Shovel Pass lodge

The original hiking trail into Maligne Lake was built in 1911 from Wabasso Lake and over Shovel Pass. A tent camp was established along the trail that year, about 3 km west of our present location. In 1921, a permanent camp was relocated higher up-valley below the alpine basin, making Shovel Pass Lodge Jasper National Park's oldest backcountry lodge. Originally operated as one of Fred Brewster's Rocky Mountain Camps, the facilities included a cookhouse and several tent frames for guest accommodation. This camp was one of the stops on a round trip horse excursion from Jasper to Maligne Lake.
Rebuilt in 1991 by the current owners, the facilities now include 7 guest cabins and a main log chalet with dining room and kitchen. 

The only way to reach our backcountry lodge is is by hiking the Skyline Trail or Wabasso Trail. There is no road access to the Shovel Pass Lodge. 

The lodge is located 20.3 Km (12.6 miles) from the Maligne Lake trailhead on the Skyline Trail, just below Big Shovel Pass, near Curator Lake campsite. Follow the direction for OUTFITTER CAMP to find us. 

The second part of the Skyline hiking route from our lodge to Maligne Canyon trailhead is 25.4 Km (15.8 m).  

The entire Skyline Trail  crosses 3 passes (7000-8000ft elevation). 

 
An other way to reach our lodge is by using the  Wabasso pack trail. That route is the one we use with our horses. it is shorter and less scenic but can let you access Shovel Pass Lodge and then hike part of the Skyline Trail without doing the long route over the Notch.​ The distance from highway 97 to the lodge is 16 Km (10 miles).

Delicious home cooked meals are served in the main lodge. Fresh salads, ample meat and vegetable dishes along with delicious desserts ensure that even the biggest appetite will be satisfied. Breakfast includes fresh muffins, fruits, oatmeal, egg dishes or pancakes & French toasts, bacon or sausage, coffee, tea & juices.  A lunch table is set up at breakfast time for guest to make their own lunch bag including, sandwiches, wraps, veggies , fruits and sweets.

Dinner is served at 6:30 pm for everyone, so plan to arrive on time , we only offer one service! Breakfast is served at 8:00 am.

Please note that the facility is not licensed to serve alcoholic beverages however,  we would be happy to freight in any personal orders if you choose to use our freight service option. 

The backcountry facility includes a main lodge and  individuals cabins.

The lodge can accommodate up to 18 guests.

We have 7 individual cabins available, some with 2 or 3 single log frame beds and two cabins with a queen-double bed . Each cabin is equipped with wash stands, propane heating and propane lighting.

No need to bring a sleeping bag, comforters and all fresh linen are provided.