Jasper National Park
We enjoyed Jasper National Park the most during our time in Canada. One of the main reasons our trip to Jasper was so enjoyable was because we were able to stay at Whistler’s campground. We booked these the second they were available months earlier, and we still had to move once during the week. But the sites were easy pull throughs, and plenty long for big rigs. The campground was covered in wildflowers, and herds of elk frequently visited us. It was such a convenient location for exploring the park, and we were able to do a lot more. Also, you can turn in your Jasper Xplorer book at the brand new registration center.
Tip: Xplorers Program
Hiking: Path of the Glacier Trail
Path of the Glacier Trail was our most memorable day in Canada over the summer. The trail was 1.89 miles with 322 feet elevation, it was quite steep on the way up but even our youngest kids made it on their own, we just stopped and took breaks as needed. When you get to the viewpoint you can choose to walk down to the lake filled with icebergs, there are warning signs that it could flood, but it’s worth the risk to walk down! It is very rocky, so you will need to hold hands and help your kids navigate the rocks to get down to the lake. The kids were able to hold icebergs that they pulled out of the lake, which was very exciting to all of them.
We stayed for quite a while watching the waterfall from the glacier melt and hearing the ice cracking. Once we even saw a few small pieces break off and crash into the lake below. Once you get back up to the viewpoint, the walk down is quite easy. If you are doing the Xplorer book for Jasper, make sure to bring one with you so you can measure the lichen on your way back to the trail head. Our kids loved trying to find the biggest ones to measure, it was also a good distraction from tired legs!
Hiking: Maligne Canyon Loop
Maligne Canyon Loop was 2.93 miles with 453 feet in elevation change. This was a fun hike but a bit long with a lot of elevation change for the younger kids. It would be a 5 out of 5 if we had known to go counterclockwise all the way to bridge 4 and then turn around and go back. We kept going to bridge 5, and that was a mistake. It added a lot of distance for a mediocre view that is right next to a parking lot. If you really wanted to see bridge 5 you could drive to it after your hike. Then there is absolutely nothing to see between bridge 5 and back to the trail head when you follow the loop instructions on All Trails, and it becomes narrow and steep. The kids (and adults!) would have been more entertained if we had made this hike an out and back and walked over the bridges for a second time.
Hiking: Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls was only 0.68 Miles with 102 feet in elevation change. This one is a bit crowded with tourists, but it’s a very powerful waterfall and so accessible.
There are very cool steps going down that would make for some interesting pictures, but you would need to arrive very early before the crowds. We saw a rainbow in the falls which made it a bit magical. There’s a small gate you can walk through, descend some very steep steps, and see some views of the river from a different viewpoint.
We thought it was worth the effort, but the steps are very steep, and you’ll need to hold little one’s hands on the way down.
Hiking: The Valley of the Five Lakes
The Valley of the Five Lakes was 2.55 miles and 430 feet in elevation change. This is one of the most reviewed trails for Jasper, so we made time for this one. It’s a nice, peaceful trail, but doesn’t have much of a wow factor. If you have a lot of time and are looking for some exercise on a trail that isn’t super crowded, this would be it. But if you only have time for a hike or two in Jasper, skip this one.
