With the exception of a few sporadic snow storms, spring arrived early this year in Jasper National Park. Robins were spotted in mid-March, spring buds were welcomed in April and the Jasper trail system is already being manicured.
Most valley bottom trails are dry and ready for a range of recreationalists from hikers seeking solitude to bikers scoping out a challenge. While exploring, here are a few things to keep in mind about Jasper’s trail network, as well as a glimpse at the proposed trail work for the season:
- Trail network is multi-use. Hikers, bikers and horses can be found on Jasper’s extensive trail network. As a general rule of thumb, horses have the right of way, followed by hikers and bikes. This multi-use system spreads users across the network and encourages visitors and locals to work together to preserve the trails. To ensure a memorable experience for all, remind fellow users about practicing proper trail etiquette.
- Horses and bikes must remain on signed trails. Parks Canada is committed to providing an exceptional trail offer to visitors and locals alike while keeping its valued ecosystems intact. Stay on Parks Canada’s designated trails, which are signed with a numbered yellow diamond, or wildland trails which are maintained by the Jasper Trail Alliance. Following designated trails prevents overcrowding, reduces the ecological impact, ensures visitor safety and supports conservation efforts.
- If the trail does not have a sign, do not use it. Unsigned trails that develop over time look like any other trail. Park users unfamiliar with the network explore these routes and get lost because there is no signage or reference to their location. Stay safe and stay on signed trails.
- Know where the wildlife corridors are. A wildlife corridor provides a thoroughfare for wildlife to move through, undisturbed. There are three wildlife corridors surrounding Jasper’s valley trail network: Pyramid, Signal and Maligne. These areas are closed to all human use. With little human interaction, animals such as wolves, bears and cougars have a better chance of finding a partner or getting to a favourite feeding area, ensuring survival and increasing biodiversity. Not certain where the wildlife corridors are? Pick up a trail guide from the Jasper Visitor Information Centre, or scan the trailhead kiosks before venturing out.
Parks Canada’s trail crew will begin their early season work in mid-May, including trail brushing, fallen tree removal and:
- Formalizing a new 3-km trail loop in the Miette Hot Springs area;
- Repairing the boardwalk on the Miette Source of the Springs trail;
- Exploring options for a trail connecting Whistler Campground to Trail 5;
- Installing new trail wayfinding signage;
- Completing a new access trail at the Icefield Centre;
- Improving the Whistler Summit trail;
- Removing old wooden structures on Saturday Night Lake Loop; and
- Upgrading many day use areas, viewpoints and campgrounds.
To report trail conditions, please contact the Jasper Information Centre at 780-852-6176.
Parks Canada
Special to the Fitzhugh
