Kayaking in Jasper National Park- Best Lakes to Kayak in Jasper

Kayaking in Jasper is one of the most relaxing and serene ways to enjoy the park’s gorgeous natural scenery. While paddling across the sparkling water of Jasper’s lakes you can gaze up at mountaintops, listen to the sounds of the forest, and search for wildlife along the shorelines. 

Places to Go Kayaking in Jasper National Park

If you’re wondering where to kayak in Jasper National Park, there are many beautiful lakes to choose from, including several that are close to the townsite. Some of these lakes are also a short distance from one another, so you can paddle one in the morning and one in the afternoon if you wish. 

To help you decide where to paddle, here are descriptions of some of the best lakes to go kayaking in Jasper.

Pyramid Lake is a great option for kayaking in Jasper because you’ll get to enjoy views of two iconic landmarks- Pyramid Island and Pyramid Mountain.

The lake is somewhat horseshoe-shaped and large enough that you can paddle for a few hours, especially if you go all the way around the shoreline. It’s not very sheltered from the wind though until you get to the northeast end of the lake where it narrows and flows into a creek.

In addition to seeing Pyramid Mountain and Pyramid Island, while paddling the lake you’ll also have an opportunity to visit a secluded beach on the north shore. It’s a nice little spot to stop for a rest and snack before paddling back to the launch points at Pyramid Beach and Pyramid Lake Road.

Read more: Kayaking Pyramid Lake

Lac Beauvert is not only one of the prettiest lakes in the park, it’s one of the best lakes to kayak in Jasper for beginners.

This small, sheltered lake has stunningly clear blue and green water that reflects the surrounding forest and mountains on a calm day. As you paddle around the shoreline you can see coniferous trees, a forested peninsula, Pyramid Mountain, Whistlers Mountain, Mount Edith Cavell, the Jasper Park Lodge, and the golf course.

Kayak and canoe rentals are available at the Jasper Park Lodge, but if you have your own boat the best place to launch is at the end of Old Fort Point Road.

Read more: Kayaking Lac Beauvert

Another pleasant and attractive lake to kayak in Jasper is Edith Lake.

Like the nearby Lac Beauvert, Edith Lake also has clear, colourful water but with a longer shoreline. The scenery and mountain views are also similar, including some nice vantage points of Pyramid Mountain.

One of the best things about Edith Lake, other than the scenery, is that it’s less touristy than some of the other lakes in Jasper. There are houses and cabins around the lake giving it a local feel and fewer paddlers out on the water. It’s especially peaceful at the northernmost end of the lake. 

Annette Lake is located right beside Edith Lake so it’s convenient to paddle both of them on the same day.

This lake is fairly small, only about 2.2 km to paddle along the entire shoreline, making it a good choice for a short outing of less than an hour. The best part of this lake is the beautiful turquoise colour of the water, but there are also some mountain and forest views.

A downside of this lake is that it does attract a lot of visitors because there’s a beach and a hiking trail that circles the lake. To get parking on a hot summer weekend, it’s best to arrive early in the day or come for an evening paddle.

If you’re looking for a more secluded, less popular lake to kayak in Jasper check out Leach Lake. 

Leach Lake is quite small and doesn’t have the bright blue or turquoise water that other Jasper lakes have, but you will likely have it all to yourself for a serene paddle. As for scenery, the shoreline is densely forested and you can see mountain peaks above the treetops. 

Leach Lake is very close to the parking lot, however, you do have to carry your boat down 16 steps to get to the water. There’s a dock you can launch from that usually has a big group of minnows swimming around it. After your paddle, if you want you can visit Athabasca Falls since it’s close by.

If you want to go on an overnight or multi-day kayaking trip in Jasper, then Maligne Lake is the destination for you. 

This breathtakingly beautiful lake stretches for 22 km and has three small backcountry campgrounds along its shore- Hidden Cove (4 km paddle), Fisherman’s Bay (13 km paddle), and Coronet Creek (21.3 km paddle).

The highlight of Maligne Lake is Spirit Island, one of Jasper’s most photogenic and famous landmarks. Even if you don’t make the ambitious 14 km paddle to Spirit Island and instead stay closer to the boat house/launch point, you’ll still get to enjoy the blue-green water and rocky peaks.  

Before embarking on a kayaking trip on Maligne Lake keep in mind that sudden weather changes and high winds are possible. The glacial-fed water is frigid, even in the summer, so paddling in poor weather isn’t advised. 

More Lakes to Kayak in Jasper National Park

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!