point-to-point route with shuttle logistics
Persistent mud, wet sections, and mosquitoes in summer

The Tonquin Valley is a remote, multi-day backcountry traverse through a broad alpine valley, past turquoise Amethyst Lake, and beneath the serrated Ramparts. It is a dramatic Canadian Rockies route for hikers who are comfortable with distance, mud, changing mountain weather, and careful logistics.

Parkwolf’s verdictWhy go

Map & elevation

The route

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Full map

Elevation1,530–2,191 m

TrailheadAstoria Trailhead (Cavell Road)52.70236, -118.05987

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Plan your hike

Before you go

Parking

Established parking is available at the Astoria Trailhead on Cavell Road and at the Portal Creek Trailhead. This is a point-to-point route, so arrange transport between ends and check Parks Canada road and trail notices before relying on either approach.

Safety

Difficult backcountry travel with frequent mud, wet meadows, horse traffic, and stream crossings. Weather can turn to cold rain or snow at elevation. Carry bear spray, secure food, use navigation equipment, and follow all permit and food-storage rules. Dogs are prohibited to protect sensitive caribou habitat. Check Parks Canada for seasonal closures and current access conditions.

8 active Jasper alerts

ClosureWildfire-impacted areas and facilities closedStay out of closed wildfire-impacted areas and facilities in Jasper National Park; closures protect public safety after the 2024 wildfire and remain in effect while recovery and safety work continues.Official details
Closure93A (Wabasso Road) no through travel during roadworkFrom mid-October to early November 2026, plan for 93A (Wabasso Road) to be accessible from the south entrance only; no through travel is expected during roadwork.Official details

See all 8 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Jasper Tour Guide

Your drive to Tonquin Valley Trail, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Jasper National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

See the Jasper audio tour

Recorded for this trailhead

Mount Edith Cavell: Glaciers and Alpine Trails

Listen

“You're now heading for the Mount Edith Cavell area, one of the most dramatic mountain scenes in Jasper. The main attraction is the stunning north face of the mountain, with Angel Glacier hanging right in the middle.”

Plays as you drive up to this trailhead in the Parkwolf Jasper Tour Guide.

Hiking Tonquin Valley Trail

Scenery and highlightsThe route's centerpiece is Amethyst Lake, backed by the Ramparts and surrounded by open alpine…

The route's centerpiece is Amethyst Lake, backed by the Ramparts and surrounded by open alpine views. The valley also includes the Maccarib Pass area, wide meadows, mountain reflections, and exceptionally dark night skies. The route is remote and rewarding rather than a casual day hike.

Conditions and difficultyExpect a long, demanding backcountry route with wet meadows, persistent mud, horse traffic, and…

Expect a long, demanding backcountry route with wet meadows, persistent mud, horse traffic, and stream crossings. Weather can change quickly at elevation, and snow is possible outside the main summer window. Carry navigation equipment, waterproof footwear, gaiters, and bear spray; allow time for slower travel on rough or muddy sections.

Camping and logisticsDesignated backcountry campgrounds require advance reservations and permits.

Designated backcountry campgrounds require advance reservations and permits. The route is point-to-point, so arrange a shuttle or other transport between the Astoria and Portal trailheads and confirm road and trail access before setting out. Check Parks Canada for seasonal closures, access changes, campground availability, and current conditions.

Wildlife and access rulesThe valley is habitat for woodland caribou, grizzly and black bears, moose, and other mountain…

The valley is habitat for woodland caribou, grizzly and black bears, moose, and other mountain wildlife. Store food securely, follow all bear-safety guidance, and keep your distance from wildlife. Dogs are not allowed on this route to protect sensitive caribou habitat.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Jasper

All Jasper wildlife maps

174 sightingsGrizzly BearMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

43 sightingsCaribouMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

40 sightingsGray WolfMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

12 sightingsCanada LynxMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

315 sightingsMooseMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

1,028 sightingsElkMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Jasper. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.

Tonquin Valley Trail