Tonquin Valley Trail

Tonquin Valley Trail is a horseshoe-shaped multi-day backcountry hike in Jasper National Park, Alberta, built around a 43.1 km one-way route. Expect the classic Ramparts/Amethyst Lake centerpiece that’s reachable from either end of the valley system and usually takes 2 to 3 days on Trail #105 and Trail #106.

You access the valley from two trailheads: Astoria (via Cavell Road) and Portal Creek. The Portal Creek option is the maintained access at present, while Cavell Road and the Astoria trailhead have been closed until further notice.

Elevation on the profile starts around Astoria’s 1730 m and includes a gradual opening descent to Astoria Campground, then a steeper climb to Switchback Campground. Past Clitheroe, the route continues toward Surprise Point and Amethyst Campground, then goes over Maccarib Pass (to about 2205 m) before descending toward Portal Campground and the Portal trailhead.

Campground options are the core of trip planning: Astoria (#42), Switchback (#43), Clitheroe (#44), Surprise Point (#45), Amethyst (#46), Maccarib (#47), and Portal (#48). This gives a lot of flexibility in where you stage the hike and whether you treat the Ramparts/Amethyst Lakes area as the highlight day.

Bring a backcountry camping permit for any overnight stay; day use still needs a park pass. The permit is mandatory for overnight trips and can be booked online or by phone, and camping is managed through the designated backcountry campgrounds along the route.

Expect strict rules in the backcountry corridor: no dogs, no bikes, and no fires on the maintained trail. Seasonal caribou conservation closures apply (no access from November 1 through May 15), and any itinerary should be planned around current trail and road status for the trailheads.

More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, An Epic Backpacking Guide To Tonquin Valley Trail In Jasper ...