Hikes in Alberta

The relatively flat Glacier Lake trail is commonly used by backpackers; however, it makes for an excellent day hike. Whether you are travelling the entirety of the Icefields Parkway or just looking to add a scenic drive to your hike, this is a great hike.

Horseshoe Lake is a crystal blue subalpine lake that is directly off the Icefields Parkway. The trail navigates part of the shoreline while providing great views of the lake and its surrounding cliff walls. There are plenty of spots to sit and relax while taking in the beauty of the landscape at Horseshoe Lake. It is considered a local swimming hole even though the water remains ice cold all summer.

The Patricia Lake Loop is a must-do along the pyramid bench area. This is a multi-use trail available to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. You’ll complete a loop on the north shore of the lake and wrap around through the forest to where you started.

Edith Lake is a pleasant spot with less foot traffic than nearby lakes. The surrounding summits are beautiful and elk frequently dot the shores. Hikers at Edith Lake will also get to enjoy some of the stunning homes that line the lakeshore.

From the Icefields Parkway, follow the lively Beauty Creek to Stanley Falls. The trail is loaded with diverse water features that are all worth a stop. See the turquoise waters flow over golden rocks all the way to Stanley Falls. Plan to take a rest at the falls and spend some time enjoying the destination.

The 5.3 km Beauvert Lake loop trail is a must-do when visiting the famed Jasper Park Lodge. See Pyramid Mountain from a new perspective as you make your way around this pristine lake. There are multiple starting points for this route; however, our route begins at the Old Fort Pt Road access.

The trail to Wabasso Lake is a popular hike south of the town of Jasper. The popular campground across the highway is a great jumping off point for this hike. The trail is easy to moderate and manageable for kids due to its minimal elevation gain. Enjoy the marchy lake, and lookout for wildlife!

The Moose Lake Trail is a very short trail that is suitable for the whole family. It leaves from the popular Maligne Lake area and is the perfect add-on to other Maligne Lake adventures and sightseeing. Get on the trail and stretch your legs after a paddle on the water or a hike up Bald Hills.

Lake Annette is a great hike for all abilities. If you are looking for an easy stroll with nice views, Lake Annette is an option. At only 2.7 km this trail won’t eat up a big chunk of your day and is paired well with a stroll through Maligne Canyon and a visit to Maligne Lake.

The popular Old Man Trail in Jasper is an easy scramble and a local favourite. It can seem like a tough push, but your efforts will be gallantly rewarded with jaw-dropping views from the top. Explore new heights on this full-day route in the Maligne area in Jasper National Park.

The trail to Edge of the World is a 1.1 km out-and-back trail that is well-maintained and moderately visited. If you are on the way to Marmot Basin, you should stop here for a quick stretch of the legs and an incredible view of Jasper National Park. This is an obvious dirt trail that is straightforward and comes to a viewpoint before turning around.

Cover waterfalls, lakes, and dense forest on the Geraldine Lakes Trail. The 11.7 km out-and-back route is a great half-day hike near Jasper. It is a bucket-list trail in Jasper National Park, so make sure to check it off. This is a great trail to some superb mountain lakes that don’t see the large number of visitors that drive-up lakes in the area do.

The Pocahontas Trail is near the Pocahontas Campground and many other trails near the Miette Hot Springs area of Jasper. This trail is easy to follow and leads hikers to stunning Punchbowl Falls, making the trail a bit more exciting for kids!

The Overlander Trail starts at the popular Maligne Canyon area and is close in proximity to many other landmarks and hiking trails. It takes hikers and bikers from point-to-point overlooking the Athabasca River Valley. Take in some history as you pass the structural remains of a historic homestead.

Getting to the Celestine Lake trailhead might be the most difficult part of this trail as it is accessed by a rough dirt road that requires planned one-way travel. You will take the North Boundary Trail to Celestine Lake for an authentic wilderness experience away from Jasper’s crowds.

The easy Boundary Lake trail lies between Mount Hilda and Mount Athabasca along the Icefields Parkway. Being close to the central Icefields Discovery Centre makes this trail an accessible stop when taking a trip along the scenic 93N. A relaxed walk through the woods will get you to Boundary Lake in no time.

The Mina Riley loop connects both Mina and Riley Lakes in the Pyramid Bench trail area of Jasper. Close to downtown and easy to customize by connecting trails nearby, this trail is perfect for a relaxing half-day hike near town.

Many people take the Jasper Skytram to get to the jumping off point for the Whistler’s hike. Skipping the Skytram adds distance and elevation while saving money. You can put in the work to reach the Whistlers by hiking all the way up on the beautifully-maintained trail.

The Lorraine and Mona Lakes trail is a part of the popular backpacking route - The Skyline Trail. This is a great route to explore while visiting the Maligne Lake region of Jasper. The trail is forested and quiet as most hikers travel one direction along the Skyline.

The extremely short Punchbowl Falls trail is well marked and suitable for all abilities. It is a great lookout point near the Pocahontas campground and Miette Hot Springs areas. This route is connected to other trails in the area and can be easily extended. It’s a quick and easy place to stretch the legs if you are passing through.