In this video, I take you through an incredible weekend adventure exploring the Old Entrance area of Jasper National Park, continuing my cabin series from the fall of 2024. We stayed in a beautiful log cabin at Rocky Mountain View BnB, which gave us the perfect base to discover the hidden gems of this lesser-known corner of the Canadian Rockies. From scenic lookouts along the Athabasca River to hiking the spectacular Folding Mountain Trail, this weekend offered a peaceful retreat into mountain wilderness and a glimpse into the rich history of this region.
The Old Entrance area holds special significance as the original townsite that once served as a vital stop along the Canadian Northern Railways route. Today, it provides a tranquil escape where you can experience off-grid living, enjoy endless hiking opportunities, and witness breathtaking views of the first range of the Canadian Rockies. This experience showcases what makes this part of Jasper National Park so unique—a combination of historical intrigue, natural beauty, and genuine mountain serenity away from the more crowded tourist destinations.
In my video below, I walk through the experience exactly as shown and explained:
The History of Old Entrance
The original site of Entrance, now known as Old Entrance, is situated along the north bank of the Athabasca River in the foothills of west central Alberta. The history of this location is fascinating and adds another layer of appreciation when you visit. Canadian Northern Railways surveyed their railway line through this location back in 1909, establishing a route from Edmonton to Tete Jaune Cache. The preliminary work for this ambitious railway project had actually been undertaken three years earlier, beginning in 1906.
What makes this area particularly interesting from a historical perspective is how dramatically it changed over the decades. About 25 years after the railway came through, most of the townsite was abandoned. The railroad tracks were removed, fundamentally changing the character and purpose of the area. Many of these lands were then purchased by locals who wanted to homestead in the region, transitioning from a bustling railway stop to a quieter settlement focused on rural living and mountain life.
Our Base: Rocky Mountain View BnB
For our weekend exploration, we stayed at the Rocky Mountain View BnB, a wonderful log cabin located on the south side of the Athabasca River. This accommodation provided the perfect launching point for our adventures in the area. The cabin itself embodied the essence of off-grid living, offering a peaceful sanctuary nestled in the wilderness while still providing all the comfort we needed for a relaxing mountain getaway.
We spent considerable time exploring around the property itself, and I made sure to showcase what you can expect if you decide to visit this area. The cabin is a charming mountain retreat surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with the Athabasca River nearby and mountain peaks forming a dramatic backdrop in every direction. The rustic character of the log cabin perfectly complements the wilderness setting, creating an authentic mountain experience.
The location on the south side of the Athabasca River proved ideal because it gave us easy access to explore the lookouts on the north side while also being perfectly positioned for heading out to the various trails in the region. The tranquil atmosphere and the opportunity to truly disconnect from everyday life made this accommodation a highlight of the trip in itself.
Exploring Local Lookouts and Scenic Spots
One of the wonderful aspects of staying at the Rocky Mountain View BnB was the opportunity to explore the numerous lookouts on the north side of the Athabasca River. Throughout the weekend, we showcased many local spots that offer incredible opportunities for exploring the mountains and taking in the spectacular scenery of this first range of the Canadian Rockies.
The views from these lookouts are truly amazing, providing sweeping vistas of the mountain landscape that defines this region. What makes the Old Entrance area special is that these viewpoints offer perspectives on the Canadian Rockies that many visitors never experience. While thousands of tourists flock to the more famous spots along the Icefields Parkway, this area remains relatively quiet and uncrowded, allowing for a more intimate connection with the mountain environment.
We took time to stop at various points along the roads and trails, capturing the breathtaking scenery and discussing the geological features that make this landscape so distinctive. The sightseeing opportunities here are exceptional, whether you’re simply driving through the area or taking short walks to viewpoints.
Hiking Trails in the Old Entrance Area
During our time exploring the region, I discussed various hiking trails you can enjoy in the area. The Old Entrance section of Jasper National Park offers a range of trail options, from easy walks to more challenging mountain hikes. These trails provide access to some of the most beautiful and less-visited corners of the park, perfect for those seeking solitude and authentic wilderness experiences.
The hiking opportunities here are truly endless, with trails winding through forests, climbing toward mountain ridges, and offering ever-changing perspectives on the surrounding peaks and valleys. What I appreciate most about the trails in this area is the sense of discovery they provide—you feel like you’re exploring hidden corners of the Rockies rather than following well-worn tourist paths.
Day One: Hiking Folding Mountain Trail
The centerpiece of our first day was hiking up Folding Mountain Trail, one of the great trails in the area. This hike represents exactly what makes the Old Entrance region so appealing for outdoor enthusiasts. Folding Mountain gets its name from the distinctive geological formations visible in the rock layers, where you can clearly see the forces that shaped these mountains over millions of years.
As we made our way up the trail, the views became increasingly spectacular. The path offers a wonderful progression of scenery, starting in the lower forests and gradually opening up to reveal expansive mountain vistas. This is proper Canadian Rockies hiking—steady climbs rewarded with stunning panoramas, the fresh mountain air, and the satisfying challenge of gaining elevation with each step.
What struck me most during this hike was the pristine quality of the wilderness. The trail takes you deep into mountain terrain where you feel genuinely immersed in nature. The breathtaking views from various points along the route showcase the rugged beauty of these mountains, with layer upon layer of peaks extending into the distance. The geological features visible in Folding Mountain itself are fascinating to observe, telling the story of tectonic forces and the dramatic uplift that created this landscape.
Embracing Mountain Life and Off-Grid Living
Throughout the weekend, we embraced the serenity of mountain life and shared the authentic journey of staying in this remote corner of Jasper National Park. The experience of off-grid living, even for just a weekend, provides a valuable reset from the constant connectivity and pace of modern life. At the Rocky Mountain View BnB, we found ourselves naturally falling into a slower, more mindful rhythm dictated by daylight and the natural flow of mountain days.
Daily life in this charming mountain cabin revolved around the essentials—preparing meals, exploring the surrounding wilderness, and simply being present in the moment. There’s something deeply peaceful about waking up to mountain views, spending the day hiking and exploring, and returning to a cozy log cabin as evening settles over the valleys. This is the tranquil essence of cabin life in the Rockies.
The rustic character of the accommodation enhances rather than detracts from the experience. You’re not here for luxury amenities but for the privilege of being immersed in wilderness, surrounded by hiking opportunities and natural beauty in every direction. This authentic approach to mountain travel creates memories that last far longer than more conventional tourist experiences.
The Yellowhead Highway and Getting There
The Old Entrance area is accessed via the Yellowhead Highway, which provides a scenic driving route through this part of Alberta. The drive itself is part of the adventure, with the highway following the Athabasca River valley and offering continuous views of the mountain ranges on either side. This corridor has served as a transportation route for centuries, first for Indigenous peoples, then for fur traders, railway builders, and now for modern travelers seeking mountain experiences.
The driving tour aspect of reaching the Old Entrance adds to the overall experience. You’re not just teleporting to a destination but rather experiencing the gradual transition from the prairies and foothills into the heart of the Rockies. The landscape changes continuously as you travel, building anticipation for the adventures ahead.
Why Visit the Old Entrance Area
What makes the Old Entrance area of Jasper National Park particularly special is its combination of accessibility and remoteness. You can reach it relatively easily via the Yellowhead Highway, yet once you’re there, you experience a level of solitude and wilderness immersion that’s increasingly rare in popular national parks. This is genuine Rocky Mountain Canada, showcasing the natural beauty and outdoor opportunities that define this region without the crowds that can overwhelm more famous destinations.
The area offers something for different types of outdoor enthusiasts. If you love backpacking and multi-day wilderness trips, there are routes that take you deep into remote valleys. If you prefer day hikes with spectacular rewards, trails like Folding Mountain deliver exactly that. And if you simply want to experience mountain living in a peaceful cabin setting, the accommodations here provide that opportunity beautifully.
The historical dimension adds intellectual interest to the physical beauty. Walking through an area where a bustling railway town once stood, imagining the workers and families who built their lives here over a century ago, connects you to the human story of the Canadian Rockies. The transition from railway hub to abandoned townsite to homesteading community tells a quintessentially western Canadian story of boom, adaptation, and the enduring appeal of mountain life.
Planning Your Own Old Entrance Adventure
If you’re considering a visit to the Old Entrance area, a weekend provides an excellent amount of time to experience the highlights. Staying in a local accommodation like Rocky Mountain View BnB gives you a comfortable base while maintaining that authentic mountain atmosphere. The location allows you to explore both sides of the Athabasca River, access multiple hiking trails, and simply enjoy the peace of this beautiful setting.
For hikers, make sure to allocate enough time for Folding Mountain Trail. This isn’t a quick walk but rather a proper mountain hike that rewards the effort with exceptional views and a genuine wilderness experience. The trail showcases what makes hiking in Jasper National Park so memorable—dramatic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and that sense of achievement that comes from climbing into the high country.
The fall season, when we visited in 2024, offers particular advantages. The summer crowds have diminished, the weather is often stable and clear, and the changing colors add another dimension to the landscape. The crisp mountain air and the golden light of autumn create ideal conditions for both hiking and photography.
Continuing the Journey
This weekend at Old Entrance represents another chapter in my ongoing exploration of the Canadian Rockies. Since 2020, I’ve been documenting adventures throughout this incredible mountain region, from the famous attractions to hidden corners like this. Each location offers something unique, whether it’s the turquoise lakes of Banff National Park, the remote wilderness of Yoho National Park, or the peaceful solitude of places like Old Entrance in Jasper National Park.
The cabin series allows me to showcase not just the trails and viewpoints but the complete experience of staying in mountain accommodations. From rustic cabins to comfortable bed and breakfasts, these places provide the base for mountain adventures while being destinations in their own right. The Rocky Mountain View BnB exemplifies this perfectly—it’s both a comfortable place to rest and a window into the lifestyle of living in these mountains.
As I continue exploring the Canadian Rockies, I’m constantly reminded of how much there is to discover. Even in well-known parks like Jasper, areas like Old Entrance remain relatively unknown to most visitors. By sharing these experiences, I hope to inspire others to venture beyond the most famous spots and discover the incredible diversity of landscapes, trails, and experiences that these mountains offer.
This first day of our hidden trail adventure at Old Entrance set the tone for an unforgettable weekend—a perfect blend of comfortable cabin accommodation, challenging hiking, spectacular scenery, and that irreplaceable sense of peace that comes from spending time in mountain wilderness. The Folding Mountain Trail delivered everything you could want from a Rockies hike, while the Rocky Mountain View BnB provided a cozy sanctuary to return to after a day of exploration. This is mountain travel at its finest, and I’m grateful to share this journey through the wonderful landscapes of Jasper National Park.