Whether you’re new to hiking, short on time, or taking the whole family along, Jasper National Park has some great hikes that are suitable for everyone. At four months old, we have taken our son on all of these hikes!
Athabasca Falls
South of Jasper along the Icefields Parkway, you will find Athabasca Falls. This is a walk jam packed with stunning viewpoints, and tons of canyon nooks and crannies to explore.
Sunwapta Falls
Another parkway stop, Sunwapta is a set of falls fed by the Athabasca Glacier, and is beautiful to visit in every season. The upper falls are easily accessible from the parking lot. The lower falls, pictured below, is a 3.2km out and back trail.
Valley of the Five Lakes
This hike is a 4.8km loop featuring five beautiful lakes. You can hike clockwise or counterclockwise, either way, expect a gentle climb. The beauty of the lakes offers a huge payoff for such a short hike.
Moose Lake Loop
Another loop trail, this 2.7km hike takes you past Moose Lake, a perfect spot to stop for a snack. This trail is wide enough for a double chariot to fit if you want to bike or snowshoe while hauling the kiddos.
Hidden Cove
Located on Maligne Lake, in the summer months, Hidden Cove is only accessible by paddle. The freezing of the lake in the winter allows you to cross country ski or snowshoe approximately 4km over the lake to the cove. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even camp overnight!
Maligne Canyon
Last, but certainly not least Maligne Canyon is a unique place to explore. It is especially a nice treat in the winter, when you can head down into the canyon and walk along the frozen water. Crampons are a must when doing this hike.
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