Solo Backpack trip up to Athabasca Pass, Jasper, Alberta (6 nights)

[@nukethebastards]

Backpacking in Canada has officially been added to my bucket list.

[@mohammadzeidan6346]

+nukethebastard yes define they do it in jasper or banff very very beautiful and recommend it. if you love nature and relaxing to the sound of it then definetly

[@gopherholehotel]

I came across your video of The Athabaska Pass. You made a great video and it brought back some happy memories for me. I hiked this trail with my brother in law and his uncle in 1989 . We went down the Wood River on the other side as far as Boat Encampment where a relative picked us up in two small boats and took us across the water close to Mica dam north of Revelstoke. It was an amazing trip and I remember toasting the Hudson Bay Co at Committee Punch bowl . On the Wood River side I remember olympic size Devils club and amazing historic blazes in trees that showed the names of early explorers . Thanks again for posting your trip here. Terry W

[@Martyupnorth]

We're both lucky to have gone there. The bridge over Simpson creek has been out for a few years, and no one has been able to reach the pass. Cheers.

[@GoViking933]

Its funny, I had been reading about Devils Club in historical accounts, but until you’ve actually encountered it, you just don’t realize how crazy it is lol

[@gopherholehotel]

@@GoViking933 ha hah yes, one has to wait until it festers and swells up then you can squeeze them out in a painful pussy discharge . The memories are still vivid.

[@bradsmith1441]

Thanks for all the work. I really like your style of doing videos. When you include times you are talking it is straight and to the point, you include setting up camp, cooking, tent shots, building fires, gear and trail identification, etc. Great editing! Not long shots of themselves repeating the same thing because they're nervous, closeups of flowers and pine cones, or shots of their feet for hours. I felt like I had been there after watching. Very enjoyable video!

[@Martyupnorth]

Utah Mountains Thanks for the super positive comments. I try to make the video entertaining and different. Also try to make them educational. It started out as a project to see how I could use this at work to document procedures and ended up so much more. Thanks for watching.

[@gregoryjeane350]

Marty, I know these are hikes you've taken several years back, but I feel as if I've walked with you. What a blessing for you to have access to such gorgeous country. I love our American Rockies, but your Canadian Rockies are another world. Thanks for letting me tag along. God bless.

[@neilm4761]

Marty I just want to thank you for your awesome videos, gives me comfort on my many solo runs! Excellent, never done a 6 might before!! Gotta fight the demons on the long ones!! Thanks again!!

[@markgieljoumie]

This is the only channel where I can watch the videos multiple times and enjoy them every single time like its the first time I am watching; the only channel where I feel like I am actually there on that hike; and thus the only channel where I have activated notifications for future uploads. Thanks for the great videos Marty :-)

[@Martyupnorth]

Awesome feedback. I really wish I could just hike full-time, but unfortunately, I have to work to feed my family (which I love very much). It's been a long winter, and I'm suffering from some serious cabin fever. I'll be getting out soon. I have a 200 km hike planned this summer, across some very remote mountain wilderness. I'm hiking some abandoned trail in Jasper's southern boundary, visiting two passes that I have never been to before. There aren't many places in Jasper I haven't seen. Stay tuned. Thanks.

[@denisovan2989]

Thank you for sharing your videos. They are great to watch. I love watching hiking videos that show cooking especially cooking with open fires. I just subscribed.

[@Martyupnorth]

I usually try to hike in places that allow fires. It's more fun at the end of the day to sit at watch a fire. It also allows me to save weight by not bringing a stove and fuel. I'll do a video just showcasing cooking in the coming months. Thanks for watching.

[@Emersblade]

Hi Marty! Just found this video. I have been watching your videos for a while now and have been enjoying them so much. Just wanted to say that you inspired me to go take my first ever day hike with my dad. Keep making awesome videos! Bye!

[@Martyupnorth]

+Emerson Hayter I love hearing that. Have fun with your dad, and thanks for watching.

[@BrosephRussell]

Great looking hike and area photos .

[@ET-wh9pr]

Hey Marty great video really enjoyed that beautiful scenery and great job with the video:)

[@levipeters1906]

Really enjoying your videos! Planning on doing that hike this upcoming summer, and am now that much more inspired to do so.

[@oldschool4246]

Hi Marty. Just wanted to thank you for the hard work you do in your videos. I think you do an excellent job of showing what the area you happen to be in , has to offer in terms of hiking . I also like , and appreciate the fact that you give an honest representation of the hike , ie. ( the not so pleasant parts of the trip ) I think that is important . As any intelligent person knows , to experience good things in life you also have to endure some unpleasant things. keep up the excellent work. Cheers.

[@Martyupnorth]

+old school Great feedback. Thanks.

[@PrairieDodgers]

I have some catching up to do, just stumbled onto your explores. Ok. Thanx Back to your Videos!

[@nickharland3795]

Cool trip. Beautiful, rugged area, you can't go wrong in jasper. Too bad about the wet conditions though. Nasty blister on your heel. Got me really itching to do a longer hiking trip real soon. Thanks, take care.

[@shcmoly]

Punchbowl is beautiful, thanks.

[@OverThePeaks]

Another goddam classic video I'm watching all over again. Patiently waiting for spring to come. Talk to you soon Marty 🤟🏼

[@Martyupnorth]

Here's a "Must do" trip in this area. caltopo.com/m/49JF

[@Edogawa1117]

Great vid,many thanks for posting.

[@euro7066]

Just want to say thanks Scott for you advise and your video, it helped us a lot to do this trip in August 2015. We were very surprised, that based on register, nobody reached Athabasca Pass since September 2013

[@Martyupnorth]

+euro7066 That doesn't surprise me. The golden age of hiking is over. Poeple prefer to drive and have their comforts, such as phones. That's OK with me.

[@keithirvine1]

@@Martyupnorth The golden age of hiking has just begun.........it costs a fortune (in gold) just to access the Parks and now there are 'trail fees'? I went to the national parks ..Banff, Jasper, and Waterton from 1978 through 2016 and never even heard of a trail fee before. Haven't been back due to the high prices since then. Miss the mountains terribly, but Seniors are invisible and inconsequential to the Gov't.

[@Martyupnorth]

The trail is easy to follow. It basically follows the Whirlpool River to its headwaters, so the elevation gain is modest at 545 m over a distance of 50 km. It's considered a wilderness trail by Parks Canada so you're allowed fires, which is really nice. Scott Camp and Kane Meadows are really nice camp sites. The camp site at the pass is very primitive, but there's something nice about staying there and imagining the fur traders from 100 years ago.

[@bgschultz]

That trail has a reputation of being sloppy. Great video, thanks.

[@Levelupdigital]

very cool , well documented, the bears are what freaks me out there....

[@filmic1]

Nice....thanks for posting.

[@DanielSnedden]

Good video

[@getubelogin]

Great video, I must admit I was quite distracted by the music, with such a great video its just not necessary! Keep up the good work.

[@fisheyeguy]

Good grief what I wouldn’t give to do some hiking where you do. I’ll probably never experience something like you do. Thank you for taking us with you.

[@Martyupnorth]

You made me watch this video. Its one of my all-time favorite hikes and videos. This place is amazing. It't an opportunity to reconnect with ancestors from a bi-gone era. Tough guys.

[@fisheyeguy]

Martyupnorth I come by and watch many of your videos once or twice a year. They are very inspiring to a guy who lives in the southern US. The scenery, even in just the forest inspires awe.

[@Martyupnorth]

The second car in the parking lot was someone on a mountain bike going to Moab Lake. I never saw another soul on the trail.

[@Martyupnorth]

This is my first hike with the Bora 95. I took that skull plate off right away. It's been a great pack ever since. I still own it and use it on trips with my raft.

[@milenas2418]

Awesome video Thank u for doing it Idk how u Did it with all that bear sign. I was in area over weekend but soon as I saw bear sign I left even I have few bear sprays I couldn't take that chance Ur one brave Man

[@Yourname3000]

Nicely done

[@EmelietheBoss]

Great video! I will do a solo trip there this summer

[@EmelietheBoss]

Btw, if you don't get a hold of that "pass" that you have to have, what will happen? Can you just walk right in anyway?

[@Martyupnorth]

+Emelie Boss I'll give you the short answer so I don't get in trouble, but I'll also use this opportunity for a bit of a rant on the subject of passes and BS park fees. The short answer is get the pass, especially if you're not a local. The park will charge you acces at the gate just to get in. If you plan on staying more than a week with a vehicle it's worth getting an annual permit that can be used in any national park. In fact, if you get a permit this year, it's good for next year also (that's a bonus because next year is the 150 year anniversary of Canada). Normally the pass is only good for one year. If you walk into the park, or catch a ride, you can save the fee. Next you'll need to go to the trail office and get a back-country permit. That's $9.80/day. On some trails they limit access, so there's no guarantee you can get the permit for the exact place you want. The good thing about the permit is that it provides emergency rescue if you get in trouble. You can get an annual back-country permit that is worth it if you plan on hiking more than 6 days in a year. In therory you could just walk in. If you do there are four ways you might get caught. 1) you have a vehicle at the trail head that is not associated with a permit. 2) you get to a site and it's already full 3) you come across a warden who wants to see your pass 4) you get hurt and need help. My advise is get the permit. Other than the safety aspect, the permit fees are total bullshit. Almost none of the money you pay goes towards trail maintenance. In the last decade the trail have fallen into disrepair. There used to be bridges over big creeks, and most of those are now damaged. The backcountry tables, latrines and bear poles are all in need of repair. I used to get an annual pass to save money. I use to register in person to avoid "reservation" fees. Now even though I show up the same day, they still charge me a reservation fee. It's BS. Parks are run by the Government, and like all other bureaucracies they are incompetent and uanble to manage their costs. That's my rant. Otherwise the back country is beautiful. Get off the beaten path and explore. If you want good suggestions just send me a note. I know the parks very well. I hpe you have a great trip and thanks for watching.

[@EmelietheBoss]

Thank you so much for your answer! I am swedish and here everyone is allowed to walk anywhere except in someones yard so it is foreign to me about all this regulation. But I think I will get the daily pass then, even though I will take the bus there and probably could sneek in anyway but it feels good to have a backup if I break a leg or so, haha. But if you don't make a "reservation" could they deny you access when you get there? Is the area fenced or could you just walk away a km down the road and go through that way? And if a warden sees you what do they do?

[@Martyupnorth]

+Emelie Boss Don't worry about too much. Jasper park is 10,000 km2. Banff park is 6,600 km2. These are enormous parks with some of the most beautiful mountains you will ever see. There are no fences. There are 1,000s of kilometers of trail. I have never been turned away. Hiking is popular, but not so much that you can always get a reservation for a nice trail. I imagine that is you cheated, and were caught by the warden, they might ask you to pay a fine, or go back to the start of the trail. I don't know, because it's never happened to me. I want to visit Sweden some day. There is a park called Serak that I want to hike in.

[@EmelietheBoss]

Thank you! Well, in worst case scenario I could hide from them, haha. Yes the north of Sweden is really beautiful! I am going there this summer too but most of the trails there are not really challenging enough for me in my opinion :-) The fjords and mountains in Norway are amazing and a little more interesting!

[@jameshunt1221]

I always hike with a solid stick. Recently, I made some good sticks from solid bamboo. I sell sticks for 10 dollars. Fun to make people happy. Take care.

[@Martyupnorth]

Yes. No need to spend a fortune on a metal walking pole when you can easily make one from a small tree. Cheers.

[@EverestExperts]

Thanks for sharing. How much of the Whirlpool River do you figure would be navigable in a packraft? I can do up to class IV Whitewater and am thinking of coming in from Fortress Lake and floating the Wood River into the trail and then go out the way you came.

[@Martyupnorth]

I would recommend you hike up to Scott Camp, about 31 km from the trail. You can float from there quite easily. The canyon at km 34 is not passable by boat. Feel free to e-mail me at [e-mail] and I can send you pictures. You can see the canyon in the video at 4:45

[@EverestExperts]

Martyupnorth Thanks bro! Yeah, had noticed the canyon, but wasn't sure how the rest was.

[@user-zl5gi8sv7u]

What a great adventure. Thanks for sharing. I would love to some hiking in Jasper. Especially to the back country huts. Have you been to any?

[@Martyupnorth]

Hey Justin. If you're referring to the huts owned by the Alpine Club of Canada, I've only been to the Sydney Vallance hut in the Fryatt Valley (see my 4-day family video for that hike). If you're referring to the 20+ warden cabins in the back-country, I've seen them all. You can't stay at these cabins since they are for the wardens on patrol. I've been inside a few of them over the years when I've come across a warden on patrol. Most of these cabins are 75+ years old. I actually plan to document many of these cabins this summer. Thanks for watching.

[@user-zl5gi8sv7u]

Martyupnorth That make a really cool video. I didn't know about the warden cabins. I'm going to have to head over and watch that video from Fryatt Valley. Thanks!

[@Swazi1337]

cool video

[@kaylabailey2099]

I like to do this trail from july 2-7th. 4 nights 5 days. this is me and my husband first backcountry hiking trip. This looks fun and beautiful scenery.

[@EmelietheBoss]

Then we will probably run into each other! doing the same but will come back the 3rd

[@kaylabailey2099]

Awesome!! that would be sweet.

[@EmelietheBoss]

I went back on the first instead unfortunately!

[@kaylabailey6596]

we did this last year and do got as far as middle forks. it was tons of fun.

[@prwoolrich]

I don't know quite what to think about your attitude on the trail whether its depression or you are just telling it the way that it is I'm not being critical in any way but that's two videos I watched from you and both left me with the same impression we all encounter adverse and bad trail conditions the weather can also have a sobering affect but we have to take it quite literally in our stride good luck with you future endeavors.

[@Martyupnorth]

Interesting observations Paul. I actually "crave" the solitude, if that makes any sense. I also really enjoy the hikes where there's a little hardship. It makes me feel more alive. A definitely would not think of myself as depressed, on the trail or at home. I love life and adventure. I guess I'm just telling it like it is. Long solo hike do present some real challenges, especially emotionally. Lots of thoughts go through my head when I'm walking for days without companionship. This summer I plan to do a 215 km hike in Jasper called The North Boundary. Should be a good one. Thanks for watching and thinks for your observations. Sincerely, Marty

[@viniciusolavio]

thaaaaaanks for sharing friend... keep Hiking!!!!

[@coryraivio9912]

I've repeatedly watched your video. Thank you for putting the effort in. Solo hiking the Pass is on my bucket list. Did you find the trail hard to follow or were route finding skills necessary? What kind of elevation gain did you experience?

[@Johann-4354]

That was beautiful land you passed through. Hard place, too. Thanks for recording it for us. I can't help but ask what you were carrying, weight wise, when you left? You mentioned how sore your legs, shoulders and back were. I know you gotta be prepared in country like that so I'm not criticizing. With all the bear in the area, did you ever see any?

[@redreasoning]

***** ohh how did you do without a water filter? also, are there any trails you'd recommend around kananaskis or banff area for 2 or 3 day trips?

[@Martyupnorth]

redreasoning you don't need a water filter in the national parks if you use a little common sene. I drink from streams that flow into major rivers. The higher up you are (cloer to passes), the cleaner the water. I've been drinking water directly from streams for 20 years without issus. Sometimes it's silty, but I just consider that minerals.

[@euro7066]

Hi, How and where do you get water for drinking? How much water did u have when you started the trip? Did u have a filter or drops?

[@euro7066]

Just wondering if is possible to do this hike in 4 nights? 1. Middle Forks, 21.1 km 2. Kane Meadows 41 km 3. Kane Meadows 4. Middle Forks

[@Martyupnorth]

Yes, if you leave early on day one. It's not worth tenting at the pass. Instead of Kane Meadows on night three, try to get to Scott Camp. The view of the glacier is worth it.

[@stephengonsalez8873]

What's the name of the song playing at the end of the video?

[@Martyupnorth]

+Stephen Gonsalez "Knocked up" by Kings of Leon. From the Album "Because of the Times". Thanks for watching.

[@GoViking933]

Funny, while this is one of my favourite of your adventures, this song was so familiar yet kept eluding me as to why/who/what song - I actually came here looking for it lol

[@Arckitekt]

Just noticed that they named a mountain after you, its near Edith Cavell...

[@Martyupnorth]

+Arckitekt I have 2 videos on the channel that show our family hiking to Mount Belanger. It's actually named after popular local guide, Andre Belanger, who died in the 1,800s. I'm sure we're somehow related. Thanks for watching.

[@Arckitekt]

That's interesting...sounds like a good profession to be a mountain guide

[@armadafan]

Bro, I love your videos, and someday soon I will be doing some of your travels, and I know youve been asked this before, but how the hell do you sleep knowing there are bears in the neighborhood ?.... damn bro.. help me out with this one , please.

[@Martyupnorth]

I started out with friends. Safety and comfort in numbers. Over time I realized that everything outside the tent sounds bigger than it actually is. I also realized that most animals are more afraid of us than we are of them. When I go on a solo trip the first night is usually a little more "scary". Usually by the second night I'm fine. Once in a while I hike with inexperienced hikers. I always tell them "You're going to hear a lot of noise out there at night. Please don't wake me up, 'cus I don't care." Stay up until you're very tired. Keep the flashlight and bear spray handy. But most of all, remember that thousands upon thousands of people sleep in the backcountry every year, and 99.999999% never have a problem. 28 years of hiking and only a handful of incidents. I've come across a few bears, but never had a problem. The worse has been porcupines that chewed through my pack. In the deep wilderness like this animals are not accustomed to humans and tend to stay far away from us. Actually the coolest thing I remember was on the South Boundary trail about 20 years ago. My hiking companion and I were enjoying our evening meal by the fire, It was still light out. A deer came out of nowhere and ran right in between the two of us at full speed. We both looked at each other with that "what was that" look on our faces. A couple of seconds later a pack of wolves ran right past us, chasing that deer. They never even took a second look at us. A few minutes later we heard the whole pack howling as if to celebrate the fact that they had killed the deer. Needles to say we didn't' sleep so good that night. Hiking is amazing. I love getting out.

[@armadafan]

Thanks Marty.. that's what I was hoping you would say. I hunt the whitetail, and I am always out in the woods, and you're right, every animal I encounter along the way is always avoiding me the best they can. Cool story about the Doe and the Wolves.. thats what its all about right there.. nature, ya just cant find that stuff in the big city.... thanks man for living the dream, and letting us come along with you... ps, im off work today, and besides walking in my woods out back, ive been watching your videos all day long..

[@loch70]

Did you have a shotgun or something? When im backpacking in Sweden im always a little afraid of the brownbear. The brown bear is not as agressiv as the grizzly i assume the tracks was from. Great video btw. How did you find the dark hours. I always get little anxiety during night. Still I do solotrips and am thinking about going up to Sarek (very large prestine, untouched wilderness) north of Sweden.

[@cbdrummerboy]

I Also experience night time anxiety due to the fact that the feeling of loneliness sinks in but as much as that's relaxing it also keeps and open mind to wander and the sounds around you can intimidate even the most experienced survivalist, at least I believe so. Confidence and a tough mentality can easier said then done when your exposed to the elements. Awsome video though Canada's amazing alberta is my home and the shear beauty amazes me everyday.

[@euro7066]

Hi, is worth it to hike the extra 3 km to Stanley Glacier?

[@Martyupnorth]

euro7066 You would have to cross the river (very hard). I did not try it.

[@euro7066]

Martyupnorth No bridge there?

[@Martyupnorth]

Each trail has different designations. Some trails allow fires, such as Athabasca Pass or the North Boundary. They are classified as Wildland or Primitive. Trails like the Skyline do not allow fires. There are similar rules for dogs. Some trails allow dogs. I tend to only do trails that allow fires. They are more primitive and less travelled.

[@zeb219]

Another martyupnorth classic

[@Martyupnorth]

Thanks. It's very hard to reach Athabasca pass these days. A key bridge has been destroyed by ice and PArks Canada will not rebuild it.

[@woodsman4946]

@@Martyupnorth This is very unfortunate, I'm heading to Whirlpool Campground this Friday, and would've loved for it to be a starter for the whole trip up to the pass

[@woodsman4946]

Not sure if you'll see this, but any chance I could contact you for some multi day trip ideas? I'm relatively young, and have been doing 10-15km overnighters for a while, but want to dive deeper into multi day trips

[@Martyupnorth]

@@woodsman4946 Send me an email at [e-mail] and I'll be happy to provide some ideas. I need to know your level of experience, what you've done in the past and what you're looking for.

[@woodsman4946]

@@Martyupnorth Sent ya an email, thanks!

[@KevAlberta]

Hey Marty I see you replied to someone two weeks ago so I'm hoping you're still active and answering comments. Anyways I am a very healthy and active person. Very physically fit and in fact almost graduating from NAIT to be a personal fitness trainer. So I know the body's limits and my own as well. However, I've been on only a few hikes. Only taking a few hours up n down trip. I live in Edmonton Albert and travel to banff and Jasper and the Rocky Mountains regularly. My main question Is what are some trails you recommend or mountains your recommend that can be climbed up in 4 to 6 hours. Or some trails that are a two day trip. I want to get into hiking because it is something I've been absolutely wanting to do for a while. I just need somewhere to start. Thanks in advance. Love the videos

[@KevAlberta]

Will be doing this in the summer by the way

[@Martyupnorth]

+MountKeverest I could take hours to answer that question. Jasper is my favorite park and it's got a ton of amazing hikes and day trips. I love the skyline. It's one of the most spectacular trails in Canada. It can be hiked in 3 days / 2 nights. Some people run the whole 42 km in one day. I sometimes just "sneak in" via the Watchtower trail and head directly to the Notch on the Skyline. You just have to hike everything and discover it for yourself. The Canadian Rockies Trail Guide is a must have book. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpzafqR3jZuDbNE I also recommend you follow the Jasper Trail Alliance on Facebook. Loni is an amazing source of information and she'll reply to your questions. Also don't forget the Jasper Park Information Centre and the Park Canada website Otherwise just watch some of my other videos. Feel free to send me specific questions.

[@KevAlberta]

+Martyupnorth wow thanks a ton I really appreciate the reply. I have been binge watching all your videos hahahaha. I'll take all you're advice into consideration. I've been camping ever since I was a kid, but never been 'backcountry' (?) camping. I for sure will get into hiking the trails to experience it all myself. But this is a great startIng point! I'm planning to go with one buddy for two nights and three days. Extremely excited. Your videos have made it seem less daunting. Love the posts Marty

[@Swazi1337]

+MountKeverest I would highly recommend 'Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies' if your looking for some info on mountains to climb around jasper/banff. You can find a copy at Track'n'Trail on whyte ave. I've climbed a selection of the routes described myself and can say the book is accurate and pretty helpful!

[@KevAlberta]

Thank you

[@GJM89]

Hey Marty, I love your videos. They are a source of inspiration and motivation to just go out there. I was wondering though, how do you protect yourself against the presence of bears, or wildlife in general, that could possibly pose a threat? Do you prepare yourself for a possible encounter or do you just Usain Bolt yourself out of there in a worse case scenario? :-)

[@Martyupnorth]

+Gert Maes I just make sure I'm aware of my surroundings. Look for signs of activity, paw prints, scats, rubs etc. I make some noise while walking so I don't accidental come upon a bear, especially when in the trees. It sounds funny, but I yell "Hey bear" out loud every few minutes. If I'm in an area with lots of berries I get out a quickly as possible. Never do the Usain Bolt thing. Quite the contrary. If you come upon a bear you back away slowly, make a small murmur sound, and avoid direct eye contact (which some say is threatening). My biggest problem is usually with porcupines. They chew through the tent to get to the sweaty gear. Many people carry pepper spray, but I don't. Thanks for watching.

[@prwoolrich]

I too crave the solitude as it facilitates the focus on the surrounding's which is what draws me.

[@foozedude]

What do you do to keep the hot dogs fresh over the duration of your trip?

[@Martyupnorth]

Hotdogs, sausage, smokies, they all keep well on trips. I just keep them out of direct sunlight. Humans started smoking meat as a way to preserve it centuries ago. Today's modern food has so much preservatives that it keeps very long. Reply ·

[@np9508]

I agree the music ruins it

[@MOUNTAINOUS]

fun adventure. great video. hello from mt hood Oregon. I live in the natl forest. if you see my new video you can see the beautiful mt I live and work on. peace. keep up the fun.

[@voges14]

Hey Marty just watched this video then went online on parks Canada reservation site to check out the sites and trails. Kane and most of the other sites along the Athabasca trail are booked everyday from April to October. Is that normal for that area to book up so quickly? Thanks

[@Martyupnorth]

There must be something wrong with the system. No one goes on this trail. I'll take a quick look to see if there's something else going on.

[@Martyupnorth]

102-Athabasca Pass. Highway 93A (Wabasso Road) will be closed from July 30 to October 31, 2018, while road improvements are taking place between Wabasso Campground and the Geraldine Road junction. There will be no access to Moab Lake and the Athabasca Pass (Whirlpool) trail during this period. For latest information on the Highway 93A (Wabasso Road) closure, consult Mount Edith Cavell and Highway 93A-Road closures on the Jasper National Park website.

[@Martyupnorth]

I suggest you call the park to get a better update. That road closure will affect a few trails in the area.

[@xenochromocript]

Hey thanks for sharing! I really enjoyed your North Boundary Trail video too. We are hoping to camp at the first Whirlpool campground with youngsters. We got one of those off road strollers, is the fire road in good enough shape to get a stroller with "bike tires" on it to the first campground? Is it pretty steep in the first ~ 7 km? Thanks a bunch!

[@Martyupnorth]

You'll have no problem getting to the first Whirlpool Campground. It's a pretty site. I'd recommend going further south on the Icefield Parkway and doing the Fortress Lake trail instead. The first campground on that trail is called Big Bend. It's a 7.8 km instead of the 6.6 km to Whirlpool, but it is a way nicer campground as far as I'm concerned.

[@pandastylearmy5938]

how do you stay safe from bears?

[@keithirvine1]

Question: Don't you carry a sheet of moleskin with you on your hikes? Foot damage can ruin any hike. I learned that the hard way years ago, and always keep moleskin with me as a necessity....just asking...

[@Martyupnorth]

This is an 8-year-old video. I rarely get blisters. Sometimes you just get a bad luck and a hot spot quickly turns into a blister. I've done longer hikes in worse conditions without blisters. It's just a fact of life.

[@MRPBDB]

Beautiful scenery. Don't need the background music to ruin it.

[@andrewmacaulay1585]

hi....Marty...Andrew from new brunswick here...enjoy your videos. What type of 4 season tent do you use? cheers

[@Martyupnorth]

The tent is totally outdated. It's a North Face "Lunarlight", and it's 3-season. It was phased out a long time ago and replaced by the "Tadpole". It's quick to setup, light and quite spacious, but it weighs 4 lbs, which is heavy for a 2-man tent. I need a new tent. Hoping someone sends me one to review..LOL. I'm thinking about the NorthFAce "Tri-Arch". Thanks for watching.

[@andrewmacaulay1585]

Marty up north I hunted up Williston Lake area a few times...big country. Gary Shelton is a good bear reference as well. What do you think of the eberlestock and mystery ranch packs? Andrew

[@Martyupnorth]

Both companies make awesome gear. I asked Mystery Ranch if they'd send me a pack so I could do a review, but they declined. I probably need 50,000 viewers for them to consider me. They make nice backpacking gear. Eberlestock is more tactical gear so generally smaller volume packs. Their gear looks like it's built to withstand anything. My old Arc Teryx Bora 95 is good for a few more seasons. It's been an amazing pack.

[@andrewmacaulay1585]

Martyupnorth the eberlestock v90 destroyer I believe...looks adequate

[@RRVideosAndSound]

So how can you do this without getting tagged by the rangers for hiking solo?

[@Martyupnorth]

RR Videos why would the rangers care if I hike alone? I do it all the time.

[@RRVideosAndSound]

Because the rules say you must hike in tight groups of 4 at Yoho, most of the trail heads along Bow Valley Trail, and Lake Morraine during bear season. Probably everything in Jasper too, but I dont know. So I, a solo hiker, hike in shoulder and winter seasons to avoid fines. I was not criticizing you.

[@Martyupnorth]

RR Videos that's probably a recommendation. I don't think they can make a rule saying you have to hike in groups. If they did make such a rule I'd object. I already think our parks are terribly mismanaged. I could make a video on all the stupid things our government does. Parks are slowly being destroyed by all the tourists.

[@RRVideosAndSound]

Martyupnorth Well it's not all bad I took a picture of an Elk with tangled rope on its antlers, dragging and chafing the animal, reported it, and I saw three PN vehicles at the location I reported on my way back.

[@missingcod]

2 years after your comments but still pertinent and explains what I think you are referring to. www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/mtn/ours-bears/gestion-management/ours-bears/

[@euro7066]

Is the trail well marked? Easy to find? We have a Gem Trek map, Jasper and Maligne Lake

[@Martyupnorth]

The trail is well marked and easy to find. You might lose it near the river once-in-a-while, but a little common sense and you'll find it.

[@GivesAMinute]

The Whistler's Inn Jasper really looked after us recently: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXK9fIahj5xqlaMm8s

[@Martyupnorth]

One of my favorite pubs for a beer after a long hike.

[@GivesAMinute]

Martyupnorth Yeah, we had a beer there. Was a great vibe!!

[@GivesAMinute]

Martyupnorth Gave you a sub to help you out mate :)

[@elced01]

Hi Marty, I really think you need to make the switch from. Boots to trail shoes, unless you are going through extended periods of snow cover. They work great on rugged trails and dry super fast. No need to switch at stream crossings and they weight so much less. When in camp just unlace them to help them dry for next day, you will never go back. Put on some leukotape on those feet and wear your dry camp socks. Ultra lone peaks or la sportive wildcats are great trail runners if they fit you well. Insoles are also beneficial. Have fun love the vids! You are carrying such heavy stuff there.. www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/ If planning to do the GDT here is the new guide. Please support the book but just putting out a great reference drive.google.com/open?id=1jex8pY3WzT1xu4rVPw6GrJggVDVef9NH

[@harmony331000]

Ced Kar I have this book....finally sent it out & it is well worth it!! Thank you for sharing your adventures Marty...these places you visit are in my backyard as well and I feel so lucky to live here in Alberta!

[@elced01]

I had the digital version for almost a year which I take with me for reference, need to go pick up the new hard copy, heard Atmosphere has them. Keep it wild, enjoy your hikes!

[@euro7066]

Sorry, Scott Glacier...

[@hfjdlofhdkjd]

wawa you whine to much