Scenic, but dangerous Jasper cliff at centre of safety debate

One of many cliffs on Horseshoe Lake is shown, the site attracts dozens of thrill seekers looking to take a plunge into the lake. Supplied.

It’s a hotspot for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies, Horseshoe Lake in Jasper National Park features a number of cliffs – where many flock to face their fears.

It’s a fear Kristen Drummond faced again Friday, weeks after she took the plunge off of a 15 metre (50 foot) cliff into the lake.

“I can feel myself getting jittery all over again,” Drummond said.

The leap left the 20-year-old with a fractured back.

“[I] lost feeling in my legs, I couldn’t feel my arms,” Drummond said. “[It was] like my body had been squished by a huge fist.”

On hot days, dozens visit the lake – which has a number of cliffs of several different heights – the tallest measuring more than 24 metres (80 feet) in height.

For some taking the leap, the consequences are fatal – while others leave bearing the physical and mental scars.

There is some pressure to shut down the site, however, despite the dangers – Parks Canada officials have no plans to do so.

“There’s no cut and dry answer,” Mountain Parks specialist Steve Blake said. “[There is] a lot of work to do before we think of closure.”

As for Drummond, she’s lucky – as doctors say she won’t suffer permanent damage as a result of her injury – but she’s walking away after learning a hard lesson.

“Even though I’m physically going to be OK, it’s changed my life in that I’ve learned my own limits.”

With files from Brenna Rose