14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park – Alberta Canada

Jasper Nationwide Park is the biggest nationwide park within the Canadian Rockies, spanning an unimaginable 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 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 discovered that whereas Banff will get a number of the eye, Jasper presents a wilder, extra rugged magnificence that we preserve coming again to.

This information is designed that will help you discover the right path to your journey. We’ve damaged down our favorite hikes by problem and included all the sensible particulars you must hit the path with confidence.

Map of the Finest Jasper Hikes

Finest Jasper Hikes at a Look (High 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.

Planning Your Jasper Mountaineering Journey

Earlier than you lace up your boots, listed below are a couple of important suggestions for planning your journey.

Jasper Nationwide Park Cross Information

To enter Jasper Nationwide Park, it’s essential to have a sound Park Cross. You should buy it on the park gates upon entry or on-line upfront.

• Each day Cross (2025 charges): $10.50 CAD per grownup or $21.00 per car/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. If you happen to plan to go to for quite a lot of days or see different parks like Banff, that is the perfect worth.

You should purchase your move 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 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.

• Test automobile rental charges right here.

Bear Security & What to Pack

Jasper is residence to each grizzly and black bears. It’s important to be bear-aware on all trails.

• Carry Bear Spray: Know the best way to use it and preserve it accessible in your hip, not in your pack.
• Make Noise: Speak, sing, or name out periodically to keep away from shocking a bear.
• Pack in Layers: Mountain climate adjustments shortly. Carry a water-proof jacket, a heat mid-layer, and a hat, even on a sunny day.
• Carry 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 possibly can 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 ought to be booked effectively upfront.

Simple & Accessible Jasper Hikes

These trails are excellent for households, informal walkers, or for a day whenever 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: Simple
• Approx. Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Trailhead: Maligne Canyon Trailhead

Maligne Canyon is likely one of 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 unimaginable 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 gorgeous in summer season, nevertheless it’s a very completely different world in winter. If you happen to’re visiting then, a guided ice stroll with cleats via the frozen canyon flooring is likely one of the most unusual and memorable experiences you possibly can 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: Simple 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 mild 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 perfect for images. It’s additionally the preferred 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)
• Issue: Simple
• Approx. Time: 30 – 45 minutes
• Trailhead: Athabasca Falls Parking Lot on the Icefields Parkway.

Whereas not a protracted hike, Athabasca Falls is likely one of the strongest and picturesque waterfalls within the Canadian Rockies. The simple, paved pathways result in varied viewpoints overlooking the falls as they roar via a slender gorge. It’s a busy path, however effectively well worth the cease for the unimaginable 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’ll want to take the steps all the way 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: Simple
• 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 provides a free various 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 necessary 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 secure distance.

5. Jasper Discovery Path

• Size: 8.5 km (5.2 miles) loop
• Elevation Acquire: 264 m (866 ft)
• Issue: Simple
• 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 superb alternative. This simple 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 simple 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 a protracted 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)
• Issue: Simple
• 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, excellent for a morning stroll or for households seeking 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 mild on the mountains.

7. Wabasso Lake Path

• Size: 7.7 km (4.7 miles) out & again
• Elevation Acquire: 276 m (905 ft)
• Issue: Simple
• 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 understood for being muddy in sections, particularly after it rains, so waterproof mountain climbing footwear are a good suggestion. It’s additionally a terrific 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 achieve however reward you with spectacular, high-country views that you need 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 Street

The Edith Cavell Meadows hike is a phenomenal 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 via a rocky moraine and subalpine forest earlier than opening up into a phenomenal meadow that’s stuffed with wildflowers in July and August. You’re handled to unimaginable 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 totally 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 parking zone

The Sulphur Skyline Path is one among 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 via the treeline, the trail continues to a ridge providing a wide ranging 360-degree scene of the encircling peaks and the Fiddle Valley under.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Don’t overlook your swimsuit! The final word reward for this robust hike is a protracted soak within the Miette Scorching Springs, situated proper on the trailhead. Belief us, your drained muscle tissue 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
• Issue: 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 stunning views, situated only a few minutes from the city of Jasper. The path climbs via the forest to viewpoints overlooking the long-lasting Pyramid Mountain and Pyramid Lake. There are numerous 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 images of Pyramid Mountain mirrored within the water, be sure to 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.

Troublesome Hikes in Jasper (10km+)

For skilled hikers in search of a critical problem, these trails supply 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: Troublesome
• 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 fireplace highway for a lot of the climb, with a steep shortcut choice obtainable for individuals who need it. As you achieve elevation, the bushes skinny out and the views of Maligne Lake and the encircling mountain ranges turn 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 high is likely 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)
• Issue: Troublesome
• 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 via the forest earlier than opening into a phenomenal alpine meadow that’s typically stuffed with 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: This can be a steep one, so mountain climbing poles are your greatest buddy, 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)
• Issue: Troublesome
• 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 may 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 experience; 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’re feeling such as you’re on high of the world.

FAQ: Jasper Nationwide Park Hikes

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 unimaginable 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 checklist!