Outdoors
Valley of Five Lakes Hike
Start on Wetland Way, a flat path through forest growing back after the 2024 wildfire, with a footbridge over a wetland. Then walk the Emerald Loop past all five lakes, a set of Parks Canada red chairs and a picnic spot, over rolling ground with short steep hills.
- Where
- Jasper, Alberta, Canada
- Distance
- 5.4 km loop
- Difficulty
- Moderate
The route
Valley of the Five Lakes: Wetland Way and the Emerald Loop (Emerald Circuit).
The trailhead is car park P15, 9 km south of the Jasper townsite on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93).
When to go
The trail reopened in May 2026 after 20 months of restoration following the 2024 Jasper wildfire; check the Jasper trail conditions report before you go.
Permits and fees
You need a Jasper National Park pass (adult day pass $12.25 in 2026).
Before you go
- For a quieter, longer walk, take the 7.7 km Valley Loop, which runs along the First Lake; the two loops can be combined.
- For a short outing, Wetland Way alone is an easy 1.8 km return.
- Use the boot-brushing station at the trailhead to help stop invasive plants spreading.
- Dogs are allowed; bikes are allowed with seasonal restrictions, and Trail 9 towards Wabasso Lake is busy with cyclists.
What to bring
- Shoes with grip that you have already worn in
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Food you will actually want to eat
- A warm or waterproof layer
- The route, saved offline
- Sun cream and a hat
Getting ready for it
If your longest walk lately is under two hours, do a few longer walks first, ideally with some climbing and the pack you will carry.
Step-ups and lunges twice a week make the descents much easier on your knees.
Staying safe
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
- Turn around if the weather turns or the footing gets sketchy. The trail will still be there.
Route details checked September 30, 2026 against parks.canada.ca, parks.canada.ca, parks.canada.ca and parks.canada.ca. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.
