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6. Sunwapta Falls
Enjoy a rejuvenating stroll along the Sunwapta River! Two powerful waterfalls rush through this gorge just a few steps from the Icefields Parkway.
What You Need to Know
Sunwapta means “turbulent water” in the local Stoney Nakoda First Nation language. And turbulent water you will definitely find here at Sunwapta Falls!
You can easily see the Upper Falls with just a short walk from the parking area. This waterfall is approximately 60 feet high.
If you’d like to lose the crowds, take a hike to Lower Sunwapta Falls. Instead of crossing the bridge to see the Upper Falls, continue straight on the path to reach the Lower Falls. This hike is 1.75 miles roundtrip with 285 feet of elevation gain.
Most people don’t hike to the Lower Falls, but if you do, you’ll be treated to beautiful forest views and the three additional waterfalls that comprise Lower Sunwapta Falls!
Getting Here
From the town of Jasper, drive south along Highway 93/Icefields Parkway for 33.2 miles. When you see the Sunwapta Lodge, turn right onto the road just beyond the lodge’s parking area. This side road dead-ends at the parking area for the waterfall.
7. Valley of the Five Lakes Trail
Discover not one, not two, but FIVE sparkling blue-green lakes on this hike! The Valley of Five Lakes is one of the most beautiful, family-friendly experiences you can have in Jasper.
What You Need to Know
The Valley of Five Lakes is exactly that…a valley with five lakes! You can see each of them with their varying vibrant hues, surrounding mountains, charming forests, wildlife, and those famous red chairs during this exciting hike.
The trail through the Valley of Five Lakes is a 2.8-mile loop with about 215 feet of elevation gain. The elevation gain comes in a few short spurts, but the trail is mostly flat as you travel around the lakes.
I personally prefer seeing the lakes in order, as I feel that you travel in the direction of the best views! To do this, follow Trail 9a for 0.5 miles across the boardwalk (don’t turn onto Trail 9) and up the hill, then take a left at the junction to follow Trail 9b. Hike down the hill on 9b. At the bottom of the hill, you’ll see First Lake on your left. Take a right at the junction with 9a, which will take you to the rest of the lakes and finish out the loop.
Getting Here
From the town of Jasper, drive south along Highway 93/Icefields Parkway for 5.4 miles. You’ll see the trailhead on your left.
8. Lake Time
A sunny beach in Jasper National Park? Get out your sand toys, kayaks, and paddleboards and get ready for a fun day on the water!
What You Need to Know
You’ll find five lakes near the Jasper townsite that are perfect for a day on the water — Lake Edith, Lake Annette, Lac Beauvert, Patricia Lake, and Pyramid Lake.
Lake Annette and Pyramid Lake have the best beaches and, consequently, are the busiest. Lake Edith, Lac Beauvert, and Patricia Lake are better for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing. All of these lakes are within a 15-minute drive from each other, so if you don’t like what you see at one, it’s easy to move on to the next!
Getting Here
All five of these lakes are located within a few miles of the town of Jasper.
9. Old Fort Point Trail
If you’re looking for an easy summit to stand on with gorgeous views, take a hike up the Old Fort Point Trail!
What You Need to Know
This family-friendly trail was a huge surprise for me — it’s amazing that you can find such spectacular views so close to town. Standing on top of Old Fort Point is exhilarating!
The Old Fort Point Trail is a 2.4-mile loop with 425 feet of elevation gain. If you hike the loop clockwise, it’s a much more gradual climb to the top (and when you get up there, you’re hiking with the best views in front of you rather than behind).
You’ll want to stay on Trail 1 the whole time. Start by hiking along the valley floor for about a mile, then turn right at the junction to start making your way up the summit. When you reach the top, you’ll be treated to phenomenal views of the Athabasca River, Mount Edith Cavell, Whistlers, and Lac Beauvert.
And of course, you’ll find some perfectly placed famous red chairs on a spur trail at the summit!
The trail back down the mountain can be a bit steep in some places, so take your time if needed. When you start descending the large wooden staircase, you’ll know that you’ve almost made it to the end of the trail.
Getting Here
As you enter the town of Jasper from the south, take a right onto Hazel Avenue (across the street from the A&W). Drive along Hazel Ave for 0.5 miles, then turn left onto the Old Fort Point Road. Stay on this road for 0.6 miles until you cross the river and see the trailhead on the right.
10. Maligne Lake
Visit the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies! With its snow-capped peaks, sparkling blue water, and sacred island, Maligne Lake is an icon of Jasper National Park.
What You Need to Know
The people of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation believe that mountains are physical representations of their ancestors, which makes Maligne Lake and its famous Spirit Island a sacred place. Spirit Island is actually surrounded by the same mountain range on three sides, which is quite rare!
People come from all over the world to see Spirit Island. There are no trails to the island, so the only way to get there is by paddling your own canoe 18 miles roundtrip or taking a motorized boat tour.
This is one occasion that I definitely recommend taking a tour. The Maligne Lake Cruise is absolutely worth the cost if you hope to see Spirit Island.
Other things to do at Maligne Lake include hiking the Mary Schaffer Loop, paddling around on a canoe or kayak, dining at a lakeside restaurant, or shopping for souvenirs.
Getting Here
From the town of Jasper, head north on Highway 16 toward Edmonton. After 1.1 miles, turn right onto Maligne Lake Road. Drive for 27 miles until the road ends at the parking area for the lake.
Bonus: Sulphur Skyline Trail
If you’re looking for a challenging adventure that pays off with massive mountain views, the Sulphur Skyline Trail is the perfect choice!
What You Need to Know
This trek to the top of the world is Jasper’s premier dayhike. If you’re looking for a challenging activity to fill most of your day, this is a great place to start.
The Sulphur Skyline Trail is 5.5 miles roundtrip with a grueling 2,300-foot elevation gain. This trail never flattens out…it’s a strenuous uphill hike for the entire way. I would say it has three main sections — steep, never-ending switchbacks, and steepest!
If you’re up for the challenge, you’ll earn some of the most spectacular mountain views in all of Jasper. Completing this trail is a truly rewarding experience and something you’ll never forget!
And, as a bonus, the Miette Hot Springs will be waiting for you at the end of your hike.
Getting Here
From the town of Jasper, drive north on Highway 16 (toward Edmonton) for 25.2 miles. Turn right onto the Miette Road and drive for another 10 miles until you reach Miette Hot Springs. Park in the parking lot for the hot springs, and then walk toward the building. You’ll find the beginning of the Sulphur Skyline Trail at the interpretive sign located to the right of the building that houses the hot springs.
Have a fantastic trip to Jasper National Park. Banff National Park is nearby — click NEXT to see the things you can’t miss!
Thank you Ash!! Your descriptions are so helpful including elevation and ‘best direction’ to walk. When planning from ‘Down Under’ it can be difficult to appreciate the scale and to allow sufficient time. Cheers!
You’re welcome William! Enjoy Jasper!!
Ash, what a helpful bunch of information! Thank you so much for the great details. We’re looking forward to checking out Jasper next May-June!
You’re very welcome! I hope you have an amazing trip!