Astoria River Valley

This lovely valley is mainly used as southerly (relatively easy) access to the famously magnificent Tonquin Valley, although it is a good walk in its own right. That said, it is a fine but not amazing (by Canada's admittedly very high standards) forest walk for its first 13km, so you will need to plan for a long day (15km each way at least) in order to enjoy the visual feast at its upper end, or to overnight in the high country.

From the trail head on Mount Edith Cavell Road, you climb steadily through forest and beside the river for the first 10km, with occasional lake and mountain views to whet your appetite. You then climb some 300m of not-too-difficult switchbacks for 3 km or so, emerging into the flower-filled pastures of the lower Tonquin Valley for a visual marvel of lakes and the famous walls of the Ramparts marching ahead. You need to walk further into Tonquin to make more of these delights, though, making it a 30km round trip.

There is a hostel near the trailhead, and various campsites up the Astoria and Tonquin Valleys (Amethyst campground at 20km is particularly appealing). Tonquin Valley Adventures provides horses (you can ride in here, too), and has lodges in Tonquin Valley, where walkers can also stay.

For more information see Great Outdoors 

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For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Jasper NP walk page.