Cavell Meadows Trail
Hike to Angel Glacier and alpine meadows for iconic Jasper National Park views. Challenging trails with rewarding vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, best light.
Cavell Meadows Trail
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, best light.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to Angel Glacier and alpine meadows for iconic Jasper National Park views. Challenging trails with rewarding vistas.
"Absolutely lovely! The hike to section three is not for the faint of heart."
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road to the trailhead is narrow with tight corners. Be mindful of other vehicles, especially larger ones.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The Cavell Meadows Trail is steep and rocky in parts. Wear good hiking boots for stability and comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Angel Glacier
Path of the Glacier Trail
Witness the majestic Angel Glacier cascading down Mount Edith Cavell. A truly breathtaking sight.
Cavell Meadows
Cavell Meadows Trail
Hike through alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers (in season) offering panoramic mountain vistas.
Turquoise Cavell Pond
Path of the Glacier Trail
Admire the stunning, vibrant turquoise waters of Cavell Pond, reflecting the surrounding peaks and glacier.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Difficulty & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road to the trailhead is narrow with tight corners. Be mindful of other vehicles, especially larger ones.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The Cavell Meadows Trail is steep and rocky in parts. Wear good hiking boots for stability and comfort.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are no services on the trail. Bring plenty of water and snacks for your hike.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is incredible! Don't forget your camera or phone to capture the stunning glacier and meadows.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road to the trailhead is narrow with tight corners. Be mindful of other vehicles, especially larger ones.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The Cavell Meadows Trail is steep and rocky in parts. Wear good hiking boots for stability and comfort.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are no services on the trail. Bring plenty of water and snacks for your hike.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is incredible! Don't forget your camera or phone to capture the stunning glacier and meadows.
⏰ Arrive Early
Parking fills up quickly. Aim to arrive early in the morning to secure a spot and beat the crowds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking views of Angel Glacier and the surrounding mountains, with many calling it a must-do hike in Jasper. The turquoise Cavell Pond and the potential for wildflowers in the meadows are significant highlights. However, some find the Cavell Meadows Trail very steep and challenging, and parking can be a major issue.
"We had a great day here. During the hike you have beautiful views on the glacier and the surrounded mountains. Due to the wildfires it was really smokey and going up to the top of the mountains was worth the hike but sadly not for the views. But still a great hike!"
Sara
"Incredible day here. Would recommend for everyone as was only 10-15 mins to the lake itself but then we did a 4 hour hike to the peak. Gorgeous flowers, stunning glacier and surroundings"
Daniele Phillips
"Bit of a drive up, bit of a hike. well worth the effort. Use caution on the tight corners driving, not much room if you pass a camper."
Katchoo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cavell Road is the only access point. It's a scenic drive from Jasper townsite, approximately 25-30 minutes. Be aware that the road is narrow and winding, with limited passing opportunities.
No, Cavell Road is typically only open from mid-June to early October, depending on snow conditions. Always check the Parks Canada website for current road status before your visit.
While technically possible, biking the 14km one-way road is a significant undertaking and not recommended for most visitors due to the steepness and narrowness.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the Mount Edith Cavell trailhead. However, it fills up very quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Currently, there are no regular shuttle services directly to the Cavell Meadows Trailhead. It's best to drive your own vehicle or consider a guided tour that includes transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a valid Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for entry into Jasper National Park, which includes access to the Cavell Meadows Trail.
No, there is no separate entrance fee for the Cavell Meadows Trail beyond the general park entry fee (Parks Canada Discovery Pass).
Cavell Road is generally open during daylight hours when accessible. However, it's best to check Parks Canada for specific opening and closing times, as they can vary.
Tickets are not required for the trail itself. However, it's advisable to plan your visit during the open season and arrive early to ensure access to parking.
The most reliable source for trail closures, advisories, and road status is the official Parks Canada website for Jasper National Park.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Path of the Glacier Trail is a short, easy 0.75-mile loop to a viewpoint of Angel Glacier and Cavell Pond. The Cavell Meadows Trail is a more challenging 5.1-mile loop with significant elevation gain, offering expansive alpine meadow views.
The Cavell Meadows Trail is approximately 7.4 km (5.1 miles) and typically takes 3-4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.
The Path of the Glacier Trail is family-friendly. The full Cavell Meadows Trail is challenging and may be too strenuous for very young children or those with mobility issues due to its steep and rocky sections.
While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, you might see marmots, pikas, and various bird species in the meadows. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Mount Edith Cavell parking lot. It's advisable to use them before starting your hike.
📸 📸 Photography
Key spots include the viewpoint for Angel Glacier and Cavell Pond on the Path of the Glacier Trail, and various panoramic vistas along the Cavell Meadows Trail, especially during wildflower season.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday can be harsh.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check Parks Canada regulations for specific rules.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grand landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions or long exposures of the glacier.
Weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for varying light conditions and potential rain. The steepness of the trail can also make it challenging to set up shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
This paved path is manageable for most ages and offers incredible views without a strenuous climb. The drive up Cavell Road is also scenic and can be an adventure in itself. For the full Cavell Meadows Trail, it's best suited for families with older children or teenagers who are comfortable with challenging, steep, and rocky terrain.
+1 Ensure everyone has sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and snacks. Always supervise children closely, especially near steep drop-offs or the glacier.🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Adventurers
+1 While the trail is popular, you can find moments of solitude, especially if you hike during off-peak hours or days. Be sure to inform someone of your hiking plans, carry a reliable navigation device or map, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. The sense of accomplishment after completing the steep ascent and taking in the panoramic vistas is immense.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For broader vistas, the Cavell Meadows Trail provides incredible opportunities to capture sweeping mountain panoramas.
If visiting in late July or August, the wildflowers add a vibrant splash of color to your compositions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Two Trails of Mount Edith Cavell
The more ambitious Cavell Meadows Trail is a 7.4 km (5.1 mile) loop that ascends into the alpine meadows above the glacier. This hike is considered strenuous, with significant elevation gain and sections of steep, rocky terrain.
+1 It's here that hikers are rewarded with expansive panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, the glacier from a higher vantage point, and, in season, a carpet of alpine wildflowers. Many visitors choose to do both, starting with the easier Path of the Glacier Trail and then tackling the Meadows if time and energy permit. The drive up Cavell Road itself is also incredibly scenic, offering glimpses of the dramatic mountain landscape.
Navigating Cavell Road and Parking
Parking at the trailhead is notoriously limited and fills up extremely quickly, particularly during the summer months. Visitors are strongly advised to arrive as early as possible, ideally shortly after sunrise, to secure a parking spot.
It's essential to check the Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date information on Cavell Road status, opening dates, and any potential advisories or closures before you set out.
Best Times for Wildflowers and Photography
Beyond the wildflowers, the lighting conditions play a crucial role in photography. Early morning and late afternoon offer the most flattering light, with softer shadows and warmer hues that enhance the dramatic mountain scenery.
While the views are stunning year-round when the road is open, consider the potential for wildfire smoke during the summer months, which can significantly impact visibility and photo quality.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit