Old Fort Point
Hike to a Jasper summit for stunning 360° views of the Rockies and Athabasca River. A challenging but rewarding climb.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Old Fort Point
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to a Jasper summit for stunning 360° views of the Rockies and Athabasca River. A challenging but rewarding climb.
"The hike to Old Fort Point offers a steep but rewarding climb with stunning 360° views."
👟 Conquer the climb
The hike to Old Fort Point is steep with stairs and rocky terrain. Be prepared for a workout!
🏞️ Post-wildfire beauty
Jasper is resilient! Enjoy the evolving landscape and look for wildlife.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Old Fort Point Summit
Jasper
A steep but rewarding hike offering panoramic views of Jasper townsite and the Athabasca River.
Maligne Canyon
Jasper National Park
Explore the deepest canyon in Jasper, with impressive waterfalls and unique geological formations.
Athabasca Falls
Jasper National Park
Witness the raw power of Athabasca Falls, a stunning cascade carving through the landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Wildfire Recovery & Reopening
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Conquer the climb
The hike to Old Fort Point is steep with stairs and rocky terrain. Be prepared for a workout!
🏞️ Post-wildfire beauty
Jasper is resilient! Enjoy the evolving landscape and look for wildlife.
🚗 Parking at Old Fort Point
The Old Fort Point Trailhead parking lot is located just off Connaught Drive.
🥾 Pack for varied terrain
Trails can be snowy or icy, even in warmer months. Sturdy footwear is a must.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Conquer the climb
The hike to Old Fort Point is steep with stairs and rocky terrain. Be prepared for a workout!
🏞️ Post-wildfire beauty
Jasper is resilient! Enjoy the evolving landscape and look for wildlife.
🚗 Parking at Old Fort Point
The Old Fort Point Trailhead parking lot is located just off Connaught Drive.
🥾 Pack for varied terrain
Trails can be snowy or icy, even in warmer months. Sturdy footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the views
The 360° views from Old Fort Point are spectacular, especially at sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views from Old Fort Point, calling the hike rewarding despite its steepness. The post-wildfire landscape is noted for its resilience and unique beauty. Some travelers find Jasper townsite less appealing, but the natural attractions are consistently praised.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Fort Point is easily accessible by car from Jasper townsite. The trailhead parking lot is located just off Connaught Drive.
Yes, Jasper National Park is largely open and welcoming visitors. While recovery efforts are ongoing, many popular spots like Old Fort Point are accessible. Always check official park advisories for the most current information.
Many visitors opt for road trips, with itineraries often spanning from Banff to Jasper. Renting a car offers the most flexibility to explore various attractions like Maligne Canyon and Athabasca Falls.
While public transport within Jasper townsite is limited, many visitors rely on their own vehicles or shuttle services for exploring the park's attractions.
Yes, Jasper is a popular destination from Calgary, often combined with a visit to Banff. The drive offers stunning mountain scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for entry into Jasper National Park. These can be purchased online or at park gates.
Old Fort Point itself does not have a separate entrance fee beyond the Jasper National Park pass.
Jasper National Park is open year-round. However, specific trail conditions and access may vary seasonally and due to weather events like wildfires.
While Old Fort Point is a natural attraction, booking is recommended for popular tours or accommodations within Jasper National Park, especially during peak season.
Parking at the Old Fort Point Trailhead is generally free, but always check signage upon arrival as regulations can change.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is a loop trail, approximately 3.5 km, and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. It features a steep climb with stairs and rocky terrain, offering rewarding panoramic views.
The steepness and rocky sections might be challenging for absolute beginners. However, with a moderate fitness level and steady pace, it's achievable.
You'll get stunning 360° views of Jasper townsite, the Athabasca River, and the surrounding Canadian Rockies.
Basic facilities like parking are available. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks as amenities are limited.
While not guaranteed, wildlife can be spotted in Jasper National Park. Keep a safe distance and never feed the animals.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for stunning photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain and river views.
The summit offers the most iconic panoramic views. The trail itself also provides scenic overlooks.
Drone usage in national parks is subject to strict regulations. Check Parks Canada guidelines before flying.
Yes, the scenic views and sunset opportunities make it a popular choice for elopements and engagement photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning your visit, look into accommodations like cabins outside the main townsite, which can offer more space and potentially better value for families.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Consider camping at campgrounds like Whistler Campground for more affordable accommodation options. Opting for self-catering meals and packing your own lunches can significantly reduce food costs.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The summit provides a fantastic vantage point for capturing the vastness of the Canadian Rockies and the Athabasca River. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the expansive scenery. Beyond Old Fort Point, Jasper National Park is a haven for photographers. Locations like Maligne Lake, Pyramid Lake, and the Icefields Parkway offer countless opportunities for stunning landscape shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Impact of Wildfires on Jasper
Nature's Resilience: The landscape is slowly regenerating, showcasing the power of nature. This can offer a different, yet equally beautiful, experience for visitors.
Visitor Impact: While some areas might be affected, the core attractions and the overall beauty of Jasper remain. Many travelers find the park still very much worth visiting.
Hiking Old Fort Point: What to Expect
+1Despite the physical exertion, the payoff is immense. Reaching the summit rewards hikers with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Jasper townsite, the winding Athabasca River, and the majestic Canadian Rockies.
This makes it a prime spot for photography, especially during the golden hour of late afternoon. Some visitors have noted that the hike helped them overcome a slight fear of heights due to the exposed sections. Trail Conditions: Be prepared for varied conditions. While often clear in summer, the trail can be snowy or icy during shoulder seasons or even in warmer months, making sturdy footwear essential.
Parking is available at the trailhead off Connaught Drive. Jasper National Park: Beyond Old Fort Point
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, known for its luxurious setting and beautiful grounds.
Key Attractions: Don't miss Maligne Canyon and Athabasca Falls for stunning natural beauty.
Accommodation: Consider unique stays like cabins outside the townsite for great views and value.
Traveler Tip: Some visitors have expressed a dislike for the town of Jasper itself, but this is a subjective experience and doesn't detract from the park's natural wonders.
Social
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