Jasper is the epitome of the alpine Canadian town. Located in Alberta, Jasper (the town and the national park) is an incredible place to enjoy a winter getaway — it looks just like a Disney movie, with magical snow sparkling from the tips of the mountains to the waterfalls frozen in mid-fall. What you might not know about are Jasper National Park’s best wintertime hiking spots.
It might sound downright chilly, and it might not be what you’re looking for in a winter getaway — but there’s so much to do and see in Jasper in the wintertime, you’d really regret not making the trip. In addition to outdoor activities like snowboarding and ice skating, winter hiking is a must during your Jasper vacation.
Thankfully, Jasper keeps its most popular and beautiful hiking trails open throughout the year and ensure the trails remain maintained — it looks like beautiful wilderness, but rangers are never too far away. When you’re ready to put together your hiking itinerary, here are a few ideas to get you started.
Lake Annette Trail
For a carefree walk that’s not too strenuous, the trail around Lake Annette is a sure bet. The trail is a 1.6-mile paved loop that follows Lake Annette’s shoreline and diverts into the forest for a bit, which makes for an easy stroll with no elevation changes or rough terrain. Be aware that there is abundant wildlife within the forest, so be prepared with your camera. Depending on whether you’re speed-walking or smelling the flowers and snapping some pics, this trail takes anywhere from a half-hour to an hour.
Lake Annette isn’t located within Jasper National Park, but it’s not too far from it. Parking is off Lake Annette Road, just follow the signs. When you get to the parking lot, you’ll see the markers for the trailhead.
Valley of Five Lakes Trail
If you’re looking for a hike that’s a bit more active, this nearly three-mile loop trail takes you through multiple forest areas as you wind around the shores of five different lakes. There are several viewing platforms that let you pause to gaze down at the frozen lakes sparkling in the sun. In the distance, mountaintops peek over the dense forests.
This is a relatively moderate hike with several elevation changes, but, overall, it’s not too strenuous and there aren’t any elevation gains considered steep. Many people enjoy this two-hour round-trip trek — it’s especially popular among snowshoe enthusiasts. Unlike the Lake Annette Trail, the Valley of Five Lakes Trail is located within the southern portion of Jasper National Park and the trailhead is on Icefields Parkway at the Valley of Five Lakes parking lot.
Pack your gear and take a winter getaway at Jasper National Park’s best wintertime hiking spots.
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