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11 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park (All Difficulties)

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What are the best hikes in Jasper National Park?

It’s no surprise that Jasper National Park has some pretty incredible hikes. Being surrounded by mountains, lakes and wildlife basically screams amazing hiking opportunities ahead!

But of course it can be difficult to narrow down exactly which hike you want to do when visiting Jasper.

It's no surprise that Jasper National Park has some pretty incredible hikes. Being surrounded by mountains, lakes and wildlife basically screams amazing hiking opportunities ahead! But which hikes should you do when visiting Jasper? This guide lists the best hikes in Jasper National Park by skill level, now all you have to do is choose! Pictured here: Sunwapta Falls Trail

To make things easier for you I’ve combined this list of some of the best hikes in Jasper National Park and I’ve divided them by skill level.

Before we get started, if you’re visiting the Canadian Rockies soon you might want to check out these posts:

Now onto the list of the best hikes in Jasper National Park!

Best Easy Hikes in Jasper National Park

I wanted to start this list off with the best easy hikes in Jasper National Park.

These are the kinds of hikes that are friendly enough for the whole family, but still incredibly enjoyable and scenic too.

On these family-friendly hikes in Jasper you can expect nothing too strenuous.

Kids and grandparents alike will easily be able to join in on the fun and enjoy these incredible Jasper hikes.

Athabasca Falls

Total distance: 1 km out and back

The Athabasca falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Jasper National Park and is an absolute must see when you’re in the Jasper area.

The hike itself is only 1 km return and rated as easy so it’s friendly for the whole family.

Here you’ll get to walk along boardwalks and admire the waterfall and racing rapids.

It's no surprise that Jasper National Park has some pretty incredible hikes. Being surrounded by mountains, lakes and wildlife basically screams amazing hiking opportunities ahead! But which hikes should you do when visiting Jasper? This guide lists the best hikes in Jasper National Park by skill level, now all you have to do is choose! Pictured here: Sunwapta Falls Trail

You’ll even get the chance to explore in the canyon before you reach the bottom of the river.

It’s a really stunning place to explore and highly recommended. Especially if this is your first time in the area!

To get get to Athabasca falls from the Jasper townsite you have to drive 33 km (about 27 mins) down the Icefield parkway.

But don’t worry, there are a few other incredible sights to see and more incredibly hikes along the way so it’s 100% worth making the trip.

Notable other hikes along the Icefiled parkway: Mount Edith Cavell and Sunwapta Falls (both listed below)

Sunwapta Falls Trail

Distance: 3.2 km out and back

Just a couple of minutes down the road from Athabasca falls, and on the edge of Jasper National park is Sunwapta Falls.

In my opinion Sunwapta falls is the most beautiful waterfall you’ll see in Jasper National Park and definitely one of the best easy hikes in Jasper you won’t want to miss.

Plus, it’s only about 15 minutes away from Athabasca falls so it’s easy to do both easy hikes in one trip!

It's no surprise that Jasper National Park has some pretty incredible hikes. Being surrounded by mountains, lakes and wildlife basically screams amazing hiking opportunities ahead! But which hikes should you do when visiting Jasper? This guide lists the best hikes in Jasper National Park by skill level, now all you have to do is choose! Pictured here: Sunwapta Falls Trail

The upper and lower waterfalls are fed by the Athabasca Glacier and you don’t have to hike far to get an incredible view of the upper falls (seen above).

In fact, the viewpoint is basically off the parking lot! And as you can see from the picture above, the Sunwapta falls are so incredibly scenic!

A further 1.3 km hike will take you down through the forest to the lower falls.

Here you’ll get to see three waterfalls that spread over the Sunwapta River.

Mount Edith Cavell – Path of the Glacier Trail

Total distance: 3.7 km loop

The Path of the Glacier Trail begins at at the end of Mount Edith Cavell road (by the parking lot).

From here you have a fairly easy hike that takes you to the viewpoint overlooking Cavell Pond and the layered ice of the Cavell glacier.

You’ll most likely see icebergs that have fallen into the water.

Across the valley you’ll see the Angel Glacier that rests it’s “wings” between Mt. Edith Cavell on the left and Sorrow Peak on the right.

It's no surprise that Jasper National Park has some pretty incredible hikes. Being surrounded by mountains, lakes and wildlife basically screams amazing hiking opportunities ahead! But which hikes should you do when visiting Jasper? This guide lists the best hikes in Jasper National Park by skill level, now all you have to do is choose! Pictured here: Mount Edith Cavell Path of the Glacier Trail

It is important to note that due to a change in the landscape this area is now quite dangerous and it is not advised that you approach the Cavell pond. Large chunks of ice are known to fall from the glacier above and cause flash flooding. It is not uncommon that chunks of ice as large as a house have fallen down so it is now best to view the pond from afar.

Once you have finished enjoying the beautiful scenery here you can either head back or continue on the Mount Edith Cavell Meadows Trail (listed below in the moderate level Jasper hikes section).

Pyramid Island

Total distance: 0.6 km out and back

Pyramid Lake Island is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Jasper and the very short and easy hike makes it definitely worth a visit for the whole family.

You’ll find Pyramid Lake about 7.5km from the Jasper Townsite and just down the road from Pyramid Lake Resort.

If you have the chance to spend the night there while you’re in the area I highly recommend it.

It's no surprise that Jasper National Park has some pretty incredible hikes. Being surrounded by mountains, lakes and wildlife basically screams amazing hiking opportunities ahead! But which hikes should you do when visiting Jasper? This guide lists the best hikes in Jasper National Park by skill level, now all you have to do is choose! Pictured here: Pyramid Island

You might recognize the famous bridge that leads to Pyramid Lake Island, it’s been featured in a lot of instagram photos and videos from notable travel creators.

It's no surprise that Jasper National Park has some pretty incredible hikes. Being surrounded by mountains, lakes and wildlife basically screams amazing hiking opportunities ahead! But which hikes should you do when visiting Jasper? This guide lists the best hikes in Jasper National Park by skill level, now all you have to do is choose! Pictured here: Pyramid Island

It’s important to note that there are only 5 parking stalls here so make sure you either come early in the day or after peak hours.

Once you park you’ll walk across this beautiful bridge to get to the island. Sunsets are really beautiful here!

Best Moderate Hikes in Jasper National Park

Mount Edith Cavell Meadows Trail

Total distance: 8.4 km

The Mount Edith Cavell Meadows Trail is an 8.4km heavily trafficked loop that’s rated as moderate.

It is such a beautiful hike and has so many incredible viewpoints along the way.

It's no surprise that Jasper National Park has some pretty incredible hikes. Being surrounded by mountains, lakes and wildlife basically screams amazing hiking opportunities ahead! But which hikes should you do when visiting Jasper? This guide lists the best hikes in Jasper National Park by skill level, now all you have to do is choose! Pictured here: Mount Edith Cavell Meadows Trail

This hike was easily one of my favourites and arguably one of the most beautiful of the best hikes in Jasper National park.

There are multiple viewpoints along the way with the final being the summit.

Sadly I never made it to the top as my travel partner gave up on me but I’ve read it is absolutely incredible and 100% worth doing the last leg.

We stopped at the point you can see above which still had really beautiful views as you can see.

This is definitely one of the best things to do in Jasper and was one of my favourite places we visited during our stay.

Maligne Canyon Loop

Total distance: 3.4 km loop

Maligne Canyon is a 3.4 km heavily trafficked (very popular) loop trail that’s just down the road from the Fairmont that has some pretty spectacular views and photo opportunities

The trail follows alongside the canyon the entire hike and the scenery is absolutely incredible.

Although there is some elevation gain, the inclines are fairly gentle and nothing too difficult or steep so it’s friendly for most of the family.

You’ll see all sorts of incredible viewpoints of the canyon from the Fourth, Third, Second and First Bridges and at various points along the way too.

It's no surprise that Jasper National Park has some pretty incredible hikes. Being surrounded by mountains, lakes and wildlife basically screams amazing hiking opportunities ahead! But which hikes should you do when visiting Jasper? This guide lists the best hikes in Jasper National Park by skill level, now all you have to do is choose! Pictured here: Maligne Canyon

If you’re lucky enough to visit Jasper in the winter you absolutely have to do the Maligne Canyon Ice Walk which will take you deep into the canyon, past frozen waterfalls, and over the frozen river.

More about the Maligne Canyon Ice Walk in this post!

Sulphur Skyline Trail

Total distance: 7.9 km out and back

If you’re looking for a hike in Jasper with an incredible mountain range view, than the Sulphur Skyline Trail is for you.

This short and steep hike will take you to some incredible views at the top.

Experience the unbelievable mountain ranges spanning the Canadian rockies and you’ll truly feel like you’re walking in the clouds.

As an added bonus to your hard work, you can enjoy the Miette Hotsprings after your hike as the trailhead is right behind it.

These natural springs are the perfect place to relax and soothe your sore muscles.

Bald Hills Loop

Total distance: 15 km

Easily one of the best hikes in Jasper National Park and complete with 3 summits to conquer is the Bald Hills Loop.

Pic Credit

In the Maligne Valley, The Bald Hills Loop will give you incredible views on a hike that is ever fairly accessible for beginner hikers.

Along the way you’ll get to take in views of Maligne Lake, glaciers, and the Queen Elizabeth Mountain Range.

Pyramid Lake Loop

Total distance: 5.6 km

The Pyramid Lake Loop is a scenic loop that takes you away from Pyramid Lake up until you reach an incredible viewpoint of Jasper.

Although it is rated as moderate, many hikers (and I agree) say it’s easy enough for most of the family.

You’ll find Pyramid Lake about 7.5km from the Jasper Townsite and just down the road from Pyramid Lake Resort.

If you have the chance to spend the night there while you’re in the area I highly recommend it.

This mostly wooded trail will take you up to an incredibly viewpoint of the Jasper townsite below.

Take note that there is a lot of elevation gained with this hike which is why it’s rated as moderate.

Best Difficult Hikes in Jasper National Park

Opal Hills Loop

Located just a minute away from the Maligne Lake parking lot is the parking lot and trailhead for the Opal Hills loop hiking trail.

It's no surprise that Jasper National Park has some pretty incredible hikes. Being surrounded by mountains, lakes and wildlife basically screams amazing hiking opportunities ahead! But which hikes should you do when visiting Jasper? This guide lists the best hikes in Jasper National Park by skill level, now all you have to do is choose! Pictured here: Opal Hills Loop

The Opal Hills hiking trail is an incredible 7.9km loop that’s absolutely beautiful to do during the fall especially (but really nice in summer too).

This hike is rated as difficult and the first portion is pretty intense as it’s a steady incline for quite some time (don’t worry though, no scrambles! Just tiring).

Once you get to the top though the rest of the loop is easy and so incredibly scenic.

It's no surprise that Jasper National Park has some pretty incredible hikes. Being surrounded by mountains, lakes and wildlife basically screams amazing hiking opportunities ahead! But which hikes should you do when visiting Jasper? This guide lists the best hikes in Jasper National Park by skill level, now all you have to do is choose! Pictured here: Opal Hills Loop

When visiting the Opal Hills loop during the fall you’ll get so see all sorts of incredible colors and foliage.

I really loved this beautiful hike and can’t wait to do it again.

The Whistler’s Trail

Total distance: 15.4 km out and back

The Whistlers Trail is a 15.4km out and back trail that will take you to the top of Whistlers Mountain.

The Whistlers Mountain is the same mountain the Jasper SkyTram goes up.

This hike is rated as difficult, includes some scrambles and can be a challenge.

However, if you’re up to the challenge it’s a great hike!

It's no surprise that Jasper National Park has some pretty incredible hikes. Being surrounded by mountains, lakes and wildlife basically screams amazing hiking opportunities ahead! But which hikes should you do when visiting Jasper? This guide lists the best hikes in Jasper National Park by skill level, now all you have to do is choose! Pictured here: Whistlers Trail

The views at the top are absolutely beautiful.

You’ll be surrounded by mountains and get an incredible view of the town of Jasper.

If you’d rather not do this hike but what to see the incredible views you can take the Jasper SkyTram to the top instead!

Final Thoughts

Jasper is such an incredible place and there really are so many incredible hikes in this area.

No matter what skill level you are, there’s a hike on this list of the best hikes in Jasper National Park for you.

Which Jasper hike are you most excited to do?

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  • It's no surprise that Jasper National Park has some pretty incredible hikes. Being surrounded by mountains, lakes and wildlife basically screams amazing hiking opportunities ahead! But which hikes should you do when visiting Jasper? This guide lists the best hikes in Jasper National Park by skill level, now all you have to do is choose!
  • It's no surprise that Jasper National Park has some pretty incredible hikes. Being surrounded by mountains, lakes and wildlife basically screams amazing hiking opportunities ahead! But which hikes should you do when visiting Jasper? This guide lists the best hikes in Jasper National Park by skill level, now all you have to do is choose!