There are so many different hikes to choose from in the mountains and it can be hard to choose which ones to do on your trip. I've made a list of some of the hikes that give you the bang for your buck, taking into account distance from Jasper, the views and length of the trail.
Wilcox Pass
This hike 8-kilometre hike is absolutely beautiful! Stunning views of mountain peaks can be seen in every direction. This trail is about an hour from Jasper but the drive is well worth it. The trailhead is located in the Ice Fields Parkway, so in addition to a beautiful hike, the drive is just a nice!
The first kilometre of the trail is shady going through trees and then all of sudden you come out and are surrounded by mountainous beauty. At the end of the hike, there is an optional extra couple of kilometres to go even higher, I only went about an extra kilometre and the view was stunning!
I highly recommend this trail, I started at 9 a.m. and on my way down there were a significant amount of people starting their climb so I suggest getting an early start!
2. Valley of the Five Lakes
This hike definitely has the most views and is a fairly easy trail. Located just 10 minutes from Jasper it's the perfect hike to do at whatever time of day.
About one kilometre into the hike it gives you the option to either start going towards the Fifth lake or the First lake. I would suggest starting going towards the Fifth lake.
You hit the second, third and fourth lake pretty close to the fifth and then the first lake is farther up. Honestly, I would turn around once you see as much of the first lake as you want because doing the whole loop is eight kilometres, four of them being pretty boring just making your way around the rest of the First lake back to the trailhead. The beautiful blues of the lake make it such a stunning hike, I recommend bringing a bathing suit and hopping in the Fifth Lake as there's a dock!
3. Pyramid Lake
Not exactly a hike but definitely a beautiful place to visit is Pyramid Lake and bridge! It's about a 10-minute drive from downtown Jasper so there's no reason you can't drive out and explore its beauty.
The bridge leads to a little island that has Pyramid Mountain behind it and surrounded by the beautiful lake. I went around 8:30 p.m. and the light was perfect for photos and it wasn't too busy so photos of the bridge were easy to take without people being in the pictures! I also went back the next day for a quick dip, it was pretty chilly but for sure worth it!
Living in Winnipeg makes it a pretty far drive to the mountains but I'm already looking forward to the next time I can come back and do more hiking, swimming and just spending time and the gorgeous mountains of Alberta!
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