Fall in Jasper is short, but it comes with some beautiful foliage and scenery.
Escape to Jasper National Park this fall and hike through the colourful leaves, embark on short or longer day trips, and take advantage of some of Alberta’s best views. These hikes are perfect for enjoying the fall colours, and many can be extended into longer treks.
The best time for fall foliage in Jasper is roughly mid-September to October 1st. There can often be snow by the end of September, but sometimes the stark white only enhances the red, orange, yellow, or green of the trees.
Edith Lake Loop
This easy yet beautiful walk around Edith Lake only takes about an hour. The short walk is still rewarding, especially in the fall, and lets you see the lake against foothills on one side and the Rockies on the other. In the fall, the Edith Lakeshore is alive with fall colours of all hues and on a calm day, the crystal-clear water can give off amazing reflections. The hike can be enjoyed by families, small kids, dogs on leashes, or on a bike.
Distance: 4.7km
Downtown to Patricia Lake Loop
The streets of the small townsite of Jasper are on fire with warm fall colours in mid-to-late September. The main Connaught Drive is a great starting point for many hikes into quieter areas, including the Patricia and Pyramid Lake areas.
Patricia is the closest to the town of the two lakes but still makes for a decent round-trip walk. The trail leads through Cottonwood Creek with tall and bright golden poplars and various other fall colours. This is a great trail for wildlife viewing and photography!
Distance: 11.1km
Trailhead Location: Connaught Drive, Jasper
Old Fort Point Trail
There are a few challenges along the Old Fort Point Trail, namely in the elevation gain. But the work will be rewarded at the end of your hike with 360-degree views. And a hike through here in mid to late September will just add colour to those views, and the rest of the trail in general.
If you visit at this time, the Athabasca River Valley shows off every shade of fall colour against the backdrop of the mountains. The Old Fort Point, the main viewing area, was created by ancient glaciers, making the geology here another thing to admire while you’re at the top.
Distance: 3.8km
Caledonia & Saturday Night Lake Trails
Pick your adventure on these Jasper trails: either a short and rewarding hike, or a full day on the trails. The two main paths are suitable for cyclists, too, if you’d like to speed up the long 23km loop.
The foliage is abundant and varied in this part of the National Park, and your views may be a combination of fall colours and the remaining wildflowers. Your hike is sheltered from large golden poplars, and deep green pines, with the shorter hike ending at the beautiful Caledonia Lake.
Distance: 4.2km out-and-back, or a 23km loop
Valley of the Five Lakes
While the fall foliage around the five lakes and trails are bright, colourful, and pretty, the lakes themselves contribute to the fall colours, too! By this time of the year, the waters are a deep green colour, and can be explored via a few different trails, including a connector path to the parking lot across the highway from the Wabasso Campground. An easy 4.6km loop can take you to the first three lakes, while the final lakes require an 8.2km hike.
Distance: 4.6-8.2km