Hamber Park
About this Park
Hamber Park comprises a portion of one of the world’s largest blocks of protected areas. The park was designated as part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This is a remote wilderness area with few facilities.
Over the past few years, BC Parks has been rehabilitating impacts of the past use at Fortress Lake. There is now a rustic campground and toilet at the east end of the lake and an air-accessed commercial fishing camp on Chisel Creek Fan (midway down the lake’s south shore). There are no other developed facilities, but several traditional campsites are identifiable along the north shore.
An old trail to access these sites is in the process of being re-opened from the east end. At present, the easiest access to lake shore features is by renting a boat from the fishing camp. No other trails exist, but midway along the north shore Washout Creek provides a steep, rugged, but relatively open access to scenic alpine tarns.
Safety information
- Bring your own drinking water or be prepared to boil or filter water, as potable water is not available in the park.
- Windfalls are common and blow-down of large trees is a significant hazard during high winds.
- Hikers must cross the Chaba River. The river crossing can be dangerous. Please use caution. All stream crossings can be treacherous at times depending on seasonal daily run-off fluctuations.
- Bear country precautions are essential with respect to travel, camping and storage. Grizzly and black bear habitats area extensive throughout the park. Bear poles are available at the campsites.
Special notes
- If you visit Hamber, we request you conduct yourself in a manner that is compatible with a wilderness park.
- Weather in Hamber varies depending on the season. Almost half of the days during the summer have rain and wind, so hikers should come prepared for these conditions.
- Campfires are permitted in the park but lightweight stoves are recommended for cooking.
- Vehicles may be left in the Sunwapta Falls parking lot in Jasper National Park but require registration with Parks Canada. In the winter season, you can ski or snowshoe 22 flat kilometres into Fortress Lake to ice fish (no snowmobiling or ATVs allowed).
Location notes
The park is located 22 km from the trail head parking lot at Sunwapta Falls (Jasper National Park) to the campground at the east of Fortress Lake. The closest communities are Valemount and Jasper, Alberta.
Activities
- 34:Hunting The discharge and carrying of firearms is permitted in this park for the purposes of hunting during open season. Please consult the BC Government Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information. Contact BC Parks at parkinfo@gov.bc.ca with any specific questions.
- 34:Hiking An old trail accessing the campsites on the north shore of the lake is open for hikers’ use. No other trails exist but, midway along the north shore of Fortress Lake, Washout Creek provides steep, rugged, but relatively open access to scenic alpine areas.From Sunwapta in Jasper National Park, a 22 kilometer trail leads to Fortress Lake in Hamber Park. This trail crosses both the Athabasca and Chaba Rivers though no bridges are provided. Fording the Athabasca River is not recommended.For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
- 34:Fishing Fortress Lake, home to brook trout, offers excellent angling opportunities. There is an air-accessed commercial fishing camp on Chisel Creek Fan (midway down the lake’s south shore). Fortress Lake is open for ice fishing in the winter season, but is a long way in to travel to fish. Fortress Lake Wilderness Retreat
- 34:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
- 34:Climbing Visitors are in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Climbers should check with Parks Canada and Mount Robson Park for information on climbing in the area.
- 34:Winter recreation There are backcountry skiing and snowshoeing opportunities in the park. There are no defined trails and is remote winter travel. There is track-setting Jasper National Park and Valemount nearby.
Facilities
- 34:Pit or flush toilets This park only has pit toilets, no flush toilets.
- 34:Campfires Campfires are permitted in the park, but lightweight stoves are recommended for cooking. Please be extremely careful with fires and only use down and dead wood.
Location
52.38020, -117.88122 · East Kootenay North
