20 km / 750 m elev
I believe that this hike should be 20 km round trip but I have done it twice now and my Strava always tells me that it is less.
The trail starts at the Astoria trailhead near Edith Cavell. Drive-up the Edith Cavell road and the parking lot is just after the HI Hostel (on your left) on your right-hand side. This trailhead is also the location for the Tonquin Valley trail. Head down the trail and take in one of the best views of Edith Cavell from the bridge crossing over Cavell Lake.
Hike 4.5km on the Tonquin Valley trail until you see a trail on your left. I have heard from locals that it used to be hard to find but these days it’s a very obvious trail if you are looking out for it. If you hit a large bridge over a river then you have gone too far.
The trail is very forested and uphill from this point. Once you start getting out of the trees the views of the mountains start to appear and then the trail gets even steeper. But don’t worry you are almost there. Up and up you will climb and then you will come across a creek. Once you are at the creek you are pretty much there. The large flat meadow is the perfect spot to have your lunch and crack open a beer. The views of the backside of Edith Cavell and of the Icefield and tarns in the distance are stunning.
Hike out the same way you hiked in and you’ll be back at your car in no time!
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