Jasper Bodies of Water
Maligne Lake offers one of the largest attractions in Jasper National Park. Visitors can choose from scenic cruises to world-famous Spirit Island, guided trout fishing, hiking, canoe renting and shopping.
Jasper Lake
Because Highway 16 follows Jasper Lake’s shoreline, this lake is easily accessible and provides for a scenic drive. The lake is fed by floodwaters of the Athabasca River, which causes Jasper Lake’s water levels to significantly rise and fall throughout the year.
Mildred Lake
Mildred Lake is a popular spot for outdoor winter skating. The lake has several ovals that are cleared as well as lighting for nighttime skating. The lake is minutes from the town of Jasper, just across the Athabasca River.
Lakes Annette, Edith and Beauvert
Known as kettle lakes, these three were first formed at the end of the ice age and feature blue-green waters. Fed by springs, this easily accessible attraction offers picnic areas and interpretive trails. Lake Annette and Lake Edith also offer sandy beaches, making it a popular spot for wading during warm summer months.
Beauty Creek and Stanley Falls
Beauty Creek and Stanley Falls are a popular area for viewing woodland caribou and other wildlife. The main falls are accessible by a trail that runs along forestland and that is dotted by numerous smaller waterfalls.
Medicine Lake
The water level in this lake fluctuates due to an underground drainage system. In summer the lake level rises and in fall the lake empties. Interpretive signs are located on site. The lake can be found 29 km (11.8 mi) east of Jasper along Highway 16.
Geraldine Lakes
The Geraldine Lakes are a series of four small lakes only accessible through a demanding hiking trail. While challenging, the route to the lakes passes several waterfalls and wild valleys. The second lake is also equipped with a small campground and several picnic tables. The hiking trail, as marked by the map, begins at a parking lot at the end of the Geraldine Fire Road, approximately 31 km (19 mi) south of Jasper.
Pyramid Lake
Take a winding road to see this scenic glacial lake and to view the 2,733-m-high Pyramid Mountain. Visitors may enjoy fishing, picnicking, boat rentals, horseback riding and hiking. The lake is located 8 km (5 mi) northwest of Jasper townsite.
Patricia Lake
Other than being a scenic and peaceful lake, Patricia Lake offers the opportunity for cold-water divers to explore the remains of Operation Habbakuk, a military experiment from World War II. The experiment’s purpose was to try to find a way to create an “ice ship” out of wood plankings and ice. Although they succeeded in building a prototype, it was never used and eventually melted, carrying with it refrigeration units which now sit at the bottom of the lake.
Lac Beauvert
Located just outside of the town of Jasper is the beautiful Lac Beauvert, which serves as the backdrop for the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Visitors can enjoy mutiple views of the water by exploring the trail that weaves around the lake.
Talbot Lake
Separated by a series of dunes Talbot Lake neighbors Jasper Lake and is visible from Highway 16. The waters are shallow and clear, making it an ideal location for pike fishing.
Cavell Pond
Found at the base of Angel Glacier is Cavell Pond, a cold-water lake that is fed by the glacier. Icebergs as big as houses can usually be seen floating in this small lake.
Sunwapta River
A major tributary of the Athabasca River, running from the Columbia Icefield through Jasper National Park and joining Athabasca River near Sunwapta Falls.
Mistaya Lake
Mistaya Lake, located near Peyto Lake and about 72 km (45 mi) from the town of Lake Louise, is a small clear lake set among the Rockies.
Athabasca River
Originating in the Columbia Icefield, the Athabasca River is the longest river in Alberta, stretching 1538 km (955.7 mi). The Athabasca crosses through areas of the Rocky Mountains, Interior Plains and Canadian Shield. A historic river, it was used for transportation of people and goods during the fur trade and gold rush.
