Journey’s end for the scenic and mountainous Cavell Road – 24km from Jasper – via Hwy 93 & 93A – is a parking lot at the trailhead for the Mount Edith Cavell area. Here two marked trails lead into a valley from which a glacier retreated fairly recently to leave behind fragrant sub-alpine forest and flowery alpine meadows. The longer Cavell Meadows Trail starts part way along the Path of Glacier Loop; both are well marked.

Path of the Glacier Loop: 1.5hrs • Easy • 1.6km: This short and popular trail heads across a rocky post-glacial landscape to Cavell Pond from which there are views of the the massive north face of Mt. Edith Cavell and the Cavell Glacier where small avalanches can often be seen and heard.

Cavell Meadows Trail: 4hrs • Moderate • 6.5km: This well-graded but fairly steep trail runs through treeline vegetation, glacial rocks and alpine meadows. It’s often closed until it’s dry enough to withstand hiker erosion (usually mid-July) so be sure to check ahead. You’ll see pikas and marmots sunning themselves.

Road Biking

For road bikers who love climbing, the Cavell Road provides lovely 50km out-and-back ride from Jasper. It’s the chance to grunt up numerous hairpin bends then sail back down them all again. Allow about three hours and bring a lock and some walking shoes to explore the trails.