Valley of the Five Lakes Hike in Jasper National Park
Valley of the Five Lakes Hike
Jasper National Park is an indescribably scenic corner of the world. Not only are there gorgeous mountain vistas, turquoise glacial lakes, and tons of wildlife to spot, but it also presents an incredible opportunity for some awesome family-friendly hiking. One of Jasper National Parks’ best and most popular hikes for beginners and families with younger children, is the Valley of the Five Lakes trail.
What is Jasper National Park?
Jasper National Park is the largest park in the Canadian Rockies. Established in 1907, Jasper spans 10,878 square kilometres (4200 square miles) of incredible mountains, lush forests, glaciers, mind-blowing turquoise lakes and rivers, and gorgeous alpine meadows.
Jasper National Park has the distinction of being named one of only 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada. It is also the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world.
Home to more than 1200 kilometres (660 miles) of trails, scenic drives, winter sports, and a wide variety of wildlife-spotting opportunities, there are a ton of things to do in Jasper for families.
Where is Jasper National Park Located?
Jasper National Park is located in western Alberta. It is situated 370 km (192 mi) west of Edmonton, 404 km (256 mi) northwest of Calgary, and 805 km (500 mi) northeast of Vancouver.
You can get to Jasper National Park via the Trans-Canada Highway #16 (also called the Yellowhead Highway). The Trans-Canada runs through the park and is the main route to and from the Jasper townsite.
The Icefields Parkway also connects Jasper with the Trans-Canada Highway #1 near Lake Louise and Banff.
How Do You Get To Valley of The Five Lakes?
Getting to the Valley of the Five Lakes trail in Jasper National Park is pretty simple. How long it takes, will obviously depend on where you are coming from.
From Jasper
From the Jasper townsite, it is only a 10-minute drive to the trailhead. Take Hwy 93 south for about 8 km (5 miles). Shortly after crossing the Athabasca River, you will make a left into the parking lot.
From Lake Louise
If you are coming from Lake Louise, you are looking at about a 3-hour drive. Take the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) north for 225 km (140 miles). The signs for the trail will be on the right.
From Banff
From Banff, it will be a 3.5-hour drive to Jasper. Take the Trans-Canada (Hwy 1) West to Lake Louise. Merge onto the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) towards Jasper and drive for another 225 km (140 miles). The signs and trailhead will be on the right.
Do You Need to Pay Admission to Get into Jasper National Park?
Yes. Jasper National Park requires a Parks Canada pass in order to enter. Passes can either be purchased in the Visitor Center in downtown Jasper, at the park entrance gates. They can also be purchased in advance online. For more information, visit the Parks Canada website.
As far as the passes go, you also have a couple of options to choose from:
1. Purchase a Day Pass
A day pass allows entry into Jasper National Park for one day. The daily passes expire at 4 pm the following day. The cost is:
- Adult: $10.00
- Senior: $8.40
- Youth (up to 17 yo): FREE
- Family/group (up to 7 people): $20.00
- Commercial group (per person): $8.40
2. Purchase a Discovery Pass
A Parks Canada “Discovery Pass” can be purchased and used in any Canadian National Park, and is valid for one full year. The cost is:
- Adult: $69.19
- Senior: $59.17
- Family/group: $139.40
Is There Parking at the Valley of the Five Lakes Trail?
Although the parking lot at the Valley of the Five Lakes trail is pretty large, during peak season it still fills up rather quickly. In fact, during the summer, so can expect the lot to be full by 9 am!
And given that this hike is popular year-round, your best bet would be to visit early in the morning, or just before sunset.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Valley of the Five Lakes?
The most popular time to visit Jasper National Park, is during the summer months, between June and mid-September. This is when there is plenty of water in the lakes, and the trails are at their best.
Of course, peak season is also when the crowds are biggest and the chances of finding parking are slim. Mid-September to mid-October tends to be less busy, but the weather is still nice enough to enjoy outdoor adventures.
The Valley of the Five Lakes trail is open year-round, so a winter hike or snowshoe is also a pretty good option. There will be fewer people on the trail, and the lakes will look incredible in contrast to the snow.
What is the Weather Like in Jasper National Park?
Weather in the mountains tends to be unpredictable and can change very quickly. We always recommend being prepared with a variety of clothing options, no matter what time of year are thinking of hiking in Jasper.
With that being said, summer is definitely the most comfortable time to visit. At this time of year, temperatures can reach above 30 degrees Celsius during the day, but can still dip below zero at night.
In the winter months, you can expect average temperatures to sit below zero. However, it’s not unheard of for temperatures to plummet as low as -45 degrees Celsius at night!
Wondering What to Pack?
Valley of The Five Lakes – Know Before You Go
The Valley of the Five Lakes trail is a wonderful hike for beginners and families with children. Each of the five lakes is a different shade of green, allowing for some breathtaking photography, and a very scenic hike.
If you are in a hurry, we suggest taking the Short Loop. This trail will still take you past all 5 lakes, as well as the Parks Canada Red Chairs, without a huge time commitment.
Valley of The Five Lakes – Quick Facts
- Dogs are allowed on the trail, but they must be leashed at all times.
- Horseback riding is allowed on the trails.
- Biking is not allowed on the trails during the peak summer months (mid-May to mid-September)
- Facilities are located at the trailhead and include garbage, recycling, and 2 pit toilets.
Valley of The Five Lakes Hike Breakdown – Short Loop
- Length: 4.8 km (2.9 miles) round trip
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Elevation Gain: 172 m
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best Time To Go: June – October
If you decide to take the Long Loop, this trail takes you all the way around the First Lake (instead of just past it). The long loop is about 9 km and takes approximately 3-4 hours to hike.
The Long Loop is also considered a moderate-level hike. But keep in mind, it has quite a few steep inclines and declines that can become quite tiring for some people.
The Trail
The Valley of the Five Lakes trail starts off on a wide forested path. After a short walk, you will come to a clearing where you will cross the Wabasoo Creek wetlands on a wooden boardwalk.
The boardwalk leads to a meadow where you will find signs leading to either the Short or Long Loop. The Long Loop continues through the meadow, whereas the Short Loop will take you up and back into the forest.
Further along the Short Loop path, you will also have the option of taking the trail clockwise, or counter-clockwise. This is really only a matter of personal preference, but if you head clockwise, you will see the First Lake first.
Although all the lakes are incredible to look at, the Fourth Lake is where you will find the Red Chairs, and the Fifth Lake is where you will find the boat docks. Both of these make for some really fantastic photographs, as well as nice spots to sit and have a rest or a snack!
Fun Fact: The varying green and blue shades of the lakes, are due in part to the amounts of glacial rock dust present, the presence of algae, and of course, the depth of the lake.
Can You Hike the Valley of the Five Lakes with Kids?
The Valley of the Five Lakes hike is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Most of the trail is packed dirt and rock, but some portions are very uneven, with tree roots that come up and across the path.
And even though there are some areas with a bit of a steep climb, the trail is definitely doable for younger children. With that being said, you should definitely be wearing good, supportive shoes when hiking the Valley of the Five Lakes trail.
Can You Swim in Valley of the Five Lakes?
The short answer is Yes. There are no restrictions on swimming in the lakes when you are hiking at Valley of the Five Lakes.
However, there are several things that you should keep in mind before diving in. Depending on what time of the year you visit, the water can be ice cold!
Mid-July and August are probably your best bet when the water temperature is only ‘fresh’ as compared to ‘freezing’!
Another thing to be aware of when swimming at the Valley of the Five Lakes is that there are no beaches. You will find a small rocky path and a pier at the Third Lake, but not much else.
The lakes are essentially wild. There are no safety accommodations for swimming or lifeguards around. You will need to be extra careful, especially when entering the water with kids.
Tips For Hiking the Valley of the Five Lakes Trail
Just like with any other hike, there are a few things to consider when heading to Jasper National Park. A little advance planning will help make your hike a positive experience for the whole family.
Maps
For trail maps and other hiking information, head into downtown Jasper before your hike. You can pick up a Day Hiking Guide from the Tourist Information Office, which is located at 500 Connaught Drive.
Safety
First and foremost, you should always let someone know that you are heading out for a hike. Let them know where you will be hiking and your expected return time.
Even though the trails are well marked and travelled, you just never know when you may get lost or injured – especially if you are attempting one of the longer trails. And cell service in the area is really spotty at best!
Jasper National Park is bear country! With black bears and grizzly bears calling the area home, you really need to take the time to educate yourself on bear safety.
Therefore, carrying bear spray is a must. Canisters are available to buy or rent at many locations in Jasper.
You should always check the latest Valley of the Five Lakes trail report for trail conditions, wildlife warnings, avalanche warnings, and possible closures before you head out.
Clothing
Make sure that you are wearing comfortable clothing and appropriate shoes. We recommend hiking boots for most of these trails, as the terrain is uneven. We would also recommend hiking poles for extra stability.
Wear a comfortable backpack! If you plan on hiking for several hours, you will need a well-fitted backpack to carry all your gear. It will need to be big enough to carry all your essentials, while at the same time, not being so heavy that it gets to be too much.
Make sure to pack extra layers of clothing. The weather tends to be unpredictable in the mountains and can change very quickly.
Miscellaneous
Have plenty of snacks on hand that the kids enjoy. This is especially important for those times when they begin to get ‘hangry’ or need that extra treat to get them through the hike.
And of course, this should go without saying. Make sure you pack out everything you bring on your hike. There are garbage cans and recycling containers conveniently located near the trailhead.
Lastly, make sure you have sunscreen and bug spray with you, as well as a basic first-aid kit in case of small mishaps. When we hike with kids, we never leave home without!
Limited Facilities in Jasper National Park
Food
If you are looking to purchase food or drinks, the closest place is downtown Jasper. There you will find plenty of options including grocery stores, convenience stores, as well as restaurants offering take-out meals. Prices are also quite reasonable.
Water
Packing enough water is really important while hiking. There are no drinking water facilities on the Valley of the Five Lakes Trail, so fill your hydration packs, or reusable water bottles before you leave.
Restrooms
The Valley of the Five Lakes trail does have 2 pit toilets available. These can be found right next to the parking lot. There are no other toilets along the trail.
Accommodations in Jasper National Park
The most convenient place to stay when hiking the Valley of the Five Lakes trail is in downtown Jasper. Not only are you in close proximity to the trail, but you also have access to all kinds of amenities.
Budget | Jasper Downtown Hostel – If you are looking for truly budget accommodations in downtown Jasper, then a hostel may be your best bet. The Jasper Downtown Hostel features WiFi throughout the property. It has both dormitories and private rooms, as well as shared bathrooms, a kitchen, lounge, and laundry facilities. Some rooms offer private ensuite bathrooms.
Mid-range | Mount Robson Inn is a hotel with an unbeatable location, just a short walk from the center of Jasper. It has standard rooms, family suites, and even rooms with jacuzzi tubs. Your stay includes breakfast, and the hotel actually has on-site parking! The rooms are clean, although a bit dated, and the staff are super friendly.
Mid-range | Whistler’s Inn – The hotel is located right in the center of downtown Jasper. There are 2 on-site restaurants and a pub, 3 on-site gift shops, as well as 2 roof-top hot tubs. Unfortunately, you will find very few parking spots, and will most likely need to find on-street parking when staying at this hotel.
Luxury | Crimson Hotel – Located right in the middle of downtown Jasper, the Crimson Hotel has a mix of hotel guest rooms, suites, and self-catering studios. There is an onsite restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, as well as a fitness facility available for guests to use. The hotel even runs a shuttle service to nearby points of interest.
There are also plenty of accommodation options, including camping, outside of the Jasper townsite. Some of these options are relatively close to the trail as well, but may not have as many amenities available.
You can find a complete listing of available accommodations in Jasper National Park here.
Final Thoughts on Hiking the Valley of the Five Lakes Trail
We found the Valley of the Five Lakes hike to be incredibly scenic and definitely family-friendly. Not only were we blown away by the different shades of the water, but we totally enjoyed the varying landscapes of the hike. We would totally recommend this hike if you are visiting Jasper National Park with kids.
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