Boundary Peak Hike

Trailhead: Mount Athabasca parking lot next to the Athabasca Glacier snow coach road directly across the highway in front of the Icefields Centre. 100kms south of Jasper and approximately 111kms north of Lake Louise. Jasper National Park.

Description: This is an unmarked unofficial trail and more of a scramble than hike. There is considerable elevation gain over steep loose scree with little to no exposure except for the summit. Walk up the paved snow coach road until you reach the outflow of the north glacier and the climbers parking lot, locate the trail on the left side of the outflow. The right side leads towards the North Glacier of Mount Athabasca.

Follow the trail as it climbs up the meadows and enjoy the excellent views of Mount Athabasca and the Athabasca Glacier. Stay left of the main ridge and continue on towards Boundary Peak straight ahead. Work your way up to the saddle between the ridge and the west face of Boundary Peak. From the saddle Boundary peak looms above and now the real grind begins over big, loose steep talus. I found the ascent is easier over undisturbed scree.

There is a well worn route to left of the west face that makes for a better descent, it’s to loose to ascend. Continue on then scramble up an easy 2m rock ledge located just below the the summit. Views from the summit are absolutely stunning. Athabasca Glacier, Little Athabasca Mount Athabasca and it’s north and east glaciers are all in view. Boundary Lake glistens in the sun way below you.

Climbers can have a good look at all the climbing routes located on Mount Athabasca. To descend Boundary Peak follow the summit ridge trail a short distance north until you see a loose scree trail below then drop down the northwest face . The trail down is a well worn trench in the scree, you can maintain a controlled slide most of the way down. Keep your eye out for Bighorn Sheep. You are in bear country

Jasper National Park Hiking PDF

Icefields Parkway Area Map PDF