Tonquin Valley Backpack 

The Tonquin Valley’s scenery is unrivaled. The trail takes you into one of Canada’s premier alpine regions, a unique combination of barren peaks, ghostly ice, and fertile lakes. The valley is popular for its stunning views of Amethyst Lake at the base of the Ramparts Mountain Range. It’s famous for its variety of wildlife, which includes grizzlies, black bears, and mountain caribou. It does also have a reputation for its muddiness and an abundance of mosquitoes, so be prepared for a bit of everything.

Trip: approximately 44km   Hiking Time: 5 days 4 nights   Difficulty: moderate/difficult

July 31st: Marmot Basin (1487m) to Portal Campground (1979 m) 8.7km – 492m⬆   A nice campground in an open forest next to a creek.

Aug 1st: Portal (1979) to Maccarib (2012m) 10.8km – 33m⬆  This campground is perched nicely at treeline with great views of the valley.

Aug 2nd:  Maccarib (2012m) to Surprise Point (1978m) 8.6km – 34m⬇  This campground close to the base of the Ramparts Mountain Range has stunning views. It is also a great base for day hiking into the Eremite Valley.

Aug 3rd: Surprise Point (1978m) to Astoria (1690m) 12.2 or 9.8 – 288m⬇  This forested site sits on a ridge above the Astoria River.

Aug 4th: Astoria (1690m) to Cavell Trailhead (1740m) 6.8km – 50m⬆

Hiking style is to allow plenty of time to smell the flowers, photograph, and enjoy the vistas.  This hike is not a heads down and storm through. Terrain will be moderate and at times more challenging.