Description of Historic Place

Situated on the South Boundary Trail, the Fourpoint Warden Cabin sits on the north side of Four Point Creek in a small clearing surrounded by conifer trees. The structure is a rectangular, one-storey log construction of simple massing with a gabled roof with chimney. The building is completed in the Rustic Style. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Fourpoint Warden Cabin is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values:

Historical value:
The Fourpoint Warden Cabin, a former patrol cabin, is associated with the park program of constructing a series of outposts to be used by boundary patrols of the Warden Service for controlling poaching activities. It is also associated with the ideals of protecting and enhancing designated wilderness areas for the pleasure and benefit of the Canadian people.

Architectural value:
The Fourpoint Warden Cabin is a good example of a structure utilitarian in design and rustic in character. The cabin’s plan conforms closely to the standard plan for patrol cabins prescribed in 1918. It reflects the aesthetics favoured by National Parks in the west during the early to mid 20th century. It is a good functional structure built to reflect its picturesque setting and exhibits good quality construction.

Environmental value:
The Fourpoint Warden Cabin maintains its relationship with its natural surroundings and is familiar to wardens and hikers within the park. The Fourpoint Warden Cabin is also linked to historic travel routes and is a familiar landmark at the intersection of four important trails through the park. Its close proximity to Nigel Pass and Jonas Shoulder, two historic travel routes, also contributes to its familiarity within the park.

Source: The Four Point Warden Cabin, South Boundary Trail, Jasper National Park, Alberta. Heritage Character Statement 96-099.

Character-Defining Elements

The following character-defining elements of the Fourpoint Warden Cabin should be respected.

Its Rustic style and good craftsmanship and materials as manifested in:
- the simple low massing of the one-storey structure;
- the rectangular plan and the gable roof with chimney;
- the horizontally laid peeled log walls with chinking and saddle notching at the corners;
- the simple two-over-two wood sash side window of the front façade, the finely scaled gable window and the vertical plank off-centre door;
- the upper course extension forming a small porch overhang;
- the red-brown exterior paint with light trim.

The manner in which the Fourpoint Warden Cabin is compatible with the picturesque mountain park setting of Jasper National Park as evidenced by:
- the prominent location of the Fourpoint Warden Cabin at the junction of four trails and its close proximity to four travel routes.