The Brazeau Loop - EPIC Jasper National Park Backcountry Backpacking

After a VERY last minute very high water report by 2 Wardens on Jasper's North Boundary Trail, we set out on the first of our two "Plan B" treks this summer.
Join and support the channel:
Patreon Memberships: www.patreon.com/howesthehike
Buy gear and support the channel:
REI (USA)
alnk.to/58q3C1l
MEC (Canada)
alnk.to/btnkVxS
Sponsorships and other services: howesthehike.ca
The "grand tour" of the southern ranges, this lollipop loop includes one of Jasper National Park’s largest backcountry lakes, three passes (one pass crossed twice!) and an extraordinary alpine traverse with glaciated peaks, wildflowers and a huge variety of scenery.
00:00 Intro
10:05 Day 2
14:41 Trip Planner
24:21 Day 3
39:10 Day 4
40:38 Bacon! With John and Helen!
55:15 Day 5
1:01:29 Howe’s the Hike?

[@georgerichardson2476]

In1981a friend and I hiked from Nigel pass to Jonas cutoff; camped there and explored Jonas passa little bit; saw large caribou down in the creek was; beautiful area

[@HowestheHike]

Oh, I think I just saw your other comment. Now I understand! It is a gorgeous area for sure.

[@randyhermann1]

Great video! When we hiked it the view as you top out on Jonas Shoulder overwhelmed me emotionally. Just such an amazing view! Maybe Parks Canada watched your video and listened because when we hiked it a few weeks ago they were flying out poop barrels, moved the green throne at Fourpoint, replaced bear poles with lockers at most of the campsites, and had materials flown in to replace a lot of the bridges. A trail crew had also been through shortly before we were there clearing deadfall off the trail and at Brazeau Lake campsite.

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks1. Yeah - it is VERY amazing. Hard to believe they'd have seen our comments, but SUPER happy they are working on the trail!!!

[@kristenscott9438]

Amazing videos! Such lovely young daughters you have! Glad your able to go out into and enjoy God's beautiful and huge backyard! Keep up the great work!

[@HowestheHike]

Thank you Kristen!

[@johnversluys]

Hi guys, It's John and Helen. Glad we had the opportunity to hike with you guys and enjoyed meeting you. Your video is great! We had a great time doing the Brazeau Loop and agree that the Jonas Shoulder was the highlight of the trail. Hope your next hike in the Sawback was just as challenging and scenic as this one was. Olivia and Evelyn, hope you keep at it. You're an inspiration to all young people to get off the couch and enjoy the mountains!

[@HowestheHike]

John!! We REALLY enjoyed meeting you both. Thanks so much for letting us video your amazing breakfast and spending some time with us on the trail. The girls say thank you for the kind words - they really appreciate it. Meeting you both was a highlight far beyond Jonas shoulder and we hope to do it again with you both soon. Please keep in touch!! - Stuart

[@fenna_pear1372]

“What do you think of the hat” “terrible” hahaha Dad of the year award. I would definitely say the same thing to my dad just to bug him 😂😉 Thanks for sharing your adventure!

[@HowestheHike]

Haha! Thanks!! We had a great time out there and so happy to have a video memory. You should see the outtakes :)

[@lauriecox8986]

You have the best hiking videos! And I love it that you hike with your girls.

[@HowestheHike]

Wow - thank you Laurie!!! We really appreciate you watching and appreciate your comments.I love hiking with the girls and shudder to think about when they get older and move on to other things... :(

[@northernbeadle]

So excited to be doing this trail this year!!!!

[@HowestheHike]

You should be, it’s been a long time coming right? I hope you love it as much as we did it’s pretty spectacular. Enjoy thinking about it in advance!

[@Evil1Again]

Great quality video. Thanks for sharing the experience. Thanks to you my bucket list just got longer... Will definitely do it counter-clockwise. Travel safe.

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks! And hope you get out there soon!

[@ChrisfromFL]

PS: Thanks for sharing your hike, the scenery is outstanding! I've visited Jesper, but we were car camping, wish we had done some backpacking sorry we missed the splendor of the back country. Just might have to go back some day.

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks so much for the comments! We love sharing our videos and it makes hiking even more fun to make them. You should head back for sure!!

[@rolandpricken8010]

Its great fun to watch your video’s😀 Stuart you have very nice daugthers and they are perfect hinking partners for you👍 My family from the Netherlands have visited Britisch Colombia (Ucluelet & Jasper/Banff etc.) in 2019. The nature is so amazing, i will come back for hiking 😘 Greatings from Roland (Wijchen, The Netherlands)!

[@HowestheHike]

Thank you Roland! I hope you make it back over here soon :)

[@znjl]

Those poor kids.... only joking. Amazing dad-daughter stuff. Inspiring!

[@HowestheHike]

Haha! Thank you!!

[@billbagshaw3266]

Not sure if someone answered your question about the cable guides on the the pass. They use used by Parks Canada to run the telegraph cables between the warden cabins.

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks Bill! I had heard that form someone else at some point. Pretty cool though huh?

[@billbagshaw3266]

@@HowestheHike Ya. The first time Matt and I did the loop we met a man who'd father was the Warden for the loop and build some of the cabins. He had old black and white phots of it. He told us what they were.

[@HowestheHike]

WOW. amazing!

[@lovemountains5517]

you’ll be happy now, jasper just posted the bridges they built and fixed around brazeau loop.

[@HowestheHike]

YES! I hope it is the beginning of a trend. They have some of the best trails in the world!

[@lovemountains5517]

Howe's the Hike coming from jasper, what side of the road is the trail for this hike?

[@HowestheHike]

Would be on your left side

[@lovemountains5517]

Howe's the Hike thank you.

[@wanderingpanda6556]

After having done the same route as you 5 months ago, I've just found out that the cable thing 35:35 is indeed a telegraph wire point to a remote warden cabin. Which one I have no idea as Arrete seems like a helluva long way haha. I've tried to capture as much video beauty as you guys did but, you know, it never does it justice! Looking forward to what you have planned for 2021 Stu! Perhaps we'll finally get to meet and hike!!

[@HowestheHike]

That's great info - thank you! Would love to set something up a little closer to spring. I have a few things in my head to do, like the little heaven / ancient wall loop of the the North Boundary - and Southesk Lake that I missed out on this year. Can't wait.

[@stephenbouchard8075]

Looking forward to doing this hike next summer

[@HowestheHike]

It is FANTASTIC. And Jonas "shoulder" is really one of the best passes in the Rockies.

[@stephenbouchard8075]

Thanks to your video I will be doing it counter clockwise

[@xoxXCutiepieXxox]

Like walking in Heaven!⛰😍 you guys inspire me!!!!! I want to do this with my husbands and are kids some day!!!! We love going to Jasper and Banff ! Hotels that is lol we travile around and go see all there is to see and do in and around Jasper and Banff but it would be amazing to Hike! Amazing job on ur videos!! U and the girls make me laugh and smile Lolz Dab on the mountain top lolzzz and it's so funny when you do ur little song when u see walking and popping Haha! You should do night time videos of the night for people that keep KZbin on at night for background ambience and maybe some day time shots like the water falls and streams and mountains in the back .. just a thought this 1 guy 4k Relaxation Channel KZbin you should take a look see! You might what to try it out 😊 thank you for sharing your amazing videos!

[@HowestheHike]

Thank you! Awesome ideas!

[@kurdtus]

Best

[@HowestheHike]

Best VIEW that's for sure.

[@BryanDeLay]

Really enjoyed this video of such a beautiful area. I've been talking with Joey about joining you guys on the Northern Boundary Trail this August. He sent me the link to your YT channel and the permit, but I've not tried to locate the campsites on a map yet. About how many total miles for this 8 day trip and are some of the campsites above tree line and should I bring a Ursack? Joey and I did an 8 day trip in Yellowstone in August 2017 and a three night trip in Cheaha Wilderness in Alabama in February 2018. Thanks for your assistance.

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks Bryan - and we'd love to have you! The trip is 180KM or about 112 miles with no resupply. As it is a true park boundary patrol trail, there is not a ton above treeline - (some of course!) but a lot of remote solitude. It is likely we won't see anyone else at all. The campsites used to all have bear hangs, but as it is now technically unmaintained, and URSack might be excellent insurance. I'll likely bring one just in case. Feel free to DM me on FB - or look for my email here in the account info!

[@TheJaegermiester7]

Love this video. Im hoping to do this in the early summer (june) if the parks re-open. Would you have any concerns about snowpack or exposure at some of the higher altitudes?

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks! Snow will depend on how the spring goes. I've seen snow in July, but nothing of concern. You'll love this one - it's amazing.

[@findinglifesmoments]

Hello. Thanks for the great video..... we now have booked this hike for this summer! Quick question.... what hotel did you stay at when you finished the trail? Thanks in advance for your time on this question.

[@HowestheHike]

Awesome - you will love this hike! We stayed at a hotel in Banff, because we had a day off in between this and our Sawback Circuit hike. But, you could easily stay in Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore or even Calgary if you got off trail early enough. If you are wanting Jasper though - best to book super early. Hotels fill up there all summer.

[@BangkokBoy101]

I'd love to do this trek.

[@HowestheHike]

You should! It is amazing.

[@ChrisfromFL]

At 32:36 in the video, what is that hanging from your daughters right hip? It looks like her headphones are plugged into it. Do each of you carry bear spray while in Grizzly Country?

[@HowestheHike]

I think you might be seeing two things! First, her headphones connected to an iPhone in her pocket. The girls sometimes put some music in their ears to help with the walk after they've been hiking a while! Second - YES! - we ALL carry bear spray and know how to use it. Good eyes!!

[@findinglifesmoments]

Hey Stuart, my wife and i enjoy your videos and we also booked for the Brazeau loop and were planning on following your route. Having said that we have had some challenges training for the hike due to family commitments and "i" personally am concerned that even tho we hike quite a bit, ourselves that with out this training the trail might be a little much or is there enough neutral elevation to adapt or recover from more intense parts of the trail.? you opinion as a fellow hiker would be appreciated.

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks! If you are doig the counter-clockwise route like we did, you will have a couple of days before you climb Poboktan. The longest day is Jonas cutoff to Four Point. It is the prettiest day, but long. That said, once up the hill to the pass, most of the trail is downhill. If you keep your packs manageable - I'll bet you'll be fine and have a blast!

[@HM-gk3rq]

We also like to backpack with our kids :) is this the same route Joey posted recently on my own frontier? Looks beautiful

[@HowestheHike]

Yes - this is the same route Joey just finished putting on his channel. We actually saw him at Nigel trailhead when we dropped a car for the South Boundary. I'm looking forward to his North Boundary Trail video - which we did together in late August. Gorgeous country all over!!

[@HM-gk3rq]

Howe's the Hike great thx! I’m adding this to my list. We did Berg Lake and snowbird pass this summer and loved it!

[@HowestheHike]

Not sure how old your kids are, but this is one of those "must hike" trails. Just stunning, but does include a couple of longer days. We saw youger kids out there who were faster than us - (me) - so I'm sure you'll be fine!!!

[@Caspurrr]

So did you attempt the North Boundary. Or is it the Sawback instead?

[@HowestheHike]

We were in Jasper all set to go and got a call from the trail office the night before with a high water report from 2 wardens who were on the trail. No bridges left really except at Chown, so that report made the fords doubtful if not impossible. Especially for the girls who are shorter than I am... They had opened up reservations a few weeks earlier than normal to accommodate us, so we knew there was always a chance this could be an issue so early in the season. As of today, if you check the trail report online, it STILL shows unseasonable high water. A good call in retrospect, but very disappointing. So we decided to do Brazeau and Sawback instead to fill in our 2 week window of travel. We still did almost 180km in 12 days so at least we got our walk in - haha! The North Boundary is calling me though, so it won’t be long...

[@Caspurrr]

Howe's the Hike looking forward to Sawback. There are few videos on Sawback. Cheers. I enjoyed Fundy. I grew up in Nova Scotia south of Moncton. I know those tides well. Now I currently live in Calgary. Good job guys.

[@HowestheHike]

Casper Furlong Thanks so much Casper really appreciate it! That’s my old neck of the woods too. Maybe we’ll see you back east on the trail there sometime!

[@northernbeadle]

North Boundary has been on my list since I started heading into the Backcountry... slowly been working my way up to such an immense hike. Looking to do it for my 40th birthday in just under 5 years, so will look forward to your video in the meantime (have already watched Marty Up North's!) and if you don't make it out before then, maybe I'll see you on the trail. Subscribed!

[@HowestheHike]

Love Marty's video! One of the best hiking videos out there. And while I'd love to see you on the North Boundary, I can't wait that long! I have every intention of doing it this year - solo - if need be. Thanks for the sub - great to meet you here!

[@georgerichardson2476]

Unfortunately we did not make it up to Jonas shoulder

[@HowestheHike]

Oh no! How come?

[@georgerichardson2476]

That was not part of our plan; we didn't know what we were missing; did the watchtower; then camp parkr to Jonas cutoff/ pass and then paradise valley in Banff; all 3-4 day trips I have seen some of your videos and loved all of them

[@georgerichardson2476]

We only had 16 days to get everything done; did a few day hikes;:parker ridge; bow glacier falls and the saddle back

[@HowestheHike]

What a great trip. But no, not a lot of time to get it all done! That said, good for you!

[@HowestheHike]

Watchtower is awesome! You've been out there and I appreciate you sharing. And thanks for the kind words :-) I appreciate it!

[@stephenbouchard8075]

What water filter were you using

[@HowestheHike]

On this trip we were still using the Platypus Gravity works I think, but it is HEAVY. I now use a BeFree - which is AMAZING.

[@stephenbouchard8075]

Question did you fly into Calgary or Edmonton

[@HowestheHike]

We flew into Calgary on this one because out plan B hikes - of which this was the first hike - ended up in Banff in the Sawback area.

[@Wondering_Fireball]

What time of year did you and the girls hike this trail?

[@HowestheHike]

Late July. Perfect time and great weather.

[@JakeDoingStuff]

@@HowestheHike Great vid. Can't wait to go this July. How was the bug pressure that time of year? I think we are running about 2 weeks later than most seasons this year.

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks Jake! It was fairly buggy between Boulder Creek campsite and Brazeau River campsite - then it let up. We noticed the same stretch was buggy last summer too as we exited the South Boundary on the same section of trail. Good luck with everything. We are planning to be out in late July too, but with the late melt and Parks situation, might end up in White Goat or Siffleur!

[@JakeDoingStuff]

@@HowestheHike Thanks! That makes sense, as its following the water courses and also open to horse traffic. Your right we have a pretty late snow melt and its pretty sloppy out here still in many places. I guess anything can happen from now until late July though (from heat waves to floods to forest fires). So you gotta' role the dice and hope for the best! It's a good score either way if you end up in WG or Siffleur. Hope you make it out ok. Cheers.

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks. Enjoy!