North Boundary Trail

North Boundary Trail is a remote, long-distance point-to-point backpacking route through the northern wilderness of Jasper National Park in Alberta and into Mount Robson Provincial Park in British Columbia, typically completed in about 7–10 days.

The route is recommended for experienced backcountry hikers: it is remote, sustained, and includes difficult navigation and many unbridged river crossings where fording can be dangerous or impossible during high water.

In Jasper National Park, the trail starts at Rock Lake; the first part follows an old road, then you reach a first junction where the route follows toward Willow Creek and continues deep into the Snake Indian River Valley.

From the higher country around Snake Indian Pass, the trail descends to Twintree Lake and then ties into the Smoky River system; from there it climbs along the Smoky River to Adolphus Lake and onward to Robson Pass, which marks the boundary between Jasper National Park and Mt. Robson Provincial Park.

After Robson Pass, the final stretch runs along the Berg Lake trail, described as popular and often busy relative to the rest of the route.

Major rivers are not bridged, some fords can be dangerous, and the trail can be hard to follow in places with route finding needed; seasonal closures for caribou conservation run from November 1 to May 15, and overnight camping requires the right backcountry authorization.

For overnight trips on the Jasper portion, a backcountry camping permit is mandatory and must be obtained in advance; camping in Mount Robson Provincial Park requires a reservation through BC Parks. Bear-proof food storage is recommended, fires are limited to approved fire pits, and dog access overnight is restricted.

More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, The North Boundary Wilderness Experience - Tourism Jasper