Old Fort Point Trail
- Physical DifficultyThis 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.
- Technical DifficultyThis 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.
The Old Fort Point Trail is a beautiful hike leading to a fantastic viewpoint over the Jasper Valley. Cozying up at the red chairs along the trail is a highlight of this scenic, family-friendly trail.
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Route Description for Old Fort Point Trail
Old Fort Point is a loop trail, and we recommend going clockwise. If you go counter-clockwise, you’ll be starting with a steep set of wooden stairs and the lookout will be behind you early in the hike. Starting clockwise allows you to go up the steep trail and down the stairs at the end, while also giving you the best views. Early in the hike, there is a rocky outcropping with a steep dropoff beyond- keep children close here.
The Old Fort Point hike provides one of our favourite views of the Jasper Valley and is easy enough for much of the family to enjoy. You’ll head up through the forest on a clear path. Soon, the path splits- head right. Going left would take you to the Valley of the Five Lakes.
After this is where the rocky outcropping will appear on your left. Stay away from the edge and continue on. Soon, the path curves to the right and you can take a detour up the bald portion of the hill. There are two red Parks Canada chairs here to enjoy the view- look far in the distance for The Whistlers and Indian Ridge.
Returning to the path, you’ll lose a bit of elevation before you come to another rocky ledge. This is the reason you hiked the Old Fort Point Trail. Stay a while here, because this view is the highlight of the hike. The Jasper townsite, valley, and Athabasca River stretches before you, and you can make out the peaks of Pyramid Mountain, Mount Kinross, Cairngorm, Mount Kerr, and more beyond. You could spend hours here!
Once you’ve soaked up the view, head down the path. The descent is steep, but you’ll be aided by roughly formed steps. Holding little one’s hands here might be needed. Eventually, manmade stairs aid the effort. The trail will lead back to where you started.
Insider Hints for Old Fort Point Trail
- This is a great place for a family photo, as the scenery is stunning.
- It’s easy to get off trail here, so remember to pay attention.
- Jasper has plenty of great restaurants if you want a bite after the hike. We love The Spice Joint for coffee or Harvest for a full meal
- This loop is short enough that we like coupling it with a stroll along the river
Getting to the Old Fort Point Trail Trailhead
From the Jasper townsite, take Highway 93A south and just after the junction with Highway 16, turn left onto Old Fort Point Road. The trailhead is right on the opposite side of the Athabasca River.
Route Information
Old Fort Point Trail Elevation Graph
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