A 4 night, 3 day, base camp (tents, trailers, campers, RV’s) at Mosquito Creek Campground, 30 Km north of Lake Louise on the Jasper Parkway.   Basic facilities – water, picnic tables, firewood, pit toilets.  ( There is also a hostel at the same location operated by Hostelling International – dorm style accommodation – you would be responsible for booking your own spots)

This is a magnificent area with incredible scenery.  All proposed hikes will be harder and full day.   Weather in the Rockies can vary from hot sunshine to snow showers possibly all in the same day so be prepared with many layers and plenty of food and water.   Good hiking boots and poles recommended as some trails are rocky.  There are also bears in the area so good bear practices at all times.

3 proposed hikes –

Cirque Peak Δ via Katherine/Helen Lake.   20 Km with 2,000 ‘ elevation gain.   A glorious hike up through open alpine meadows, past pristine lakes on a very popular well marked trail.  The peak itself has a few feet of rock scrambling right at the peak and the rest is trail hiking.   Magnificent views of Crowfoot Glacier, and the Wapta Icefields from the top.   Many many marmots on this one!!

North Molar Pass via Mosquito Creek – 22 Km with 1750 elevation gain.   A scenic hike along Mosquito Creek then a gradual climb on a good trail up to North Molar Pass and high alpine meadows.   A loop is possible via South Molar Pass which would make the 22 Km.

Bow Hut –  hike along Bow Lake and up to the ACC Hut on a good well marked trail, and some rock hopping along the creek.   We can have a break and get water at the hut, and use bathrooms, but we will not be able to use kitchen facilities.  16 Km with approx. 2000’ elevation.  This is a beautiful hike in the summer months leading from Bow Lake through canyons, over moraines and eventually to the hut itself below Mt St Nicholas at the base of the Wapta Icefields.

There are many other shorter hikes if weather is not suitable for an all day outing.   All these hikes are out and back but the group is expected to stay together as it is bear country.   Should anyone wish to stop en route they must have at least one other person with them and wait for the group to come back from the end of the trail; so be prepared with good warm layers and food for the wait.

All campers must be equipped for front country camping – campsites are first come first served and can accommodate several tents per site, or RV plus a tent.   Site fees are $17.50 per night but we can easily have several of us on each site.   Car pooling/meal sharing will be arranged closer to the date.

Your furry friends are welcome but they will have to be leashed on all trails.

Please email the leader if you are unsure of your fitness level – this is not a beginner outing.

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Sheila Powell

I have been retired for several years now and enjoy many activities in the outdoors such as hiking, cycling, skiing, backpacking. I have lived in Canada for the last 35 years and spent a great deal of time exploring the Rockies, K-country, Kootenays and parts of BC.

I get out on a hike, ski or cycle ride several times a week either with the club or family and enjoy running multi day trips as well as day outings.I will lead fairly strenuous, moderate to steady paced outings as well as some starter outings.

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