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Hiking Jacques Lake - Jasper National Park
Jacques Lake is one of the more popular backcountry hikes in Jasper National Park. It might not be as iconic as the Skyline Trail or Tonkin Valley, but it is a wonderful backcountry hike. The trail provides some beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, passes several wonderful lakes, and offers plenty of opportunities to see wildlife.
Jacques Lake trail is also great for beginner hikers who may be looking for some exposure into the world of backcountry camping. Jacques Lake hike is relatively short and easy - but it still requires that you have knowledge of setting up camp, building fires, backcountry cooking, etc. So, if you’re new to the world of backcountry camping and you’re looking for the perfect introductory hike - this is the one for you!
Table of Contents
Getting to Jacques Lake, Jasper Trailhead
Jacques Lake Trailhead is located along the iconic Maligne Lake Road - which is a truly beautiful drive. The trailhead is located on the near eastern tip of Medicine Lake and is marked with plenty of signage. There is plenty of parking at the trailhead so don’t worry about finding a spot!
The only real way to get to the trailhead is with your own vehicle, although you can take a taxi. However, we highly recommend against taking a taxi as you likely not have any cell reception in the area. If you take a taxi to the trailhead the only method of returning to Jasper is by hitchhiking.
Jacques Lake Checklist
Assuming you’re only planning to spend one night at the campground, your checklist will be pretty simple. Essentially, you only need to worry about food, shelter, clothing and toiletries - that’s it!
Feel free to download our Jacques Lake checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Planning Your Jacques Lake Hike
There is a designated backcountry campground located very near Jacques Lake that requires the purchase of backcountry permit. There are 8 tent pads located at the campsite that are chosen on a first-come basis. You will also be required to purchase a park pass in order to complete this hike: you can do that in-person at the park entrance or by using the online service website.
There are no day-hiking trails located at the campsite and there is little exploration to do at the campsite. There is, however, a horse trail near the campsite that you can explore for roughly 2km (1.2mi) before it becomes impassible due to the river. There is also an Alpine Club of Canada cabin that offers some wonderful photographic points.
We believe spending one night at Jacques Lake is more than ample - arrive at the campsite earlier to allow sufficient time for photographs and exploration (if desired).
The Jacques Lake Hike
The Jacques Lake trail is a very well maintained and clearly marked trail that is best completed from mid June to mid September. Dogs are permitted. There are some sections of roots and thick brush, but otherwise it is very manageable. We completed the hike over the summer of 2023 and encountered minimal deadfall and obstructions along the trail. We always recommend checking the trail conditions before setting out on your hike!
Beaver Lake
Located on kilometer 1.6 (mile 1), Beaver Lake is a tranquil, small lake located alongside the trail. The lake is heavily wooded and green in color. When we went, it was relatively easy to find fish swimming within the lake. Note that fishing in Beaver Lake is not permitted.
Summit Lake
Located on kilometer 4.8 (mile 3) of the trail, the First Summit Lake offers the best views/photos of the entire hike. This location offers one of the best viewpoints of the nearby mountains with a beautiful, pristine lake sitting directly in front.
There is plenty of long grass and soft ground around the area that makes for the perfect area to stop and refuel! It might be worth sitting around at this location for a little while because we have also had phenomenal success seeing moose in this location!
Up until this point, the trail has actually been an old fire road and very easy to traverse along. You are permitted to ride your bike up until this point. After you leave First Summit Lake, the real hiking trail begins!
The Second Summit Lake is not much further along the hiking trail, but unfortunately offers views that in our opinion are far less impressive. Afterwards, you are essentially left with nothing other thick wooded brush for the remaining 7.4km (4.6mi) of the trail until you reach Jacques Lake.
Jacques Lake
As mentioned, Jacques Lake lies just a further 7.4km (4.6mi) ahead on the hiking trail. Jacques Lake is by far the most impressive lake of this hike and you can often see moose drinking on lakeshore if you pay attention. Again, fish can be seen throughout the lake however fishing is not permitted - at least when we went. Check with the fishing regulations before you set out!
Jacques Lake Campground
The campground consists 8 tent pads and is best visited between mid June to mid September. There is a privy toilet, 3 picnic tables, a fire pit (plenty of nearby wood) and a more than ample food locker. We recommend you get there a little early so you can grab a tent pad that is more secluded.
Nearby Exploration
As mentioned, there are no day-hiking trails from the campsite and there is minimal amount of area to explore around the campsite. There is a cabin nearby that offers some wonderful photography points, and if you’re planning to go for a swim that is the place to do it!
There is a horse trail that leads into a Wilderness Area - but it is very difficult to navigate. We only managed to make it 2.1km (1.2mi) before we were forced to turn around because of the river. However, I do think we got the best picture out of the hike from this in the Wilderness Area.
Jacques Lake Winter Hike/Snowshoe
If you feel up for completing this hike in the winter, it is actually possible to complete this by snowshoeing and then spending the night at the Alpine Club of Canada Cabin. You can reserve a night in the warm cabin and enjoy a very peaceful night in the snowy mountains.
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