Top 10 Hiking And Trekking Spots In Jasper, Canada

hiking in jasper
Sumit
Sumit 
Updated
| 4 min read

Jasper in the Canadian Rockies has many ideal destinations for hikers and trekkers. It is the place to be if you are into outdoor activities. It has options for hiking and trekking and there are levels from beginners to moderate to expert. You get to experience nature’s bounty and relax in unspoiled environs. Visitors find immense pleasure and happiness being surrounded by the beauty of the landscape, soaking in the natural beauty of the flora and fauna. Wildlife found at Jasper include eagles, chipmunks, bears, and more. A lifetime of memories can be attained by visiting and spending time at this wonderful destination. Visitors have the opportunity to undertake a variety of outside activities that are diverse in nature. They also have the option to plan out single- or multi-day hikes. Check out the best hiking and trekking spots in Jasper, Canada.

1. Opal Hills Loop Trailhead

Spirit Island on Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park/Spirit Island sur le lac Maligne, parc national Jasper, Alberta
Source: Photo by user Edwin Poon used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Opal Hills Loop Trailhead has an elevation of 460 meters (1,509.2 feet) and is 8.2 kilometers (5.1 miles) long. This hiking and trekking destination has a wide variety of wildflowers and is a nature lover’s delight. The trail begins with a steep climb and remains so for a long distance till it reaches the meadows. This trail is considered difficult and will not be suitable for beginners. The best time to go a trek or a hike in this destination is from March until October.

Opal Hills Loop Trailhead

Address: Maligne Lake Rd, Jasper, AB T0E 1E1

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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2. Valley of the Five Lakes

Valley of Five Lakes (9826528935)
Source: Photo by user Gary used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Valley of the Five Lakes is a 4.5-kilometer (2.8 miles) trail and one of the most visited hiking and trekking destination in Canada. The beauty of all the five lakes cannot be expressed in words. The trek is rated as moderate and is a good trail for hikers and trekkers of beginner levels. The best time to visit this destination is between March to October. Visitors can take their dogs along on this trail but they need to be kept on a leash. Apart from hiking and trekking, this destination is apt for bird-watching.

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3. Cavell Meadows Trail

Chak Peak, Franchere Peak, Aquila Mountain
Source: Photo by user 潘世博 used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Next on our list is Cavell Meadows Trail. It is 6.1 kilometers (3.8 miles) in length. The best time to visit this place is from the months of July to September. Some words of warning though: mosquitos can be a major problem so do take the necessary precautions. Subsequently, there are chances of avalanches along the passage of the trek so one needs to be alert at all times. The trail offers varied outdoor activities options and is ideal for families, too.

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4. Skyline Trail

From the Skyline Trail (27474580077)
Source: Photo by user Paul used under CC BY 2.0

This trail is a tough one and would be recommended for only expert hikers and trekkers as it is 48.1 kilometers’ (29.8 miles) length. The best time for visiting Skyline Trail in Jasper, Canada is from May to September. This is a multi-day trail and hence visitors should be well-packed with water, food, snacks, clothing, and other essentials. There are a number of camping groups around the route where water can be obtained. There is a lake along the trail where many visitors spend a lot of time.

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5. Maligne Canyon Trail

Upper Maligne Canyon rim trail
Source: Photo by user daveynin used under CC BY 2.0

Maligne Canyon Trail is a beautiful trail option in Jasper, Canada. It is shorter in distance as compared to other trails in our list. The distance is 3.4 kilometers (2.11 miles) and is rated moderate in level. There are a lot of bird-watchers and nature lovers who visit this place to spend time. The best months to visit this trailing destination is between April to September. One also gets to experience the beauty of a waterfall too in this trail along with beautiful landscapes.

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6. Pyramid Lake Loop


With a trail length of 5.6 kilometers (3.4 miles), Pyramid Lake Loop is next in our list. This trail is rated as moderate . Apart from hiking and trekking, the trail is used by visitors for bird-watching,horseback riding, and snowshoeing. The best months to visit this destination is between May until October. Pets can be brought along but need to be kept on their leashes. Pyramid Lake Resort is close by which should also be included in the itinerary if time permits.

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7. Path of the Angel Glacier

Angel Glacier, Mt. Edith Clavell, Jasper National Park
Source: Photo by user Frank Kovalchek used under CC BY 2.0

Path of the Angel Glacier is a short trail of 3.7 kilometers (2.29 miles) and moderate in nature. People also visit this trail for nature trips and bird-watching apart from hiking and trekkings. Visitors are allowed to visit this destination all through the year. This is a good trail for beginners. Icebergs can be seen on the lake from time to time. This is a family-friendly trail. One can view the Aquila and Franchere mountains from the viewpoint. The path is narrow and hence hikers and trekkers should be careful.

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8. Bald Hills Trail

Deer - Bald Hills, Jasper
Source: Photo by Flickr user Jess Wood used under CC BY 2.0

A 13.2-kilometer (8.02 miles) trail, Bald Hills is another of the favorite hiking and trekking destination. It is rated moderate in level and this trail also has a large number of visitors who come for nature trips and bird-watching. The best time to visit this place is between May to October every year. This trail will not be ideal for children as it does not have a steady path. The Maligne Lake Boat Cruise can be combined along with this trail.

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9. Verdant Pass


Verdant Pass is a 19.5-kilometer (12.11 miles) trail and is rated as difficult. It is not suitable for beginners nor for children. The trail starts at the Tonquin Valley. Horse riding is a common activity here, too. The trail is seldom crowded and the landscapes are beautiful. There are loads of mosquitoes so one needs to come prepared for it. They reduce as the trail gets higher. It is a great trail for bird-watchers as a variety of birds can be seen.

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10. Jasper National Park (from USD 57.94)

hiking in jasper | jasper national park

The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is a dream destination for hikers and trekkers. With the enormous space available, there are some unbelievable and phenomenal paths in this world-renowned hiking and trekking destination. With 10,877.9 square kilometers (4,200 square miles) of forests and wilderness, Jasper National Park is situated north of Banff National Park. Located in Alberta, Canada, this national park offers distinct, diverse, and spectacular landscapes along with varied flora and fauna. Jasper National Park is an ideal destination for a solo trip, as well as a group destination.

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Jasper National Park: Interpretive Nature Walk

Duration: 3 hour

Go hiking in Jasper

The alpine town of Jasper is frequently visited by tourists who want to explore Jasper National Park. Jasper is a great starting point for hikers and trekkers as many hiking and trekking spots can be easily reached from here. Check out these top trails if you’re heading to the area.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Sumit lived in the UK for 10 years and experienced the hustle and bustle of the urban life. However, the serene Scottish country side is where his heart lies. He is still unable to understand Welsh...Read more

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