Jasper Nationwide Park is the most important nationwide park within the Canadian Rockies, spanning an unbelievable 11,000 sq. kilometres (4,200 sq miles). It boasts a number of the most awe-inspiring hikes for each ability stage. With its shimmering glacial lakes, huge glaciers, and plentiful wildlife, Jasper is a hiker’s paradise.
However you don’t should enterprise deep into the backcountry to expertise it. Most of the greatest trails and strolling routes are simply minutes from the city of Jasper, making it good for memorable day hikes. After many journeys to this a part of Alberta, we’ve discovered that whereas Banff will get quite a lot of the eye, Jasper provides a wilder, extra rugged magnificence that we hold coming again to.
This information is designed that can assist you discover the proper path to your journey. We’ve damaged down our favorite hikes by issue and included all the sensible particulars it is advisable to hit the path with confidence.
Map of the Greatest Jasper Hikes
Greatest Jasper Hikes at a Look (High 5 Picks)
In the event you’re quick on time, this fast information will level you to the can’t-miss trails within the park.
Planning Your Jasper Mountaineering Journey
Earlier than you lace up your boots, listed below are a number of important suggestions for planning your journey.
Jasper Nationwide Park Cross Information
To enter Jasper Nationwide Park, you have to have a sound Park Cross. You should buy it on the park gates upon entry or on-line upfront.
Day by day Cross (2025 charges): $10.50 CAD per grownup or $21.00 per automobile/group.
Discovery Cross (Annual): $72.25 CAD per grownup or $145.25 for a household/group. This provides you limitless entry to all of Canada’s nationwide parks for 12 months. In the event you plan to go to for quite a lot of days or see different parks like Banff, that is the perfect worth.
You should buy your cross on-line from the Parks Canada web site. Please confirm all costs on the official web site, as they will change.
Attending to the Trailheads
Jasper is greatest explored by automobile. The park is situated roughly 4 hours (365 km / 226 miles) from Edmonton and about 3.5 – 4 hours (288 km / 179 miles) from Banff through the extremely scenic Icefields Parkway.
Examine automobile rental charges right here.
Bear Security & What to Pack
Jasper is dwelling to each grizzly and black bears. It’s important to be bear-aware on all trails.
Carry Bear Spray: Know the way to use it and hold it accessible in your hip, not in your pack.
Make Noise: Speak, sing, or name out periodically to keep away from stunning a bear.
Pack in Layers: Mountain climate modifications shortly. Deliver a water-resistant jacket, a heat mid-layer, and a hat, even on a sunny day.
Deliver Water and Snacks: There aren’t any retailers on the trailheads. Pack greater than you suppose you’ll want.
The place to Keep in Jasper
We stayed on the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, which makes for a fantastic luxurious base. For different choices, you’ll be able to take a look at trip leases and lodges within the city of Jasper. There are additionally quite a few front-country and backcountry campsites managed by Parks Canada, which must be booked nicely upfront.
Straightforward & Accessible Jasper Hikes
These trails are good for households, informal walkers, or for a day once you need most scenic reward with minimal effort. They showcase a few of Jasper’s most iconic options with out requiring a strenuous, all-day dedication.
1. Maligne Canyon
Size: 3.4 km (2.1 miles) loop
Elevation Acquire: 118 m (387 ft)
Issue: Straightforward
Approx. Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Trailhead: Maligne Canyon Trailhead
Maligne Canyon is among the most spectacular hikes in Jasper Nationwide Park. Situated simply 10 minutes from city, the path is definitely accessible. The well-maintained path crosses a number of bridges, providing unbelievable views down into the deep, slender gorge carved by the Maligne River. You’ll see waterfalls and distinctive rock formations as you wind your approach alongside the canyon rim.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The canyon is beautiful in summer season, but it surely’s a very completely different world in winter. In the event you’re visiting then, a guided ice stroll with cleats by means of the frozen canyon flooring is among the most original and memorable experiences you’ll be able to have within the Rockies.
2. Valley of the 5 Lakes
Size: 4.7 km (2.9 miles) loop
Elevation Acquire: 162 m (531 ft)
Issue: Straightforward to Average
Approx. Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Trailhead: Valley of the 5 Lakes Trailhead on the Icefields Parkway.
This hike is a neighborhood favorite for good purpose. The path takes you thru a lush forest earlier than arriving at a collection of 5 pristine lakes, every glowing with its personal distinct shade of jade and blue. The path has some mild rolling hills however is a rewarding hike for the entire household.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The color of the lakes is really unbelievable on a sunny day. The Third Lake is essentially the most vibrant and the perfect for pictures. It’s additionally the most well-liked spot for a really chilly swim should you’re feeling courageous!
3. Athabasca Falls
Size: 1.0 km (0.6 miles)
Elevation Acquire: 26 m (85 ft)
Issue: Straightforward
Approx. Time: 30 – 45 minutes
Trailhead: Athabasca Falls Parking Lot on the Icefields Parkway.
Whereas not an extended hike, Athabasca Falls is among the strongest and picturesque waterfalls within the Canadian Rockies. The simple, paved pathways result in varied viewpoints overlooking the falls as they roar by means of a slender gorge. It’s a busy path, however nicely well worth the cease for the unbelievable views of the falls and the Athabasca River.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The facility of the water right here is the principle occasion. Whereas the higher viewpoints are nice, you should definitely take the steps right down to the decrease platform. You’ll be able to really feel the mist and listen to the roar of the canyon, which actually places the drive of the river into perspective.
4. Toe of the Athabasca Glacier
Size: 1.4 km (0.8 miles)
Elevation Acquire: 60 m (196 ft)
Issue: Straightforward
Approx. Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Trailhead: Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trailhead on the Columbia Icefield.
This can be a sensible, family-friendly hike that gives a free different to the guided excursions on the glacier. The path leads you over the rocky moraine left behind by the retreating glacier. Alongside the route, indicators mark the glacier’s location in several years, offering a sobering take a look at how a lot it has shrunk.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: This can be very necessary to remain behind the ropes and on the marked path. The terrain close to the glacier might be unstable and there are unobservable crevasses which are very harmful. This hike is about witnessing the glacier’s scale from a protected distance.
5. Jasper Discovery Path
Size: 8.5 km (5.2 miles) loop
Elevation Acquire: 264 m (866 ft)
Issue: Straightforward
Approx. Time: 2 – 3 hours
Trailhead: A number of entry factors from parking tons within the city of Jasper.
If you wish to discover near city, the Jasper Discovery Path is a good alternative. This straightforward path takes you on a stroll across the city’s perimeter, providing pretty views of the encompassing mountains and the Athabasca and Miette rivers. It’s straightforward to navigate; simply comply with the bear indicators.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: That is the proper factor to do in your arrival day. It helps you get your bearings, stretch your legs after an extended drive, and you may scout out some dinner spots on the town alongside the way in which.
6. Wapiti Path
Size: 4.8 km (3 miles) out & again
Elevation Acquire: 113 m (370 ft)
Issue: Straightforward
Approx. Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
Trailhead: Wapiti Campground
The Wapiti Path is a stunning, mild stroll that follows the trail between the Icefields Parkway and the Athabasca River. Ranging from the Wapiti Campground, it heads northbound in the direction of the city of Jasper. It’s a comparatively flat and quiet path, good for a morning stroll or for households trying to benefit from the riverside surroundings and not using a main climb.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Whereas it’s a fantastic quick hike by itself, you may as well use this path to stroll all the way in which from the campground into city for dinner, which is a good way to earn your meal and benefit from the night mild on the mountains.
7. Wabasso Lake Path
Size: 7.7 km (4.7 miles) out & again
Elevation Acquire: 276 m (905 ft)
Issue: Straightforward
Approx. Time: 2 – 2.5 hours
Trailhead: Wabasso Lake Trailhead
The Wabasso Lake Path is a well-liked however peaceable hike that takes you thru a dense forest to a secluded, marshy lake. The path has some rolling terrain however isn’t overly strenuous, making it one other nice possibility for households. The actual reward is reaching the quiet shores of Wabasso Lake and having fun with the solitude and mountain reflections earlier than heading again.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: This path is understood for being muddy in sections, particularly after it rains, so waterproof mountain climbing sneakers are a good suggestion. It’s additionally a fantastic spot for birdwatching should you take your time by the lake.
Average Hikes in Jasper (5km – 10km)
Prepared for extra of a problem? These reasonable trails contain extra elevation achieve however reward you with spectacular, high-country views that it’s a must to work for.
8. Edith Cavell Meadows
Size: 8.4 km (5.2 miles) loop
Elevation Acquire: 582 m (1909 ft)
Issue: Average
Approx. Time: 3 – 4 hours
Trailhead: Finish of Cavell Highway
The Edith Cavell Meadows hike is a lovely and rewarding path in Jasper Nationwide Park. It begins on a paved path alongside the Glacier Path, resulting in a surprising viewpoint of Angel Glacier and Cavell Pond. The path then climbs steadily by means of a rocky moraine and subalpine forest earlier than opening up into a lovely meadow that’s crammed with wildflowers in July and August. You’re handled to unbelievable glacier views for the complete journey.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The drive to the trailhead is an journey in itself, with tight switchbacks. The actual star right here is Angel Glacier. You get nice views from the decrease lookout, however push on to the higher meadows. The sight of the glacier framed by wildflowers is completely well worth the climb.
9. Sulphur Skyline Path
Size: 7.9 km (4.8 miles) out & again
Elevation Acquire: 653 m (2142 ft)
Issue: Average
Approx. Time: 3.5 – 5 hours
Trailhead: Miette Scorching Springs car parking zone
The Sulphur Skyline Path is one in all Jasper’s signature hikes, identified for its unrelenting uphill climb that pays off with a number of the greatest panoramic views within the park. The path begins at a gentle incline and simply retains going. When you break by means of the treeline, the trail continues to a ridge providing a panoramic 360-degree scene of the encompassing peaks and the Fiddle Valley beneath.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Don’t overlook your swimsuit! The last word reward for this powerful hike is an extended soak within the Miette Scorching Springs, situated proper on the trailhead. Belief us, your drained muscular tissues will thanks. It’s the proper finish to a difficult day on the path.
10. Pyramid Lake Loop
Size: 5.6 km (3.4 miles) loop
Issue: Average
Elevation Acquire: 203 m (666 ft)
Trailhead: A number of entry factors close to Pyramid Lake.
The Pyramid Lake Loop is a good alternative for a day hike with lovely views, situated just some minutes from the city of Jasper. The path climbs by means of the forest to viewpoints overlooking the enduring Pyramid Mountain and Pyramid Lake. There are various completely different intersecting routes within the space, however most lead again to the principle path. It’s additionally a dog-friendly path, so long as your canine companion is on a leash.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: For the perfect pictures of Pyramid Mountain mirrored within the water, ensure you take the quick stroll over the bridge to Pyramid Island both earlier than or after your hike. It’s some of the photographed spots in Jasper for a purpose.
Tough Hikes in Jasper (10km+)
For knowledgeable hikers in search of a critical problem, these trails provide a number of the most expansive and rewarding views in the complete park. Be ready with sturdy mountain climbing boots, loads of water, and bear spray.
11. Bald Hills
Size: 15 km (9.3 miles) out & again
Elevation Acquire: 780 m (2559 ft)
Issue: Tough
Approx. Time: 5 – 7 hours
Trailhead: Maligne Lake parking space (furthest lot).
For views excessive above the treeline, nowhere is healthier than the summit of the Bald Hills. The path follows a large hearth highway for a lot of the climb, with a steep shortcut possibility obtainable for many who need it. As you achieve elevation, the timber skinny out and the views of Maligne Lake and the encompassing mountain ranges change into more and more spectacular. The ultimate push to the summit ridge opens as much as a surprising 360-degree panorama.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The ultimate push to the true summit past the principle viewpoint is a little bit of a scramble, but it surely’s the place you’ll go away 90% of the opposite hikers behind. The 360-degree panorama from the very high is among the greatest within the Canadian Rockies.
12. Opal Hills Loop
Size: 8.0 km (5 miles) loop
Elevation Acquire: 517 m (1696 ft)
Issue: Tough
Approx. Time: 3 – 5 hours
Trailhead: Maligne Lake parking space (close to the boat home).
Don’t let the shorter distance idiot you; the Opal Hills Loop is a steep and strenuous exercise that takes you straight up. The path climbs relentlessly by means of the forest earlier than opening into a lovely alpine meadow that’s typically crammed with wildflowers. This hike is a good alternative should you’re in search of a difficult climb with rewarding views and fewer crowds than the close by Bald Hills path.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: This can be a steep one, so mountain climbing poles are your greatest pal, particularly for the descent. The actual reward is the alpine meadow on the high, which is a good place to identify marmots and pikas in the summertime.
13. Whistlers Mountain Summit
Size: 12.7 km (7.9 miles) out & again
Elevation Acquire: 968 m (3175 ft)
Issue: Tough
Approx. Time: 5 – 7 hours
Trailhead: Higher station of the Jasper Skytram.
Whereas the Jasper Skytram whisks you a lot of the approach up the mountain, the hike to the true summit is a difficult journey at excessive elevation. From the higher tram station, the path continues to climb throughout a rocky, uncovered ridge. The trail might be slippery with snow even in summer season. The reward is an unparalleled view over the city of Jasper, the Athabasca Valley, and numerous mountain ranges stretching to the horizon.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Don’t be fooled by the tram trip; it is a correct mountain hike. Be ready for wind and chilly temperatures on the high, even in August. The view from the summit makes you are feeling such as you’re on high of the world.
FAQ: Jasper Nationwide Park Hikes
Probably the greatest all-around hikes is the Valley of the 5 Lakes for its beautiful colors and accessibility. For a tougher day with epic rewards, the Sulphur Skyline Path is a signature Jasper expertise, particularly with a soak within the sizzling springs afterward. The “greatest” one actually will depend on your health stage and what you wish to see!
Past the mountain climbing trails, you shouldn’t miss a drive on the Icefields Parkway, a ship tour on Maligne Lake to see Spirit Island, and the prospect to see wildlife like elk, bears, and moose (from a protected distance, in fact). The Jasper Skytram additionally provides unbelievable views with out the lengthy hike up.
There are over 1,000 km (600+ miles) of mountain climbing trails in Jasper Nationwide Park, starting from quick, straightforward walks to multi-day backcountry treks. This information covers 13 of our absolute favourites that provide the perfect experiences.
So, Which Path Will You Hike First?
And people are our favorite hikes in Jasper Nationwide Park! There are dozens extra to discover, however these 13 trails provide an unbelievable style of what makes this nook of the Canadian Rockies so particular. Whether or not you’re taking a simple stroll to a waterfall or tackling a difficult summit, the views are assured to be price it.
Tell us within the feedback which hike you’re including to your record!