14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park – Alberta Canada

Jasper National Park is the biggest national park within the Canadian Rockies, spanning an incredible 11,000 square kilometres (4,200 sq miles). It boasts a few of the most awe-inspiring hikes for each skill level. With its shimmering glacial lakes, massive glaciers, and abundant wildlife, Jasper is a hiker’s paradise.

But you don’t need to enterprise deep into the backcountry to experience it. Many of the very best trails and walking routes are only minutes from the town of Jasper, making it perfect for memorable day hikes. After many trips to this a part of Alberta, we’ve learned that while Banff gets a number of the eye, Jasper offers a wilder, more rugged beauty that we keep coming back to.

This guide is designed to assist you to find the proper trail in your trip. We’ve broken down our favourite hikes by difficulty and included all the sensible details you could hit the trail with confidence.

Map of the Best Jasper Hikes

Best Jasper Hikes at a Glance (Top 5 Picks)

If you’re short on time, this quick guide will point you to the can’t-miss trails within the park.

Planning Your Jasper Hiking Trip

Before you lace up your boots, listed below are a number of essential tips for planning your adventure.

Jasper National Park Pass Info

To enter Jasper National Park, you will need to have a sound Park Pass. You should buy it on the park gates upon entry or online prematurely.

• Daily Pass (2025 rates): $10.50 CAD per adult or $21.00 per vehicle/group.
• Discovery Pass (Annual): $72.25 CAD per adult or $145.25 for a family/group. This gives you unlimited access to all of Canada’s national parks for 12 months. If you propose to go to for greater than a number of days or see other parks like Banff, that is the very best value.

You should purchase your pass online from the Parks Canada website. Please confirm all prices on the official site, as they’ll change.

Getting to the Trailheads

Jasper is best explored by automotive. 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 via the incredibly scenic Icefields Parkway.

• Check automotive rental rates here.

Bear Safety & What to Pack

Jasper is home to each grizzly and black bears. It is crucial to be bear-aware on all trails.

• Carry Bear Spray: Know use it and keep it accessible in your hip, not in your pack.
• Make Noise: Talk, sing, or call out periodically to avoid surprising a bear.
• Pack in Layers: Mountain weather changes quickly. Bring a water-proof jacket, a warm mid-layer, and a hat, even on a sunny day.
• Bring Water and Snacks: There aren’t any shops on the trailheads. Pack greater than you think that you’ll need.

Where to Stay in Jasper

We stayed on the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, which makes for a terrific luxury base. For other options, you possibly can take a look at vacation rentals and hotels within the town of Jasper. There are also quite a few front-country and backcountry campsites managed by Parks Canada, which must be booked well prematurely.

Easy & Accessible Jasper Hikes

These trails are perfect for families, casual walkers, or for a day whenever you want maximum scenic reward with minimal effort. They showcase a few of Jasper’s most iconic features without requiring a strenuous, all-day commitment.

1. Maligne Canyon

• Length: 3.4 km (2.1 miles) loop
• Elevation Gain: 118 m (387 ft)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Approx. Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Trailhead: Maligne Canyon Trailhead

Maligne Canyon is some of the spectacular hikes in Jasper National Park. Located just 10 minutes from town, the trail is well accessible. The well-maintained path crosses several bridges, offering incredible views down into the deep, narrow gorge carved by the Maligne River. You’ll see waterfalls and unique rock formations as you wind your way along the canyon rim.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: The canyon is stunning in summer, but it surely’s a very different world in winter. If you’re visiting then, a guided ice walk with cleats through the frozen canyon floor is some of the unique and memorable experiences you possibly can have within the Rockies.

2. Valley of the Five Lakes

• Length: 4.7 km (2.9 miles) loop
• Elevation Gain: 162 m (531 ft)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Approx. Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Trailhead: Valley of the Five Lakes Trailhead on the Icefields Parkway.

This hike is an area favourite for good reason. The trail takes you thru a lush forest before arriving at a series of 5 pristine lakes, each glowing with its own distinct shade of jade and blue. The trail has some gentle rolling hills but is a rewarding hike for the entire family.

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 very best for photos. It’s also the most well-liked spot for a really chilly swim should you’re feeling brave!

3. Athabasca Falls

• Length: 1.0 km (0.6 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 26 m (85 ft)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Approx. Time: 30 – 45 minutes
• Trailhead: Athabasca Falls Parking Lot on the Icefields Parkway.

While not an extended hike, Athabasca Falls is some of the powerful and picturesque waterfalls within the Canadian Rockies. The easy, paved pathways lead to numerous viewpoints overlooking the falls as they roar through a narrow gorge. It’s a busy trail, but well definitely worth the stop for the incredible views of the falls and the Athabasca River.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: The power of the water here is the principal event. While the upper viewpoints are great, be sure you take the steps all the way down to the lower platform. You can feel the mist and listen to the roar of the canyon, which really puts the force of the river into perspective.

4. Toe of the Athabasca Glacier

• Length: 1.4 km (0.8 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 60 m (196 ft)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Approx. Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour
• Trailhead: Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trailhead on the Columbia Icefield.

This is an excellent, family-friendly hike that gives a free alternative to the guided tours on the glacier. The trail leads you over the rocky moraine left behind by the retreating glacier. Along the route, signs mark the glacier’s location in numerous years, providing a sobering take a look at how much it has shrunk.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: It is incredibly essential to remain behind the ropes and on the marked trail. The terrain near the glacier may be unstable and there are unobservable crevasses which are very dangerous. This hike is about witnessing the glacier’s scale from a protected distance.

5. Jasper Discovery Trail

• Length: 8.5 km (5.2 miles) loop
• Elevation Gain: 264 m (866 ft)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Approx. Time: 2 – 3 hours
• Trailhead: Multiple access points from parking lots within the town of Jasper.

If you wish to explore near town, the Jasper Discovery Trail is a terrific selection. This easy trail takes you on a stroll across the town’s perimeter, offering lovely views of the encompassing mountains and the Athabasca and Miette rivers. It’s easy to navigate; just follow the bear signs.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: This is the proper thing to do in your arrival day. It helps you get your bearings, stretch your legs after an extended drive, and you possibly can scout out some dinner spots on the town along the way in which.

6. Wapiti Trail

• Length: 4.8 km (3 miles) out & back
• Elevation Gain: 113 m (370 ft)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Approx. Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
• Trailhead: Wapiti Campground

The Wapiti Trail is a stunning, gentle walk that follows the trail between the Icefields Parkway and the Athabasca River. Starting from the Wapiti Campground, it heads northbound towards the town of Jasper. It’s a comparatively flat and quiet trail, perfect for a morning stroll or for families trying to benefit from the riverside scenery with no major climb.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: While it’s a terrific short hike by itself, you can too use this trail to walk all the way in which from the campground into town for dinner, which is a terrific approach to earn your meal and revel in the evening light on the mountains.

7. Wabasso Lake Trail

• Length: 7.7 km (4.7 miles) out & back
• Elevation Gain: 276 m (905 ft)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Approx. Time: 2 – 2.5 hours
• Trailhead: Wabasso Lake Trailhead

The Wabasso Lake Trail is a well-liked but peaceful hike that takes you thru a dense forest to a secluded, marshy lake. The trail has some rolling terrain but isn’t overly strenuous, making it one other great option for families. The real reward is reaching the quiet shores of Wabasso Lake and having fun with the solitude and mountain reflections before heading back.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: This trail is thought for being muddy in sections, especially after it rains, so waterproof hiking shoes are idea. It’s also a terrific spot for birdwatching should you take your time by the lake.

Moderate Hikes in Jasper (5km – 10km)

Ready for more of a challenge? These moderate trails involve more elevation gain but reward you with spectacular, high-country views that you’ve to work for.

8. Edith Cavell Meadows

• Length: 8.4 km (5.2 miles) loop
• Elevation Gain: 582 m (1909 ft)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Approx. Time: 3 – 4 hours
• Trailhead: End of Cavell Road

The Edith Cavell Meadows hike is a phenomenal and rewarding trail in Jasper National Park. It begins on a paved path along the Glacier Trail, resulting in a shocking viewpoint of Angel Glacier and Cavell Pond. The trail then climbs steadily through a rocky moraine and subalpine forest before opening up into a phenomenal meadow that’s stuffed with wildflowers in July and August. You are treated to incredible glacier views for the whole journey.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: The drive to the trailhead is an adventure in itself, with tight switchbacks. The real star here is Angel Glacier. You get great views from the lower lookout, but push on to the upper meadows. The sight of the glacier framed by wildflowers is completely definitely worth the climb.

9. Sulphur Skyline Trail

• Length: 7.9 km (4.8 miles) out & back
• Elevation Gain: 653 m (2142 ft)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Approx. Time: 3.5 – 5 hours
• Trailhead: Miette Hot Springs parking zone

The Sulphur Skyline Trail is considered one of Jasper’s signature hikes, known for its unrelenting uphill climb that pays off with a few of the very best panoramic views within the park. The trail starts at a gentle incline and just keeps going. Once you break through the treeline, the trail continues to a ridge offering a wide ranging 360-degree scene of the encompassing peaks and the Fiddle Valley below.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Don’t forget your swimsuit! The ultimate reward for this tough hike is an extended soak within the Miette Hot Springs, situated right on the trailhead. Trust us, your drained muscles will thanks. It’s the proper end to a difficult day on the trail.

10. Pyramid Lake Loop

• Length: 5.6 km (3.4 miles) loop
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 203 m (666 ft)
• Trailhead: Multiple access points near Pyramid Lake.

The Pyramid Lake Loop is a terrific selection for a day hike with beautiful views, situated just a number of minutes from the town of Jasper. The trail climbs through the forest to viewpoints overlooking the long-lasting Pyramid Mountain and Pyramid Lake. There are many alternative intersecting routes in the realm, but most lead back to the principal trail. It’s also a dog-friendly trail, so long as your canine companion is on a leash.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: For the very best photos of Pyramid Mountain reflected within the water, be certain you are taking the short walk over the bridge to Pyramid Island either before or after your hike. It’s some of the photographed spots in Jasper for a reason.

Difficult Hikes in Jasper (10km+)

For experienced hikers on the lookout for a serious challenge, these trails offer a few of the most expansive and rewarding views in the whole park. Be prepared with sturdy hiking boots, loads of water, and bear spray.

11. Bald Hills

• Length: 15 km (9.3 miles) out & back
• Elevation Gain: 780 m (2559 ft)
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Approx. Time: 5 – 7 hours
• Trailhead: Maligne Lake parking area (furthest lot).

For views high above the treeline, nowhere is best than the summit of the Bald Hills. The trail follows a large fire road for many of the climb, with a steep shortcut option available for many who want it. As you gain elevation, the trees thin out and the views of Maligne Lake and the encompassing mountain ranges grow to be increasingly spectacular. The final push to the summit ridge opens as much as a shocking 360-degree panorama.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: The final push to the true summit beyond the principal viewpoint is a little bit of a scramble, but it surely’s where you’ll leave 90% of the opposite hikers behind. The 360-degree panorama from the very top is among the finest within the Canadian Rockies.

12. Opal Hills Loop

• Length: 8.0 km (5 miles) loop
• Elevation Gain: 517 m (1696 ft)
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Approx. Time: 3 – 5 hours
• Trailhead: Maligne Lake parking area (near the boat house).

Don’t let the shorter distance idiot you; the Opal Hills Loop is a steep and strenuous workout that takes you straight up. The trail climbs relentlessly through the forest before opening into a phenomenal alpine meadow that is usually stuffed with wildflowers. This hike is a terrific selection should you’re on the lookout for a difficult climb with rewarding views and fewer crowds than the nearby Bald Hills trail.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: This is a steep one, so hiking poles are your best friend, especially for the descent. The real reward is the alpine meadow at the highest, which is a terrific place to identify marmots and pikas in the summertime.

13. Whistlers Mountain Summit

• Length: 12.7 km (7.9 miles) out & back
• Elevation Gain: 968 m (3175 ft)
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Approx. Time: 5 – 7 hours
• Trailhead: Upper station of the Jasper Skytram.

While the Jasper Skytram whisks you most of the way in which up the mountain, the hike to the true summit is a difficult adventure at high elevation. From the upper tram station, the trail continues to climb across a rocky, exposed ridge. The path may be slippery with snow even in summer. The reward is an unparalleled view over the town of Jasper, the Athabasca Valley, and countless mountain ranges stretching to the horizon.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Don’t be fooled by the tram ride; this can be a proper mountain hike. Be prepared for wind and cold temperatures at the highest, even in August. The view from the summit makes you are feeling such as you’re on top of the world.

FAQ: Jasper National Park Hikes

So, Which Trail Will You Hike First?

And those are our favourite hikes in Jasper National Park! There are dozens more to explore, but these 13 trails offer an incredible taste of what makes this corner of the Canadian Rockies so special. Whether you’re taking a simple stroll to a waterfall or tackling a difficult summit, the views are guaranteed to be price it.

Let us know within the comments which hike you’re adding to your list!