The Ultimate Dog Friendly 4-Day Itinerary for Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. It offers an array of stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a wealth of outdoor activities. I liked it more than Banff National Park because of its diverse landscape. This 4-day itinerary allows you to experience some of the best natural attractions and adventures in this incredible park.

What I loved the most about Canadian national parks is that they are super dog friendly. Pets are allowed on most trails when they are leashed. However, given the popularity of these parks, crowds may cause quite a bit anxiety for both pups and humans.

Day 1: Enter Jasper National Park from the North

I entered Jasper National Park from the north through Yellowhead Highway. The air quality was not the best during my stay due to wildfires. But Jasper was still stunning even under smoky skies.

Jasper Lake

As we were driving to our campground (Whistlers Campground), we saw long lines of cars parking on both sides of Yellowhead Highway. People were playing and walking in a shallow yet serene body of water next to the highway. It’s Jasper Lake and a pleasant surprise for us. The lake was surrounded by majestic mountains. Its water levels receded during summer months and were only about knee-high when we visited. The lake’s bed was also incredibly soft thanks to the fine silt from melting glaciers. Ariel ran and played in the warm water and didn’t want to leave.   

Emerald Pond

Most people have heard about Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park but not so much about this Emerald Pond on Yellowhead Highway. It’s well worth a stop. The vibrant green color is dazzling. And the waters are remarkably clear and tranquil. In addition, the pond’s backdrop of towering mountains exemplifies the pristine beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

Pyramid Lake and Patricia Lake

Pyramid Lake and Patricia Lake are well-known destinations for travelers to Jasper National Park. They are located close to each other so can be visited together. Both lakes are picturesque, ringed by dense evergreen forests and rugged mountains. They are great for water activities such as canoeing and kayaking. However, I’m not a big fan because both are heavily commercialized and have resorts built next to them. Also, dogs are not allowed on the beach or in the lakes.

Old Fort Point Trail and Athabasca River

The Athabasca River in Jasper National Park is a mighty and ancient waterway, originating from the glaciers of the Columbia Icefield. It carves through the park and shapes the land. It’s also a favorite spot for whitewater rafting. The river’s journey is marked by roaring waterfalls, sweeping valleys, and dramatic canyons. If you want to have an overlook of the river and the surrounding landscape, I highly recommend the Old Fort Point Trail. The trail is relatively short but steep, with stairs aiding the ascent to Old Fort Point, which is a rocky outcrop rising above the landscape. The summit rewards you with 360-degree panoramic views of Jasper National Park and the town of Jasper. It’s a perfect spot for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.

Jasper Downtown

The town of Jasper is a small but inviting mountain community in the heart of Jasper National Park. It’s a home base for travelers exploring the park’s vast wilderness. It offers a charming mix of local boutiques, delicious eateries, and cozy accommodations, all set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. Besides, wildlife wanders the streets and nearby trails, where elk and deer sightings are common. It’s easy to access trails, campgrounds, hotels, and natural attractions from here.

Day 2: Maligne Valley

Lake Edith and Lake Annette

Lake Edith and Lake Annette are on the way to Maligne Valley from the town of Jasper. They are on the other side of Yellowhead Highway from Pyramid Lake and Patricia Lake and can be visited together. Their calm waters are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, canoeing, and stand-up paddle-boarding. Compared to Pyramid Lake and Patricia Lake, these two lakes have more trails around them that can be used for jogging, hiking, and biking. Ariel and I particularly liked the Lake Annette Loop that goes around the lake. It was an easy and peaceful stroll with stunning mountainous and foresty backdrop.

Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon, carved out of the limestone bedrock by the erosive forces of water over millennia, was one of the highlights of our Jasper National Park visit. Its landscape was spectacular and one-of-a-kind. We walked a series of bridges and platforms on the 2.3-mile Maligne Canyon Loop. Each bridge provided a unique opportunity to gaze into the canyon’s depths. Moreover, the trail was next to the Maligne River. So we got to witness its relentless sculpting of the canyon and listen to its thunderous sound of rushing water. The entire trail was well-maintained and covered by lush vegetation. Although it’s always crowded, I think it’s a must-see.

Medicine Lake

Medicine Lake is renowned for its mysterious disappearing waters. In summer, glacial meltwaters fill the lake, offering a serene setting for canoeing and wildlife viewing. As autumn approaches, the lake begins to drain like a bathtub with an open plug, leaving behind a fascinating, exposed lake bed that provides a unique landscape for exploration. The cycle of Medicine Lake is a natural marvel. When we visited in late August, its water levels were still high. The lake was crystal clear, sitting calmly in jade-like colors. Ariel and I took a short walk on the rocky lake shore. It was quiet and peaceful.

Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is the largest natural lake in Jasper National Park. It’s known for its sparkling azure waters and the stunning, serene scenery that surrounds it. You can partake in a range of activities on the water such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The most famous one is a cruise trip to the iconic Spirit Island, which is a tiny grove of trees set on a small spit of land accessible only by boat. This island has become one of the most photographed locations in Canada, symbolizing the untouched beauty of the wilderness. However, the cruise is not dog friendly. So Ariel and I swam in the water instead. The water was freezing even in summer. I don’t recommend staying in it for too long.

Besides water activities, Maligne Lake is overseen by grandiose peaks and three glaciers and has numerous trails that lead to breathtaking vistas and hidden gems. For example, the Moose Lake Trail is short, easy, and dog friendly, taking you to both Maligne Lake and Moose Lake. In addition, Maligne Lake Viewpoint Trail ascends over 2,000ft and provides a stunning overlook of Maligne Lake. Other popular trails are strenuous and challenging, more appropriate for backcountry and not dog friendly such as Bald Hills Loop and Skyline Trail.

Day 3: Jasper SkyTram and Valley of the Five Lakes

Jasper SkyTram and Whistler Summit

Jasper SkyTram, the longest and highest aerial tramway in Canada, is dog friendly. The tram system has only two carts that travel on a fixed cable system, with one going up as the other comes down. This design ensures continuous operation and stability even in windy conditions. In each cart, there’s a knowledgable tour guide who not only operates the tram but also talks about Jasper National Park and the history of the SkyTram. 

At the upper station, situated at an elevation of 2,263 meters, you can step out onto viewing platforms, dine at the Summit Restaurant, or venture further along hiking trails leading to mountain summits. Ariel and I hiked the Whistlers Summit Trail. It’s a 900ft climb in about 1 mile (2.3 miles roundtrip). As we ascended, panoramic views unfolded, revealing the vast expanse of the park’s mountain ranges, glacial-fed lakes, and the town of Jasper.

Valley of the Five Lakes

The Valley of the Five Lakes is a breathtaking hiking destination in Jasper National Park, known for 5 stunningly distinct lakes. Each lake has its own unique shade of jade and blue thanks to varying depths and mineral compositions. The lakes are numbered from first to fifth. I enjoyed them much more than Pyramid Lake, Patricia Lake, Lake Edith, and Lake Annette. The trail that loops around the lakes is a moderate 3-mile trek that is well-maintained with clear signage. As you wander through the valley, you traverse lush forested paths, cross wooden bridges, and find numerous spots that provide perfect vantage points for photography or quiet reflection.

Day 4: Icefields Parkway

Icefields Parkway, connecting Jasper National Park and Banff National Park, is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Along the route, you will see spectacular mountains, pristine lakes, ancient glaciers, and sweeping valleys. We spent our last day in Jasper National Park driving this highway and heading to Banff National Park.

Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park is not the tallest waterfall in the Canadian Rockies, but it is among the most powerful and striking due to the sheer volume of water thundering into the narrow gorge. The roaring sound and the mist of the falls add to the majesty and mystique of the scene. The falls are easily accessible via a short hike. On the trail, a series of pathways and viewing platforms allow you to safely observe the water’s fury from various angles.

Sunwapta Falls

At Sunwapta Falls, the Sunwapta River drops approximately 60 feet into a deep canyon, creating a spectacular sight. The river is fed by the Athabasca Glacier, ensuring a continuous flow, especially powerful in late spring and early summer when the snowmelt is at its peak. The trail to the falls is well-maintained and offers viewing platforms for you to enjoy various perspectives of the falls and the surrounding dense pine forest. The rugged beauty of the area is enhanced by the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies.

Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure

Columbia Icefield is a highlight of Icefields Parkway. The tour company, Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure, provides guided tours that take you onto the Athabasca Glacier, the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk, or both. I attended a tour that included both and it took about 3-3.5 hours. The tour is not dog friendly. But its schedule is pretty flexible. You can change your departure time as long as you have a reservation for that day and they have availability.

Athabasca Glacier

The adventure began with a short shuttle ride from the check-in to the parking lot of the Ice Explorer, a specially designed all-terrain vehicle capable of navigating Athabasca Glacier’s rugged terrain. We then got transferred to the Ice Explorer and travelled across the glacier. On the way, the knowledgeable guide provided insights into the glacier’s geology, ecology, and environmental significance. After we reached the Athabasca Glacier, we had about 25 minutes to step out and walk on it. I was greeted by a world of deep crevasses and surreal ice formations, underlined by the striking blue hue of the dense ice. The panoramic views of surrounding towering peaks and expansive icefields were also breathtaking. No special equipment was needed for the walk, but I would recommend waterproof shoes and sunglasses.

Columbia Icefield Skywalk

After we returned to Ice Explorer’s parking lot, I took another shuttle to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. It’s a glass-floored observation platform extending 30 meters from the cliff’s edge, 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley. This part of the tour was not guided and I could stay there for as long as I wanted until the last shuttle pick-up. This walk offered an exhilarating experience and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. I even saw mountain goats on the cliff.

Toe of the Glacier Athabasca Trail

If you don’t have the budget or time for the tour, I highly recommend the Toe of the Glacier Athabasca Trail to get an up-close experience with the glacier. It’s a short and dog friendly trail that leads you over rocky terrains towards the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. The journey offers spectacular views of the glacier, surrounding mountains, and glacially-fed streams.