Trail Report – Edith Cavell

The Edith Cavell trail is a popular hiking destination located in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. Named after the British nurse and martyr Edith Cavell, the trail offers breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the park.

The trailhead for Edith Cavell Meadows trail is located at the end of Cavell Road, which is a well-maintained gravel road that can be accessed by car. The trail itself is an easy to moderate hike, with a total distance of 3.5 kilometers round trip. The trail is well-marked and maintained, and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels.

The first section of the trail is a gentle uphill climb through a dense forest of spruce and fir trees. The trail then opens up to a meadow, which is the perfect spot for a picnic or to take in the views of the surrounding mountains. This meadow is also a great spot to see wildflowers in the summer months.

Further along the trail, hikers will come across a small lake, which is a popular spot for birdwatching. The lake is home to a variety of waterfowl, including Canada geese, mallards, and mergansers. The trail then continues to climb until it reaches the base of the Edith Cavell Glacier, which is a stunning sight to behold.

The Edith Cavell Glacier is the largest glacier in the Canadian Rockies and is fed by snow and ice from the surrounding mountains. The glacier is constantly changing and melting, so the views from the trail may be different from year to year. The trail offers several viewpoints of the glacier, including a lookout that provides a panoramic view of the glacier and the surrounding mountains.

In addition to the stunning views, the Edith Cavell Meadows trail is also a great spot for wildlife viewing. The trail is home to a variety of animals, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and elk. These animals have often been seen grazing in the meadows along the trail.

Overall, the Edith Cavell Meadows trail is a must-see destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts visiting Jasper National Park. The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, as well as the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife. With its easy-to-moderate difficulty level and well-maintained trail, the Edith Cavell Meadows trail is suitable for hikers of all skill levels.