Jasper hiking in 2026: what is open
Several trails reopened in 2026. The Valley of the Five Lakes, Wabasso Lake and the Curator Trail are open again, and the Valley of the Five Lakes is no longer closed as a whole. Day hikes that are open include Sulphur Skyline, Old Fort Point, Bald Hills and Wilcox Pass, though seasonal limits on access roads still apply.
A reopening is not the same as a clear trail. Snow and ice can cover a path outside the summer season. For a hike with a guide, see our Jasper National Park tours, and for the walk to the Whistlers summit read the SkyTram guide.
Day hikes and their status
Check the current status before you set out.
| Hike | Status 2026 | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Valley of the Five Lakes | Open | Reopened this summer; stay inside the released trail corridor |
| Wabasso Lake and Curator Trail | Open | Reopened this summer |
| Sulphur Skyline | Open | Seasonal access limits remain |
| Old Fort Point | Open | Seasonal access limits remain |
| Bald Hills | Open | Seasonal access limits remain |
| Wilcox Pass | Open | Seasonal access limits remain |
| Cavell Meadows and Path of the Glacier | Closed | Cavell Road and Trails 41 and 42 are closed to everyone |
| Opal Hills | Closed | Wildlife closure since 25 September 2026 because of a grizzly with two cubs, until further notice |
| Maligne Canyon trails | Closed | Closed in 2026 |
Do not go around a closure, even with a guide. For most visitors who want a first hike with views and few conditions, Old Fort Point or the Valley of the Five Lakes is the better start than a long ridge trail. Hikers with more time can add Wilcox Pass or Bald Hills.
Our pick: a hike with a guide
A valley day that includes an easy lakeshore hike of 2 to 3 km.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Hikes, tours and day trips from Jasper
Guided hikes and outings around the national park, with live prices and availability.
The wildfire corridor near Old Fort Point and Wabasso
Only released trails are open.
After the 2024 wildfire, the order of 13 August 2026 opened Trails 1, 1a, 9, 9a, 9b and 101 in the corridor between Old Fort Point and Wabasso. Trail 9c remains closed. Ground outside the released corridor is closed. Stay on the marked trails, since a short cut can lead into a closed area.
For longer routes, the Tonquin area can be reached only through the Portal Trailhead, because Cavell Road and the Astoria Trailhead are closed. The Tonquin and À-la-Pêche backcountry is closed from 1 November 2026 to 15 May 2027 inclusive for caribou, and access is planned again from 16 May 2027.
Bears and safety on the trail
The rules that matter most.
Bear spray
Carry bear spray where you can reach it and know how to use it before you need it. Bear bells are not effective. Hike in a group, stay alert and make noise to avoid surprising a bear.
Distances
Keep at least 100 m from bears, cougars and wolves, and at least 30 m from elk, moose, caribou, sheep and goats. Never block an animal's path. During the elk rut, which runs to mid October, bulls can be aggressive.
Wildlife guide →Snow and avalanche
Snow and avalanche danger can occur outside the winter months too. Do not count on a snow-free trail at any time of year.
Waterfall viewpoints
At Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls the rocks are wet and slippery, and the railings are there for a reason. These are short walks rather than hikes.
Athabasca Falls guide →Backcountry camping
For trips with an overnight stay.
An overnight trip into the backcountry needs a valid camping permit and park entry. You can book online or by telephone. Booking opened on 28 January 2026 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time. A general registration for every day hike is not required.
The fee in 2026 is CA$15 per person and night. A reservation fee comes on top: CA$11.50 online or CA$13.50 by telephone. Park entry costs CA$12.25 for an adult day pass (ages 18 to 64) or CA$83.50 for an adult Discovery Pass.
Plan the rest of your trip
Other short walks and viewpoints.
Jasper hiking: frequently asked questions
How much does backcountry camping cost?
In 2026 it is CA$15 per person and night, plus a reservation fee of CA$11.50 online or CA$13.50 by telephone. Park entry is separate.
Is the Valley of the Five Lakes open?
Yes, it is open again in 2026. Stay inside the released trail corridor.
Can I hike to Cavell Meadows?
No. Cavell Road and Trails 41 and 42 are closed in 2026.
Do I need bear spray?
Parks Canada advises carrying it within reach and knowing how to use it.
Do I need a permit for a day hike?
You need a park pass. A general registration for every day hike is not required. An overnight trip needs a camping permit.
How far is the walk to the Whistlers summit?
It is 1.4 km from the upper SkyTram station, and the route is not wheelchair accessible.