7 Easy Hikes Near Jasper

If you’re searching for easy hikes near Jasper that still deliver the big-mountain views, this list is your shortcut to happy legs and gorgeous photos. On our recent family trip to Jasper, Celine and I explored these easy trails with our two kids (10 and 12).

We wanted scenic, easy walks close to the main attractions in Jasper, giving us a few “wow” moments without long climbs. Each of these 7 easy hikes near Jasper is short, scenic, and perfect for families, beginner hikers, or anyone easing into the Canadian Rockies.

For each of the easy hikes below, I’ve included our takeaways, simple route notes, the best times to go, and practical tips to make each walk even better.

This post contains compensated links.

1. Pyramid Lake Trail

Distance: 3 km there-and-back
Time: 45 – 60 minutes
Trailhead: Pyramid Lake Lodge (about 7 km from town)
Trail Map: Pyramid Lake Loop

One of the most photographed spots in Jasper National Park is the wooden bridge to Pyramid Island. This easy Jasper hike takes you to the wooden bridge and beyond.

This shortened version of the Pyramid Lake Loop begins at the public parking lot immediately south of the Pyramid Lake Lodge. From here, walk north past the Lodge and look for a hiking trail leading into the forest.

This is the beginning of a 1 km stroll through a beautiful forest, with occasional views of Pyramid Lake through the trees. There are a few ups-and-downs on the forested trail, but nothing to worry about.

When the trail emerges from the forest, cross Pyramid Lake Road to walk towards the famous wooden bridge to Pyramid Island. This is a very popular spot, so arrive as early as possible if you want a picture of the bridge with no one on it.

After crossing the bridge, the stroll around Pyramid Island is easy and enjoyable, with many different spots to pause and soak in the magnificent views. Once you have circumnavigated the island, simply return to the start along the same route.

This short and easy Jasper hike loops the shoreline on a paved multi-use path. You can start anywhere the path meets the parking area. Expect open lake views with mountain backdrops and a few shady breaks in the trees.

The trail around Lake Annette is a good place to see the impacts of the 2024 Jasper wildfire. Much of the forest around Lake Annette was impacted by the fire, especially on the east side of the lake. Rather than ruining the hike, I think the remnants of the fire are beautiful and inspiring, as the forest is already regenerating.

The best times to visit Lake Annette are sunrise for calm water and pink skies, or late afternoon when the beaches are lively. In peak summer, arrive early to snag convenient parking.

Good to know:

• This is the most accessible hike in Jasper on this list.
• It pairs perfectly with a walk around Lake Edith next door for a two-lake morning.

3. Edith Lake Trail

Distance: 5 km loop (shorter out-and-back walks are possible)
Time: 90 minutes
Trailhead: Edith Lake parking (the same lot as Lake Annette)
Trail Map: Edith Lake Loop

Lake Edith is the quieter sibling to Lake Annette. The shore is just as clear and inviting, yet the vibe is calmer. If you want the same Jasper-blue water with fewer people, come enjoy this easy Jasper walk.

Follow the informal shoreline path around the lake. You’ll weave between open water views and short forest patches. Unlike the paved Lake Annette trail, the surface of the trail is natural, with a few roots here-and-there.

We were lucky enough to pass a herd of elk during our family walk around Lake Edith. Although we didn’t see them, we also heard the distinctive sound of woodpeckers and the call of a loon.

Lake Edith was also impacted by the 2024 fires, mostly on the south side of the lake.

Good to know:

• Lake Edith is a favorite spot for paddleboards and kayaks.
• Bring bug spray in summer; calm water can mean more mosquitoes.

4. Beauvert Lake Loop

Distance: 3.5 km loop
Time: 60 – 90 minutes
Trailhead: Old Fort Point Road parking
Trail Map: Lac Beauvert

The Beauvert Lake Loop trail circles one of Jasper’s most photogenic lakes. The crystal-clear water is strikingly emerald on sunny days, with amazing mountain views all around. It’s an easy Jasper walk that still feels like an adventure because the views keep changing.

We didn’t have the time to do the full loop around Beauvert Lake, but we did the sections near Jasper Park Lodge. It was fun to spend time near Jasper’s most exclusive resort, while enjoying a short stroll along the emerald shores of the lake. The trail is narrow in places with occasional roots, so watch your footing.

5. Mary Schäffer Loop (Maligne Lake)

Distance: 3.2 km loop
Time: 45 – 60 minutes
Trailhead: Maligne Lake parking (about 1 hour from town; allow time for the scenic drive)
Trail Map: Mary Schäffer Loop

The Mary Schäffer Loop is an easy Jasper hike which brings the story of early explorer Mary Schäffer to life with interpretive signs and broad shoreline views of Maligne Lake. It’s a gentle path that feels meaningful; you learn about the landscape while you admire it.

We hiked the lakeshore portion of the Mary Schäffer Loop prior to our Maligne Lake boat cruise. We would have liked to do the whole hike, but we didn’t want to miss our reservation. We returned to the trail after our boat cruise as there was a female moose in the water – an amazing chance to see such a majestic creature up close!

As opposed to the other easy Jasper hikes in this list, the Old Fort Point Loop has a very steep section, but it’s only 0.7 km long, with plenty of places to stop, rest and appreciate the views you are earning.

Most visitors to Old Fort Point, simply hike to the first viewpoint, but some will continue on to the Parks Canada red chairs a little further up the trail. If you are physically able, we recommend hiking the full loop, as the way back down will be a more gentle slope, and you’ll walk through a beautiful aspen forest. Most of the forest was burned in 2024, but regeneration has begun and we thought it was absolutely stunning.

7. Source of the Springs (Miette Hot Springs)

Distance: 1.8 km return
Time: 45 – 60 minutes
Trailhead: Miette Hot Springs parking lot (about 60 km from Jasper townsite)
Trail Map: Source of the Springs

This short interpretive walk leads to the birthplace of Jasper’s famous hot springs. It is an easy family trail with wooden stairs and a well-defined path through forest and along steaming rivulets.

The payoff for this short & easy Jasper hike is a close look at the historic bathhouse ruins and the hot water bubbling from the mountainside. The springs emerge at about 54°C before the pool facility cools it to soaking temperature, which is a fun fact to share with kids on the way up.

The trail climbs gently, then steps up to viewpoints and interpretive panels that explain the geology and human history of the site. Stay on the designated path near the vents and channels; the water is extremely hot and fragile plants grow in the warm runoff.

We enjoyed the Source of the Springs hike on a very rainy day in August. We had decided the best thing to do on a rainy day in Jasper was to get even more wet (at the Miette Hot Springs), but we couldn’t resist going on a fun & interesting hike to see the source of the hot springs.

How to Choose the Right Easy Hike (Quick Picks)

• Stroller or wheelchair-friendly: Lake Annette
• Quiet alternative to Annette: Lake Edith
• Best reflections and “postcard” feels: Pyramid Lake to Pyramid Island
• Prettiest emerald water: Beauvert Lake
• History + interpretive signs: Mary Schäffer Loop at Maligne Lake
• Best viewpoint close to town: Old Fort Point Loop
• Best easy hike for a rainy day: Source of the Springs

If you only have one day in Jasper and want a mix, do Lake Annette + Lake Edith in the morning, Pyramid Lake for a late-lunch wander, and Old Fort Point for sunset.

With two days, add Beauvert Lake and save a half-day for Maligne Lake and the Mary Schäffer Loop. If your Jasper itinerary takes you to the Miette Hot Springs, then be sure to enjoy the Source of the Springs hike.

Packing & Practical Tips for Easy Jasper Walks

Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes with grippy soles. Even easy lakeside paths can have roots and slick sections after rain.

Layers: Summer brings warm lake days and crowds; fall brings color and quieter mornings; shoulder seasons can be chilly with variable trail conditions. Mountain weather changes quickly. Pack a light windbreaker and a warm layer, even in August.

Snacks and water: There are benches and picnic areas everywhere. You’ll want to linger at these scenic spots.

Accessibility: Lake Annette is the most accessible walk in this list.

Parking & timing: These are popular walking trails. Arrive early or later in the day for quieter paths and calmer water.

Wildlife safety: Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it accessible. Make noise in brushy stretches. You may also see elk near lakes and meadows, especially around Jasper Park Lodge and the Athabasca River. Keep a generous distance and never feed the animals.

Leave no trace: Pack out all garbage, stick to established paths, and keep lakes pristine.

Easy Jasper Hikes – Final Thoughts

You don’t need a big climb to get Jasper’s best views. These Jasper easy hikes keep the effort low and the reward high: calm water, mountain backdrops, wildlife moments, and simple family time that actually feels like vacation.