James Carnegie, 9’th Earl of Southesk, in 1859. First documented European along the South Boundary Trail route.

“We continued our march up the river amidst scenery of surpassing magnificence… broken by a succession of glorious peaks”.

Sublime Sights Along the South Boundary Trail

An Adventure to Remember

9 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure, $2600.00 Per Person (Includes Group Gear, Guiding, Food, Permits, Helicopter Flight, and Transportation To/From the Trailheads. See Below For Details.

Welcome to Le Grande Brazeau!
The near 120 kms of Jasper's South Boundary Trail travel some of the most rugged parts of the park. This adventure starts along the famous Icefields Parkway, and travels over the lofty heights of Poboktan Pass, and the calm waters of Brazeau Lake. The route then picks up along the path of Jasper's first European tourist, the 9’th Earl of Southesk in 1859, moving through remote forest with excellent mountain views. The trail crosses one of the last functional suspension bridges in the National Parks before crossing Cairn Pass and exploring the watershed of the Medicine Tent River. Every day the trail has something new to explore and will create memories for a lifetime. This adventure ends in style, with a helicopter flight from Rocky Pass to Hinton after which we are whisked away by vehicle back to the Jasper Townsite.

A rubbly trail near Rocky Pass with mountains in the background

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

An Adventure to Remember

9 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure, $2600.00 Per Person (Includes Group Gear, Guiding, Food, Permits, Helicopter Flight, and Transportation To/From the Trailheads. See Below For Details.

Welcome to Le Grande Brazeau!
The near 120 kms of Jasper's South Boundary Trail travel some of the most rugged parts of the park. This adventure starts along the famous Icefields Parkway, and travels over the lofty heights of Poboktan Pass, and the calm waters of Brazeau Lake. The route then picks up along the path of Jasper's first European tourist, the 9’th Earl of Southesk in 1859, moving through remote forest with excellent mountain views. The trail crosses one of the last functional suspension bridges in the National Parks before crossing Cairn Pass and exploring the watershed of the Medicine Tent River. Every day the trail has something new to explore and will create memories for a lifetime. This adventure ends in style, with a helicopter flight from Rocky Pass to Hinton after which we are whisked away by vehicle back to the Jasper Townsite.

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

Daily Itinerary

  • Day 1: Trailhead to Waterfalls Campground. The day begins with a meeting for all participants at their accommodation in the Jasper Townsite. Your guide will go over trip logistics, look over personal equipment, distribute group gear and food, and present liability waivers. After the meeting we drive 1 hour to the trailhead at Poboktan Creek and start our adventure travelling to the aethestic Waterfalls Campground. [12 km distance, +500/-150 m elevation gain/loss]

  • Day 2: Waterfalls to Jonas Cutoff Campgrounds and Day Hike to Jonas Shoulder. Today we wake up to enjoy morning sun illuminating waterfalls. A short 8.6 km stroll leads to our next campground at Jonas Cutoff. We'll set up camp and then with light packs go for a day-hike up to one of the best viewpoints in the Park, Jonas Shoulder (a 2470 m elevation lookout). [9 km distance, +300/-100 m elevation gain/loss]

  • Day 3: Jonas Cutoff to Brazeau Lake Campgrounds. After breakfast we set off hiking over the scenic heights of Poboktan Pass (topping out at 2300 m elevation) before descending to reach the pristine waters of Brazeau Lake. [15 km distance, +350/-650 m elevation gain/loss]

  • Day 4: Brazeau Lake to Arete Campgrounds. Today the trail becomes more rugged and wild. We leave Brazeau Lake and cross onto the South Boundary Trail, passing by the historic Brazeau District Warden Cabin, serene stretches of forest, and impressive mountain views to reach Arete Campground. [15 km distance, +200/-350 m elevation gain/loss]

  • Day 5: Arete to Isaac Creek Campgrounds. The trail leads further into the wilds of southeastern Jasper National Park. We move through tranquil forest with several creek crossings leading to a very scenic campground on the shore of Isaac Creek. [14 km distance, +100/-150 m elevation gain/loss]

  • Day 6: Isaac Creek to Cairn River Campgrounds. Today we trace out the southeastern boundary of Jasper National Park, and follow the footsteps of the Earl of Southesk's 1859 Journey. The trail leads through mixed forest before crossing into a burned section, and crossing the last operational suspension bridge in Jasper National Park. Our camp for the evening, near the confluence of the Southesk and Cairn Rivers, bosts excellents views looking up towards Mount Dalhousie. [20 km distance, +300/-250 m elevation gain/loss]

  • Day 7: Cairn River to Cairn Pass Campgrounds. Today we travel through classic Canadian Rockies high elevation forest and meadows while ascending beside the Cairn River. A picnic lunch on the porch of the scenic Cairn Warden Cabin breaks up the climb. [12 km distance, +500/-50 m elevation gain/loss]

  • Day 8: Cairn Pass to Medicine Tent Campgrounds. Today is another highlight of the trip, cresting the 2250 m heights of Cairn Pass and then following the course of the Medicine Tent River to reach our final campground. There are plenty of viewpoints to enjoy and after conquering the pass, good travel on mostly flat trail. [19 km distance, +350/-650 m elevation gain/loss]

  • Day 9: Medicine Tent Campground to Jasper Townsite. A short but steep climb leads us through the rugged landscape of Rocky Pass. We hike a short ways past the Jasper National Park boundary, before being picked up by a helicopter for a scenic flight letting us get a bird's eye view at some of the terrain we travelled through. A 45 minute drive from the heliport outside of Hinton, AB returns us to the Jasper Townsite and draws our adventure to a close. [5 km distance, +350/-50 m elevation gain/loss]

Daily Itinerary

  • Day 1: Trailhead to Waterfalls Campground. The day begins with a meeting for all participants at their accommodation in the Jasper Townsite. Your guide will go over trip logistics, look over personal equipment, distribute group gear and food, and present liability waivers. After the meeting we drive 1 hour to the trailhead at Poboktan Creek and start our adventure travelling to the aethestic Waterfalls Campground. [12 km distance, +500/-150 m elevation gain/loss]

  • Day 2: Waterfalls to Jonas Cutoff Campgrounds and Day Hike to Jonas Shoulder. Today we wake up to enjoy morning sun illuminating waterfalls. A short 8.6 km stroll leads to our next campground at Jonas Cutoff. We'll set up camp and then with light packs go for a day-hike up to one of the best viewpoints in the Park, Jonas Shoulder (a 2470 m elevation lookout). [9 km distance, +300/-100 m elevation gain/loss]

  • Day 3: Jonas Cutoff to Brazeau Lake Campgrounds. After breakfast we set off hiking over the scenic heights of Poboktan Pass (topping out at 2300 m elevation) before descending to reach the pristine waters of Brazeau Lake. [15 km distance, +350/-650 m elevation gain/loss]

  • Day 4: Brazeau Lake to Arete Campgrounds. Today the trail becomes more rugged and wild. We leave Brazeau Lake and cross onto the South Boundary Trail, passing by the historic Brazeau District Warden Cabin, serene stretches of forest, and impressive mountain views to reach Arete Campground. [15 km distance, +200/-350 m elevation gain/loss]

  • Day 5: Arete to Isaac Creek Campgrounds. The trail leads further into the wilds of southeastern Jasper National Park. We move through tranquil forest with several creek crossings leading to a very scenic campground on the shore of Isaac Creek. [14 km distance, +100/-150 m elevation gain/loss]

  • Day 6: Isaac Creek to Cairn River Campgrounds. Today we trace out the southeastern boundary of Jasper National Park, and follow the footsteps of the Earl of Southesk's 1859 Journey. The trail leads through mixed forest before crossing into a burned section, and crossing the last operational suspension bridge in Jasper National Park. Our camp for the evening, near the confluence of the Southesk and Cairn Rivers, bosts excellents views looking up towards Mount Dalhousie. [20 km distance, +300/-250 m elevation gain/loss]

  • Day 7: Cairn River to Cairn Pass Campgrounds. Today we travel through classic Canadian Rockies high elevation forest and meadows while ascending beside the Cairn River. A picnic lunch on the porch of the scenic Cairn Warden Cabin breaks up the climb. [12 km distance, +500/-50 m elevation gain/loss]

  • Day 8: Cairn Pass to Medicine Tent Campgrounds. Today is another highlight of the trip, cresting the 2250 m heights of Cairn Pass and then following the course of the Medicine Tent River to reach our final campground. There are plenty of viewpoints to enjoy and after conquering the pass, good travel on mostly flat trail. [19 km distance, +350/-650 m elevation gain/loss]

  • Day 9: Medicine Tent Campground to Jasper Townsite. A short but steep climb leads us through the rugged landscape of Rocky Pass. We hike a short ways past the Jasper National Park boundary, before being picked up by a helicopter for a scenic flight letting us get a bird's eye view at some of the terrain we travelled through. A 45 minute drive from the heliport outside of Hinton, AB returns us to the Jasper Townsite and draws our adventure to a close. [5 km distance, +350/-50 m elevation gain/loss]

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)

Mobile 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)

  • Soaring Peaks and Roaring Rivers Along One of Jasper's Most Remote Routes

  • Striking Summits and Stretches of Unspoiled Wilderness

  • Travel Across Vast Forests on This Historic Route

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

  • View Vast Vistas Crossing Over Cairn Pass

  • Soaring Peaks and Roaring Rivers Along One of Jasper's Most Remote Routes

  • Striking Summits and Stretches of Unspoiled Wilderness

  • Travel Across Vast Forests on This Historic Route

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

  • View Vast Vistas Crossing Over Cairn Pass

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)

  • Helicopter Flight From Rocky Pass

  • 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 boots 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.

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)

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.

What is Not Included?

  • Accommodation 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. The current price for this trip is 0.07 BTC. Check back in December 2024 when this price will be readjusted to align with $2600.00 CAD.

  • 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 between 90 and 30 days they are entitled to receive a 50% refund. No refund are granted if cancelling less than 30 days before the start of an adventure.

    See the link on the left for detailed policies.

  • 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):

*Check Back In December For Summer 2024 Bookings*

Payment is processed in Canadian Dollars. We also accept Bitcoin (inquire 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.

Image of Parks Sign at Cairn Pass