There are so many different hikes to choose from in the mountains and it can be hard to decide which ones to do on your trip. This is a list of some of the hikes that give you the best bang for your buck, taking into account distance from Jasper, the views and length of the trail. The length of the trailheads from Jasper are all based on if you are staying in downtown Jasper
- Wilcox Pass
This hike eight-kilometre hike is absolutely beautiful! Stunning views of mountain peaks can be seen in every direction. This trail is about an hour from Jasper but the drive is well worth it. The trailhead is located in the Ice Fields Parkway, so in addition to a beautiful hike, the drive is just a nice!
The first kilometre of the trail is shady going through trees and then all of sudden you come out and are surrounded by mountainous beauty. At the end of the hike, there is an optional extra couple of kilometres to go even higher. I highly recommend this trail, I started at 9 a.m. and on my way down there were a significant amount of people starting their climb so I suggest getting an early start!
2. Valley of the Five Lakes
This hike definitely has the most views and is a fairly easy trail. Located just ten minutes from Jasper it’s the perfect hike to do at whatever time of day. There are different trail lengths so you can go anywhere from five to ten kilometres. You see five different lakes with beautiful mountains in the back, it’s one you don’t want to miss! The beautiful blues of the lake make it such a stunning hike, I recommend bringing a bathing suit and hopping in the Fifth Lake as there’s a dock!
3. Pyramid Lake
Not exactly a hike but definitely a beautiful place to visit is Pyramid Lake and bridge! It’s about a ten minute drive from downtown Jasper so there’s no reason you can’t drive out and explore its beauty. The bridge leads to a little island that has Pyramid Mountain behind it and is surrounded by the beautiful lake. Either go early or later in the evening so it’s not too busy and photos of the bridge are easier to take without people there.
Living in Winnipeg makes it a pretty far drive to the mountains but I’m already looking forward to the next time I can come back and do more hiking, swimming and just spending time and the gorgeous mountains of Alberta!
