Old Fort Point Summit — Local services in Municipality of Jasper

I hiked Old Fort Point Loop in Jasper in the beginning of August 2019. It was a short and scenic 4 km loop trail located just on the outskirts of Jasper.

I walked the trail clockwise and would recommend this direction. Going counter-clockwise would involve starting at the steep wooden stairs and lots of steep uphill at the beginning to the lookout as opposed to a more gentle climb and ending at the lookout, then going downhill on the way back if you take the clockwise direction.

The trail began on the trailhead marked 7/1 and followed through the peaceful forest. Some areas were muddy and wet here at the beginning. When I started the trail, I met a couple who said they had just seen a mother grizzly bear and cubs on the path, so be aware of this and bring bear spray. Thankfully, I was careful and did not meet up with any bears. After rounding a corner and climbing a short and steep uphill section, the trail looped back around and opened up to some lovely views of the surrounding mountains. There was a little detour off the main trail to the red Parks Canada chairs on top of a flat hill with more amazing 360 degree views. The trail then continued through the forest and opened up again to climb a giant rock where there was the scenic viewpoint (the main attraction). The views were beautiful and overlooked the town and surrounding mountains and valleys. From the viewpoint, the trail followed on a steep downhill path (be careful not to slip with the loose gravel and rocks), through some forest and then down a set of wooden stairs back to the trailhead. This last section of the hike was the most scenic with gorgeous views from the lookout point and continued as you hiked down.

The terrain was mostly flat in the beginning of the trail, with some uphill climbing involved around the corner and up to the lookout point, then continued on a steep downhill back to the trailhead. It was not difficult.

I hiked the trail in the afternoon and was expecting it to be busier, however, I only passed a few other people which was nice. I would recommend doing this hike if you have extra time but there are definitely more rewarding trails in Jasper that I would do before this one. Overall, I really enjoyed it, there were good views, and it was a nice way to spend a free...

What a great hike. It is great on its own or can be looped with other hikes nearby for a full day hike. It was easy enough with three young kids in the early spring and what a satisfying little summit and view of Jasper and Jasper Park Lodge from the top. I recommend a good pair of boots for along the way and some snacks and water to spend some time at the top and...

Pictures taken on a hike from the Trailhead to the Summit. Flat in some sections. Steep in others. Slippery when wet. So much to see on the walk through the forest. The view from the Red Chairs is so unique. You usually don't see these mountains from this point of view. It's like you walked through a portal into another world. And the view from the Summit...