KNOW BEFORE
YOU GO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below you will find answers to many of your questions and some great planning resources.
Have more questions? Get in touch with us at the Visitor Information Centre!
Welcome To Your Ultimate Mountain Basecamp!
Whether you are a mountain adventurer seeking a thrilling road trip or someone planning a comfortable, all-ages vacation, confidence is everything. Hinton Northern Rockies is conveniently located in the foothills at the edge of the Canadian Rockies, just 15 minutes from the Jasper National Park gates. While our region is stunning, this unique geography means weather and road conditions can change quickly. Browse our frequently asked questions and planning resources below to learn about safe travel, wildlife, and local navigation.
GETTING HERE
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Hinton is perfectly located on the Yellowhead Highway (Hwy 16) in the Athabasca River Valley. The Town of Hinton is 15 minutes east of the Jasper National Park gates and 300 km west of Edmonton.
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Road conditions in the area can rapidly change due to our proximity to the mountains. It’s always a good idea to check an updated road report before heading out on your journey. Alberta 511 is a great resource on any advisories, news and road closures that may be relevant to your trip.
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Hinton is about 80 km east of the Jasper town site and only 15 minutes east of the National Park gate. This means that your drive to Jasper from Hinton will likely be around an hour. Please note that you’ll need to have a Parks Canada pass to get through the gates and into Jasper National Park.
EXPLORING HERE
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Experience the four seasons in Hinton, where outdoor adventures can be found all year round. Summers offer a mix of hot, dry days and mild, wet weather, perfect for hiking and water sports. Pack for all conditions, especially for high-elevation trips, where snow can linger year-round. From late October to April, lower elevations are blanketed in snow, inviting you to explore a range of winter activities.
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There is plenty of wildlife out here, which means you need to be cautious and respectful. The region is home to many animals including bears (Grizzly and Black), cougars, lynx, deer, elk, moose, beavers, bighorn sheep, birds, and many other species. Give them plenty of space and always carry bear spray when exploring the trails.
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In case of any immediate emergency, it’s always best to dial 911. For medical needs, the town is also serviced by the Hinton Healthcare Centre.
MORE DETAILS
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With a scenic and enjoyable <1 hour drive between Hinton & Jasper, you could definitely enjoy activities across both locations in one day.
A great option is to stay in Hinton, hit the trails around Switzer Provincial Park, and then take the scenic drive to Jasper for lunch. On your return, you could enjoy activities around the Miette Hot Springs and end your day at Folding Mountain Brewery.
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You really can't miss out on visiting the Beaver Boardwalk! It's a spectacular, eco-friendly way to observe local wildlife, and it's only minutes away from Green Square.
The Beaver Boardwalk is located at 408 Collinge Rd, Hinton, AB.
The easiest way to reach it from Hwy 16 is to turn onto Mountain Street off the highway and follow the road up the hill. Take the 2nd right turn onto Collinge Road until you see signage and parking for the Boardwalk.
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There seem to be a lot of businesses and parks to visit, but the Hinton Valley can be easy to miss when driving into town from Hwy 16.
When driving in from the east of Hinton, you’ll take a right turn at Drinnan Way, which is one of the first opportunities to turn after the "Welcome to Hinton" sign. You can also get to the valley by taking Switzer Drive (because the valley is on the east side of town, that’s the direction you’ll want to head!).
