Best Hikes in Jasper National Park: 13 Marvelous Hiking Trails

Set in the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park is a haven for wonderful outdoor adventures and breathtaking natural scenery. From abundant wildlife in the vast wilderness to picturesque lakes and the best hikes in Jasper National Park, you certainly won’t be short of amazing things to see and do.

You’ll find plenty of interesting and fun Jasper attractions, but to fully immerse yourself in the idyllic setting, you’ll have to explore the best Jasper hikes. The park is home to many hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous, so there’s something for everyone on any level.

Before you pack your bags and lace up your boots, let’s unpack the best hikes in Jasper.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

How to Get to Jasper National Park

You’ll have a choice between two main airports near Jasper National Park. The Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is about four hours away, while Calgary International Airport (YYC) is about a five-hour drive to the national park.

The best way to get from these airports to Jasper National Park is by rental car or RV. Be sure to drive through the Icefields Parkway for a scenic drive through the rocky mountains.

>>>Rent A Car Here<<<

Best Time to Go Hiking in Jasper National Park

The best times to visit Jasper National Park for hiking are the warm months, typically running from June to September. This season brings pleasant temperatures, with the sun setting late and rising early. So you’ll have enough time to leisurely explore the best Jasper hiking trails.

Spring is also a good time to visit. Wildflowers and flowing rivers make spring a fantastic time for water activities like rafting. You may also appreciate Jasper National Park in the fall when the park beams with colorful foliage. The winter months are the coldest, but they also reveal one of the park’s best-kept secrets – clear night skies dotted with sparkling stars. 

How Much Time Is Needed in Jasper National Park

To fully experience the majesty of Jasper National Park, you’ll need to spend at least three to four days here. As the country’s largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is riddled with hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and hidden gems that must be uncovered. 

Where to Stay in Jasper National Park

Welcoming over two million annual visitors, Jasper National Park provides several onsite accommodations as well as hotels to stay nearby. When deciding where to stay in Jasper National Park, make sure you consider the distance you’ll have to travel to reach the park.

Here are a few accommodation suggestions for your visit to Jasper National Park.

Luxury | Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

If you’re looking for a 5-star experience in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, look no further than Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Sitting on the shores of Beauvert Lake, this star-rated resort offers eight eateries, a world-class golf course, and a foot spa to decompress.

You’ll have many activities to do on the property, from horseback riding and swimming in the summertime to cross-country skiing and ice skating on the frozen Beauvert Lake in winter. >>>Check Availability

Mid-Range | Mount Robson Inn

Situated just a two-minute drive from Jasper city center, Mount Robson Inn offers you quick access to the park and other amenities. The hotel provides a seasonal ski shuttle service for your convenience. 

Other great amenities on the property include hot tubs and a tour desk. >>>Check Availability

Budget | HI Jasper

Don’t have a big budget? Consider booking your stay at HI Jasper. The hostel offers a range of modern conveniences, from a shared kitchen and game room to laundry and BBQ facilities. What makes this hostel excellent is that it’s suitable for the whole family. 

If you’re traveling with a baby, you’ll be provided with a crib on request. >>>Check Availability

Camping | Jasper National Park Campgrounds

Camping in Jasper National Park can be experienced all year round. Boasting over 2,000 individual campsites and 90 backcountry campgrounds, Jasper is a treasure trove of outdoor living. Some campsites are equipped with electrical connections, while others are unserviced. >>>Learn More Here 

Read More: Where to Stay in Jasper National Park: Top Hotels & Campsites

Map Of Best Hikes in Jasper National Park

13 Best Jasper National Park Hikes

Jasper hikes vary in length and difficulty, but they all offer an exceptional ending. Whether it’s scenic waterfalls, views of surrounding mountains, or bubbling hot springs, these best hikes in Jasper National Park will leave you awestruck. 

Next time you put together a Canadian Rockies itinerary, be sure to add these epic hikes.

1. The Sulphur Skyline

• Mileage: 7.9 km (4.9 miles) out and back
• Elevation Gain: 656 meters (2,152 feet)
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

If you’re looking for a Jasper hike that ends with an extraordinary setting, it doesn’t get any better than the Sulphur Skyline Trail. Concluding with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, ridges, and valleys, this may be a challenging hike, but if absolutely rewarding.

The Sulphur Skyline Trail begins at the Miette Hot Springs Parking Lot. Start by trekking up the trail and over the tree line. There are some rocky and steep sections along the way, so feel free to take lots of water and breaks. It will take you about four to five hours to complete.

One of the best times to hike the Sulphur Skyline Trail is in the summer. The sunny weather, clear views, and colorful wildflowers create a pleasant ambiance on your way up. Upon your return, be sure to stop by the Miette Hot Springs for a relaxing soak. 

2. Wilcox Pass Trail

• Mileage: 9.3 km (5.8 miles) out and back
• Elevation Gain: 486 meters (1,594 feet)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Awarding you stunning views of Athabasca Glacier, the Wilcox Pass Trail is one of the best Jasper trails on offer. You’ll have unparalleled glacier views as you hike through lush alpine meadows, where you’ll see bighorn sheep freely roaming around.

This trek to Wilcox Pass is moderately challenging and takes about three to four hours to complete. The trail is well-maintained and marked near the bottom, but as you hike up to Wilcox Pass, the trail may become mudding and rocky in certain sections.

3. Sunwapta Falls

• Mileage: 3.2 km (2 miles) out and back
• Elevation Gain: 146 meters (479 feet)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Do you love chasing waterfalls? Then, you’ll love hiking to the spectacular Sunwapta Falls. The beauty of these waterfalls lies in the gushing water tumbling over rocky outcrops and the peaceful forest surrounding them.

You can access the Sunwapta Falls Trailhead along the Icefields Parkway. The trek is relatively short and takes just over an hour to complete. The Upper Sunwapta Falls are very close to the road and barely require hiking, and the Lower Sunwapta Falls are further down.

Along the way, you’ll walk across a footbridge over a deep canyon. This is the most ideal place to take photos. The Lower Sunwapta Falls are 2 km (1.25 miles) from the bridge. Although smaller, these cascades are also worth seeing. This is one of Jasper’s year-round hikes.

4. Toe of the Athabasca Glacier

• Mileage: 1.4 km (0.9 miles) out and back
• Elevation Gain: 61 meters (200 feet)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

You can’t visit Jasper National Park without seeing icy glaciers. But for the best up-close views, consider hiking to the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier. It is possibly the easiest glacier trail to do in Canada because the trail is relatively short, taking about 30 minutes to complete.

You can find the trailhead along Glacier Road at the southern tip of Sunwapta Lake. The trail conditions are good, and the road is paved and easily accessible, but it gets snowy in winter. Summer is a good time to visit for accessibility, but winter is great for snowy vistas.

Once you get up the hill, it will be cool and windy no matter which month of the year you’re hiking. So be sure to wear protective garments like a windbreaker and sunglasses. 

5. Horseshoe Lake

• Mileage: 1.6 km (1-mile) loop
• Elevation Gain: 46 meters (150 feet)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Hiking to Horseshoe Lake is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Jasper’s great outdoors. This is a family-friendly hike with opportunities for cliff diving and swimming at the end. There are a few spots with different heights to dive from, the highest spot being 80 feet.

The trailhead to Horseshoe Lake begins at a small parking lot off the Icefields Parkway. This hike is very popular, especially in summer, so make sure you arrive early. The route isn’t well marked, but keep trekking along the shores of the lake, and you’ll get to the diving spots.

Expect the hike to Horseshoe Lake to take you about 30 minutes to complete. This doesn’t include the time you’ll spend there diving off cliffs, swimming, or perhaps scuba diving. Summer is the best time to swim in Horseshoe Lake, otherwise, it will be too chilly to enjoy.

6. Whistlers Mountain Trail 

• Mileage: 16.6 km (10.3 miles) out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1,318 meters (4,324 feet)
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

Ending in sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, this hike to the Whistlers Mountain Summit is one of the best hikes in Jasper National Park. On a clear day, you can see the entire town of Jasper from the summit. 

You’ll find the trailhead off of Whistlers Road. The trail is clearly marked and well-maintained, but it will be challenging, with a few switchbacks and steep sections along the way. It will take you about seven hours to complete this hike to Whistlers Mountain.

If you don’t have that much time, though, you can use the Jasper SkyTram to shed off some miles from this hike to Whistlers Summit. This trek is about 3.7 km (2.3 miles) long and has an elevation gain of 889 feet. Expect this shorter hike to the summit to take about two hours.

After hiking or riding the sky tram to Whistlers Mountain, you’ll have to trek an extra 1.1 km (0.7 miles) to the summit. Summer is the most ideal time to do this hike, as the sky tram is open and the views are much clearer.

7. Valley of the Five Lakes

• Mileage: 4.8 km (3 miles) loop
• Elevation Gain: 161 meters (528 feet)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

If you’re looking for a scenic trail with lots of stunning natural beauty on display, there’s no better place to hike in Jasper National Park than the Valley of the Five Lakes. Offering gorgeous lake views, each surrounded by a lush forest of trees.

You can access the trailhead off Icefields Parkway. Begin trekking through the pristine forest and then cross a wooden footbridge over a grassy area before climbing back into the forest. At the junction, choose to take the loop around the lakes clockwise or counter-clockwise. 

Going clockwise sees you starting at the First Lake and ending at the Fifth Lake. This route consists of steep uphills and downhills, so if you’re not a fan of constant elevation change, you may want to take the counter-clockwise route, starting at Fifth Lake.

Overall, hiking through the Valley of the Five Lakes takes about an hour and 30 minutes to complete. The best time to do this is late spring to early fall for breathtaking lake reflections and wildlife spotting.

8. Maligne Canyon

• Mileage: 3.7 km (2.3 miles) loop
• Elevation Gain: 124 meters (401 feet)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

The Maligne Canyon hike offers one of the most unique trekking experiences in the area. As one of the best Jasper National Park trails, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent vistas of a deep limestone gorge and pretty waterfalls throughout the loop.

You can start hiking this trail from various points along Maligne Lake Road. If you start hiking from the first Maligne Canyon Parking Lot next to the Wilderness Kitchen, you’ll come across the First Bridge, which has jaw-dropping views of the gorge. 

But if you begin at the Maligne Canyon Trailhead, you’ll come across the Fifth Bridge first. Note that the scenery gets better and better as you get closer to the First Bridge. The best time to do this hike is late spring to early fall, as snowmelt gushes down Maligne Canyon. 

9. Parker Ridge

• Mileage: 6.4 km (4 miles) out and back
• Elevation Gain: 343 meters (1,125 feet)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Although it’s mostly associated with Banff National Park, Parker Ridge is actually on the Banff-Jasper border and offers you an extraordinary opportunity for scenic glacier views. This is one of the best Jasper hikes, thanks to the panoramic views of the Saskatchewan Glacier that await you at the end.

The trailhead starts along the Icefields Parkway. It has numerous switchbacks through a forest with waterfalls, creeks, and wildlife frolicking about. This hike will take you anywhere between two to three hours to complete.

10. Tonquin Valley

• Mileage: 41.8 km (26 miles) point to point
• Elevation Gain: 1,073 meters (3,520 feet)
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

When it comes to the best hikes, Jasper National Park is a haven of wilderness experiences and staggering scenery, but none are as epic as hiking through the Tonquin Valley. The hike takes you through remote countryside with snowy mountain views and pretty alpine lakes.

This is typically done as a multi-day hike, so be sure to bring all your best backpacking gear. There are several routes to hike to Tonquin Valley, but the most ideal one is hiking from the Astoria Trailhead along Edith Cavell Road. Conditions vary as you hike through high alplands and descend down into the valley. 

11. Mount Edith Cavell Meadows Trail

• Mileage: 7.4 km (4.6 miles) loop
• Elevation Gain: 555 meters (1,820 feet)
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

Glacier views don’t ever get old when trekking through Jasper National Park. The Edith Cavell Meadows hike offers fascinating flowery meadows, glacial features, and alpine landscapes you’ll love. 

This is quite a challenging hike, but the up-close views of the Angel Glacier and Cavell Pond make it totally worth the sweat. The trail begins at the southern end of Edith Cavell Road. It varies throughout the trek from a paved route to rocky uphills, then a subalpine forest that opens up into a beautiful meadow dotted with wildflowers.

12. Skyline Trail

• Mileage: 45 km (28 miles) point to point
• Elevation Gain: (1,560 meters) 5,118 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

Jasper’s Skyline Trail offers yet another iconic backcountry experience with diverse landscapes, from rocky to lush alpine terrains. This Jasper hiking trail is famous for its astonishing views of the Athabasca River and snow-topped surrounding peaks.

This trek can be done in one day, but it’s also a viable multi-day hike, so be prepared for a backpacking trip should you wish to explore the entire Skyline Trail. It’ll take about 10 to 12 hours for the day and about two to three days for the multi-day excursion.

Most of the Skyline Trail runs above the tree line, and conditions along the way tend to be dry but muddy at river crossings. There are tons of freely roaming wildlife, so make sure you brush up on some animal safety tips. Unpredictable weather will be your biggest challenge.

This route starts at a higher altitude at Maligne Lake Trailhead and ends at the bottom of Signal Mountain. The most ideal time to trek the Skyline Trail is from July to September. 

13. Bald Hills

• Mileage: 15 km (9.3 miles) loop
• Elevation Gain: 763 meters (2,503 feet)
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

Offering marvelous vistas of Maligne Lake and snowy backdrops of nearby mountains, the Bald Hills Loop is one of Jasper’s most challenging hikes. Ironically, the trek starts off as an easy hike, but as you follow the gravel road up, the path thins out and becomes quite muddy.

You’ll find the Bald Hills Loop Trailhead at a parking lot along Maligne Lake Road. For the best views, take the left branch (called Lovate Scouts) and wind down with the path until you have views of Maligne Lake to the east and the Athabasca River to the west. 

This hike typically takes about four to six hours to complete. You’ll want to do this hike between late spring and early fall, particularly May through October. You can also do this hike in winter, but you’ll only have footprints in the snow as your trail markers.

What To Pack For Jasper National Park

1. Sunscreen: Although our time in the Canadian Rockies was overcast, bring some just in case! >Buy some sunscreen, so you don’t accidentally burn!
2. Hiking Boots/Shoes: OMG this was honestly one of the muddiest, wet places I have ever hiked. If you don’t get actual hiking shoes or boots, you will have wet soggy feet. >Don’t have soggy wet feet. Buy my Hiking Shoes
3. Hiking socks: Having the correct socks helps you prevent getting blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there. I also love how they now have pink socks too 🙂 >Buy Hiking Socks
4. Refillable water bottle: I always bring a Hydroflask on all my adventures. They are on the heavier side, but I know they will not break. I have had a few cheap water bottles break on me before. >Check Prices Now
5. Water: Hiking for sure requires water.
6. Sunglasses: Just in case you get lucky and the sun comes out. Also, I usually wear the most fashionable sunglasses when I hike. 🙂 >Check Out These Sunglasses
7. Snacks: The best meals are jerky, nuts, energy bars. >Clif Bars are great for hiking so click HERE.
8. Trekking Poles: This is an optional product, but they help with the knees. The poles I have listed are known to be one of the best in the market. I am not going to lie; I didn’t use trekking poles in Jasper, but I don’t have problems with my knees. Not everyone’s bodies are the same, so if you feel like you need some extra help, then check out my trekking poles. >Buy My Trekking Poles Here
9. Camera: I have linked the camera I used to take pictures of The Canadian Rockies. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.  >Buy Sony Camera Here
10. Crampons: This will help you not slip and fall with the snow and ice. I didn’t see any snow in Jasper when I went, but if you are hiking before the end of June, I highly recommend getting crampons. It sucks walking in the snow without them. >Buy your Crampons Here
11. First Aid Kit: This is one of the first things I bought when I first started backpacking and camping. It is super portable. >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
12. Day Pack: The REI bag I have linked, I have had for seven years now, and it is still going strong! >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
13. Good hiking pants: These are probably the best hiking pants that I have found. They keep you dry in the crazy weather, and they are durable. I will say that I brought a lot of shorts with me but never wore them. It was a little too cold for me. Your best bet is leggings or hiking pants. >Buy my hiking pants here
14. Breathable sweat-wicking shirts >Check Out This Shirt
15. Sports Bra: For women.
16. Jacket: Yes it was chilly at times in the summer >Buy My Favorite Jacket
17. Base Layers: If you run cold like me I recommend bringing them on the trip (Yes even in the summer). When you start your hike, you can then judge if they are needed or not. >Buy the bottoms here, >Buy the top here
18. Tripod: This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the perfect sunset pictures. >Check out this tripod
19. Bear Spray: You can usually buy this in the city of Jasper.
20. Hammock: Hammocks are a great way to lounge around. They are perfect for naps. >Buy A Packable Hammock
21. Poncho or Rain Jacket: We were rained on so many times, so it is best to take a poncho with you at all times. >Buy A Great Rainjacket Here
22. Headlamp: Just in case you get stuck hiking at night! >Buy A Headlamp Now

FAQs About Jasper National Park’s Best Hikes

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park may be a little overwhelming if you don’t know which questions to ask. Here are a few commonly asked questions to help you adequately prepare.

Where Is the Best Hike in Jasper for Views?

There are many great hikes with incredible views in Jasper National Park, and it would be hard just to choose one. But most hikers say the Sulphur Skyline has amazing views.

Is Banff or Jasper Better for Hiking?

The answer to this depends on your personal preferences. If you want other-worldly alpine scenery in the midst of crowds of visitors, then Banff is for you. But if you’d like solitude in the wilderness, then Jasper would be your best bet.

Next Read: The 15 Absolute Best Hikes in Banff National Park

How Many Grizzly Bears Are in Jasper National Park?

The exact number fluctuates, but Jasper National Park is estimated to have around 100 to 120 grizzly bears.

What Is the Best Month to See the Northern Lights in Jasper?

The best month to see the Northern Lights in Jasper National Park is from September to April, with peak visibility during winter months, especially from December to February.

Tours At Jasper National Park

The Best Jasper National Park Trails Wrapped Up

From sweeping mountain views to dramatic canyons and abundant wildlife, Jasper National Park offers an amazing escape into the Canadian Rockies. Whether you’re looking for an immersive backcountry experience or solitude in the wilderness, Jasper has you covered!

So, lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore one of Canada’s best national parks.

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