by Turo
posted on May 17, 2025
Jasper is one of the best places in Canada to stretch your legs, get some exercise, and take in the great outdoors. With glacier-fed lakes, alpine meadows, and wide-open spaces just minutes from town, you’ll find hikes for every level in Jasper National Park.
If you’re looking for the top things to do in Jasper, here’s a list of some of the most popular trails in the area. Whether you’re after a quick canyon walk or a full-day climb, these five of the best Jasper hikes make it easy to see why the park is a must-stop on any Alberta road trip.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Valley of the Five Lakes Hike
- Edith Cavell Meadows Hike
- Sulphur Skyline Trail
- Maligne Canyon Hike
- Hiking the Wilcox Pass Trail
- Best hikes in Jasper: FAQs
- Get out and explore the best Jasper hiking trails
What to do in Jasper: must-see trails for hikers
If you’re wondering what to do in Jasper beyond the usual stops, hitting the trail is a solid place to start. These five must-see trails for hikers each show off a different side of the park and the best of Alberta!
Valley of the Five Lakes Hike
Just outside Jasper, this forested loop leads you past five beautiful glacial lakes, each a different shade of green and turquoise. The trail at Valley of the Five Lakes is beginner-friendly and offers plenty of spots to stop and take photos or enjoy a lakeside snack.
- Elevation: 66 m
- Distance: 4.5 km
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Why it’s great
This is one of Jasper’s most popular trails for good reason – it’s accessible, scenic, and peaceful without being remote. Its pretty scenery and mellow pace make it perfect for families, casual hikers, or anyone short on time.
Practical tips
Start early to avoid crowds and grab a spot in the small lot. Bring bear spray, wear shoes with grip, and check trail conditions after rain.
How to get there
The trailhead is right off the Icefields Parkway, about 9 km from town. Book a Calgary airport or Edmonton airport car rental with Turo and make this your first stop on the way to Jasper. An SUV rental from a maker like Toyota will keep you comfortable on the long drive up and give you lots of space for luggage and gear.
Edith Cavell Meadows Hike
This trail delivers some of Jasper’s most dramatic scenery. Starting in a subalpine forest and climbing through wildflower meadows, it opens up to sweeping views of Mount Edith Cavell and the Angel Glacier. It’s a steady uphill hike, but the payoff is well worth it!
- Distance: 7 km
- Duration: 3–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation: 500 m
Why it’s great
The alpine meadows, glacier views, and high-elevation lookouts make this one of the national park’s most photogenic hikes. It’s a good middle-ground trail – rewarding, but not too technical – and a favourite for anyone with a camera in hand.
Practical tips
Pack layers, even in summer – the upper trail can be cold and windy. Bring hiking poles for the steeper sections, and since Cavell Road is seasonal, check for road closures before you go
How to get there
Access the trail from Cavell Road, a narrow, winding climb with limited parking at the top. A Jeep rental or another all-wheel drive vehicle will keep you confident on switchbacks and traction on gravel. Turo’s rental cars in Jasper also include Ford models with roof racks if you’re bringing extra gear.
Sulphur Skyline Trail
One of the most challenging day hikes near Jasper, the Sulphur Skyline Trail climbs steeply through forest before opening up to an exposed ridgeline with 360-degree views of the Fiddle Valley.
- Distance: 13 km
- Duration: 4–6 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Elevation: 700 m
Why it’s great
The panoramic views from the top are worth every step. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world, with the surrounding mountains all around you. It’s a leg-burner, but you can soak in the nearby Miette Hot Springs when you’re done!
Practical tips
Start early and bring more water than you think you’ll need – the climb is exposed and there’s little shade at the top. Wear hiking boots with solid grip and book your hot springs tickets in advance.
How to get there
The trailhead is about an hour northeast of Jasper near Miette Hot Springs. Make your Jasper rental car a Mercedes-Benz or a BMW for a smooth, comfortable ride. If you’re looking to level up the experience, choose a sports car or an exotic car and add some fun to your day on the mountain.
Maligne Canyon Hike
This short trail packs a big punch. Just outside Jasper, the Maligne Canyon hike will give you dramatic views from a series of footbridges suspended over one of the deepest limestone canyons in the Rockies.
- Elevation: 130 m
- Distance: 3.8 km
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Why it’s great
It’s one of Jasper’s most accessible hikes, with some of the park’s most dramatic natural features packed into a compact loop. The bridges make it fun to explore at your own pace, and the views change with every turn.
Practical tips
Trails near the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Wear shoes with a grip and be cautious. Early morning is best to avoid the heaviest crowds, and dogs are allowed but should stay leashed.
How to get there
Maligne Canyon is just a 15-minute drive east of Jasper. With limited parking at peak times, a compact rental car from Nissan or Chevrolet will make it easier to grab a spot and navigate the narrow access roads. Want a more stylish option? Try a classic car and embrace an old-school road trip!
Hiking the Wilcox Pass Trail
Wilcox Pass trail climbs steadily through the forest beside the Icefields Parkway and opens to wide meadows overlooking the Athabasca Glacier and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. It’s one of the best hikes for seeing the scale of the Icefields, and maybe even spotting bighorn sheep along the way!
- Distance: 9.6 km
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation: 520 m
Why it’s great
The alpine meadows and glacier views are hard to beat. You’re high above the valley even early on, so you get breathtaking vistas for most of the hike.
Practical tips
This area can be cold and windy even in summer, so bring layers. Start early to beat the tour buses and stick to marked trails to protect the fragile alpine tundra.
How to get there
The trailhead is across from Wilcox Creek Campground, 90 minutes south along the Icefields Parkway. If you’re choosing a Tesla or another electric vehicle as your rental car in Jasper, top up before leaving town – the drive is one of the most scenic in the Rockies, but charging stations are few and far between.
Best hikes in Jasper: FAQs
Where is Jasper?
Jasper is in western Alberta, inside Jasper National Park – the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. It sits along the Icefields Parkway, about 365 km (227 miles) west of Edmonton and 410 km (255 miles) northwest of Calgary.
Fly into either city and pick up a Calgary airport car rental or an Edmonton airport car rental on Turo. Our convenient airport delivery options let you grab your bags and hit the road right away!
What’s the best hike in Jasper for beginners?
Valley of the Five Lakes is probably the best hike in Jasper for beginners. It’s short and mostly flat, but still gives you some of the best lake views in the park.
Do I need bear spray to hike in Jasper?
Yes, just to be safe. Bear spray is strongly recommended on all trails, even near town. Jasper is in bear country, so travel in groups, make noise on the trail, and keep spray handy and accessible.
When is the best time of year for hiking in Jasper?
Late June through early October is the best time of year for hiking in Jasper, with warmer weather and the most reliable trail conditions. Keep in mind, wildflowers peak in July, and fall colours are at their best in September.
What is the most beautiful hiking trail in Jasper?
It depends on what you’re after, but Wilcox Pass is a top contender for the most beautiful hiking trail in Jasper. The views of the Athabasca Glacier and open alpine meadows are some of the most iconic scenery in the park.
Get out and explore the best Jasper hiking trails
Jasper National Park is full of places that are easier to enjoy when you’ve got the right car. With Turo, you can skip the rental counter and book a vehicle that perfectly fits your trip, whether you’re heading to trailheads or alpine lookouts. Pick it up or have it delivered where and when you need it, and hit the road to see for yourself what makes Jasper so special!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this adventure into a reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just love to travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
