Feelings of achievement, self reliance and solitude can mix with the best scenery in the least developed areas. Access to the backcountry is by permit which is available at the Jasper National Park Trail Office. Below is a summary of the main backcountry areas. Snow remains into the summer in some sections and camping stoves must be used for cooking. Two large lakes have campsites on their shores in the Tonquin Valley.
Stoves are again mandatory.
Easily accessed from Jasper, this backcountry route provides a good introduction to the wilderness for first time backpackers. There are several campsites, each along lakeshores. This route remains below treeline offering more limited views, but the lower altitude does mean this trail is one of the first to become passable each season. We recommend the Wilderness Trip Planner from Parks Canada as further reading.