The North Boundary Trail - ULTIMATE Remote Jasper Backpacking

160km. No resupply. 11 days in one of the most remote areas of backcountry backpacking Jasper National Park Of Canada on the North Boundary Trail. A wonderful EPIC backpacking trip with Joey Coconato of My Own Frontier on KZbin and Bryan DeLay on KZbin.
Collab with Joey Coconato of @myownfrontier and @bryandelay. GPS track, links and timestamps below!
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TRACK: www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=8.8/...
00:00 Intro
07:58 Day 2
12:46 Welbourne Falls
17:10 Day 3
20:50 Shoutout to Chuck (again)
28:18 Day 4
29:11 Navigation at Blue Creek
38:38 Day 5
39:16 Joey’s Birthday!!!!
41:04 Gear casualties
48:34 Day 6
57:42 Day 7
58:31 Poo with a View!
1:10:55 Day 8
1:12:52 Canadian Rockies Trail Guide
1:21:54 Day 9
1:32:40 Day 10
1:39:45 Joey learns Canadian
1:45:34 Howe’s the Hike? (Joey,Bryan)
1:49:48 Day 11
2:02:16 Howe’s The Hike? (Stuart)
The North and South Boundary trails were originally laid out as 100-mile long hikes covering the expanse of Jasper National Park. Unlike its counterpart to the south, this trail has seen few modifications from the original route. The North Boundary Trail (NBT) reaches into the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, spanning the north boundary of the park.
My Own Frontier:
/ channel
Bryan DeLay:
/ @bryandelay

[@BryanDeLay]

Just finished! Excellent video and yes we'll have to do some more backpacking soon.

[@HowestheHike]

The Smokies are calling me!

[@BryanDeLay]

@@HowestheHike Let me know anytime you want to go. I just got back from a one nighter in the GSMNP and meeting my son on his last night of a seven day trip. One of my subscribers has invited me for a two night trip in the GSMNP in mid October, but I may add a few days for a longer trip. He made reservations for 5 campers for each night and asked me if I knew someone else that wanted to go. Your're welcome to go on this trip or we can do another trip, earlier or later.

[@BryanDeLay]

Through day 7 and really enjoying this video. Lots of great memories! Great job putting this up so fast.

[@HowestheHike]

Bryan DeLay Great memories indeed! Let’s make more soon, ok? And can’t wait to see your video of the hike!!

[@exoterikestaseis7842]

You were beaming with enthusiasm. It must have felt really good to put all of the planning and research into action after waiting for so long. Hiking with a couple of cool dudes is icing on the cake. You got a new sub. On to part 3 of 3 (Brian's account of the trip). Thanks for putting the work in to share your awesome trip!

[@HowestheHike]

Thank you! Yes, this was one I'll never forget. Nice to have you along!

[@ricklarry4212]

Love your commentaries, you provide an insight into an extraordinary experience. The rivers and mountains were really amazing. The encounter with the elk, moose was revealing in your approach and caution not to spook it.

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks!

[@williammills9236]

Just found your you tube site .Love your videos especially the very informative way you go about describing your hike the area camp site etc .I live in the UK we have lovely places to hike but your are blessed with what you have gorgeous scenery . Remoteness it's just lovely to see . Thank you . William

[@HowestheHike]

Greetings from snow land! So glad to read this and have you with us! Thanks so much!

[@darcymonchakphotography]

Great to see this. Was not able to watch it all , but nice to see the Twintree Lake area again. Like you, it was always a lake on my list of wild areas to see. If you are ever in the Yoho Park area, will, as your say, "show you around".

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks Darcy. And I may take you up on that!

[@neethewondercat]

Fantastic. I've been waiting to watch this hike. Thanks Stuart.🌟

[@HowestheHike]

Hope you like it!

[@neethewondercat]

Incredible as usual. The views and hike are epic!

[@HowestheHike]

@@neethewondercat Thanks!

[@WhereToNextDad]

Wow, what beautiful views!

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks!

[@Lerockramblerbirder]

Nice, CR trail guide mentions this one as being more in the trees , found it very nice though. The river fords are not as nasty as I thought they might be , thanks for the video! Your tent in the morning on this trip had the rain but missing the Mosquitos. Must be a nice change , haha! In still checking my map with your south boundary post, have been interested in that one for a very long time! I actually really like where that one starts from now!

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks Larry. It really was excellent, including the lack of bugs compared to the South Boundary! I love both trails and will likely do the SBT again soon.

[@Mark_Jacobson81]

This is great, i get to watch three versions of the trip

[@HowestheHike]

Me too!

[@sdpeteadventures239]

Great Video!

[@HowestheHike]

SDPete Adventures Thank you!!

[@byronschmuland8912]

About 30 minutes into the video I finally realized why you look so familiar: I met you guys at Adolphus. The next day you hiked out, and I did a day hike up the Coleman Glacier Trail where I met a grizzly bear. Anyway, thanks for posting!

[@HowestheHike]

So cool! We were not so lucky with the bear sighting, but I remember meeting you. That was one COLD morning huh? Hope to cross trails with you gain soon!

[@DrJohn493]

Enjoyed your take on the JNP trip immensely! As a transplanted Canadian to the southeast, you may (or may not) have discovered that down here we say "I gotta go see a man about a bird dog." Clocking it at 2:00 hours is like going to the movies, beats reality TV! Thank BD for a new subscriber.

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks. And I did NOT know that! HA - yes, two hours is long, as I'm not the epic editor BD is. He knows how to get it done!! Glad to have you along!

[@DrJohn493]

@@HowestheHike Both you and BD look like you know how to get it done. I've just started posting some KZbin videos on my channel and found that the video editing learning curve is steep and requires patience, time and commitment. Not nearly in y'all's league but working on it.

[@HowestheHike]

Bryan is WAY ahead of me on editing. That's for sure! Keep hiking and uploading!!!!

[@dianebrodson4588]

Another enjoyable hour on the treadmill for this old lady. Missing your daughter. Spectacular views. Wanted to tell Joey to put shoes on - but I used to spend entire summers barefoot so I understand. Will enjoy the rest of the walk tomorrow.

[@HowestheHike]

I missed her on this one too - as it was a hike she really wanted to do during the previous year. Enjoy your walking :)

[@kurdtus]

"Morning"... Best part of the videos lol

[@HowestheHike]

Ha! Yes, survived another night. :)

[@mattBLiTZ]

This looks amazing. 30 minutes into the video so far and already adding this to my future to-do list for sure. What month would you say is ideal if someone had a totally open schedule to plan it? Seems like water crossing can be an issue, but I'm too inexperienced to guess what months would be ideal for minimizing the risks there!

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks.! Would do late August as they do not officially open up the middle section of the trail until Aug 15th due to the water crossings. We did and they were no issue at all. Glorious solitude. I may do it again.

[@xenochromocript]

Wow I loved this video! I also have the Gaia map and as I was watching the video I was following along from campsite to campsite with the Canada Topo map. Very detailed look at the trail, thanks for your efforts in sharing! I've been looking for a video like this for awhile. Looks like the creek crossings weren't that bad; a factor which has kept me from going solo. A few questions for you if you don't mind? :-) 1.What kind / size of battery bank did you use to keep all your devices charged? Looks like you had a Garmin Inreach in addition to your cameras and probably cell phone. 2. Did you have rain pants in addition to the zpacks gaiters? Would you consider rain pants a necessity for the "car wash" parts of the trail? 3. It looks like the trail maintenance is pretty good when compared with Parks Canada's report of the trail. It also looks as though there was recent trail maintenance. Were there any areas of significant windfall? 4. Could you estimate how much of the trail was willow wackin? Thanks in advance, just got yourself a new subscriber. Looking forward to checking out your south boundary video, that's another one on my list after hiking the brazeau loop. Josh Pike, Whitecourt AB

[@HowestheHike]

Hi Josh! So glad you liked it!! We use Anker batteries in in 10000 and 20000 sizes. I also carry an Anger 3 panel solar charger to keep them topped up. Its a little extra weight, but I need to do it... I use a rain "kilt" or "shirt". If you google that, you'll see what I mean. Much cooler than pants and you can put it on with you packeting fully attached. I keep it in my hip belt pocket if rain is expected. Yes, the trail was in FAR better shape than expected and FAR better than the South Boundary. The only area of downed trees of significance was near Donaldson camp, but they were easy to deal with. Finally, the willows were no big deal. I've done worse on the Molar Loop in Banff to be honest. Only two or three short sections. Hope this helps!

[@hikingwithbarb9006]

Thanks for sharing another great and informative video. I am planning on doing this hike this August and have been trying to gather as much information as possible on the trail and what to expect but haven't found a whole lot. I feel more comfortable and educated on what to expect on my upcoming hike. We are hoping to do in 8 days so hoping that is realistic and we still have time to take it abit easier on some days and enjoy the trail and views like you did. Glad you didn't come across momma griz and her cubs as well but cool to see so many tracks. Looking forward to watching your next adventure!

[@HowestheHike]

I just responded to your other comment before reading this. If you can do this trail in eight days then I think the Mariposa 60 is going to be just fine for you because you’ll need to pack a little extra food for emergencies. I found this trail a lot less challenging than the south boundary trail and so if you’re fast I don’t see any reason why you can’t complete it in eight days. I tend to like to take my time and hit every campsite which is why my hikes are a little more extended than that and I build that into my loadout planning as well. It’s an amazing feeling of remoteness out there and even so we saw very few animals. A Pine Marten , a female elk and Joey and Bryan saw that wolverine after I had left Snake Indian Pass. Just thinking about it gets me excited again I’m a little jealous of your adventure coming up. I hope you have an awesome time!

[@hikingwithbarb9006]

@@HowestheHike question for you. As of today still not sure if Berg LakenTrail will open and since that is our exit point not sure if we will still be doing the NBT in 2 weeks. I'm staying optimistic as well as looking for alternate routes getting out which looks like it could be Moose Valley before Adolphus but don't know nothing about that section. Another concern is that I was told that the Chown and Twintree Bridge are out this yearI know there are already a few fords we will have to do but do you remember if you think that Chown and Twintree would be safe to ford and how deep they looked?

[@HowestheHike]

I just got back from hiking ancient wall and natural arch. When I returned I had an email from Parks Canada telling me that twintree bridge was dangerous and not to be crossed by order of the superintendent. I also think it said crossing it would be an illegal act? Obviously they mean business. Without this bridge, I don’t see how you make it to moose pass even as an exit. If it were me, I would wait until next year when berg lake is back up and running, so you can have the complete experience. Sorry!!

[@hikingwithbarb9006]

@@HowestheHike I'm actually on my way now to hike Ancient Wall, Natural Arch and McLaren pass to Little Heaven from Rock Lake. Sorry we will miss you on the trail. Would have been cool to run into you!

[@HowestheHike]

Enjoy it - you’re going to love it. Ancient wall and natural arch completely exceeded my expectations I’ll have a video out soon on that. Keep an eye on your route on the McLaren Pass / little Heaven section . That section is quite undefined in many places at this point. No trouble because you should know where you’re going and if you have a GPS it will even be easier. Have an amazing time! Sorry we missed you!

[@ChrisfromFL]

As usual, another great vlog from Howe's the Hike! I was pleasantly surprised to see Bryan in the openning scene, I was wondering why he hadn't posted a trip in the past several months. This was my first time seeing Joey, so I'll be sure to check out his site. I find it interesting to see vloggers getting together and seeing how they interact together. Again, Stuart (or is it Stewart) great vlog and as noted below, where to next, and with whom??

[@HowestheHike]

ChrisfromFL Thanks Chris! Bryan and Joey were awesome to spend so much time with. We had a lot of fun and I hope to hike with each of them again soon. Next hike? TBD!!

[@HowestheHike]

And PS: it is "Stuart". Thanks for asking :)

[@PHILREEDSHIKES]

Very nice! Using this to plan a trip for next summer! Got a question though, at 30:42 while getting ready to cross blue cr you say that they don't open up the campsites past this point until 15 Aug due to this exact crossing, I called the rangers and was told that you can indeed get a permit before this date, wonder where the disconnect is? thanks! I also read in the parks trail guide that they don't 'recommend' going before 15 Aug due to the crossing issues.

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks! OK - let me clarify. If you book your reservations online, those sites can't be booked for days prior to August 15th. If you go in or call, they will likely open them up for you, but I was told it can be a judgement call in some cases. (and you need to talk to the Jasper trail office, not the 1-800 #) The issue is that they have to go in an manually open the sites up, (which also briefly opens them up online) so they really like to do it fast and quick. Hope this helps!

[@dianebrodson4588]

The second half was as wonderful as the first half. I don’t understand why Chown’s Creek is a creek. It was huge and sprawling - more lake-like. Also - why weren’t there any deer? I had to get off the treadmill this morning to watch deer cross the yard! Now on to Brian deLay’s version of the trip! Thank you!!

[@HowestheHike]

We saw very little wildlife. Maybe we were too loud! And I've given up on the whole naming system for water. Lots of oddities!

[@tylernblaney]

Great video! Where would I find the GPX track for this one?

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks! Try this link and you should be able to download the track in a few formats: www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/folder/7e9106ef-0623-4f2d-99d1-4a9889cfc3bf/?layer=GaiaTopoRasterFeet

[@brianmiller5269]

Nice video. I watched Delay's take now I am waiting for Joey's....it appears you saw a lot of animal tracks. Surprised you didn't see more wildlife. What am I doing sitting on my butt watching youtube. I need to get up there with my pack and do some backpacking---I am half Canadian after all!! I bet you had some interesting campfire chats to say the least? I have backpacked three times with Bryan Delay, aka the Professor. Need I say more? Brian

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks! And yes, I have the itch to get out now myself. Haha! We had some interesting chats indeed!!

[@chadroberts44]

Ole Bigfoot probably threw that big boulder on the bridge lol.

[@HowestheHike]

Ha ha!!

[@headinthemountains1666]

Pleasant surprise this morning to find your new video. Looks like I was doing Brazeau Loop (in the direction you recommended) while you were doing this hike. Have to ask......are you an American who likes to hike in Canada or a transplanted Canadian living in the States? Big fan of your channel. Have been using your videos as a reference for planning. Would like to put in a requests for hiking videos on Rockwall and Assiniboine next please.lol. Again thanks for sharing.

[@HowestheHike]

Thank Bob. I am a Canadian, from NB, currently living in the US. I spend summers in NB and fly out to hike from Saint John. Actually, I plan to return home to Canada this spring though - for good. Rockwall and Assiniboine are on my list for sure. So little time! Hope you enjoyed the Brazeau and had good weather!

[@headinthemountains1666]

@@HowestheHike Thanks for the reply. Mixed bag of weather on Brazeau much like your North Boundary. By the way the green space capsules .....the guys I hike with call them "the green thunder boxes or the green thrones". Hope to see you on the trail someday. If there is anything I can assist you with from the Edmonton area let me know. Cheers!

[@HowestheHike]

@@headinthemountains1666 Haha! That's funny. I actually prefer the pole and the hole over this things. Hope to cross you path too - and thanks!

[@lesaventuresdemonaetcie8241]

A very good reference ...All your videos. We are planing to do it as well in 2022. I may have some questions but first: Wich Phone app gps did you use? I use normaly Gaia on my phone but it shows nearly nothing about the North boundary. Could you tell me how you've done it? Thank you for your time...

[@HowestheHike]

Thank you! And happy to help. I DO use Gaia on my iPhone and use the layer: BRMB Canada Trails over another map layer (Gaia metres, or the NRC) BRMB shows pretty much everything out there, including some that have disappeared due too overgrowth.

[@lesaventuresdemonaetcie8241]

@@HowestheHike Hoooo yessss...It works pefectly well. I can see the trail now with that layer..... Thank you!

[@HowestheHike]

Prefect!

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

@ Howe's the Hike is that an Osprey Atmos AG65 you are using? Reason I ask is I'm seriously considering one. I have heard there is a problem with the hip belt pinching. What is your experience with the pack?

[@HowestheHike]

Not on me - nope. I had one of my Osprey Xenith packs on this one. (I have two of those in different capacities). This was the 105 - the big one!

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

@@HowestheHike Wow that's a bigun. My Xentith 88 weighs in at 5.5 lbs. The 105 must be hitting 6 lbs

[@HowestheHike]

@@wanderingaloudwithmark3057 Yeah - it's big for sure. But, it is only listed at 5.67lbs. I have the 88 too, and know it is just a few ounces heavier. I even use the same hip belt and shoulder harness on each one. Easy to swap and already broken in. Nice and comfy! Love them both for heavier loads.

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

@@HowestheHike On a second note I noticed you are using a BA tent. Copper spur or Tiger wall? I am updating some equipment to shed a little weight. How does the BA perform in more inclement weather? I have ordered a Nemo Dagger 3. But not against exchanging it.

[@HowestheHike]

@@wanderingaloudwithmark3057 Yes - the Tigerwall UL2. We also have the same in a 3 person. (Evelyn and I used the 3 person on the SBT in July) I bought this, and a Zpacks Duplex early last year prior to my West Coast trail solo trip. I left them set up in my backyard in a rain storm. The BA was bone dry, the Zpacks had a good amount of water in one corner. So, I sent it back and kept the BA. Not a drop in it (yet!) despite some good rains. Still, I think the Nemo is an excellent tent too.

[@timreimer1286]

Great video. Thanks. Would you mind sharing the gps track?

[@HowestheHike]

Thank you! Let me check my Gaia GPS tracks and see if I can put something together for you. I will post back when I find it!

[@HowestheHike]

Track added in the description.

[@timreimer1286]

Thanks Stuart. Really appreciate it.

[@HowestheHike]

My pleasure

[@lovemountains5517]

thanks for sharing this nice video. he’s(joey) pretty tough walking barefeet.

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks. And yes he is!!

[@rachelgrogan2477]

👏👏

[@HowestheHike]

:)

[@kcwins84]

Sadly, I will never see that ursack again lol

[@HowestheHike]

Hahahaha

[@waterfallmadman]

I found your channel from Bryan’s channel. I have subbed. What a great hike and adventure. I have been to Jasper but many years ago. I have lots of hiking videos on my channel also if you would like to check it out. Thanks.

[@HowestheHike]

Awesome! Will check out your channel too. Glad to e-meet you!

[@rocksnowandwater]

1:02:20 Tattered shirt, bare feet, but don't forget this huge tripod

[@HowestheHike]

Haha. Yep! That's our Joey :)

[@TheSexyAdam03]

What happened to joeys channel?? Do you still talk with him

[@HowestheHike]

That's a great question! I know he's still out hiking with others because I see him tagged and also have seen him out with Catherine Gregory on her channel I have reached out to him a couple of times over the last year or so with no reply so maybe his old email is no longer working? Make sure if you see him, you send him my way! Love that guy!!

[@TheSexyAdam03]

@@HowestheHike hm… unfortunate he must be dealing with something

[@HowestheHike]

Yeah, if that's the case, it's too bad. Super guy.