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Adventurer’s Guide to the 10 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park
We all know that Jasper National Park is a gem full of stunning vistas, snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, and majestic wildlife—that’s why it’s our first choice when we want to go on a hike! It’s basically a hiker’s paradise with many trails that will get you out of bed!
Best of all, it welcomes you even if you’re not a seasoned hiker. Outdoor adventurers will always have a fun time because they’ll constantly be surrounded by nature—no wonder people travel from all over the world for a visit!
So, if you’re looking for a fun hike, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re a pro or a beginner who wants to explore Jasper, our list of the best hiking trails is here to help you start your adventure!
Athabasca Falls
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Starting Point: Athabasca Falls Parking Lot
Best Time to Visit: May – October
Distance: 1 km
Duration: 30 mins
Elevation Gain: 8 m
Difficulty: Easy
An easy hike with breathtaking views is at Athabasca Falls, which is a good detour if you’re driving on the Icefields Parkway. The trailhead is just in the parking lot on Highway 93A, 30 km south of Jasper.
Since the hike is fairly easy, you can bring the whole family— the summer season is the best time to visit, so the kids are out of school. Getting to the viewpoint only takes less than an hour, depending on your walking speed.
This out-and-back trail is mainly a walk rather than a hike. There is a set of stairs in between the canyon walls, which requires minimal effort.
Pro Tips:
The parking lot can accommodate quite a lot of vehicles, but still try to arrive early in the morning before the crowds gather. This is a popular spot, so expect lots of people in peak season.
Keep an eye out for the signs and guard rails. Even though this is an easy hike, the powerful water of the falls is dangerous.
Maligne Canyon Loop
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Starting Points:
Best Time to Visit:
Distance: 3.4 km
Duration: -1 hr – 1 hr
Elevation Gain: 124 m
Difficulty: Easy
If you want a hike and photo opportunity in one, Maligne Canyon Trail is the place to go. This is only a 30-minute drive from Jasper, making it the perfect stop if you plan on going to the national park.
This hike will only take you under an hour or a little longer if you plan on stopping for photos. You can choose the lower trailhead for a shorter hike and the upper for a longer time at the canyon.
Expect ups and downs during your hike, which can be moderately challenging for beginners. And even though there are steep sections, you don’t have to worry about it being too difficult to manage.
Pro Tips:
You can try delicious meals at the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen before or after your hike to keep you energized. It’s located near the parking lot.
Some areas are slippery, muddy, and steep, so wear shoes with good traction and bring hiking poles, especially if you’re a beginner.
Valley of the Five Lakes
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Starting Point: Valley of the Five Lakes Trailhead
Best Time to Visit: July – September
Distance: 5 km
Duration: 2 hrs
Elevation Gain: 165 m
Difficulty: Moderate
If you’re looking for a challenge but not something too difficult, hiking the Valley of the Five Lakes is worth checking out. You’ll come across steep hills with ups and downs and elevation gains, so wear shoes with good traction for those descents.
This hike is also a good idea to cool off in the summer. There are five lakes with different shades of green because of the different depths, but all have gorgeous views!
If you’re looking for picture-perfect views, lakes three and four are known as the most stunning lakes out of the five. Meanwhile, the fifth lake has boats you can rent, but note that you have to reserve these prior to hiking.
You’ll basically start your hike in the parking lot, but as you go in the forest, you’ll be in constant awe at the beautiful scenery. Visiting all five lakes and finishing the loop only takes two hours, so this is a quick hike you can do in the morning.
Pro Tips:
Once you get to the parking area, there’s a trail map on the notice board. Read it and take a photo so you’ll always have the map on hand.
Always be aware during your hike. Bears frequent this area around spring and late summer, so make sure you have bear spray and never go near wildlife.
Sulphur Skyline
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Starting Point: Sulphur Skyline Trailhead – Improvement District No. 12
Best Time to Visit: July – September
Distance: 8 km
Duration: 4 – 5 hrs
Elevation Gain: 659 m
Difficulty: Hard
A local favourite, Sulphur Skyline is one of those trails that make all the walking and hiking so worth it! The viewpoint offers one of the most breathtakingly majestic panoramic views in Jasper!
The trail starts at the roundabout right before the entrance of the Miette Hot Springs, where you’ll see the Sulphur Skyline Trailhead sign. The start of the trail is relatively easy, with an uphill path that’s not too steep.
As you go along, you’ll notice the trail gets higher and higher with some switchbacks, but there is a rocky open area you can use to take a rest. The reward is the viewpoints you’ll witness from time to time.
Once you’re above the tree line, you’ll have an even steeper climb. That means you’re near the viewpoint, where you can rest and enjoy the panoramic views of Utopia Mountain.
Pro Tips:
Bring hiking poles because this is a steep hike. It’s not a beginner-friendly trail, so practice on easy trails first before doing this.
After descending, you can head straight to Miette Hot Springs to relax and recharge your body! It’s literally beside the trailhead!
Sunwapta Falls
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Starting Point: Sunwapta Falls Trailhead Parking Lot
Best Time to Visit: Spring – summer; winter for the upper falls
Distance: 3.2 km
Duration: 1 hr
Elevation Gain: 146 m
Difficulty: Easy – moderately challenging
The Sunwapta Falls hike is for people looking for a scenic morning walk. The main viewpoint (a viewing bridge) is only a minute or two from the parking lot, so if you want a longer walk, you can start from the Sunwapta Falls Mountain Lodge.
If you want a bit of a challenge, turn back, walk up to the trail junction, and continue on the paved path. You’ll witness sweet views of the Sunwapta River in the middle of the canyon.
The path is easy to navigate and continues on a steady decline, which isn’t difficult. Once you get to the lower falls, there are fences on the trail near the river, where you can safely admire the waterfalls.
Going back to the trailhead, you’ll have to walk uphill paths, which can be challenging if you’re not used to hiking. But the less crowded lower falls are worth the effort.
Pro Tip:
Remember not to cross over the fences for safety. Be aware of your surroundings, especially on the viewing bridge where it gets crowded, to ensure everyone will be safe.
Lake Annette
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Location: Annette Loop Trailhead
Best Time to Visit: May – September
Distance: 2.7 km
Duration: 30 mins – 1 hr
Elevation Gain: 39 m
Difficulty: Easy
Take the whole family to Lake Annette, an easy 2.7 km loop trail that feels like a walk in the park! The shoreline has a paved pathway, making it an enjoyable and relaxing hike, which is also not for thrill seekers.
The turquoise lake is a good spot for a dip on a hot summer’s day, or bring your kayak and paddle the water after your hike. Bring food for a picnic or rest on the benches near the lake and admire the beautiful scenery.
The trailhead starts at the parking area, which also has bathrooms you can use before you start hiking. During the hike, you’ll come across plenty of benches to rest on, so it’s ideal for individuals with mobility challenges.
Pro Tip:
The lake’s water temperature is still pretty cold, but it’s a good way to cool off under the sun.
Mount Edith Cavell
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Starting Point: Mount Edith Cavell Parking Lot
Best Time to Visit: Mid-June – September
Distance: 7.4 km
Duration: 3 – 4 hrs
Elevation Gain: 555 m
Difficulty: Hard
Seasoned hikers will have a fun time venturing into the heart of the Jasper National Park. The Mount Edith Cavell Trail is a tough nut to crack because of the steep inclines.
The challenge starts the moment you drive because Cavell Road is a winding path. It’s narrow with switchbacks, so large vehicles are not suitable here.
It’s the strenuous uphill hike that makes it challenging, and the descent is even more so. Take breaks and always listen to your body if the trail isn’t something you can do— you can do half the hike and turn back around if your quads are burning!
The views at the top are rewarding. The glacier and mountain views are worth the uphill battle.
Pro Tips:
Bring insect repellent if you don’t want to get eaten by mosquitoes! Also, bring water and snacks.
The Edith Cavell Road is only open from June to early October. Motorhomes and trailers aren’t allowed on the road—the drop-off area is at a parking lot at the start of Cavell Road on 93A.
Pyramid Lake
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Starting Point: Pyramid Lake Parking Lot
Best Time to Visit: June – October
Distance: 6 km
Duration: 2 hrs
Elevation Gain: 211 m
Difficulty: Easy – moderate
A hidden gem in Jasper, Pyramid Lake is one of those recommended trails if you want a relaxing hike with a bit of a challenge. There are some uphill sections in the forest and rocky portions, but they’re easy enough to navigate.
This loop trail has several viewpoints you can admire. Head to the Overlook Trail if you want to capture the scenery overlooking Patricia Lake and Pyramid Lake.
Expect muddy areas in the marsh, but in the summer, the paths are dry. You may have to veer to the longer trails during elk calving season since 2B will be closed, but it’s not that much of a detour.
Pro Tip:
There are bears in the area, so make some noise, bring bear spray, or turn back around if you find too many droppings.
Old Fort Point
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Starting Point: Old Fort Point Road Parking Lot (after you cross the bridge)
Best Time to Visit: June – September
Distance: 3.7 km
Duration: 2 hrs
Elevation Gain: 175 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Old Fort Point is not a difficult trail, but it does remain a challenge due to the uphill battles you have to go through. For a short hike, you’ll encounter steep grades, so wear shoes with good traction because of the ups and downs and rocky and muddy sections.
We suggest going in the clockwise direction to finish the loop. If you go counter-clockwise, you’ll have to start at the steep (and seemingly endless) wooden stairs, which can drain your energy fast, especially if you’re a beginner.
If you continue after the wooden stairs, you’ll hike up a rough terrain with rocks and loose gravel, which can pose a challenge if you’re not wearing proper shoes. The trail flattens in a bit, but the descent is steep.
The viewpoint is stunning, though! The panoramic vista of the thick forest, mountains, and river will take your breath away.
Pro Tip:
Avoid this trail in the winter. The wooden stairs and steep inclines are even more challenging to go through.
Bald Hills
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Starting Point: Parking lot near the Bald Hills Trailhead (trailhead is across the parking lot)
Best Time to Visit: June – September
Distance: 14.8 km
Duration: 4 – 6 hrs (whole loop)
Elevation Gain: 780 m
Difficulty: Hard
Make sure your quads are ready because hiking the Bald Hills requires leg day preparations. The start of the trail is moderately easy, which continues to become a strenuous uphill hike.
You can take a shortcut on the left (once you see the Bald Hills Hike signs), but this one is not quite easy because it’s steep and covered in roots! It poses a challenge, but it’ll save you over a kilometre on the trail.
Meanwhile, the fire road is the longer option, but it has a wider road and is not as steep. Do note that this trail doesn’t have a lot of tree cover, so make sure you have a hat, sunglasses, and water with you.
Reaching the summit requires some clambering, but it’s not tough. Once you reach the viewpoint, you’ll finally see the breathtaking scenery that includes Maligne Lake, mountains, and valleys.
Pro Tip:
Bring a hat, wear the right shoes, keep yourself hydrated, and apply sunscreen. The original trail is exposed to the sun, so make sure you’re protected or you’ll get baked!
