Jasper National Park is just as beautiful as its more popular neighbor, Banff National Park, but is less crowded because it is a little more difficult to get to. This does not mean that Jasper does not get crowded because it does! Both parks display the best of the Canadian Rockies, so they are highly sought after destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. A great thing about Jasper is that you do not have hike long and difficult trails to see some amazing sights. These easy hikes in Jasper offer the best views of this national park’s natural beauty.

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When to Visit Jasper National Park

The most popular time to visit Jasper National Park is during the summer. The temperatures are warmer, and the sun shining on the rivers and lakes really makes their blue hues shine. However, this time is also the most crowded and is also wildfire season, which could make the skies very hazy.

My favorite time to visit is the shoulder months of spring and fall. The weather is a bit cooler, and the fewer crowds make it worth it. You do run the risk of snowfall and avalanches which could close some of the main sights unexpectedly. But it is worth the risk, in my opinion!

How to Get to Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is not close to any major city, so you will have to drive quite a bit to get to this park. The closest major airports are Prince George International Airport (YXS), Edmonton International Airport (YEG), and Calgary International Airport (YYC). All three airports are around 200-220 miles (320-350 km) from Jasper and will take about 3.5 hours to drive. If you plan to include Banff National Park as part of your trip, then you should fly into Calgary. Banff is located less than an hour from Calgary and is on the way to Jasper.

Where are the Easy Hikes in Jasper National Park

This map was made with Wanderlog, a road trip planner app on iOS and Android

Canada National Park Pass

You are required to buy a Canadian National Park Pass when visiting the Canadian Rockies and will have to show your pass to access Icefields Parkway. You do not need to buy a separate pass for each park. Park passes can be purchased online prior to arrival or at the park entrance. If you buy your pass prior to arrival, allow ample time before you begin your Banff itinerary for the pass to be delivered to you. Make sure your pass is clearly displayed on the windshield of your vehicle to avoid being ticketed.

Bear Safety

Anytime visiting this area, but especially in the active Spring season, take extra precautions when hiking in remote areas. Odds are you will not use it, but it is a good idea to carry bear spray on hikes. Try to hike in groups of 3 or more also. Bears usually only attack when they are startled or protecting their young.

What to Pack for Jasper National Park

Water!! I recommend bringing a refillable water bottle or two.
Bug Spray – Keep those pesky bugs away!
Sunscreen – Protect your skin from the sun, and do not forget to reapply.
Hat – More sun protection to block the sun from your face, but the hat can also keep rain off your face.
Hiking shoes/boots – These are waterproof so walking in muddy areas will not be a problem. Here are the men‘s version of the hiking shoes I love.
Hiking socks – The best way to prevent blisters is by keeping your feet dry. Moisture-wicking socks are the best way to do that.
Backpack – A backpack is a necessity when hiking to carry your water, snacks, sunscreen, etc. that you may need on your longer hikes.
RTIC Soft-Sided Cooler – Keep your drinks and food cool in this soft cooler.
Packing Cubes – Keep your stuff organized in your luggage with these packing cubes.
Rain Jacket – Rain can (and probably will) occur at some point, so make sure to pack your men’s or women’s rain jacket.
Waterproof Pants – If visiting in the rainy season, waterproof pants will help keep your legs dry. Men’s Pants.
Jacket – Even in warmer months, the temps can be cool so pack a light men’s or women’s jacket.

Best Easy Hikes in Jasper National Park

1. Valley of the Five Lakes

Trail Length – 3.0 miles (4.8 km)
Elevation Gain – 528 feet (161 m)
Route Type – Out and back
Parking Situation – The parking lot holds approximately 100 cars and has around 15 extra long parking spots for RVs or buses.
Restroom Situation – There are pit toilets in the parking area.

Valley of the Five Lakes is my favorite easy hike in Jasper. The distance is long enough and the elevation is steep enough that this could be considered a moderate hike. However, with the five lakes spread throughout the trail, you will be making lots of stops to marvel at each lake. All these stops will offer plenty of rest making it feel like an easy trail.

Each of the five lakes are a gorgeous jewel-toned color, but the color of each lake is different from the other. The blue and green hues of the lakes is dependent on the glacial rock dust, special algae, depth of the lake, and other factors. Keep a lookout for the famous red chairs located between Third Lake and Fourth Lake.

2. Maligne Canyon Trail to Bridge No. 5

Trail Length – 2.7 miles (4.3 km)
Elevation Gain – 426 feet (130 m)
Route Type – Out and back
Parking Situation – The parking lot holds approximately 150 vehicles at Bridge 1 and 100 vehicles at Bridge 5.
Restroom Situation – There are restrooms in the gift shop at Bridge 1 and pit toilets in the parking area of Bridge 5.

Maligne Canyon Trail takes you along the Maligne River canyon and crosses 6 bridges. However, the best part of the trail skips the Bridge 6 portion and goes between Bridge 1 and Bridge 5. You can start the trail from Bridge 1 or Bridge 5. If you want to add Bridge 6 in your overall hike, then you will need to add 2.1 miles (3.4 km) to your total hiking distance. After you complete the Bridge 1 to Bridge 5 trail, you can drive to Bridge 6 to see what it is all about without adding the extra mileage. The Bridge 1 area also has a gift shop and cafe.

3. Athabasca Falls

Trail Length – 0.6 miles (1.0 km)
Elevation Gain – 26 feet (8 m)
Route Type – Out and back
Parking Situation – The parking lot holds approximately 80 vehicles.
Restroom Situation – There are pit toilets in the parking area.

Athabasca Falls is more like a short walk from the parking area than an easy hike in Jasper. There is not really a trail, but a path to walk around and explore the area. Athabasca Falls is a 79 feet (24 m) tall on the upper Athabasca River. The powerful water plunges and churns carving a narrow gorge through quartzite and limestone.

4. Pyramid Island

Trail Length – 0.4 miles (0.6 km)
Elevation Gain – 13 feet (4 m)
Route Type – Out and back
Parking Situation – The parking lot holds approximately 15-20 vehicles.
Restroom Situation – There are pit toilets in the parking area.

Pyramid Island is located in Pyramid Lake and has a bridge that connects the island to the mainland. Walk around the island for views of the lake. At the farthest end of the island, you can get a peak at Pyramid Mountain across the lake. There is also a small wedding venue on this island. As a bonus hike, you can walk to the Jasper Red Chair Pyramid Overlook, which is about half a mile roundtrip.

5. Spirit Island Lookout

Trail Length – 0.2 miles (0.3 km)
Elevation Gain – 3 feet (1 m)
Route Type – Loop
Parking Situation – The parking lot holds approximately 150 vehicles in the Maligne Lake Cruise area.
Restroom Situation – There are pit toilets in the parking area and restrooms in gift shop.

Spirit Island Lookout is the most beautiful spot in all of Canada, in my humble opinion. While the trail for this lookout is only a mere 0.2 miles, getting here can be challenging and requires some planning. The most popular way to get here is by the Maligne Lake Cruise which is also a incredible experience with unforgettable views of Maligne Lake and the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Because of its popularity, the cruise sells out, so book your tickets early!

6. Beauty Creek to Stanley Falls

Trail Length – 2.4 miles (3.9 km)
Elevation Gain – 456 feet (139 m)
Route Type – Out and back
Parking Situation – The parking lot holds approximately 15-20 vehicles.
Restroom Situation – There are no pit toilets in the parking area. However the Glacier View Lodge has restrooms and is only a few miles drive away.

Beauty Creek to Stanley Falls may be the most underrated easy hike in Jasper National Park. The parking lot is located just a few miles from the Athabasca Glacier. As you walk along Beauty Creek, you will pass several waterfalls and narrow canyons until to get to the grand finale, Stanley Waterfall.

7. Path of the Glacier

Trail Length – 1.1 miles (1.8 km)
Elevation Gain – 275 feet (84 m)
Route Type – Out and back
Parking Situation – The parking lot holds approximately 200 vehicles.
Restroom Situation – There are pit toilets in the parking area.

Path of the Glacier is an easy hike in Jasper that takes you to the first viewpoint of Angel Glacier. Water trickles down into a turquoise lake at the base of Mt. Edith Cavell as the glacier melts. Icebergs can be seen floating around Cavell Lake. If you want to extend this hike into a longer, more difficult one, then continue to Edith Cavell Meadows Trail, which is a 4.6-mile (7.4-km) loop.

8. Goats and Glaciers Viewpoint

Trail Length – 0.2 miles (0.3 km)
Elevation Gain – 6 feet (2 m)
Route Type – Out and back
Parking Situation – The parking lot holds approximately 40 vehicles.
Restroom Situation – There are pit toilets in the parking area.

Goats and Glaciers Viewpoint is a short walk from the parking lot with views of, you guessed it, glaciers and goats. Mountain goats frequent this area, so you are likely to see some during your visit. But even if you do not see these wildlife, this lookout is still worth the stop. The overlook has marvelous views of the Athabasca River and Fryatt Mountain Range.

9. Moose Lake Loop

Trail Length – 1.7 miles (2.7 km)
Elevation Gain – 354 feet (108 m)
Route Type – Loop
Parking Situation – The parking lot holds approximately 100 vehicles.
Restroom Situation – There are restrooms in the parking area.

Moose Lake was an unexpected surprise that I just happened upon when visiting Maligne Lake. This hike is lesser known and therefore, not very crowded at all. The trail takes you through dense forest and opens up to Moose Lake. Moose Lake gets its name because moose frequently visit to munch on aquatic vegetation here. Do not approach moose (or any wildlife for that matter) for your safety as well as the animals’ safety.