It is winter now, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t start planning your epic adventures for next year already. With reservations right around the corner (okay, okay, I understand that they aren’t coming out until March…) there is no better time to start planning your next hiking adventures in Jasper and around Jasper National Park. That is why I’ve compiled a list of 3 of the best overnight hikes in Jasper.
These are good for summer, and range from easy to difficult. Let me tell you when to go, how to get there and why these are some must see hikes! I’m so excited just thinking about it.
Tonquin Valley Hike in Jasper National Park
Difficulty: Moderate
The amazing view from Astoria Campground!
Tonquin Valley and I have a love hate relationship. Why is this you ask? Well this was the first hike I did in 2017 and it was a gongshow! I wore my sturdy hiking boots, that have made it around the world with me. Ones that I have taken on numerous hikes and fit like a glove. Well… at least they did. Then all of a sudden on the Tonquin Valley hike they didn’t anymore. Long story short, this hike ended with me walking 10 kilometers in Birkenstocks, and with blisters on my feet that lasted for 2 weeks, and made me limp around.
This hike can start at one of two places, and my recommendation is to start at Astoria Trailhead, and take the trail towards Amethyst Lake from there. You definitely have to do the longer route through the landslide up the side of the mountain. This hike is 20 kilometers each way to Clitheroe Campground, and an additional 3 kilometers each way to Amethyst Lake.
Jacques Lake in Jasper National Park
Difficulty: Simple! This is a great beginner hike!
Jacques Lake is one of my favourite places to hike. It is great as both a day hike and an overnight hike in Jasper National Park. If you are looking for a simple and easy beginner overnight hike in Jasper then this is the route for you. You start just past Medicine Lake on Maligne Lake Road. There is a cute sheltered parking lot, and you will get some spectacular views of the mountain peaks and remote mountain lakes.
The Jacques Lake hike is around 14 kilometers each way and it only takes about 3 hours (at a slow pace) to go each way! Besides being great in the summer, it is also a good cross country ski route for the first 5 kilometers in the winter.
Thy Skyline (And Heart of the Skyline) in Jasper National Park
Difficulty: Hard
The Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park is one of the most beautiful and world renowned hikes in the area. This hike has technically four access routes, that all can be used to get to the top of the mountain and the spectacular views that are there to behold. This hike is 15 kilometers each way, and it a solid glute workout as you make your way over a kilometer of elevation gain.
If you want to only take one night, then it is a good idea to start from the Icefields parkway and beeline your way up the mountain from Wabasso Trailhead to Curator campground. This lets you do the “Heart of the Skyline Hike”
