North Boundary Trail to Natural Arch and Little Heaven Backpacking Loop

A Trip Trekking Back to a Quieter Time

10 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure, $2500.00 Per Person (Includes Group Gear, Guiding, Food, Permits, and Transportation To/From the Trailheads. See Below For Details.

August 7-16, 2024 & Custom Dates Are Also Available

Those who have rambled far and wide in Jasper and former Wardens agree that there is no more authentically wild part of the park than the North Boundary. This adventure forms a loop starting outside of Jasper in nearby Rock Lake Provincial Park, before following the course of the Snake Indian River until reaching the pristine waters of Blue Creek. We travel up the Blue Creek Valley, a place known for its rugged beauty, camping in the shadow of the Ancient Wall, before venturing further north to see the most spectacular Natural Arch in the Canadian Rockies. On our way back we cross over McLarens Pass, one of the most scenic passes in the northern part of the park with an impressive view of Mount Robson before camping at the aptly named Little Heaven campground. We retrace our steps back towards Rock Lake before returning to the Jasper Townsite for a well-deserved feast.

Basemap obtained from NRCAN NTS Series. Copyright: His Majesty the King in Right of Canada.

A Trip Trekking Back to a Quieter Time

10 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure, $2500.00 Per Person (Includes Group Gear, Guiding, Food, Permits, and Transportation To/From the Trailheads. See Below For Details.

August 7-16, 2024 & Custom Dates Are Also Available

Those who have rambled far and wide in Jasper and former Wardens agree that there is no more authentically wild part of the park than the North Boundary. This adventure forms a loop starting outside of Jasper in nearby Rock Lake Provincial Park, before following the course of the Snake Indian River until reaching the pristine waters of Blue Creek. We travel up the Blue Creek Valley, a place known for its rugged beauty, camping in the shadow of the Ancient Wall, before venturing further north to see the most spectacular Natural Arch in the Canadian Rockies. On our way back we cross over McLarens Pass, one of the most scenic passes in the northern part of the park with an impressive view of Mount Robson before camping at the aptly named Little Heaven campground. We retrace our steps back towards Rock Lake before returning to the Jasper Townsite for a well-deserved feast.

Basemap obtained from NRCAN NTS Series. Copyright: His Majesty the King in Right of Canada.

Daily Itinerary

  • Pre-Trip: The evening before the trip your guide will arrange a meeting in the Jasper Townsite with all guests to discuss safety, distribute group gear and food, and ensure all guests are using appropriate equipment.

  • Day 1: After a good night's rest, we will have a quick breakfast before driving to the trailhead, an approximately 2.5 hour voyage leaving Jasper National Park and passing through Rock Lake Provincial Park to the north. Setting out on the trail we briefly pass through a sliver of the Willmore Wilderness Provincial Park before crossing back into Jasper towards our camp for the evening on the bank of Willow Creek. Before reaching the campground, the trail passes through viewpoints towards distant peaks, crosses picturesque willow flats, and even visits the porch of the idyllic Willow Creek District Warden Cabin. [Distance: 13.8 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 50 m/150 m.]

  • Day 2: Leaving Willow Creek we travel on good mostly flat trail paralleling the Snake Indian River towards Welbourne Campground. This day has a few great viewpoints of distant peaks, and crosses several creeks. The highlight of the day is Welbourne Campground itself, nestled right on the shore of the river, and a lovely place to enjoy an evening campfire while gazing at a sea of stars above. [Distance: 13.1 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 200 m/150 m.]

  • Day 3: After a hearty breakfast we hit the trail travelling westwards, passing by a few scenic bubbling brooks, and great viewpoints overlooking the Snake Indian River. Our trail passes through serene forest upset by the occasional rustling of animal hooves. After a quick break on the porch of the Blue Creek District Warden Cabin (where historically a warden and their family would live year-round), we reach our campground for the evening tucked away in the forest near the swift waters of Blue Creek. [Distance: 11.9 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 120 m/50 m.]

  • Day 4: Today we branch off the main North Boundary Trail and head up the Blue Creek valley. The trail is initially quite steep rising above a scenic canyon where Blue Creek flows through below. Thankfully after the first hour of travel the grade mellows and we can enjoy views of distant peaks and an impressive sense of scale looking up at the Ancient Wall. A steep ridge of limestone that guards the eastern edge of the valley. Our campground for the evening is aptly named Ancient Wall. [Distance: 12 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 400 m/50 m.]

  • Day 5: Caching a few supplies at Ancient Wall Campground for the return trip, our packs are lighter and we make our way further north up the valley towards the Natural Arch. This is a great day of travel with mostly open valley giving us wide reaching views of scarlet-tinted rock which caused some early travellers to name this the Sunset Range. [Distance: 11 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 150 m/40 m.]

  • Day 6: After five days on the trail it is a good time for a more-relaxed pace. Today we spend another night at Natural Arch Campground and have options for several day-hikes around the area. The most popular options are visiting the shores of Caribou Lake [Distance: 10 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 50 m/50 m], or Azure Lake [Distance: 20 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 250 m/250 m].

  • Day 7: Today we start our journey back towards home. We retrace our steps back towards the Ancient Wall Campground taking in views of distance peaks to the South. [Distance: 11 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 150 m/40 m.]

  • Day 8: Leaving Ancient Wall Campground after breakfast, we follow our tracks southwards until reaching the McLaren’s Pass Trail junction. The climb is steep, but as we gain elevation views steadily improve leading to an amazing panorama including distant giants such as Mount Robson and Resplendent Mountain. Our trail meanders across several creek crossings to lead towards the aptly named Little Heaven Campground on the edge of a grassy meadow. [Distance: 20 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 500 m/ 80 m.]

  • Day 9: Leaving Little Heaven Campground the trail steadily descends to rejoin the main North Boundary Trail. We then retrace our steps back to the Willow Creek Campground for our last night in the hills. [Distance: 17.5 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 110 m/460 m.]

  • Day 10: On the last day of the trip we return to the trailhead in Rock Lake Provincial Park and drive back to the Jasper Townsite with plenty of memories and excellent photos to share. [Distance: 13.8 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 150 m/ 50 m.]

Daily Itinerary

  • Pre-Trip: The evening before the trip your guide will arrange a meeting in the Jasper Townsite with all guests to discuss safety, distribute group gear and food, and ensure all guests are using appropriate equipment.

  • Day 1: After a good night's rest, we will have a quick breakfast before driving to the trailhead, an approximately 2.5 hour voyage leaving Jasper National Park and passing through Rock Lake Provincial Park to the north. Setting out on the trail we briefly pass through a sliver of the Willmore Wilderness Provincial Park before crossing back into Jasper towards our camp for the evening on the bank of Willow Creek. Before reaching the campground, the trail passes through viewpoints towards distant peaks, crosses picturesque willow flats, and even visits the porch of the idyllic Willow Creek District Warden Cabin. [Distance: 13.8 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 50 m/150 m.]

  • Day 2: Leaving Willow Creek we travel on good mostly flat trail paralleling the Snake Indian River towards Welbourne Campground. This day has a few great viewpoints of distant peaks, and crosses several creeks. The highlight of the day is Welbourne Campground itself, nestled right on the shore of the river, and a lovely place to enjoy an evening campfire while gazing at a sea of stars above. [Distance: 13.1 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 200 m/150 m.]

  • Day 3: After a hearty breakfast we hit the trail travelling westwards, passing by a few scenic bubbling brooks, and great viewpoints overlooking the Snake Indian River. Our trail passes through serene forest upset by the occasional rustling of animal hooves. After a quick break on the porch of the Blue Creek District Warden Cabin (where historically a warden and their family would live year-round), we reach our campground for the evening tucked away in the forest near the swift waters of Blue Creek. [Distance: 11.9 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 120 m/50 m.]

  • Day 4: Today we branch off the main North Boundary Trail and head up the Blue Creek valley. The trail is initially quite steep rising above a scenic canyon where Blue Creek flows through below. Thankfully after the first hour of travel the grade mellows and we can enjoy views of distant peaks and an impressive sense of scale looking up at the Ancient Wall. A steep ridge of limestone that guards the eastern edge of the valley. Our campground for the evening is aptly named Ancient Wall. [Distance: 12 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 400 m/50 m.]

  • Day 5: Caching a few supplies at Ancient Wall Campground for the return trip, our packs are lighter and we make our way further north up the valley towards the Natural Arch. This is a great day of travel with mostly open valley giving us wide reaching views of scarlet-tinted rock which caused some early travellers to name this the Sunset Range. [Distance: 11 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 150 m/40 m.]

  • Day 6: After five days on the trail it is a good time for a more-relaxed pace. Today we spend another night at Natural Arch Campground and have options for several day-hikes around the area. The most popular options are visiting the shores of Caribou Lake [Distance: 10 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 50 m/50 m], or Azure Lake [Distance: 20 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 250 m/250 m].

  • Day 7: Today we start our journey back towards home. We retrace our steps back towards the Ancient Wall Campground taking in views of distance peaks to the South. [Distance: 11 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 150 m/40 m.]

  • Day 8: Leaving Ancient Wall Campground after breakfast, we follow our tracks southwards until reaching the McLaren’s Pass Trail junction. The climb is steep, but as we gain elevation views steadily improve leading to an amazing panorama including distant giants such as Mount Robson and Resplendent Mountain. Our trail meanders across several creek crossings to lead towards the aptly named Little Heaven Campground on the edge of a grassy meadow. [Distance: 20 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 500 m/ 80 m.]

  • Day 9: Leaving Little Heaven Campground the trail steadily descends to rejoin the main North Boundary Trail. We then retrace our steps back to the Willow Creek Campground for our last night in the hills. [Distance: 17.5 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 110 m/460 m.]

  • Day 10: On the last day of the trip we return to the trailhead in Rock Lake Provincial Park and drive back to the Jasper Townsite with plenty of memories and excellent photos to share. [Distance: 13.8 km. Elevation Gain/Loss: 150 m/ 50 m.]

Why Go Backpacking With Us?

A guided backpacking adventure is a great way to start out or keep building your backcountry travel skills. Guests choose guided adventures for many reasons including:

  • Simplifying logistics (we supply group camping gear, food, and all relevant permits)

  • Safety (guides are skilled in managing backcountry hazards and certified in advanced wilderness first aid and emergency responses)

  • Learning about the landscape (gain local knowledge about natural history, wildlife, and plants)

  • Skill building (learn better backcountry travel, navigation, and self-sufficient wilderness expertise)

  • Less stressful travel (guides help carry food and equipment, setting up camp, and locating all the best viewpoints)

Why Go Backpacking With Us?

A guided backpacking adventure is a great way to start out or keep building your backcountry travel skills. Guests choose guided adventures for many reasons including:

  • Simplifying logistics (we supply group camping gear, food, and all relevant permits)

  • Safety (guides are skilled in managing backcountry hazards and certified in advanced wilderness first aid and emergency responses)

  • Learning about the landscape (gain local knowledge about natural history, wildlife, and plants)

  • Skill building (learn better backcountry travel, navigation, and self-sufficient wilderness expertise)

  • Less stressful travel (guides help carry food and equipment, setting up camp, and locating all the best viewpoints)

  • Stay In Scenic Campgrounds In Majestic Settings

  • Stroll At the Foot of The Ancient Wall

  • See Views of Lovely Lakes and Soaring Peaks

  • Hike Some of the Most Iconic Scenery In the Canadian Rockies

  • Travel Through Peaceful Forest and Open Meadows

  • Stay in Scenic Campgrounds in Majestic Settings

  • Stroll At the Foot of The Ancient Wall

  • Gaze Across Gorgeous Lakes and Towering Peaks

  • Hike Some of the Most Iconic Scenery In the Canadian Rockies

  • Travel Through Peaceful Forest and Open Meadows

General Adventure Info

What is Included?

  • Guiding

  • Park Visitor and Camping Fees

  • Food During the Adventure (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks)

  • Group Equipment (tents, sleeping pads, cooking gear, water treatment equipment, bear spray, tarps)

  • First Aid Equipment (carried by your guide)

  • Transportation To and From The Trailheads

What Does an Average Day on the Trail Look Like?

Life on the trail can be a bit different than what some people are used to. On a typical day, your guide will have breakfast prepared by 0730 and we will start hiking around 0900. We travel as a group for comradery and safety at a comfortable pace, and aim to reach our next camp around 1600. Dinner and desert follows around 1700 with personal free time in the evenings for picture taking, star-gazing, and soaking up the tranquility of the landscape. During the day we take breaks and lunch stops at scenic sites. We are generally travelling between 15-20 km per day (see the daily itinerary below for specific daily distances and elevations).

Required Personal Equipment:

  • Hiking Boots (previously used and well-fitted, waterproof boots are highly recommended)

  • Large Backpacking Backpack (we recommend between 60-75 L capacity, guests will be responsible for carrying a portion of group gear and food during the trip)

  • Sleeping Bag (for this adventure we recommend a 0C/32F rating, down sleeping bags are recommended over synthetic sleeping bags)

  • Pillow (a small dry-bag or commercially made backcountry pillow can enhance sleep and boosts overnight recovery)

  • Camera (there are an innumerably large number of excellent viewpoints along the route, and a camera with plenty of memory is highly recommended)

  • Sun Screen and Lip Balm (we recommend sun screen of 50 or higher SPF rating)

  • Headlamp (with new batteries)

  • Sunglasses (rated for UV protection)

  • Personal Medications and Blister Kit (any medications you take along with any personal blister products such as Moleskin)

  • Insect Repellent Spray

  • Personal Water Bottle/Bladder (1-2 L capacity is recommended, your guide will treat and carry any additional water as needed)

  • Hiking poles (collapsible)

How Should I Prepare?

How much training you need depends on many factors. Wherever you are starting from, it is a good plan to start walking and hiking several months before your adventure and gradually increase pack weight during your training. Walking up stairs with a weighted pack is a great way to get your legs ready to traverse scenic mountain passes. Look at the itinerary below for a day-by-day breakdown of this adventure.

Are There Any Risks?

Any travel in the mountains comes with some risks. All guests will be required to read, understand, and agree to our Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumptions of Risks and Indemnity Agreement which fully details risks associated with this adventure.

If you have any additional questions, please Contact Us.

Required Personal Clothing:

  • Waterproof Jacket (well-fitted to allow for movement and breathable)

  • Waterproof Pants (“rain pants” with full length zippers to allow for easy transitions are recommended)

  • Insulated Jacket (to be worn around camp on chilly mornings and evenings)

  • Insulated Pants (“long underwear” or a similar layer to cover legs while at camp or on the move)

  • Base Layers (top and bottom, breathable synthetic or wool material)

  • Hiking Shirt and Pants (for wearing while travelling, NO COTTON MATERIALS)

  • Socks (synthetic or wool, bring at least two well-fitted pairs)

  • Hat (baseball style cap for wearing while travelling)

  • Insulated Hat (synthetic or wool toque or cap for wearing at camp)

  • Camp Shoes (lightweight footwear to wear around camp or use during creek crossings)

  • Insulated Gloves (synthetic or wool, quick drying recommended)

What is Not Included?

  • Accommodation in the Jasper Townsite

  • Food while in the Jasper Townsite

  • Personal Equipment (see list on the right)

  • Gratuities

General Adventure Info

What is Included?

  • Guiding

  • Park Visitor and Camping Fees

  • Food During the Adventure (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks)

  • Group Equipment (tents, sleeping pads, cooking gear, water treatment equipment, bear spray, tarps)

  • First Aid Equipment (carried by your guide)

  • Transportation To and From The Trailheads

What Does an Average Day on the Trail Look Like?

Life on the trail can be a bit different than what some people are used to. On a typical day, your guide will have breakfast prepared by 0730 and we will start hiking around 0900. We travel as a group for comradery and safety at a comfortable pace, and aim to reach our next camp around 1600. Dinner and desert follows around 1700 with personal free time in the evenings for picture taking, star-gazing, and soaking up the tranquility of the landscape. During the day we take breaks and lunch stops at scenic sites. We are generally travelling between 15-20 km per day (see the daily itinerary below for specific daily distances and elevations).

Required Personal Equipment:

  • Hiking Boots (previously used and well-fitted, waterproof boots are highly recommended)

  • Large Backpacking Backpack (we recommend between 60-75 L capacity, guests will be responsible for carrying a portion of group gear and food during the trip)

  • Sleeping Bag (for this adventure we recommend a 0C/32F rating, down sleeping bags are recommended over synthetic sleeping bags)

  • Pillow (a small dry-bag or commercially made backcountry pillow can enhance sleep and boosts overnight recovery)

  • Camera (there are an innumerably large number of excellent viewpoints along the route, and a camera with plenty of memory is highly recommended)

  • Sun Screen and Lip Balm (we recommend sun screen of 50 or higher SPF rating)

  • Headlamp (with new batteries)

  • Sunglasses (rated for UV protection)

  • Personal Medications and Blister Kit (any medications you take along with any personal blister products such as Moleskin)

  • Insect Repellent Spray

  • Personal Water Bottle/Bladder (1-2 L capacity is recommended, your guide will treat and carry any additional water as needed)

  • Hiking poles (collapsible)

How Should I Prepare?

How much training you need depends on many factors. Wherever you are starting from, it is a good plan to start walking and hiking several months before your adventure and gradually increase pack weight during your training. Walking up stairs with a weighted pack is a great way to get your legs ready to traverse scenic mountain passes. Look at the itinerary below for a day-by-day breakdown of this adventure.

Are There Any Risks?

Any travel in the mountains comes with some risks. All guests will be required to read, understand, and agree to our Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumptions of Risks and Indemnity Agreement which fully details risks associated with this adventure.

If you have any additional questions, please Contact Us.

Required Personal Clothing:

  • Waterproof Jacket (well-fitted to allow for movement and breathable)

  • Waterproof Pants (“rain pants” with full length zippers to allow for easy transitions are recommended)

  • Insulated Jacket (to be worn around camp on chilly mornings and evenings)

  • Insulated Pants (“long underwear” or a similar layer to cover legs while at camp or on the move)

  • Base Layers (top and bottom, breathable synthetic or wool material)

  • Hiking Shirt and Pants (for wearing while travelling, NO COTTON MATERIALS)

  • Socks (synthetic or wool, bring at least two well-fitted pairs)

  • Hat (baseball style cap for wearing while travelling)

  • Insulated Hat (synthetic or wool toque or cap for wearing at camp)

  • Camp Shoes (lightweight footwear to wear around camp or use during creek crossings)

  • Insulated Gloves (synthetic or wool, quick drying recommended)

What is Not Included?

  • Accommodation in the Jasper Townsite

  • Food while in the Jasper Townsite

  • Personal Equipment (see list on the right)

  • Gratuities

Price, Schedules, and Logistics

  • Be sure to read our Payment and Cancellation Policy below before confirming registration.

    All prices are listed in Canadian Dollars. Exchange from foreign currencies will be conducted by our PayPal (our Payment Processor).

    Starry Summit Mountain Adventures also accepts Bitcoin. If you are interested in paying for your adventure in Bitcoin please specify this on your booking request form below.

  • Each adventure has a minimum number of guests for it to run listed on the dates column in the left. Programs are assessed for enrollment 90 days before the departure date. If a given program is below the minimum threshold value enrolled guests will be given the option of paying an under-enrollment offset fee to continue with the adventure otherwise they will receive a full refund. See the link on the left for detailed policies.

  • This trip will start with an orientation in the Jasper Townsite the night before the first day of the program. Transportation will be provided to and from the Jasper Townsite. Guests are advised to make arrangements to store any extra luggage or baggage with their hotel/lodging while they are away on their adventure.

  • If you are interested in this adventure, please fill out the form below. Starry Summit Mountain Adventures staff will be in touch and go over trip equipment, costs, and logistics. Full payment is due upon confirmation of trip enrollment.

    Cancellation Policy and Refunds: Guests are allowed to cancel their booking and receive a full refund up to 90 days before the start of an adventure. If guests cancel their booking with less than 90 days prior to the start of the adventure refunds diminish in a progressive manner. See the link on the left for details or your trip confirmation details received upon booking.

  • All guests will be required to sign a “Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumptions of Risks and Indemnity Agreement” commonly referred to as the “waiver” before starting an adventure. Waivers are available for download (ZZZ) and will be provided to you upon confirmation of booking. Paper waivers will also be signed on the first day of each SSMA adventure. If any guest is unwilling to sign the waiver they will not be able to participate in the adventure. Any guests not of the age of majority (18 in Alberta) will require a guardian to sign on their behalf.

Adventure Dates (Summer 2024):

(Minimum 2 Guests, Maximum 4 Guests Per Trip)

1- August 7th-16th, 2024 (4 Spaces Remaining)

Send Us A Message To Inquire About Custom Dates For A Private Trip

Payment is processed in Canadian Dollars. We also accept Bitcoin (see tab above for details).

Price, Schedules, and Logistics

  • Be sure to read our Payment and Cancellation Policy below before confirming registration.

    All prices are listed in Canadian Dollars. Exchange from foreign currencies will be conducted by our PayPal (our Payment Processor).

    Starry Summit Mountain Adventures also accepts Bitcoin. If you are interested in paying for your adventure in Bitcoin please specify this on your booking request form below.

  • Each adventure has a minimum number of guests for it to run listed on the dates column in the left. Programs are assessed for enrollment 90 days before the departure date. If a given program is below the minimum threshold value enrolled guests will be given the option of paying an under-enrollment offset fee to continue with the adventure otherwise they will receive a full refund. See the link on the left for detailed policies.

  • This trip will start with an orientation in the Jasper Townsite the night before the first day of the program. Transportation will be provided to and from the Jasper Townsite. Guests are advised to make arrangements to store any extra luggage or baggage with their hotel/lodging while they are away on their adventure.

  • If you are interested in this adventure, please fill out the form below. Starry Summit Mountain Adventures staff will be in touch and go over trip equipment, costs, and logistics. Full payment is due upon confirmation of trip enrollment.

    Cancellation Policy and Refunds: Guests are allowed to cancel their booking and receive a full refund up to 90 days before the start of an adventure. If guests cancel their booking with less than 90 days prior to the start of the adventure refunds diminish in a progressive manner. See the link on the left for details or your trip confirmation details received upon booking.

  • All guests will be required to sign a “Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumptions of Risks and Indemnity Agreement” commonly referred to as the “waiver” before starting an adventure. Waivers are available for download (ZZZ) and will be provided to you upon confirmation of booking. Paper waivers will also be signed on the first day of each SSMA adventure. If any guest is unwilling to sign the waiver they will not be able to participate in the adventure. Any guests not of the age of majority (18 in Alberta) will require a guardian to sign on their behalf.

Adventure Dates (Summer 2024):

(Minimum 2 Guests, Maximum 4 Guests Per Trip)

1- August 7th-16th, 2024 (4 Spaces Remaining)

Send Us A Message To Inquire About Custom Dates For A Private Trip

Payment in Canadian Dollars. We also accept Bitcoin (see tab above for details).

 

Book Today

Drop us a line commitment-free to see if this adventure is right for you. Please see our Payment and Cancellation Policy, Waiver, and Minimum Enrollment Policy above.

 

Book Today

Drop us a line commitment-free to see if this adventure is right for you. Please see our Payment and Cancellation Policy, Waiver, and Minimum Enrollment Policy above.