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Jasper Townsite & Area Day Hikes

Jasper Area Campgrounds and their Facilities

Backcountry Hiking in Jasper National Park

Backcountry opportunities in Jasper National Park are bountiful and vary from short day hikes to longer treks of 10 days or more. Day hiking opportunities are highlighted in the pamphlet titled "Day Hikers' Guide to Jasper National Park", while longer trips are described in the summary below.

TWO-DAY HIKES (total distance less than 34 km)

SATURDAY NIGHT LAKE LOOP- 27.4 km. Elevation gain 540m. Maximum elevation 1700 m. A good novice trail on a plateau, beginning and ending in the Jasper townsite. The route is all below timberline making it a good selection for the novice or early season hiker. Campsites are at Saturday Night Lake, High Lakes and Minnow Lake. Seasonal fishing in all lakes except Cabin Lake. Map: Jasper 83D/16.

JACQUES LAKE - 12 km one way. Elevation gain 90 m. Maximum elevation 1555 m. A good choice for novice hikers. The trailhead is at the south end of Medicine Lake, 28 km from Jasper townsite. An easy hike, the trail begins with a walk along a fire road for 1.6 km to Beaver Lake. The remaining 10.4 km follow a well-defined trail to the campsite at the far end of Jacques Lake. Camping is not permitted at Beaver Lake. Seasonal fishing in all lakes. Map: Medicine Lake 83C/13.

SECOND GERALDINE LAKE - 6 km one way. Elevation gain 400 m. Maximum elevation 1875 m. Access to the trailhead is from the Geraldine fire road, just north of Athabasca Falls on Highway 93A. The parking area is 6 km up the fire road. The first 2 km of this trail are deceptively easy, travelling along a well defined path to the first of the Geraldine Lakes. Beyond this point, however, the work (and rewards) begin. The trail climbs steeply along a waterfall, across a large boulder field and skirts the edge of a tam (small glacial lake). It continues along an even steeper pitch to a viewpoint. You'll reach the only campsite at the far end of the second lake. Good hiking boots and endurance are absolute requirements for this trip. Map: Athabasca Falls 83C/12. Use of a stove is mandatory.

WATCHTOWER BASIN - 9.8 km one way. Elevation gain 985 m. Maximum elevation 2375 m. Trailhead about 18 km from Jasper townsite on Maligne Road. A relatively steep climb leads to an alpine meadow. Hikers must ford a small creek to reach the campsite. Access to the Skyline Trail is 3.5 km beyond the campsite. Map: Medicine Lake 83C/14.

THREE-DAY HIKES (total distance 34 - 50 km)

FORTRESS LAKE - 24.2 km. Elevation gain nil. Maximum elevation 1400 m. Trailhead is at Sunwapta Falls, about 55 km south of the townsite on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). The trail travels along the valley bottom to a bridged crossing of the Athabasca River. Fording of the Chaba River is necessary and can be difficult when the river is high. Maps: Athabasca Falls 83C/12, Fortress Lake 83C/5.

MALIGNE PASS- 48 km. Elevation gain 700 m. Maximum elevation 2240 m. Trailheads are at Maligne Lake (50 km from Jasper townsite) and at km 72 on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). The trail tends to remain wet throughout the season but all major crossings are bridged. The pass area is a lovely alpine meadow, but the remainder of the trail lies in heavy timber. Some horse use. Maps: Sunwapta Peak 83C/6, Southesk Falls 83C/11, Athabasca Falls 83C/12.

SKYLINE - 45km. Elevation gain 1380 m. Maximum elevation 2490 m. Trailheads are at Maligne Lake (50 km from Jasper townsite) and just before Maligne Canyon (about 8 km from Jasper on the Maligne Road). Snow in higher areas may remain until mid-July. While the route passes through some wet and boggy areas, its entire length is very scenic. Since most of the trail is above treeline, firewood is unavailable and use of a stove is mandatory. Maps: Medicine Lake 83c/13, Athabasca Falls 83C/12.

TONQUIN VALLEY - 42 km. Elevation gain 700 m. Maximum elevation 2210 m. Trailheads are at km 12.7 on the Cavell Rd and at km 6.3 on the Marmot Basin Rd. This is a beautiful alpine region although in rainy seasons the trail gets muddy. Use of a stove is mandatory. There are several good day hikes in this area. Seasonal fishing is permitted in Amethyst and Moat Lakes. Regular horse use during July and August can make trails difficult for hikers. Maps: Amethyst Lakes 83D/9, Jasper 83D/16.

FRYATT VALLEY - 20 km one way. Elevation gain 760 m. Maximum elevation 1980 m. Access to the trailhead is via Highway 93A and the Geraldine fire road just north of Athabasca Falls. The trailhead is approximately 2 km up the fire road. The first 10 km are very flat with all of the elevation gain occurring after Fryatt Creek campsite. Camping is not allowed at Fryatt Lake and fishing is poor. Map: Athabasca Falls 83C/12.

FOUR DAY HIKES (total distance 50 - 80 km)

FIDDLE RIVER - 25 km one way. Elevation gain 1025 m. Maximum elevation 2120 m. The trail begins behind the old pool building at Miette Hotsprings (60 km from the townsite). It is relatively primitive and has few bridged crossings. Some short sections of trail may be very muddy. Beyond Whitehorse Pass a well-defined trail continues down to a point near Cadomin on the forestry trunk road. Map: Miette 83F/4.

POBOKTAN-BRAZEAU-NIGEL - 80 km - Elevation gain 750 m. Max. elevation 1950 m. Trailheads are 72 km and 112 km south of Jasper townsite on the Icefields Parkway. The trail passes through extensive alpine meadows and two passes. Seasonal fishing may be good in Brazeau Lake. Snow levels may hinder travel until mid-July. Horse traffic. Maps: Sunwapta Peak 83C/6, Columbia Icefield 83C/3.

JONAS PASS - 53 km. Elevation gain 555 m. Maximum elevation 2470 m. Trailheads are the same as for Poboktan-Nigel-Brazeau. This is an impressive hike with over 13 km of travel above treeline. Good views and prime habitat for park wildlife including hoary marmot and mountain caribou. No camping is allowed in Jonas Pass. Campsites are located at the beginning and end of the 20 km pass section. Horse use prohibited. Maps: Sunwapta Peak 83C/6, Columbia Icefield 83C/3.

SEVEN-DAY HIKES (total distance approx. 100 km)

ATHABASCA PASS - 51 km one way. Elevation gain 560 m. Maximum elevation 1800 m. Access to the trailhead is via Highway 93A south, then follow Moab Lake fire road for 6.4 km. The trail follows the Whirlpool River valley, the traditional route of early fur traders. Large gravel flats and glaciers dominate the scenery in sections. All major crossings are bridged. Some horse traffic. Maps: Athabasca Falls 83C/12, Amethyst Lakes 83D/9, Athabasca Pass 83D/8.

TEN-DAY HIKES (total distance less than 200 km)

These are wilderness hikes requiring careful planning.

NORTH BOUNDARY - 192 km. Elevation gain 1055 m. Maximum elevation 2019 m. Trailheads are at Celestine Lake parking lot (limited access), 53 km from Jasper townsite, and at Mount Robson, 88 km west on Highway 16. The trail is well marked and all major river crossings are bridged. A variety of side trips are possible. Some horse traffic. Maps: Snaring 83E/l, Rock Lake 83E/8, Blue Creek 83E/7, Twintree Lake 83E/6, Mt. Robson 83E/3.

SOUTH BOUNDARY - 176 km. Elevation gain 790 m. Maximum elevation 2255 m. Trailheads are at Medicine Lake (28 km from townsite) on the Maligne Rd and at Camp Parker (112 km from townsite) on the Icefields Parkway. The trail is well marked and most major crossings are bridged. A few side trips are possible. Maps: Columbia Icefield 83C/3, Sunwapta Peak 83C/6, Job Creek 83C/7, George Creek 83C/10, Southesk 83C/11, Mountain Park 83C/14, Medicine Lake 83C/13.

Jasper Area Campgrounds and their Facilities

1. Pocahontas (44km from Jasper) 130 sites, 10 walk-in tent sites, flush toilets, hot/cold water. May-Oct; $13

2. Snaring River (16km from Jasper) 56 sites, 10 walk-in tent sites, kitchen shelter, dry toilets. May-Sept; $10

3. Whistlers (3 km from Jasper) 781 sites, kitchen shelter, sewage disposal, hook-ups, showers, flush toilets, (showers and toilets wheelchair access). May-Oct. $15-$22

4. Wapiti (3.8 km from Jasper) 366 sites, kitchen shelter, flush toilets, showers, electricity.May-Sept; $15-$18

5. Wabasso (16 km from Jasper) 232 sites, 6 walk-in tent sites, flush toilets, hot/cold water, sewage disposal. May-Sept; $13

6. Mt. Kerkeslin (36 km from Jasper) 42 sites, kitchen shelter, dry toilets, swimming. June-Sept; $10

7. Honeymoon lake (52 km from Jasper) 35 sites, kitchen shelter, dry toilets, swimming. May-Oct; $10

8. Jonas Creek (77 km from Jasper) 13 sites, 12 walk-in tent sites, kitchen shelter, dry toilets, May-Oct; $10

9. Icefield (109 km from Jasper) 30 sites, kitchen shelter, dry toilets. Tents only. May-Oct;$10

10. Willcox Creek (111 km from Jasper) 46 sites, kitchen shelter, dry toilets, sewage disposal. June-Sept; $10

Jasper Townsite & Area Day Hikes

Jasper Hiking & Mt. Biking Map

The following trails are all close to the town of Jasper. Most trailheads can be reached by walking, cycling or driving.

Saturday Night Lake Circle #3 (Pyramid Exit, Pyramid Lake Road)

Length: 27.5km (total).

If you decide to hike the whole circuit, this trail is an overnight trip or a very long day hike. However, if you are looking for a short hike to a backcountry lake within walking distance of the townsite, you can travel a portion of this circuit in either direction.

Trailheads: There are two: The parking lot opposite the town pool (see B on map): or the parking lot in the west end of town just before the Cabin Creek West subdivision (see A on map).

Profile: (*From trailhead B) This trail loops through one of the lake districts on Pyramid Bench beginning with a climb to the left across a steep slope. It then widens and leads to the Cabin Lake Fireroad and up to Cabin Lake. The trail skirts the north shoreline of the lake, then passes a series of swamps in the valley below before reaching the Saturday Night Lake trail junction at km 8.8. The path to the lake is a moderate 0.5 km climb.

The main trail continues on through a number of small hills and valleys interspersed with low boggy areas. At the High Lakes junction (km13.4) a short path leads to the campsite at High Lakes. The main trail continues along the plateau and then descends quite steeply to the Minnow Lake junction at km 17.6. The lake is 0.8 km northwest of the junction.

The remainder of the trail follows a gentle downhill grade, passing Caledonia Lake at 22.4, the junction to Hibernia Lake at km 24 and Marjorie Lake, just past km 24.6. Another 2.6 km brings you to the end of the trail beside the Cabin Creek West subdivision. Trail

Note: Camping is allowed only at primitive campsites at Saturday Night Lake, High Lakes, and Minnow Lake and a mandatory Park Use Permit is required. Check with the Trail Office. In season, trout fishing is possible in all lakes except Cabin, which is the source of the townsite's water supply.

Old Fort Point Loop # 1-1A (Old Fort Exit. Connaught Drive/93A; Not signed, look for controlled railway crossing at Hazel Ave.)

Length: 6.5 km return.

Trailhead: Use the Old Fort Exit and follow 93A crossing the railway tracks and Highway 16 (caution: uncontrolled intersection). Continue until you come to the Old Fort Point/Lac Beavuvert turnoff. Turn left and follow the road to the parking lot just beyond the bridge (Trailhead G on the map). Use the parking lot on the right. Total distance to trailhead: 1.6 km.

Profile: This short, moderately steep trail is ideal for hikers interested in both the human and the natural history of the park. The name "Old Fort" probably refers to "Henry House" a Northwest Company Trading Post which was located further downstream. One can imagine fur traders and Company men in the area climbing up the Old Fort Point for a bird's eye view of the valley. Just above lies the confluence of Miette and Athabasca Rivers: important routes during the fur trade era. From the parking lot, climb the steep staircase to your right, past the stone cairn to where the trail forks. The branch to the left climbs to the top of the knoll. (The right hand branch follows the Athabasca River and eventually joins the Valley of the Five lakes trail (#9) approximately 10 km away). The view from the top is a rewarding sweep from Mount Edith Cavell in the south, to Mount Bridgland, the Victoria Cross Range, the limestone front ranges, Jasper townsite, Jasper Park Lodge and the surrounding lakes. Bighorn sheep frequent this area. The trail descends gradually to the 1A junction. From this point, the left branch takes you back to the parking area along the north side of the hill. The right branch leads to the Valley of the Five Lakes trail.

The Whistlers #5(Connaught West, Connaught Drive/Icefields Parkway 93/Highway 16)

Length: 7 km one way.

Trailhead: Use the Connaught West Exit and travel 1.8 km south on the Icefields Parkway, #93. Turn right onto Whistler Mountain Road and travel 2.8 km to a gravel access road just before the Whistler Hostel. Turn left to the trailhead parking area just beyond. Trailhead J on the map.

Profile: This is an uphill hike that requires good physical condition and stamina. The trail climbs approximately 1200 m vertical, but the effort is well rewarded by the panoramic views of the Miette and Athabasca River Valleys from the summit. Along the way the route passes through three major life zones of the park - mountain forest in the valley bottoms, subalpine forest on the mid-slopes and, near the summit alpine tundra. Each is characterized by its own plants and animals which are well represented along the trail.

The trail begins with a series of long switchbacks bordered by dense vegetation and, in season, beautiful summer flowers. It then turns toward the Tramway and crosses under the cable, downslope from the midpoint tower. Tree growth becomes sparse as the trail ascends into a large basin and eventually up to the Tramway's upper terminal. From there, a much wider, self-guiding interpretive trail continues on to the mountain's summit.

Trail Note: Drinking water may be scarce along this trail so carry a supply.

Valley of the Five Lakes #9 (Connaught West, Connaught Drive/Icefields Parkway 93/Highway 16)

Length: 2.3 km one way.

Most people choose to hike just the Five Lakes portion of this lengthy trail. The description which follows covers this section only. If you are interested in more information on the section from the Old Fort Point trail #1 or the section connecting to Wabasso lake, check with the park staff at the Trail Office.

Trailhead: Use the Connaught West Exit and continue for 9 km on the Icefields Parkway to Trailhead K on map.

Profile: This trail offers a variety of features - rolling hills, forests, meadows, marshes, streams and five beautiful lakes. If you're observant and tread lightly, you will also detect signs of mule deer, elk, beaver, bear, coyote and squirrels. The lakes are the highlight however and the trail skirts all five. Look for picnic spots at lakeside; some equipped with firegrates and picnic tables.

The trail begins with a leisurely walk through lodgepole pine forest continuing across a boardwalk and, after crossing the trail leading to Old Fort Point, steadily climbing a ridge at km 1. The views from this ridge are surprisingly good with Mount Edith Cavell figuring prominently across the valley. The trail continues down into the lakes area from this point. Turn left at the first junction and continue along the trail as it leads between the first and second lakes.

Note: At the junction just beyond, turn right to complete the circuit. A left turn would lead you toward the town of Jasper via the Old Fort Point trail.

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