Did you know the Valley of the Five Lakes hike features not one… not two… but five stunningly beautiful lakes? (Ok, you’re right… that’s not a surprising reveal). While you won’t find those vibrant greenish-blue waters in the winter or shoulder seasons, this short and scenic hiking trail is worth visiting any time of year. And, as an added bonus, you might even have it all to yourself after the snow arrives. As an easy hike in Jasper National Park, Valley of the Five Lakes is worth a visit.
Last Updated: March 5, 2024
A few years ago, in March 2021, I took a drive from Calgary to Jasper along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. My destination was Jasper National Park to explore the area. With plenty of snow and icy trail conditions, I stuck with easier hiking routes in and around Jasper town. The Valley of the Five Lakes hike was a great option for me and Bella, my Bernese mountain dog. As one of the easy hikes in Jasper National Park, Valley of the Five Lakes is worth checking out any time of the year.
Keep reading to see what I mean!
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About Valley of the Five Lakes Trail
Location: Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
Distance: 6 km lollipop (out and back w/ loop at the end)
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 167 metre gain
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Family-friendly: Yes, but not stroller-friendly.
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must be kept on leash.
Features: The Valley of the Five Lakes hike is a family-friendly hiking trail featuring five picturesque lakes in Jasper National Park. In the winter, explore the frozen-solid lakes and snow-capped mountains adding to the dramatic backdrop of this hike. Whenever you visit, Valley of the Five Lakes offers an easy-to-follow trail for various skill levels.
Valley of the Five Lakes Map
Directions to Valley of the Five Lakes Trailhead
If you’re hanging out in Jasper, Valley of the Five Lakes Trail is very close by. Head south on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) for about 10 minutes. Then turn left into the parking area after passing the Valley of the Five Lakes sign on your left-hand side. If you’ve never been (or even if you have), driving from Lake Louise to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic road trips in Canada. And in case you’re wondering, there’s an outhouse in the parking area that stays open all year round. So don’t worry — you won’t have to go in the snow!
Read next: Maligne Canyon Hike in Jasper National Park
Valley of the Five Lakes Hike — One of the Easy Hikes in Jasper
After parking and grabbing my day pack, it was time to start the Valley of the Five Lakes. I didn’t expect to see greenish-blue lakes that draw crowds in the summertime. Even so, I knew it would be a nice walk through the forest (with very few other people). After crossing the Wabasso Creek boardwalk, I pulled my trail crampons out of my pack and put them on my boots. Hiking up the icy trail was much easier with traction. Head up the hill and stay left at the junction to hike clockwise around the loop toward First Lake. You can choose to complete the loop from either direction, though hiking clockwise starts with First Lake and progressively better views on the 6-km journey.
Along the way, I crossed paths with a few families with young kids exploring the area around the lakes. This trail is a nice family-friendly hike that can be completed in 1.5 to 2 hours. Don’t rush around the loop, as the areas around the lakes are quite enjoyable and scenic (yes, even in winter!). Don’t forget to enjoy the views from Parks Canada’s red Adirondack chairs between Third and Fourth Lake. After Fifth Lake, cross the little wooden bridge and head back to the junction, following the trail over the boardwalk and to the parking area.
What To Bring
Are you wondering what to bring to Valley of the Five Lakes? Stick to these day hiking essentials and a few extra things during the colder winter months. If you’re new to winter hiking, check out these winter hiking tips before heading out. Bring your day pack with a water bottle (or water reservoir) and some snacks for the trip. Hiking boots are preferable in the winter but trail runners are also fine, depending on your preference. You might want to carry trekking poles for a couple of steep areas. In the winter or shoulder season, I highly recommend using microspikes or trail crampons for icy sections. Bring an insulated jacket and a rain shell to keep warm and dry.
Read next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike
Know Before You Go — Hiking in Jasper National Park
Park Pass: Valley of the Five Lakes is in Jasper National Park. Bring your Parks Canada pass or buy online before arriving. You can also purchase from the visitor centre.
Parking: Official and paved parking is available at Valley of the Five Lakes Trailhead. No additional parking fees.
Toilets: Outhouses are available in the parking area year-round.
Pets: Dogs are permitted but must be on a leash at all times. Please pick up after your pet (bring a smell-proof bag).
Swimming: In the summertime, bring your bathing suit to swim at your own risk.
Wildlife: Bears are often found in the area, especially in the springtime for the berries. Bring bear spray and know how to use it (check out this bear spray holster). You might want to pack an animal deterrent horn as well (leave the bear bells at home). Keep your distance and never feed wild animals.
Navigation: Valley of the Five Lakes isn’t difficult to follow. That being said, bring a copy of the Gem Trek Jasper & Maligne Lake map. You can also download Valley of the Five Lakes on AllTrails for offline use.
Have you explored the Valley of the Five Lakes hike? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
