The Signal Mountain shoulder and Maligne wildlife corridors are important animal habitats, said Marcia Dewandel, product development officer for Jasper National Park. In spring, elk calving occurs in the area.
For that reason, a few undesignated trails have been closed in the area.
Many of the Maligne Canyon and Lakes region trails have wider, easy flow paths that make travel more accessible for everyone. Properly linking these trails from the day use areas is important. “The key is to link these places together clearly,” said Dewandel.
This spring, maps and trail descriptions will be placed on three new trailhead kiosks that have been installed already. More way-finding signage “is critical in the JPL area,” she adds. “We need to bring people from one kiosk to another.”
The region is also home to three hiker- only trails. Flower enthusiasts flock to the abundance of blooms along Trail 10a, also known as the Flower Loop. “It’s a special niche,” said Dewandel.
Like the Pyramid Bench area, this region also has a commercial horse use area.
The Woodpecker Trail was established as an alternative route to the other horse-approved trails and links The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge to Lakes Edith and Annette. The path “is already kind of cleared,” but will receive some upgrades and new signage this year.
Parking lots will be signed with numbers so it will be easier to communicate directions to visitors at the information centre, she said. “Now we can turn over a map and point to a [parking lot sign].”
Beginning this spring, the Jasper Trail Alliance “will be out in full force as volunteers,” posting signage and maintaining trails. To volunteer with the trail alliance or to find out about upcoming projects, visit the group’s Facebook page.
The trail series’ third instalment will examine trail priorities for Valley of the Five Lakes region, as outlined by the TVC Trail Plan.
