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Panorama from the Path of the Angel Glacier hike in Jasper National Park, Alberta

Path of the Angel Glacier Route Guide

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Easy
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
87 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
1.6 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
0.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead
This is our favorite family-friendly hike in all of Jasper, with a well-maintained path taking you to a dramatic viewpoint up close to a glacier and stunning lake below. If you're lucky you'll see icebergs in the lake and a few marmots along the walk.

Route Description for Path of the Angel Glacier

Since you've gained a lot of elevation during your drive to the trailhead, remember your jacket, as it is often much colder here than down in Jasper.

The trailhead is found at the far side of the upper parking lot. The entire path is paved, though at times narrow, however it can accommodate most strollers. This short hike climbs gently up to a stunning view of the Angel Glacier, and the moraine lake below.

The large viewpoint has several information signs and is fenced off. Don't pass the protective fencing, as calving off the glacier can create massive waves that are dangerous to those near to the lake. We’ve seen people walk down to go right beside the lake itself, however Parks Canada is quick to warn you that there is frequent rock and icefall off the Glacier and its adjacent mountains.

Take a few glances back from the viewpoint – you will see wonderful sights of the red-tinted Franchere and Aquila Mountains. Take the path back down to return to your vehicle. Drive slowly on the steep route back to Jasper.

Insider Hints for Path of the Angel Glacier

  • The drive to this hike is incredible, and many people stop to take pictures.  We recommend not stopping to take pictures as the road is very narrow.
  • The Edith Cavell Hostel is a great base to explore this area.  You can hike this Angel Glacier Hike, or Cavell Meadows hike one day and then head to Verdant Pass another day.
  • Many tourists like to get as close as possible to the small lake filled with chunks of ice below the Angel Glacier. However, Parks Canada recommends staying well back from the lake, as there is frequent rockfall and icefall.

Getting to the Path of the Angel Glacier Trailhead

From Jasper take the route 93 south. After approximately 12.1 km, turn right onto Mount Edith Cavell Rd. This road is extremely narrow and taking a campervan up the way is prohibited. As well, any trailer or fifth wheels must be taken off at the bottom. Continue uphill along the narrow route for almost 15 km until you reach the parking at the very end of the road. There is also parking across a gravel road right at the trailhead, with additional parking below right beside the street.

Route Information for Path of the Angel Glacier

  • When to do:

    June through October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    No

  • Toilets:

    Trailhead

  • Family friendly:

    Yes

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    High

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Path of the Angel Glacier Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews for Path of the Angel Glacier

9.9
27 reviews
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hunterSeptember 2021

Sept 15/21 my daughter, cousin and I hiked to the base of Angel glacier. It took us 2 hrs to hike there, mostly sideways and an hour to hike back..I just turned 67 years old last month and I will do it again. I felt emotional to be able to touch this beautiful glacier...it was a dream come true and my second best experience in my life 🙏❤️❗

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
03:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
PeterHopkinsAugust 2020

Stunning! No wonder why this hike is crowds favorite

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
02:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
kelsih_99August 2020

suuuper quick and easy, I did this with my older parents and they were totally fine. nice view though! good for a chill, easy one

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Alex SamuelJune 2020

It was a great experience. You'll see melting glaciers and amazing landscapes. Can't help but admire it.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Jackson C.June 2020

We told ourselves we'll do this hike too, after seeing the views from Cavell Meadows. Definitely worth it!

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Mandy H.May 2020

The glaciers were enourmous! It was amazing!

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
hannahthornsOctober 2019

Path of the Angel Glacier is a wonderful work of an art. Amazing landscapes and scenery awaits at the top.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
SebClydeOctober 2019

Stunning scenery all the way...just epic!

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Luna M.October 2019

Exquisite view of glaciers and mountains up close!

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Gregory J.July 2019

Unbelievable views! It was a great discovery.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.

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Last Updated: June 23, 2026

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