<\/h2>\nIf you\u2019re short on time, this quick guide will point you to the can\u2019t-miss trails in the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nHike<\/td>\n Distance (Round Trip)<\/td>\n Difficulty<\/td>\n Best For<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n\nMaligne Canyon<\/strong><\/td>\n3.4 km loop<\/td>\n Easy<\/td>\n Waterfalls & Gorges<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nValley of the Five Lakes<\/strong><\/td>\n4.7 km loop<\/td>\n Easy \/ Moderate<\/td>\n Beautiful Lakes & Families<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nEdith Cavell Meadows<\/strong><\/td>\n8.4 km loop<\/td>\n Moderate<\/td>\n Glacier & Wildflower Views<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nSulphur Skyline<\/strong><\/td>\n7.9 km loop<\/td>\n Moderate<\/td>\n 360-Degree Views & Hot Springs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nBald Hills<\/strong><\/td>\n15 km<\/td>\n Difficult<\/td>\n Panoramic Vistas<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\nPlanning Your Jasper Hiking Trip<\/h2>\n\n
Before you lace up your boots, here are a few essential tips for planning your adventure.<\/p>\n
Jasper National Park Pass Info<\/h3>\nTo enter Jasper National Park, you must have a valid Park Pass. You can buy it at the park gates upon entry or online in advance.<\/p>\n
\nDaily Pass (2025 rates):<\/strong> $10.50 CAD per adult or $21.00 per vehicle\/group.<\/li>\nDiscovery Pass (Annual):<\/strong> $72.25 CAD per adult or $145.25 for a family\/group. This gives you unlimited access to all of Canada\u2019s national parks for 12 months. If you plan to visit for more than a few days or see other parks like Banff, this is the best value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nYou can purchase your pass online from the Parks Canada website. Please verify all prices on the official site, as they can change.<\/em><\/p>\nGetting to the Trailheads<\/h3>\nJasper is best explored by car. The park is located approximately 4 hours (365 km \/ 226 miles) from Edmonton and about 3.5 \u2013 4 hours (288 km \/ 179 miles) from Banff via the incredibly scenic Icefields Parkway.<\/p>\n
\nCheck car rental rates here.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nBear Safety & What to Pack<\/h3>\nJasper is home to both grizzly and black bears. It is essential to be bear-aware on all trails.<\/p>\n
\nCarry Bear Spray:<\/strong> Know how to use it and keep it accessible on your hip, not in your pack.<\/li>\nMake Noise:<\/strong> Talk, sing, or call out periodically to avoid surprising a bear.<\/li>\nPack in Layers:<\/strong> Mountain weather changes quickly. Bring a waterproof jacket, a warm mid-layer, and a hat, even on a sunny day.<\/li>\nBring Water and Snacks:<\/strong> There are no shops at the trailheads. Pack more than you think you\u2019ll need.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay in Jasper<\/h3>\nWe stayed at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, which makes for a great luxury base. For other options, you can check out vacation rentals and hotels in the town of Jasper. There are also numerous front-country and backcountry campsites managed by Parks Canada, which should be booked well in advance.<\/p>\n
Easy & Accessible Jasper Hikes<\/h2>\nThese trails are perfect for families, casual walkers, or for a day when you want maximum scenic reward with minimal effort. They showcase some of Jasper\u2019s most iconic features without requiring a strenuous, all-day commitment.<\/p>\n
1. Maligne Canyon<\/h3>\n\n
\nLength:<\/strong> 3.4 km (2.1 miles) loop<\/li>\nElevation Gain:<\/strong> 118 m (387 ft)<\/li>\nDifficulty:<\/strong> Easy<\/li>\nApprox. Time:<\/strong> 1.5 \u2013 2 hours<\/li>\nTrailhead:<\/strong> Maligne Canyon Trailhead<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nMaligne Canyon is one of the most spectacular hikes in Jasper National Park. Located just 10 minutes from town, the trail is easily accessible. The well-maintained path crosses several bridges, offering incredible views down into the deep, narrow gorge carved by the Maligne River. You\u2019ll see waterfalls and unique rock formations as you wind your way along the canyon rim.<\/p>\n
Dave & Deb\u2019s Tip:<\/strong> The canyon is stunning in summer, but it\u2019s a completely different world in winter. If you\u2019re visiting then, a guided ice walk with cleats through the frozen canyon floor is one of the most unique and memorable experiences you can have in the Rockies.<\/p>\n2. Valley of the Five Lakes<\/h3>\n\n
\nLength:<\/strong> 4.7 km (2.9 miles) loop<\/li>\nElevation Gain:<\/strong> 162 m (531 ft)<\/li>\nDifficulty:<\/strong> Easy to Moderate<\/li>\nApprox. Time:<\/strong> 1.5 \u2013 2 hours<\/li>\nTrailhead:<\/strong> Valley of the Five Lakes Trailhead on the Icefields Parkway.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThis hike is a local favourite for good reason. The trail takes you through a lush forest before arriving at a series of five 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 whole family.<\/p>\n
Dave & Deb\u2019s Tip:<\/strong> The colour of the lakes is truly unbelievable on a sunny day. The Third Lake is the most vibrant and the best for photos. It\u2019s also the most popular spot for a very chilly swim if you\u2019re feeling brave!<\/p>\n3. Athabasca Falls<\/h3>\n\n
\nLength:<\/strong> 1.0 km (0.6 miles)<\/li>\nElevation Gain:<\/strong> 26 m (85 ft)<\/li>\nDifficulty:<\/strong> Easy<\/li>\nApprox. Time:<\/strong> 30 \u2013 45 minutes<\/li>\nTrailhead:<\/strong> Athabasca Falls Parking Lot on the Icefields Parkway.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhile not a long hike, Athabasca Falls is one of the most powerful and picturesque waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. The easy, paved pathways lead to various viewpoints overlooking the falls as they roar through a narrow gorge. It\u2019s a busy trail, but well worth the stop for the incredible views of the falls and the Athabasca River.<\/p>\n
Dave & Deb\u2019s Tip:<\/strong> The power of the water here is the main event. While the upper viewpoints are great, be sure to take the stairs down to the lower platform. You can feel the mist and hear the roar of the canyon, which really puts the force of the river into perspective.<\/p>\n4. Toe of the Athabasca Glacier<\/h3>\n\n
\nLength:<\/strong> 1.4 km (0.8 miles)<\/li>\nElevation Gain:<\/strong> 60 m (196 ft)<\/li>\nDifficulty:<\/strong> Easy<\/li>\nApprox. Time:<\/strong> 45 minutes \u2013 1 hour<\/li>\nTrailhead:<\/strong> Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trailhead at the Columbia Icefield.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThis is a brilliant, family-friendly hike that offers 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\u2019s location in different years, providing a sobering look at how much it has shrunk.<\/p>\n
Dave & Deb\u2019s Tip:<\/strong> It is extremely important to stay behind the ropes and on the marked trail. The terrain near the glacier can be unstable and there are unobservable crevasses that are very dangerous. This hike is about witnessing the glacier\u2019s scale from a safe distance.<\/p>\n5. Jasper Discovery Trail<\/h3>\n\n
\nLength:<\/strong> 8.5 km (5.2 miles) loop<\/li>\nElevation Gain:<\/strong> 264 m (866 ft)<\/li>\nDifficulty:<\/strong> Easy<\/li>\nApprox. Time:<\/strong> 2 \u2013 3 hours<\/li>\nTrailhead:<\/strong> Multiple access points from parking lots in the town of Jasper.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIf you want to explore close to town, the Jasper Discovery Trail is a great choice. This easy trail takes you on a stroll around the town\u2019s perimeter, offering lovely views of the surrounding mountains and the Athabasca and Miette rivers. It\u2019s easy to navigate; just follow the bear signs.<\/p>\n
Dave & Deb\u2019s Tip:<\/strong> This is the perfect thing to do on your arrival day. It helps you get your bearings, stretch your legs after a long drive, and you can scout out some dinner spots in town along the way.<\/p>\n6. Wapiti Trail<\/h3>\n\nLength:<\/strong> 4.8 km (3 miles) out & back<\/li>\nElevation Gain:<\/strong> 113 m (370 ft)<\/li>\nDifficulty:<\/strong> Easy<\/li>\nApprox. Time:<\/strong> 1 \u2013 1.5 hours<\/li>\nTrailhead:<\/strong> Wapiti Campground<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe Wapiti Trail is a lovely, gentle walk that follows the path between the Icefields Parkway and the Athabasca River. Starting from the Wapiti Campground, it heads northbound towards the town of Jasper. It\u2019s a relatively flat and quiet trail, perfect for a morning stroll or for families looking to enjoy the riverside scenery without a major climb.<\/p>\n
Dave & Deb\u2019s Tip:<\/strong> While it\u2019s a great short hike on its own, you can also use this trail to walk all the way from the campground into town for dinner, which is a great way to earn your meal and enjoy the evening light on the mountains.<\/p>\n7. Wabasso Lake Trail<\/h3>\n\n
\nLength:<\/strong> 7.7 km (4.7 miles) out & back<\/li>\nElevation Gain:<\/strong> 276 m (905 ft)<\/li>\nDifficulty:<\/strong> Easy<\/li>\nApprox. Time:<\/strong> 2 \u2013 2.5 hours<\/li>\nTrailhead:<\/strong> Wabasso Lake Trailhead<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe Wabasso Lake Trail is a popular but peaceful hike that takes you through a dense forest to a secluded, marshy lake. The trail has some rolling terrain but isn\u2019t overly strenuous, making it another great option for families. The real reward is reaching the quiet shores of Wabasso Lake and enjoying the solitude and mountain reflections before heading back.<\/p>\n
Dave & Deb\u2019s Tip:<\/strong> This trail is known for being muddy in sections, especially after it rains, so waterproof hiking shoes are a good idea. It\u2019s also a great spot for birdwatching if you take your time by the lake.<\/p>\nModerate Hikes in Jasper (5km \u2013 10km)<\/h2>\nReady for more of a challenge? These moderate trails involve more elevation gain but reward you with spectacular, high-country views that you have to work for.<\/p>\n
8. Edith Cavell Meadows<\/h3>\n\n
\nLength:<\/strong> 8.4 km (5.2 miles) loop<\/li>\nElevation Gain:<\/strong> 582 m (1909 ft)<\/li>\nDifficulty:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>\nApprox. Time:<\/strong> 3 \u2013 4 hours<\/li>\nTrailhead:<\/strong> End of Cavell Road<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe Edith Cavell Meadows hike is a beautiful and rewarding trail in Jasper National Park. It begins on a paved path along the Glacier Trail, leading to a stunning viewpoint of Angel Glacier and Cavell Pond. The trail then climbs steadily through a rocky moraine and subalpine forest before opening up into a beautiful meadow that is filled with wildflowers in July and August. You are treated to incredible glacier views for the entire journey.<\/p>\n
Dave & Deb\u2019s Tip:<\/strong> 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 absolutely worth the climb.<\/p>\n9. Sulphur Skyline Trail<\/h3>\n\n
\nLength:<\/strong> 7.9 km (4.8 miles) out & back<\/li>\nElevation Gain:<\/strong> 653 m (2142 ft)<\/li>\nDifficulty:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>\nApprox. Time:<\/strong> 3.5 \u2013 5 hours<\/li>\n
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