Cavell Meadows

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2-3h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
6.0 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
400 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.8
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Read Reviews
Directions to Trailhead
Panorama of the Cavell Meadows hike in Jasper National Park

Cavell Meadows is a stunning trail in Jasper National Park, and one of the easiest ways to hike in an alpine meadow. Get great views of the Angel Glacier and enjoy options to summit a nearby peak.

Download the 10Adventures App

View Cavell Meadows on Map

View Map

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Route Description for Cavell Meadows

If you parked along the road before the parking lot, continue up the road to the parking lot, where you follow the partially paved path from the trailhead towards the Angel Glacier lookout. This trail climbs very gently for just over half a kilometer. Take the turnoff to the left that leads toward the Cavell Meadows. Here the trail switchbacks up over the moraine. Along these switchbacks make sure to stop and look up at the glacier and back down the valley for wonderful views of the red-tinted Franchere and Aquila Mountains.

Over the moraine you will continue climbing and enter a forest. There is an extremely high chance that you will meet several marmots, squirrels and mice – very cute to say the least. At certain times of the year you may also be swarmed with an outrageous number of mosquitoes, as well – not very cute. It is imperative that you bring bug spray.

As you continue climbing, you’ll soon pop out into a steep mountain meadow. Then, continue across a junction with directions towards Viewpoints #2 and #3. It is best to do the circuit clockwise, as it grants the best wildflower experience and views of the glacier.

Going left you will almost certainly see the gorgeous wildflowers that the Rocky Mountains are famous for. As you climb, you’ll soon reach a junction. Here, it’s possible to continue the very steep path up to the Viewpoint #3. However this path is very steep and for most people they chose to take the shortcut and hike towards the Viewpoint #2. After several well signposted junctions you come out 100 m to the right of the lookout. Turn left, go down, and then back up to a gully to get to the viewpoint (marked by a yellow “U-turn” sign).

From the viewpoint you will find the absolute best outlooks down to the Angel Glacier and its moraine-formed lake. You can also look up at the peaks that surround Mt. Edith Cavell, creating a semicircle around the uppermost part of the glacier. Continue down the path and hang a left at all the junctions. You will reunite with the path you came up, switchback down through the forest and the moraine, and then find yourself on the same concrete path you came up on. Turn right and head down to the parking lot.

Insider Hints for Cavell Meadows

  • The drive to this hike is incredible, and many people stop to take pictures.  We recommend not stopping to take pictures as the road is very narrow.
  • The Edith Cavell Hostel is a great base to explore this area.  You can hike this Cavell Meadows hike one day and then head to Verdant Pass another day.
  • There is a wonderful backpacking trip up the Tonquin Valley from the nearby Verdant Pass trailhead.  While you can camp, a stay at the Tonquin Backcountry Lodge, the ACC’s Wates-Gibson Hut or Tonquin Valley Adventure Lodge is a must-do if you love the backcountry.

Getting to the Cavell Meadows Trailhead

From Jasper, take route 93 south for approximately 12.0 km. Turn right onto Mount Edith Cavell Rd. This road is extremely narrow and taking a campervan up the road is prohibited. Additionally, any trailer or fifth wheels must be removed and left in a lot at the bottom. Continue along the road as it winds uphill for almost 15.0 km, until you reach the parking at the very end of the way.

Route Information

  • When to do

    June through October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    N/A

  • Toilets

    Trailhead

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Cavell Meadows Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Cavell Meadows Reviews

Add a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Regions

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Tours

Routes

Blogs