Are you looking for easy hikes in Jasper for your family? Look no further! Join us as we explore the best easy hikes under 10km in Jasper National Park.
In this blog post, I’ve curated a selection of 12 hiking trails that are perfect for families looking to explore the stunning landscapes of Jasper National Park without breaking a sweat. I’ve hiked most of them with my two boys, and the rest are on our list for our next weekend in Jasper.
As an active family, we try to hike with our kids at least once a week, even in the winter. With countless amazing hikes in the Canadian Rockies tailored for the entire family, some that are less than 2 km, like the Athabasca Falls trail, and some that allow you to see wildlife from up close, like Old Fort Point trail, one of my favorite hikes in Jasper, there’s no shortage of opportunities for adventure. P
Let’s find the best easy hikes in Jasper!
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Our top 3 easy hikes in Jasper (with kids)
Before listing all my recommendations for easy hikes in Jasper, here are our top 3 family favorite trails (if you don’t have a lot of time to do all the fun things to do in Jasper):
- Maligne Canyon
- Old Fort Point
- Valley of Five Lakes
1. Maligne Canyon Loop
The Maligne Canyon Loop is a moderately challenging hiking trail. If you and your family are seeking a more demanding trail, this is an excellent choice to explore. But don’t worry, my youngest son did it a 2 years old (with a little help).
The scenic views of this trail are breathtaking, and they only get better and better as you approach the First Bridge. While there is some elevation gain along the route, the inclines are manageable and not overly strenuous.
❤️ What we loved about the Maligne Canyon trail are the numerous viewpoints you can access. Although we did not complete the entire loop and turned back after reaching the Third Bridge, the experience was still incredibly rewarding.
🥾 Maligne Canyon Loop Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 3.7 km (2.3 miles) loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 124 m
Best Time to Go: In the wintertime to see the ice climbers
Permit Requirement: Parks Canada Discovery Pass
2. Valley of the Five Lakes Trail
One of Jasper National Park’s most picturesque trails is the Valley of the Five Lakes. It’s located along the Icefields Parkway just minutes before reaching Jasper town.
This easy-to-follow trail showcases five stunning lakes, each with its own distinctive color.
A forest trail leads hikers to all five lakes. For an optimal experience, consider hiking the trail counterclockwise, beginning with the 5th lake. That way, you’ll start with the less captivating section of the trail, which can be particularly important for families with younger or tired children.
By starting with the less enticing portion and gradually progressing, children are likely to remain engaged and enthusiastic throughout the hike as they eagerly anticipate discovering all five lakes.
The best time to visit the Valley of the Five Lakes is June through October. We love the fall colors in this area.
🥾 Valley of Five Lakes Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 4.8 km (3.0 miles) loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 161 m
Best Time to Go: In the summertime to enjoy the lakes
Permit Requirement: Parks Canada Discovery Pass
3. Athabasca Falls
If you’re seeking a quick and effortless stroll in Jasper National Park, consider the Athabasca Falls trail. This 1.0 km out-and-back pathway remains accessible year-round and offers captivating scenery regardless of the season.
The Athabasca Falls, which you’ll see on this trail, are worth seeing as they’re among the most powerful falls in the Canadian Rockies. Make sure you continue walking to the little hidden beach. It’s a fun place for a picnic and skipping rocks.
While the parking area is spacious, arriving early is best, particularly during the summer and fall months when visitor numbers peak.
🥾 Athabasca Falls Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 1.0 km (0.6 miles) out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 8 m
Best Time to Go: All year-round
Permit Requirement: Parks Canada Discovery Pass
4. Old Fort Point Trail
This trail, ranging from easy to moderate, offers breathtaking vistas of the town of Jasper and the surrounding valley. It’s MY favorite easy hikes of all.
Plus, he Old Fort Point Trail has two iconic red chairs provided by Parks Canada. It’s a great opportunity for kids to do a scavenger hunt to find them and capture a memorable picture. These chairs are situated at the less-frequented southeast summit.
The trail comes alive with vibrant wildflowers during the spring season. As you traverse the path, look for wildlife such as bighorn sheep.
We recommend exploring the Old Fort Point trail as a preliminary hike before attempting more challenging trails, as it serves as an excellent opportunity to prepare your family for greater hiking adventures.
🥾 Old Fort Point Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 3.7 km (2.3 miles) loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 175 m
Best Time to Go: All year-round
Permit Requirement: Parks Canada Discovery Pass
5. Lake Annette Loop Trail
Lake Annette Loop is one of the most kid-friendly & easy hikes in Jasper National Park.
Also, we love that this trail has a few picnic areas, perfect for enjoying a snack in nature. On warmer days, the inviting beach provides a great spot for children to play and explore.
Nearby, you’ll find a small wooden dock ideal spot for sunbathing and observing the fish in the crystal-clear waters.
With magnificent views of the mountains and lake, this trail promises a truly memorable outdoor adventure for the whole family.
🥾 Lake Annette Loop Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 2.7 km (1.7 miles) loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 39 m
Best Time to Go: All year-round
Permit Requirement: Parks Canada Discovery Pass
6. Pyramid Island Trail
The Pyramid Island Trail offers a brief and effortless hike that guides you to and around Pyramid Island. The trail starts with a wooden footbridge crossing from the parking area to the island itself.
Once on the island, the trail leads through forested areas with excellent views of Pyramid Mountain and the adjacent lake. There is even a 50-person amphitheater that can be rented for venues.
Although the trailhead has only five parking spots, additional parking is available in a shared lot a short distance away.
Finally, the trail’s surface is hard-packed dirt/gravel, typically spanning at least four feet in width, making this trail wheelchair (and stroller) accessible.
🥾 Pyramid Island Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 0.6 km (0.4 miles) out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 4 m
Best Time to Go: All year-round
Permit Requirement: Parks Canada Discovery Pass
7. Sunwapta Falls Trail
A short distance from Athabasca Falls, another family-friendly hike awaits. You’ll have the opportunity to reach the lower falls, where the water from the main falls flows more gently.
This trail is well-kept and features numerous fenced viewpoints for safety. For added convenience, there are picnic tables and restroom facilities available along the way, perfect for a snack break with the family.
I highly suggest visiting in winter to experience the breathtaking winter wonderland scenery. Be sure to bring spikes or crampons for traction, as certain sections of the trail can become quite slippery.
🥾 Sunwapta Falls Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 3.2 km (2 miles) out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 146 m
Best Time to Go: All year-round
Permit Requirement: Parks Canada Discovery Pass
8. Moose Lake Trail
This is an easy hike near Maligne Lake. You can choose between an out-and-back or loop route, both equally delightful.
The gentle elevation gain makes it perfect for young hikers, while the surrounding scenery of trees and rugged boulders adds to the fun.
While Moose Lake may be smaller in size than others, its charm is undeniable. It is often frequented by its namesake animal, the moose.
If you encounter a moose during your hike, exercise caution and maintain a safe distance. In winter, some sections of the trail may be designated for cross-country skiing, so be sure to heed trail markers to stay on the right path.
🥾 Moose Lake Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 2.7 km (1.7 miles) out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 69 m
Best Time to Go: All year-round
Permit Requirement: Parks Canada Discovery Pass
9. Toe of the Glacier Athabasca
Encountering a glacier up close is a rare and remarkable experience!
Typically, extensive hiking and significant elevation gain are required (hint: The Onion Hike near Bow Lake).
However, this particular hike offers easy accessibility, allowing you and your family to witness the toe of a glacier firsthand. Curious about what a glacier toe entails? It’s the lowest edge of a glacier, and kids are sure to be fascinated by the sight!
The trail begins at a parking lot, though please note that access to the parking area is restricted from September to mid-May or June. As a result, you’ll likely embark on a short 2.4 km out-and-back hike featuring minimal elevation gain, ideal for families.
💡 IMPORTANT:Walking on the glacier itself, while tempting, is unsafe without proper equipment, skills, or guidance. Numerous crevasses pose a fall hazard, and incidents have occurred. For safety reasons, please refrain from walking on the glacier.
For those seeking a closer look, you can consider the Ice Explorer Tour, available seasonally from May to October. This tour offers an opportunity to venture higher up and nearer to the glacier.
We personally haven’t done it.
🥾 Toe of the Glacier Athabasca Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 1.4 km (0.9 miles) out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 61 m
Best Time to Go: All year-round
Permit Requirement: Parks Canada Discovery Pass
10. Edge of the World
Edge of the World trail offers a well-maintained path, which is good families exploring Jasper.
But it lacks official signage from Parks Canada. It can increase the risk of getting off track, so ensure you have a map handy!
While the name suggests an adventurous experience, exercise caution near the cliff lookout, especially with children. Stunning views await without venturing too close to the edge.
Conveniently located on Marmot Road near Marmot Basin Ski Resort, it’s perfect to mix with a winter ski day.
🥾 Edge of the World Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 1.1 km (0.7 miles) out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 42 m
Best Time to Go: All year-round
Permit Requirement: Parks Canada Discovery Pass
11. Horseshoe Lake
This trail leads to a stunning horseshoe-shaped lake, aptly named for its resemblance.
While the trail may be somewhat overgrown and less maintained, it still offers an enjoyable experience, especially for families with children.
During the summer months, bring along your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the crystal-blue waters and pack some food and snacks for a post-hike picnic.
Remember to pack a change of clothes to warm up after swimming, as the water temperature tends to be chilly, typical of Alberta lakes.
🥾 Horshoe Lake Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 1.6 km (1 mile) loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 46 m
Best Time to Go: All year-round
Permit Requirement: Parks Canada Discovery Pass
12. Path of the Glacier Trail
While not as renowned as the Athabasca Glacier, Angel Glacier is worth a visit. It’s another rare opportunity to witness a glacier up close!
This brief hike leads to a lookout that offers views of Angel Glacier, Cavell Pond, and Mount Edith Cavell.
As with the Athabasca Glacier, walking on Angel Glacier is unsafe due to crevasses and icefall hazards. You might even witness ice chunks cascading into the pond below.
💡 Exercise caution and refrain from venturing beyond the viewpoint.
The trailhead parking lot also accommodates the Edith Cavell Meadows Trail, a longer and more challenging hike, resulting in weekend congestion. Arriving early is advisable to secure parking.
Additionally, trailers and RVs are prohibited due to the narrow road leading to the trailhead.
Please note the seasonal restrictions in place from November 1st to May 15th, inclusive, to protect the Tonquin caribou herd. During this time, the trail is closed and inaccessible.
🥾 Path of the Glacier Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 1.8 km (1.1 miles) out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 84 m
Best Time to Go: All year-round
Permit Requirement: Parks Canada Discovery Pass
Additional family-friendly trails to explore in Jasper
Other kid-friendly hikes to consider while visiting Jasper:
- Wilcox Pass Viewpoint and Parks Canada Red Chairs: Moderate trail – 3.1 km with 168 m of elevation gain – out-and-back
- Wilcox Viewpoint via Wilcox Pass: Moderate trail – 9.3 km with 486 m elevation gain – out-and-back
- Beauty Creek to Stanley Falls: Easy trail – 3.9 km with 139 m of elevation gain – out-and-back
- Mary Schaeffer Loop: Easy trail – 3.2 km with 62 m of elevation gain – out-and-back
- Roche Miette Canyon: Moderate trail – 3.4 km with 177 m of elevation gain – out-and-back
- Beaver Lake: Moderate trail – 4.0 km with 65 m of elevation gain – out-and-back
THINGS TO KNOW WHEN HIKING IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES 🥾
📱 Download a few apps. AllTrails is our go-to app for checking trail reports and determining if a trail is kid-friendly. It provides up-to-date information on the trail’s status, including any closures or restrictions. Additionally, you can visit the Trail Conditions website from Parks Canada or the Trail Reports website from Alberta Parks to ensure you have the latest information before heading out.
🥾 Pack the right gear. Always bring layers and be prepared for sudden weather changes in the mountains. While it may start sunny and warm, conditions can quickly turn to snow or rain at higher elevations. Good quality base layers (such as the Wool Love or Iksplore base layers) are essential. In winter, Spikes or Crampons, along with Hiking Poles are highly recommended to navigate icy and slippery trails.
🐻 Bring bear spray and know how to use it. There is always the possibility of encountering wildlife in the Canadian Rockies. While most wildlife tends to avoid human contact, encounters can still occur, especially in bear country. It’s essential to bring bear spray and know how to use it. Watch this video from Parks Canada to familiarize yourself with proper bear spray usage. Additionally, ensure your children remain at a safe distance from you on the trails, allowing you to keep them in sight at all times.
👶 Bring a quality baby/hiking carrier. A good baby/hiking carrier is a must when hiking and walking with toddlers. Clearly, there’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a trail only for your little one to decide they aren’t taking another step.
🩹 Don’t forget a First Aid Kit. It is always a great idea to take a travel first aid kit with you when traveling with toddlers. Make sure it is well-stocked, especially with bite/sting cream and band-aids – you never know when unsteady little legs might take a tumble. Keep your travel first aid kit somewhere accessible.
F.A.Q
What time of the year is best to start hiking with kids in Jasper?
Anytime is a good time! You must consider how hot or cold it is outside and dress your kids appropriately. If it is extremely hot or freezing, you may want to choose another day to head out.
For winter hiking, I highly recommend you read this article to know what to wear!
Is it safe to hike with kids in Jasper?
It is! Most of the trails listed in this article are kid and family-friendly and can be busy enough that you’ll never be alone on the trail.
Remember, though, that, as with anything in life, there are risks while practicing a sport (e.g., sprains, strains, and abrasions). Be mindful and exercise caution at all times. Bring a first aid kid, a handheld GPS like a Garmin inReach Mini (if you have one or can afford one), and bear spray.
Will we see any wildlife while hiking in Jasper with our kids?
It is possible. If you’re hiking on a busy trail, the possibilities of seeing any wildlife are slim, as noise and crowds keep animals away. However, this is not a rule. You must be prepared to encounter wildlife as soon as you get to the trailhead.
Jasper National Park is home to several animals, such as black and grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, deer, coyotes, wolves, and cougars. Remember, this is their home!
Final Thoughts:
And there you have it – a collection of the finest hikes in Jasper National Park tailored for families. Yet, amidst these remarkable trails, one may wonder: which hike is THE BEST for families in this majestic region?
The answer is as diverse as the families themselves, influenced by the ages of your children, your affinity for outdoor adventures, and your fitness levels.
As an active family, we relish every opportunity to explore the great outdoors, whether it’s walking, hiking, swimming, or running. However, we always keep our little ones’ limits in mind, typically capping our excursions at around 10 km.
For us, the captivating beauty of Athabasca Falls in Jasper remains a highlight of family-friendly hiking adventures.
Of course, your family’s experience may differ, as each child brings their unique sense of wonder and exploration. Nevertheless, we wholeheartedly endorse these trails for families with young children.
As a parting thought, consider venturing to Maligne Canyon, where older children may marvel at the spectacle of ice climbers scaling its frozen walls. With an array of trail options to explore further, it offers endless possibilities for adventure-seekers of all ages.
In the end, regardless of which trail you choose to traverse, may your family’s journey through the Canadian Rockies be filled with laughter, discovery, and unforgettable moments amidst nature’s grandeur.
Related Articles
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like to read the following articles:
- Best Winter Hikes in Kananaskis for All Skill Levels
- 13 Best Winter Hikes in Banff for Families (All Skill Levels)
- BEST 6 Larch Hikes in Alberta (That You Can Do With Your Kids)
- Hiking with Toddlers: 17 Tips For a Happy Family Friendly Hike
Meet Maria: Originally from Mexico City, Maria relocated to Montreal, Quebec in 2011. She is fluent in Spanish, English, and French. In 2018, she fell in love with the Canadian Rockies and has since resided in Cochrane, Alberta. Despite the harsh winter weather, she has fully embraced the great outdoors and enjoys hiking on easy and challenging trails. One of her goals is to summit Mount Temple and acquire rock climbing skills.