Looking for the definitive guide to the Jasper Valley of the Five Lakes? The Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper trail is open again. After nearly two years of closure following the 2024 Jasper wildfire, this classic short hike just south of town reopened on May 23, 2026 — and the Jasper Valley of the Five Lakes is not exactly the same trail you remember.
The five turquoise “finger lakes” are still there. The colours still pop. But the forest around the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper is more open, new boardwalks and stone staircases make the route smoother, and a ridgeline realignment delivers fresh views that used to be hidden. Here’s everything you need to know for a 2026 visit to the Valley of the Five Lakes in Jasper as part of your Jasper National Park travel guide itinerary.
Current Trail Status for Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper (July 2026)
The main network at Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper is open and welcoming hikers. Parks Canada has reconfigured the options so you can mix and match:
- Wetland Way — Easy, 1.8 km return. Gentle, mostly flat approach through vibrant post-fire regrowth. Features a new pedestrian bridge across the wetland and benches. Perfect for a short outing or families exploring the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper.
- Emerald Loop / Emerald Circuit — Moderate, 5.4 km loop. The classic Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper experience that takes in views of all five lakes, the iconic Red Chairs, a picnic spot, and panoramic mountain views.
- Valley Loop — Moderate, 7.7 km loop. Quieter option with scenic views along First Lake. (Note: some longer connections or sections of Trail 9 may have ongoing work or restrictions — always check the latest conditions.)
The trailhead for the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper is P15, located 9 km south of the Jasper townsite on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). A large parking lot is available, though it fills quickly on sunny summer days.
This remains one of the standout options among the best things to do in Jasper in summer and ranks well in our broader best hiking trails in Alberta roundup. Always verify the most recent trail conditions on the official Parks Canada Jasper page before you hike the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper, as recovery work continues in the broader area.
What Changed at Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper After the 2024 Wildfire
The fire burned through the trail corridor at Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper, damaging bridges, signs, and outhouses and leaving hazardous trees and bare soil. Parks Canada used the closure to reimagine the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper trail rather than simply rebuild the old one.
You’ll notice:
- New elegant boardwalks over wetlands and sturdy bridges across beaver channels.
- Benches and picnic tables made from salvaged burned timber.
- Handrails and meticulously crafted stone staircases that replace former steep, rooty, and eroded sections (one dramatic staircase toward the fourth and fifth lakes is already a highlight of the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper).
- A mid-circuit ridgeline reroute that avoids old muddy bottlenecks and opens up brand-new views.
- Improved signage and wayfinding.
- A more open forest with blackened lodgepole pines, carpets of fireweed, young aspen, and sunlight reaching the ground in places that were once deeply shaded.
The lakes themselves remain dazzling teal and turquoise. The overall feeling at the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper is of a landscape in active recovery — quieter in some stretches, more exposed in others, and full of new life. It pairs well with other nearby experiences, including a stop at the Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives for deeper local context.
Getting to the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper and Parking
From Jasper townsite, drive south on Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway) for about 9–10 minutes. Watch for the clear Valley of the Five Lakes / P15 trailhead signs on the left (east side).
If you’re coming from further afield, the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper hike fits easily into a Calgary to Jasper road trip or as a stop on the longer Jasper to Kamloops drive.
Parking at Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper is free with a valid Parks Canada pass (day pass or Discovery Pass). For details on whether an annual pass makes sense for your trip, see our guide on how to get a Canadian National Parks pass. Arrive early on weekends and peak summer days — the lot is popular and can fill by mid-morning. There are outhouses at the trailhead.
Difficulty, Time, and What to Expect on the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper Trail
The Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper remains one of Jasper’s most accessible and family-friendly hikes. Elevation gain is modest (roughly 80–100 m depending on the loop), with some short rolling hills and steeper bits now improved by the new stonework. It sits comfortably among the easier options in our top 10 hikes in Alberta ranked by difficulty.
- Wetland Way: 30–60 minutes.
- Emerald Loop: 1.5–2.5 hours (allow extra time for photos and lingering at the lakes).
- Longer combinations: up to 3 hours.
The five lakes at Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper each have slightly different shades of blue-green thanks to glacial silt and varying depths. Highlights include the views between the third and fourth lakes (Red Chairs location), the small island and loons sometimes seen at Fifth Lake, and the new open vistas from the ridgeline.
Dogs are allowed on leash at the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper. The trail is suitable for most fitness levels and older kids; strollers are not practical.
Best Time to Visit Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper in 2026
Mid-summer through early fall (July to September) delivers the best colours and warmest weather for the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper. Early morning or late afternoon helps avoid the biggest crowds and gives softer light on the lakes. The area is also accessible in winter for snowshoeing or walking when conditions allow, though the lakes will be frozen.
Fireweed is especially striking in the recovering areas this season. For broader seasonal advice, check our best time to visit Alberta month-by-month breakdown.
Practical Tips for Hiking Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper Responsibly
- Stay on designated trails. Much of the surrounding terrain is still recovering and remains closed to protect sensitive habitat and prevent invasive species.
- Use the boot-brushing stations at the trailhead.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it — this is active bear country (both black and grizzly). Review our full wildlife safety tips for hiking in Alberta and the related where to see wildlife in Alberta guide before heading out to the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper.
- Pack out everything. There are limited facilities beyond the trailhead. For packing advice tailored to the Rockies, see what to pack for a trip to the Canadian Rockies.
- Swimming is possible at your own risk on warmer days (the water is cold). Check any current water-activity rules.
If you’re looking for places to stay nearby after hiking the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper, consider options in our best cabins and lodges in the Canadian Rockies roundup or our Chateau Jasper review.
FAQ
Is the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper open right now?
Yes. The Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper reopened May 23, 2026. Confirm current conditions before your visit.
How long does the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper hike take?
1–3 hours depending on which loops you choose and how long you linger at the lakes.
Where are the Red Chairs at Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper?
Typically between the third and fourth lakes on the Emerald Circuit.
Can you swim at Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper?
Yes, at your own risk. The water is chilly even in summer.
Are dogs allowed on the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper trail?
Yes, on leash.
Is the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper still beautiful after the fire?
Many visitors say yes — different, more open, and full of new views and regenerating life. The lakes themselves are as striking as ever. It ranks among the 10 hidden gems in Alberta most tourists miss for those seeking something a bit different from the busiest Banff viewpoints.
The Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper has always been one of Jasper’s most rewarding short outings. In 2026 the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper offers the familiar turquoise payoff plus the chance to walk through a landscape actively recovering and being thoughtfully rebuilt. It’s a powerful reminder of both the power of wildfire and the resilience of this corner of the Rockies.
Check the official Parks Canada Jasper trail conditions page the day you go, grab your pass, and enjoy the new chapter of the Valley of the Five Lakes Jasper.
