Old Fort Point Trail hike

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.