This trip winds its way through some of Alberta’s most stunning scenery, starting just south of the Columbia Icefields, and following the Nigel Pass, deep into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The on-trail/off-trail path connects with Section E of the Great Divide as it connects with Cataract Pass and over to Cline Pass.

Have we “peaked” your interest yet? Here are some details at a glance…

Length - The trip consists of 3 nights, 4 days on and off trail through the Nigel Pass and Cataract Pass. 

Day 1: Hike into base camp: 13-15km, up to 600m elevation gain

Day 2 & 3: Day trips from base camp into Cline Pass, Nigel Valley, or Nigel Peak. Distance travelled could be up to 25km/day depending on group desires

Day 4: Hike out of base camp: 13-5km, elevation loss 600m 

Level Of Difficulty: Level 5 - Difficult

Location - The trailhead begins just south of the Columbia Icefields Center on Highway 93, Southeast of Jasper. The location is remote, with no large centers nearby. The nearest helicopter rescue station is in Nordegg at the Cline River, about a 15 min flight as the crow flies. It will be important to be in good physical condition, have the proper gear, good equipment and a healthy expectation of the days being enjoyable but challenging.

Terrain and Elevation - Much of the trail is ON TRAIL, including portions of the Great Divide. However we also hike off trail, especially for day trips. The elevation gain and loss is around 600-700m+/day, depending on the objectives chosen. You can expect to walk over roots, cross streams, walk over rocks, snow and climb up ridges covered in a variety of scree, talus and moraines. Although this is glacier territory, we will be looking at the glaciers and NOT traveling over them.

Your Guides: Jo Nadeau and Danielle Roscher

Food: We offer a great selection of Wild Mountain Eats backpacking meals for a discount price for all our guests. Wild Mountain Eats is a company based in Calgary with amazing, healthy and tasty meals. We can offer you a menu and price list upon booking.

Day trips/Objectives - will be optional! You are more than welcome to stay at camp, relax or do some light exploring around camp. One guide can stay behind if there are people who would rather explore close to camp. Other options will be day trips into the White Goat Wilderness and  Cline Pass. We can split the group into two groups, or stay as one large one depending on what objectives each person wants to tackle.