Southesk Lake - Into One of Jasper's Most Remote Places

Southesk Lake in Jasper National Park is often cited as the most remote destination in the Canadian Rockies — and after 10 years of trying, this video documents finally reaching it. The journey to Southesk Lake follows the South Boundary Trail, a route that has become legendary for its difficulty, deadfall, and isolation. Getting to Southesk Lake was only half the story; the exit involved a high-stakes off-trail scramble over an unnamed col, descending "biblical" willows, and a final push to Maligne Lake. This is Jasper National Park backpacking at its most raw — genuine wilderness navigation, a grizzly encounter on the Cairn River, and the kind of Jasper backcountry payoff that only reveals itself to those willing to commit to the long game. What this Southesk Lake Jasper video covers: The 10-year journey to Southesk Lake in Jasper National Park — the most remote lake in the Canadian Rockies Backpacking the South Boundary Trail: current conditions, river fords, and the work of the horse teams The "Epic Exit" — off-trail navigation from Southesk Lake over an unnamed pass to Maligne Lake Grizzly bear encounter on the Cairn River: real-world bear safety in the Jasper backcountry Practical observations for anyone planning a South Boundary Trail trip or a Southesk Lake expedition in Jasper Southesk Lake represents the furthest reaches of Jasper National Park — a place that requires respect and significant preparation. If you're researching the South Boundary Trail or a Southesk Lake trip, this film is the most complete record of the route currently available on YouTube. Planning for Southesk Lake or the South Boundary Trail? Drop your questions in the comments. 🎒 Support the channel: www.patreon.com/howesthehike Gear links: REI (USA): https://rei.pxf.io/DyB6qq MEC (Canada): https://alnk.to/btnkVxS #SoutheskLake #JasperNationalPark #SouthBoundaryTrail #JasperBackpacking #RemoteBackpacking #CanadianRockies #MaligneLake #BackpackingCanada #GrizzlyEncounter 00:00 Intro 13:04 Boot Update 17:33 Day Two 32:58 Trip Planning 39:26 Day Three 56:07 Day Four 1:08:25 Day Five 1:19:32 Day six 1:28:09 The Pants 1:33:51 Day Seven 1:44:36 Howe's the Hike?