Day Hikes in Jasper National Park- The Best Jasper Trails for Day Hiking

Jasper National Park is a fantastic region for all sorts of outdoor adventures, but the picturesque and varied trails in Jasper make it a great destination for hikers of all levels. 

When hiking in Jasper National Park, you don’t have to venture out on a multi-day trek into the backcountry to experience the park’s incredible natural beauty. Some of the most scenic hikes in Jasper National Park are also conveniently the best Jasper day hikes.

Day Hikes in Jasper National Park- The Best Jasper Trails for a Day Hike

There are many great choices for day hikes in Jasper National Park from short strolls along lakes and canyons to half-day journeys up to summits and alpine meadows.

The following list of day hikes in Jasper includes some standout trails, but is not inclusive of all the possible day hiking options. Since we only include trails we have hiked ourselves, this Jasper day hiking guide will grow over time so check back each year.

The Sulphur Skyline is one of the most gratifying Jasper hikes, especially when it comes to half-day trips. 

On the journey from Miette Hot Springs to the top of Sulphur Ridge, the trail ascends through the forest occasionally revealing views of a mountain ridge. Higher up, after some switchbacks, there are marvellous views of a forested valley framed by rocky peaks. Later on, there’s a scenic meadow where you can rest before embarking on the final climb to the summit.  

The last segment of this hike is visually stunning but can be physically challenging because it’s the steepest part of the trail. You’ll be rewarded for your effort to reach the summit with a panoramic view of peaks and valleys including Ashlar Ridge, Utopia Mountain, and Fiddle River.

One of the most beautiful day hikes in Jasper National Park is to the Wilcox Viewpoint via Wilcox Pass Trail. 

While the final destination is the highlight of this hike, the route to get there is just as wonderful. On the way, the trail traverses alpine meadows that offer plenty of great vantage points to admire the Columbia Icefield glaciers. Other scenic landmarks you can see from the trail include a deep gully, a creek, Nigel Peak, and Wilcox Ridge.

Once you arrive at the lookout point there will be a wide view of the mountains and glaciers of the Columbia Icefield including Athabasca Glacier, Mount Andromeda, and Dome Glacier among others.

Another gorgeous day hike in Jasper that offers wonderful glacier and alpine meadow views is the trip to Cavell Meadows.

This hike begins on the Path of the Glacier Trail then branches off to ascend on Cavell Meadows Trail where you can enjoy views of Angel Glacier. Beside the path, there are piles of rocks where you might see some marmots hanging out. If you want, you can carefully climb up the rocks to get a great view of Cavell Pond below Angel Glacier.

After passing the area of boulders, the trail zigzags through the forest to reach a meadow above the treeline. While hiking the loop around the meadow you can enjoy plenty of views of Angel Glacier on the side of Mt. Edith Cavell.

One of the shorter Jasper day hikes that still gets you to a summit, albeit a low one, is Old Fort Point Trail.

This loop has a little bit of everything from wildflowers and trees to mountains and meadows. There are two different lookout points along the route- one with a pair of red Adirondack chairs for admiring Signal Mountain and Mount Tekarra, and another with views of the Athabasca River, Whistlers Mountain, Pyramid Mountain, Lac Beauvert, and the townsite.

The trail’s close proximity to town and shorter length that doesn’t compromise on views makes Old Fort Point one of the best day hikes in Jasper for beginners.

The Valley of the Five Lakes is another one of the top day hikes in Jasper and for good reason.

The trail passes by five vibrant lakes each with a distinct shade of blue-green water. In addition to the beautiful colour of the lakes, you’ll also get to enjoy some reflections of the trees and mountains. 

Since this is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Jasper, and fairly easy, you can expect plenty of company on the trail during the weekends and in the summer.

If you’re looking for Jasper hikes that are primarily in the forest, then check out the trail to Big Bend.

This route follows a wide trail downhill through the forest before eventually arriving at a backcountry campsite beside the Athabasca River. 

Arriving at the Big Bend campground is the highlight of this hike because there are wonderful views of the river and surrounding mountains. There are also picnic tables and benches so it’s a great destination for a peaceful picnic.

The hike to Lower Sunwapta Falls is short, easy and a great choice if you need to stretch your legs while on the Icefields Parkway drive.

The trail starts at Upper Sunwapta Falls, one of the prettiest waterfalls in Jasper. From there the path proceeds along the top of a canyon and into the forest as it gently descends towards the lower falls.

At the end of the hike, the trail gets closer to the river where there are some fenced viewpoints for admiring the tiers of Lower Sunwapta Falls as it flows into a narrow gorge.

One of the lesser-known hikes on the Icefields Parkway is the short but sweet journey along Beauty Creek to Stanley Falls.

On this hike, you’ll get to walk beside a creek then into the forest and along the top of a scenic canyon. On route, there are several spots where you can view a series of cataracts on Beauty Creek, but be careful not to get close to the edge.

The hike ends at Stanley Falls where you can see it tumbling into the impressive canyon below.

Other Jasper Day Hikes

Accommodations in Jasper National Park

For your convenience, here is a list of HOTELS IN JASPER NATIONAL PARK. Please consider booking your Jasper accommodations through the included link. It costs nothing extra and helps support this website. Thank you!

More Activities and Places to Visit in Jasper

You may also enjoy these other places to visit and things to do in Jasper National Park:

• Athabasca Falls
• KAYAKING IN JASPER NATIONAL PARK- BEST LAKES TO KAYAK IN JASPER
• Kayaking Pyramid Lake