Mount Edith Cavell
Majestic peak with the iconic Angel Glacier and rewarding hiking trails, offering breathtaking views of Jasper's alpine beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Mount Edith Cavell
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic peak with the iconic Angel Glacier and rewarding hiking trails, offering breathtaking views of Jasper's alpine beauty.
"One of the most beautiful mountains and hikes in the world. A must-visit!"
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lot fills up quickly! Aim for early morning or late afternoon to snag a spot. No trailers allowed.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be uneven, especially as you gain elevation. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Angel Glacier
Mount Edith Cavell
Witness the iconic, wing-shaped Angel Glacier clinging to the mountainside. A truly breathtaking sight!
Path to the Glacier Trail
Trailhead
A short, rewarding hike offering stunning views of Mount Edith Cavell and Angel Glacier. Perfect for most visitors.
Cavell Pond
Near the trailhead
See icebergs floating in the deep blue waters of Cavell Pond, reflecting the majestic mountain and glacier.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Parking
Trail Conditions & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lot fills up quickly! Aim for early morning or late afternoon to snag a spot. No trailers allowed.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be uneven, especially as you gain elevation. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is spectacular! Bring your camera or phone to capture the glacier, pond, and mountain vistas.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Even on shorter hikes, it's important to drink water, especially at higher elevations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lot fills up quickly! Aim for early morning or late afternoon to snag a spot. No trailers allowed.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be uneven, especially as you gain elevation. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is spectacular! Bring your camera or phone to capture the glacier, pond, and mountain vistas.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Even on shorter hikes, it's important to drink water, especially at higher elevations.
🐻 Be Wildlife Aware
Jasper is home to various wildlife. Keep a safe distance and never feed animals.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mount Edith Cavell is overwhelmingly praised as one of the most beautiful and iconic spots in Jasper National Park, with visitors raving about the stunning Angel Glacier and the rewarding hikes. The drive and the views are consistently highlighted as exceptional, though the extreme popularity leads to significant parking challenges.
"One of the most beautiful mountains and hikes in the world. The drive to the top where the parking area is amazing. This place is a must visit while in Jasper. The parking lot gets full though and it can be hard to find parking so come very early or very late."
Punit Kumar Jha
"It's a must-visit, one of the hot stops along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most famous mountains in Canada, I thoroughly enjoyed the trail, winding along the mountainside. It's uneven, with ups and downs. We witnessed the breathtaking Angel Glacier and the cascading meltwater streaming down the mountain."
金玫Barrie 华人地产经纪 Mei Jin
"Excellent hiking with amazing views. Early part is easy but becomes more moderate of a hike the higher you wish to go. Parking can also be an issue due to its popularity."
Kyle Cameron
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Edith Cavell is about a 40-minute drive from Jasper townsite. Take Highway 93A South and then turn onto the Edith Cavell Road. Be aware that this road is winding with sharp turns and is not suitable for trailers.
No, the Edith Cavell Road is typically only open seasonally, usually from late June to early October, depending on snow conditions. Always check Parks Canada for current road status.
Currently, there are no public bus or shuttle services directly to Mount Edith Cavell. You will need your own vehicle or to arrange private transportation.
Parking is extremely limited and fills up very early in the day, especially during peak season. Arriving before 8 AM or after 5 PM is recommended.
Yes, trailers and RVs are not permitted on the Edith Cavell Road due to its narrow and winding nature.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for entry into Jasper National Park, which includes access to Mount Edith Cavell. You can purchase passes online or at park gates.
There is no separate entrance fee for Mount Edith Cavell beyond the required Parks Canada Discovery Pass for Jasper National Park.
The main attraction is the natural landscape, so it's accessible whenever the Edith Cavell Road is open. The visitor facilities may have specific hours.
No, parking is on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be booked in advance. This is why early arrival is crucial.
The most popular way is to hike the Path to the Glacier Trail, which is a short, accessible trail offering incredible views of Angel Glacier and Cavell Pond.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most popular is the Path to the Glacier Trail (1.6 km return), which is relatively easy. For more challenging hikes, consider the Cavell Meadows Trail (6.5 km loop) for alpine scenery.
Angel Glacier is a prominent glacier on the north face of Mount Edith Cavell, known for its distinctive wing-like shape. It's a major highlight for visitors.
Cavell Pond is a beautiful turquoise lake at the base of the glacier, often featuring icebergs that have calved off Angel Glacier. It offers stunning reflections.
Yes, the Path to the Glacier Trail is generally suitable for families with young children, offering incredible views without an overly strenuous hike.
You might encounter marmots, pikas, and various bird species. Always maintain a safe distance and do not feed any wildlife.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints along the Path to the Glacier Trail offer iconic shots of Angel Glacier and Cavell Pond. The reflections in the pond are particularly stunning.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be magical for photography, offering softer light and fewer harsh shadows. Golden hour can be spectacular.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check Parks Canada regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grand landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
The weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for varying conditions. The bright snow and ice can also create exposure challenges.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for small wildlife like marmots and pikas, which can be a highlight for younger visitors. The dramatic scenery of Angel Glacier and Cavell Pond provides a memorable backdrop for family photos. Remember that trailers are not allowed on the access road, so plan your vehicle accordingly.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Be sure to inform someone of your hiking plans, carry bear spray, and be aware of your surroundings. The drive up the winding road can be exhilarating, and the sense of accomplishment after a hike here is immense. The sheer scale of the landscape can be a powerful experience for solo adventurers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the mountains and glacier. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather, which can add dramatic flair to your photos. The contrast between the vibrant blue water, the white ice, and the rugged rock faces makes for stunning compositions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Path to the Glacier Trail
+1Along the path, you'll encounter interpretive signs that provide insights into the geology and ecology of the area. The trail culminates at a viewpoint overlooking Cavell Pond, where you can often see chunks of ice that have calved off the glacier, creating a surreal and beautiful scene. The sheer scale of the mountain and the glacier is awe-inspiring, and this short hike allows you to get up close without requiring significant physical exertion. It's a perfect introduction to the grandeur of Jasper National Park.
While the main path is easy, some visitors mention that the trail can become more moderate as you ascend, with uneven terrain. It's always a good idea to wear sturdy footwear, even for this shorter hike, to ensure comfort and stability. The views are consistently spectacular, making it a highly recommended experience for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Understanding Mount Edith Cavell's Name and History
The naming of the mountain after her was a tribute to her courage and humanitarian efforts. The peak itself, rising to 3,363 meters (11,033 feet), is known for its striking appearance, particularly its snow and ice-covered face, which has led to it being nicknamed the 'White Ghost' mountain. This ghostly appearance is likely due to the way snow and ice reflect light, giving it an ethereal quality, especially under moonlight.
While the mountain is named after a historical figure, the primary draw for visitors today is its natural beauty, including the spectacular Angel Glacier and the surrounding alpine landscape. The history behind the name adds a layer of depth to the experience, reminding visitors of the human stories intertwined with the natural wonders of the Canadian Rockies.
Hiking Beyond the Glacier Trail
The Cavell Meadows Trail is particularly stunning during the summer months when wildflowers are in bloom, painting the meadows with a riot of color. Hikers can expect varied terrain, including some steep sections, and should be prepared for changing weather conditions. The trail offers a chance to experience the high alpine ecosystem up close, with opportunities to spot unique flora and fauna.
Some hikers describe the East Ridge of Edith Cavell as a challenging but rewarding climb, with one account noting a significant improvement in perceived difficulty on a second attempt, possibly due to increased fitness or better preparation. This suggests that while the main trails are accessible, more advanced routes are available for experienced mountaineers and hikers looking for a serious adventure.
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