Jasper Nationwide Park is the biggest nationwide park within the Canadian Rockies, spanning an unbelievable 11,000 sq. kilometres (4,200 sq miles). It boasts a few of the most awe-inspiring hikes for each talent degree. With its shimmering glacial lakes, large glaciers, and ample wildlife, Jasper is a hiker’s paradise.
However you don’t need to enterprise deep into the backcountry to expertise it. Lots of the greatest trails and strolling routes are simply minutes from the city of Jasper, making it excellent for memorable day hikes. After many journeys to this a part of Alberta, we’ve realized that whereas Banff will get loads of the eye, Jasper presents a wilder, extra rugged magnificence that we maintain coming again to.
This information is designed that can assist you discover the right path on your journey. We’ve damaged down our favorite hikes by problem and included all the sensible particulars it’s good to hit the path with confidence.
Map of the Greatest Jasper Hikes
Greatest Jasper Hikes at a Look (Prime 5 Picks)
If you happen to’re quick on time, this fast information will level you to the can’t-miss trails within the park.
| Hike | Distance (Spherical Journey) | Problem | Greatest For |
| Maligne Canyon | 3.4 km loop | Straightforward | Waterfalls & Gorges |
| Valley of the 5 Lakes | 4.7 km loop | Straightforward / Average | Lovely Lakes & Households |
| Edith Cavell Meadows | 8.4 km loop | Average | Glacier & Wildflower Views |
| Sulphur Skyline | 7.9 km loop | Average | 360-Diploma Views & Scorching Springs |
| Bald Hills | 15 km | Tough | Panoramic Vistas |
Planning Your Jasper Mountain climbing Journey
Earlier than you lace up your boots, listed below are a number of important suggestions for planning your journey.
Jasper Nationwide Park Go Data
To enter Jasper Nationwide Park, you have to have a sound Park Go. You should buy it on the park gates upon entry or on-line upfront.
- Each day Go (2025 charges): $10.50 CAD per grownup or $21.00 per car/group.
- Discovery Go (Annual): $72.25 CAD per grownup or $145.25 for a household/group. This offers you limitless entry to all of Canada’s nationwide parks for 12 months. If you happen to plan to go to for quite a lot of days or see different parks like Banff, that is the most effective 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 positioned 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.
- Verify automobile rental charges right here.
Bear Security & What to Pack
Jasper is house to each grizzly and black bears. It’s important to be bear-aware on all trails.
- Carry Bear Spray: Know how you can use it and maintain it accessible in your hip, not in your pack.
- Make Noise: Discuss, 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 assume you’ll want.
The place to Keep in Jasper
We stayed on the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, which makes for a terrific luxurious base. For different choices, you’ll be able to take a look at trip leases and accommodations within the city of Jasper. There are additionally quite a few front-country and backcountry campsites managed by Parks Canada, which must be booked effectively upfront.
Straightforward & Accessible Jasper Hikes
These trails are excellent 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)
- Problem: Straightforward
- Approx. Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Trailhead: Maligne Canyon Trailhead
Maligne Canyon is without doubt one of the most spectacular hikes in Jasper Nationwide Park. Positioned simply 10 minutes from city, the path is well accessible. The well-maintained path crosses a number of bridges, providing unbelievable views down into the deep, slim gorge carved by the Maligne River. You’ll see waterfalls and distinctive rock formations as you wind your means alongside the canyon rim.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The canyon is beautiful in summer time, nevertheless it’s a very totally different world in winter. If you happen to’re visiting then, a guided ice stroll with cleats by way of the frozen canyon ground is without doubt one of 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)
- Problem: Straightforward to Average
- Approx. Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Trailhead: Valley of the 5 Lakes Trailhead on the Icefields Parkway.
This hike is an area favorite for good motive. The path takes you thru a lush forest earlier than arriving at a sequence of 5 pristine lakes, every glowing with its personal distinct shade of jade and blue. The path has some light rolling hills however is a rewarding hike for the entire household.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The color of the lakes is actually unbelievable on a sunny day. The Third Lake is essentially the most vibrant and the most effective for pictures. It’s additionally the preferred 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)
- Problem: Straightforward
- Approx. Time: 30 – 45 minutes
- Trailhead: Athabasca Falls Parking Lot on the Icefields Parkway.
Whereas not an extended hike, Athabasca Falls is without doubt one of the strongest and picturesque waterfalls within the Canadian Rockies. The simple, paved pathways result in numerous viewpoints overlooking the falls as they roar by way of a slim gorge. It’s a busy path, however effectively well worth the cease for the unbelievable views of the falls and the Athabasca River.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The ability of the water right here is the primary occasion. Whereas the higher viewpoints are nice, you’ll want to 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)
- Problem: Straightforward
- Approx. Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour
- Trailhead: Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trailhead on the Columbia Icefield.
This can be a good, family-friendly hike that provides 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 numerous years, offering a sobering have a look at how a lot it has shrunk.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: This can be very essential 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 can be 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)
- Problem: Straightforward
- Approx. Time: 2 – 3 hours
- Trailhead: A number of entry factors from parking heaps within the city of Jasper.
If you wish to discover near city, the Jasper Discovery Path is a superb alternative. This straightforward path takes you on a stroll across the city’s perimeter, providing beautiful views of the encircling 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 right 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 best way.
6. Wapiti Path
- Size: 4.8 km (3 miles) out & again
- Elevation Acquire: 113 m (370 ft)
- Problem: Straightforward
- Approx. Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
- Trailhead: Wapiti Campground
The Wapiti Path is a beautiful, light stroll that follows the trail between the Icefields Parkway and the Athabasca River. Ranging from the Wapiti Campground, it heads northbound in direction of the city of Jasper. It’s a comparatively flat and quiet path, excellent 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 terrific quick hike by itself, you too can use this path to stroll all the best way from the campground into city for dinner, which is an effective way to earn your meal and benefit from the night gentle on the mountains.
7. Wabasso Lake Path
- Size: 7.7 km (4.7 miles) out & again
- Elevation Acquire: 276 m (905 ft)
- Problem: 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 thought for being muddy in sections, particularly after it rains, so waterproof mountain climbing sneakers are a good suggestion. It’s additionally a terrific 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 acquire however reward you with spectacular, high-country views that it’s important to work for.
8. Edith Cavell Meadows
- Size: 8.4 km (5.2 miles) loop
- Elevation Acquire: 582 m (1909 ft)
- Problem: Average
- Approx. Time: 3 – 4 hours
- Trailhead: Finish of Cavell Street
The Edith Cavell Meadows hike is a fantastic and rewarding path in Jasper Nationwide Park. It begins on a paved path alongside the Glacier Path, resulting in a shocking viewpoint of Angel Glacier and Cavell Pond. The path then climbs steadily by way of a rocky moraine and subalpine forest earlier than opening up into a fantastic meadow that’s crammed with wildflowers in July and August. You might be handled to unbelievable glacier views for the whole 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 totally well worth the climb.
9. Sulphur Skyline Path
- Size: 7.9 km (4.8 miles) out & again
- Elevation Acquire: 653 m (2142 ft)
- Problem: Average
- Approx. Time: 3.5 – 5 hours
- Trailhead: Miette Scorching Springs parking zone
The Sulphur Skyline Path is one in every of Jasper’s signature hikes, identified for its unrelenting uphill climb that pays off with a few of the greatest panoramic views within the park. The path begins at a gentle incline and simply retains going. When you break by way of the treeline, the trail continues to a ridge providing a panoramic 360-degree scene of the encircling peaks and the Fiddle Valley under.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Don’t overlook your swimsuit! The last word reward for this robust hike is an extended soak within the Miette Scorching Springs, positioned proper on the trailhead. Belief us, your drained muscle mass will thanks. It’s the right finish to a difficult day on the path.
10. Pyramid Lake Loop
- Size: 5.6 km (3.4 miles) loop
- Problem: Average
- Elevation Acquire: 203 m (666 ft)
- Trailhead: A number of entry factors close to Pyramid Lake.
The Pyramid Lake Loop is a superb alternative for a day hike with lovely views, positioned only a few minutes from the city of Jasper. The path climbs by way of the forest to viewpoints overlooking the enduring Pyramid Mountain and Pyramid Lake. There are numerous totally different intersecting routes within the space, however most lead again to the primary path. It’s additionally a dog-friendly path, so long as your canine companion is on a leash.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: For the most effective 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 one of the crucial photographed spots in Jasper for a motive.
Tough Hikes in Jasper (10km+)
For knowledgeable hikers on the lookout for a critical problem, these trails supply a few of the most expansive and rewarding views in the whole 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)
- Problem: Tough
- Approx. Time: 5 – 7 hours
- Trailhead: Maligne Lake parking space (furthest lot).
For views excessive above the treeline, nowhere is best than the summit of the Bald Hills. The path follows a large hearth street for a lot of the climb, with a steep shortcut possibility out there for individuals who need it. As you acquire elevation, the bushes skinny out and the views of Maligne Lake and the encircling mountain ranges develop into more and more spectacular. The ultimate push to the summit ridge opens as much as a shocking 360-degree panorama.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: The ultimate push to the true summit past the primary viewpoint is a little bit of a scramble, nevertheless it’s the place you’ll go away 90% of the opposite hikers behind. The 360-degree panorama from the very high is without doubt one of the greatest within the Canadian Rockies.
12. Opal Hills Loop
- Size: 8.0 km (5 miles) loop
- Elevation Acquire: 517 m (1696 ft)
- Problem: 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 way of the forest earlier than opening into a fantastic alpine meadow that’s usually crammed with wildflowers. This hike is a superb alternative should you’re on the lookout for 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 superb 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)
- Problem: Tough
- Approx. Time: 5 – 7 hours
- Trailhead: Higher station of the Jasper Skytram.
Whereas the Jasper Skytram whisks you a lot of the means 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 time. 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 journey; this can be 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
Top-of-the-line 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 degree 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 presents 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 most effective 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 supply an unbelievable style of what makes this nook of the Canadian Rockies so particular. Whether or not you’re taking a straightforward stroll to a waterfall or tackling a difficult summit, the views are assured to be value it.
Tell us within the feedback which hike you’re including to your listing!
