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, huge glaciers, and plentiful wildlife, Jasper is a hiker’s paradise.
However you don’t must enterprise deep into the backcountry to expertise it. Lots of the finest 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 plenty of the eye, Jasper affords a wilder, extra rugged magnificence that we hold coming again to.
This information is designed that can assist you discover the right path to your journey. We’ve damaged down our favorite hikes by problem and included all the sensible particulars you want to hit the path with confidence.
Map of the Greatest Jasper Hikes
Greatest Jasper Hikes at a Look (Prime 5 Picks)
In case you’re brief 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 | Stunning 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 couple of important ideas for planning your journey.
Jasper Nationwide Park Move Information
To enter Jasper Nationwide Park, you have to have a sound Park Move. You should buy it on the park gates upon entry or on-line upfront.
- Every day Move (2025 charges): $10.50 CAD per grownup or $21.00 per automobile/group.
- Discovery Move (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 case you 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 website, as they’ll change.
Attending to the Trailheads
Jasper is finest 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.
- Verify 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 easy methods to use it and hold it accessible in your hip, not in your pack.
- Make Noise: Discuss, sing, or name out periodically to keep away from shocking a bear.
- Pack in Layers: Mountain climate adjustments shortly. Convey a water-proof jacket, a heat mid-layer, and a hat, even on a sunny day.
- Convey Water and Snacks: There are not any outlets 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 an amazing luxurious base. For different choices, you may take a look at trip leases and resorts within the city of Jasper. There are additionally quite a few front-country and backcountry campsites managed by Parks Canada, which ought to be booked nicely upfront.
Straightforward & Accessible Jasper Hikes
These trails are good for households, informal walkers, or for a day if 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. Situated 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 method 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. In case you’re visiting then, a guided ice stroll with cleats by the frozen canyon ground is without doubt one of the most original and memorable experiences you may 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 probably the most vibrant and the most effective for photographs. It’s additionally the most well-liked spot for a really chilly swim when 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 straightforward, paved pathways result in varied viewpoints overlooking the falls as they roar by a slim gorge. It’s a busy path, however nicely definitely 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, remember 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.
It is a good, 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 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 may be unstable and there are unobservable crevasses which might 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 pretty views of the encircling mountains and the Athabasca and Miette rivers. It’s straightforward to navigate; simply observe 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’ll 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)
- 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, good for a morning stroll or for households trying to benefit from the riverside surroundings with out a main climb.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Whereas it’s an amazing brief hike by itself, you can even use this path to stroll all the way in which 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 choice 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 footwear are a good suggestion. It’s additionally an amazing spot for birdwatching when you take your time by the lake.
Average Hikes in Jasper (5km – 10km)
Prepared for extra of a problem? These average 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 wonderful 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 a rocky moraine and subalpine forest earlier than opening up into a wonderful meadow that’s full of wildflowers in July and August. You’re handled to unbelievable glacier views for your entire 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 definitely 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 all Jasper’s signature hikes, recognized for its unrelenting uphill climb that pays off with a few of the finest panoramic views within the park. The path begins at a gentle incline and simply retains going. When you break by the treeline, the trail continues to a ridge providing a wide ranging 360-degree scene of the encircling peaks and the Fiddle Valley beneath.
Dave & Deb’s Tip: Don’t neglect your swimsuit! The last word reward for this robust 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 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, situated just some minutes from the city of Jasper. The path climbs by the forest to viewpoints overlooking the enduring Pyramid Mountain and Pyramid Lake. There are lots of totally 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 most effective photographs of Pyramid Mountain mirrored within the water, be sure you take the brief 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 skilled hikers in search of a critical problem, these trails provide a few of the most expansive and rewarding views in your entire 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 many of the climb, with a steep shortcut choice obtainable for many who need it. As you acquire elevation, the bushes skinny out and the views of Maligne Lake and the encircling mountain ranges change 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 principle 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 prime is without doubt one of the finest 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 the forest earlier than opening into a wonderful alpine meadow that’s typically full of wildflowers. This hike is a superb alternative when 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: It is a steep one, so mountain climbing poles are your finest pal, particularly for the descent. The actual reward is the alpine meadow on the prime, 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 many of the method 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 may 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; it is a correct mountain hike. Be ready for wind and chilly temperatures on the prime, even in August. The view from the summit makes you’re feeling such as you’re on prime of the world.
FAQ: Jasper Nationwide Park Hikes
The most effective all-around hikes is the Valley of the 5 Lakes for its beautiful colors and accessibility. For a more difficult day with epic rewards, the Sulphur Skyline Path is a signature Jasper expertise, particularly with a soak within the scorching springs afterward. The “finest” one actually depends upon your health degree and what you need 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 possibility to see wildlife like elk, bears, and moose (from a protected distance, after all). The Jasper Skytram additionally affords 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 brief, 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 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 checklist!
