- Total distance 44 km loop (Astoria in, Maccarib out)
- Elevation 500 m gain via Maccarib Pass (2,210 m)
- Duration 2–4 days; most parties take 3
- Difficulty Moderate to strenuous — long days with loaded packs
- Trailhead Portal Trailhead, 7.5 km south of Jasper townsite
- Permit Backcountry camping permit required; book via Parks Canada reservations
- Season July through early October typical; Maccarib Pass can hold snow into mid-July
About Tonquin Valley
Tonquin Valley lies roughly 20 km southwest of Jasper townsite and has no road access. Reaching it requires at least a half-day hike regardless of which trail you take. Amethyst Lakes, the two main lakes in the valley floor, sit at 2,036 m and together cover a substantial area of open water rarely seen this deep in the backcountry of Alberta.
The Rampart Mountains that form the valley's western wall are composed of Precambrian quartzite — among the oldest exposed rock in the Canadian Rockies. The peaks rise 600–700 m above the valley floor and remain snow-capped well into July most years. Views from the lakeshores across to this wall are the primary draw for most visitors.
Route Options
Astoria River Trail (22 km one-way)
The Astoria route follows the Astoria River valley through heavy forest before opening into subalpine meadows near the valley entrance. Elevation gain is gradual — roughly 500 m spread over 22 km — making it the more straightforward approach with a loaded backpack. The trail passes through several wet meadow sections that can be muddy in early season.
The main campsite on this route is Astoria campground at the valley entrance, roughly 18 km in. This serves as a natural stopping point for parties taking two days to reach the lakes.
Maccarib Pass Trail (22 km one-way)
The Maccarib route climbs over the pass at 2,210 m before descending into the valley from the north. The pass itself is above treeline for several kilometres and offers expansive views in clear weather. This is a more exposed trail and the higher elevation means snow can persist on the north side of the pass through mid-July. The descent to the valley is steep in sections but the trail is well-marked.
The Maccarib route starts from the Portal Trailhead on Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) south of Jasper townsite. Parking is available at the trailhead.
Loop Option
Most hikers entering via Astoria return via Maccarib, or vice versa. The loop is approximately 44 km with a logical high camp at one of the Amethyst Lakes campsites in the middle. Parks Canada's reservation system allows you to book specific campsites along each arm of the loop.
Permits and Reservations
Backcountry camping in Jasper National Park requires a permit, which must be reserved in advance through the Parks Canada reservation system. Tonquin Valley is among the most requested backcountry destinations in the park; reservations open in January for the summer season and popular dates sell out quickly.
Campsites at Amethyst Lakes campground are the primary target for loop hikers. The campsite has bear lockers, a food preparation area and pit toilets. Campfires are not permitted in the backcountry of Jasper National Park — a camp stove is required for cooking.
Seasonal Access
The Astoria trail typically becomes passable without microspikes in late June to early July. Maccarib Pass generally clears by mid-July. Both routes should be checked against the current Parks Canada trail conditions report before departure, as snowpack varies year to year.
Late August and September are considered the optimal window: snow is gone, mosquitoes have thinned and the valley sees fewer visitors than July. The larches on the upper slopes of Maccarib Pass turn yellow in late September, adding colour to the descent.
Gear Considerations
- Bear canister or approved bear hang system — required for food storage
- Camp stove and fuel (campfires prohibited)
- Water filter or purification tablets — water sources are plentiful but should be treated
- Warm sleeping bag rated to -5°C or lower; temperatures drop below freezing overnight in August
- Waterproof pack liner — the Astoria River trail has multiple stream crossings
- Gaiters recommended for early season mud and snow
- Bear spray accessible, not packed inside your bag
- Emergency communication device recommended given remote location
Wildlife in Tonquin Valley
Tonquin Valley is grizzly bear and black bear habitat. Wolf packs use the valley and have been documented regularly in recent years. The open meadows near Amethyst Lakes are also frequented by caribou from the A La Peche herd, though sightings have become less frequent as the herd's range has shifted. Mountain caribou in Jasper are a Species at Risk under Canadian federal law — maintain a minimum 200-metre distance if encountered.
Access and Parking
The Portal Trailhead for the Maccarib route is located on Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway), approximately 7.5 km south of the Jasper townsite junction. A Jasper National Park entry pass is required for all vehicles.
The Astoria trailhead is accessed via Marmot Basin Road. Both trailheads have outhouses and limited parking. For multi-day trips, bear in mind that vehicle break-ins have been reported at remote trailheads — leave no valuables in your vehicle.