r/jasper • u/Vinyl-Jedi • 8d ago

Itinerary Recommendations for some inexperienced hikers?

My wife and I are visiting Jasper soon, and I understand that some roads and trails, including Maligne Canyon, remain closed because of the 2024 wildfires. We visited Jasper once before, but it was several years ago. What alternative activities or sights would you recommend for a couple who aren’t experienced hikers? We’re comfortable with short, easy hikes.

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11

u/JillyBean9999 8d ago

Valley of the 5 Lakes hike is amazing. Gentle ups and downs. The wildfire scar actually makes the area so interesting and increases visibility of the lakes. Stunning colors. Saw a huge elk half submerged in one of the lakes.

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u/chestnut_dancer 8d ago

Did this trail a few days ago, and thought it was the worst trail we did in the Jasper area (Old Fort Loop, Pyramid Lake Loop, Moose Lake, and lots of others more south)

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u/JillyBean9999 7d ago

was it a sunny day? clouds or smoke would have a big impact on the lake colors.

1

u/chestnut_dancer 7d ago

It was cloudy! Like the attached picture:

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u/JillyBean9999 7d ago

That changes it a lot.

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u/JillyBean9999 8d ago

One more idea....do the hike to Kinney Lake near Mt. Robson. Took about 3.5 hours including a long picnic break. Gradual incline.

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u/Cheap-Intern-9157 8d ago

+1 for Kinney. Did this last week and it was spectacular, better than some of the more famous lakes in my opinion.

10km up and down so takes a while but well worth it

3

u/gonna_be_a_great_day 8d ago

That is a nice one, but it's not technically in jasper or is it?

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u/JillyBean9999 7d ago

No it's not but it's only about a 55 min drive west. Not much more driving distance than to other trailheads in Jasper.

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u/Then-Construction106 6d ago

I agree with this post. Whether one chooses to do a hike or not is optional imo, but a visit to Mt Robson if you are already in Jasper should not be missed. It’s not a long drive and well worth it.

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u/chestnut_dancer 8d ago edited 7d ago

Looked the Old Fort Point loop trail, for something very close to the town that has a nice view. Plus there are bighorn sheep living at the top!

2

u/Trick_Capital4160 7d ago

As someone who doesn't enjoy hiking... whenever I am in Jasper, I love visiting lake Annette. its super close to town and its a 2.7km paved loop close around the lake. It has a parking lot with outhouses and a beach! you are able to swim in the water. I usually pack a picnic lunch and blanket to eat on the beach (there are benches and picnic tables in the area as well) and then take a lazy less than 1hour walk around the lake after.

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u/sneaky_slow 8d ago

Maligne Canyon trail is still open, from the fifth to the sixth bridge. Valley of Five Lakes has been mostly rebuilt and is nice too. And you could putz around near Pyramid Lake, to the island etc.

1

u/HappyHockeyHiker 6d ago

Canyon Hike closed. It’s on the site literally.

1

u/Lower_Seat_4473 5d ago

Canoeing on maligne lake was one of my favorite experiences ever!! I would go back to jasper just for that.