Jasper in June: 14-15 June 2025

Trip Coordinator: Frank G.
Photos: Frank G, Christine O., Taera D.

“Do these trips as soon as you can. You never know when another pandemic, insect infestation, fire or political situation will change things.”

That’s what I said while we 9 kayakers were enjoying a paddling weekend in Jasper late last June. Little did we know that a forest fire would sweep down the Athabasca Valley a month later, obliterating the western half of Jasper townsite and much of the forest along Highway 93. Fortunately, most of the businesses in the central and eastern parts of town and the campground at Snaring River were spared.

So this year, 5 of us went off to assess the situation and try out a couple of lakes. Securing camp spots at Snaring was a little easier than usual, likely due to several factors: the weather forecast was not great, we were a week earlier in June, the Stanley Cup finals were in full force with the Edmonton Oilers facing the Florida Panthers, and last year’s forest fire meant that many trails (Maligne Canyon, Old Fort Point, Valley of Five Lakes) were not options for hikers. However, the weather was fairly good, with high/low about 20/8, and our chosen lakes were unaffected by the forest fire.

I arrived on Thursday evening in time to stop at the De’d Dog Bar and Grill at the Astoria Hotel to catch the Oilers game-winning OT goal in game 4. Friday, the others arrived to fill up our two camp spots. Parks Canada allows two vehicles and two tents per site, so at $31.25 per night (split two ways), including all the firewood you can burn, it’s a good deal.

Saturday, we went up to Pyramid Lake and started at the end of Beach Road. We paddled clockwise around the lake, avoiding the nesting loons at the NE end before doing the kayak limbo under the bridge to the island.

Back at the beach, Taera gave us a dazzling display of elegant rolling and all-round kayak control. (If only it were so easy for everyone!) The forecast was for 60% chance of showers, but nobody thought to tell the clouds, so we enjoyed a rain-free day.

Saturday evening saw us at the D’ed Dog watching a disappointing game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals. Back at the campground, we recovered with a great fireside chat. A few drops of rain fell about 11 PM as we were tucking in to a comfortable night.

Sunday wasn’t windy, so it was a nice day for Talbot Lake. Unlike last year, we went clockwise, stopping at Cinquefoil Creek in the hidden cove on the far side of the lake.

Continuing along the SE side of the lake, we got a short but persistent rain shower to freshen us up before crossing to the SW end to paddle along the sand dunes that shielded us from the highway noise.

We then meandered through remnant decayed river banks and sedge meadows back to the official boat launch. About 3 hours and we were done. Then off home.

Another quick Jasper getaway, with decent weather, good lakes, fine camping, and great company. I’ll be back next year – barring fires, pestilence, or political turmoil.

Kayakers: Karyn M, Taera D, John B, Christine O, Frank G.