Are you in the mood for a spring or autumn polar dip? Looking for a nice cold swim after a long summer hike? Or were you just hoping to dip your feet into crisp glacier water?
Despite being fed by glaciers and icy cold, these crystal clear lakes are the perfect places to cool off on a hot summer day in the mountains. In Jasper — a mountain town in the Rocky Mountains in Canada — temperatures can head well above 30°C (86°F) in the summer.
There is nothing better than ending a day of adventuring with a jump into a mountain lake. Here are eight lakes perfect for a swim, float, or dip.
1 – Lac Beauvert
Location: 1 Old Lodge Rd, Jasper, AB
Description: This crystal clear lake sits right in front of the main building at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. There are a few entry points from small wooden docks near the lodge, and another if you walk around the lake, past the golf-course, almost directly across from the hotel. Of course, you can always just walk right in from any point along the shore as well! Warning though — make sure you follow the directions on any posted signage, the shores of the lake are breeding grounds for animals and so parts of the path are closed to people at different times throughout the year.
2 – Lake Annette
Location: Lake Annette Road, Jasper, AB
Description: This gem of a lake is surrounded by a paved walking path and there are two parking lots that you can access it from. The first leads down to a dock where you can jump into the water from, or launch a kayak or canoe. The second is near a beach area that is packed in the summer with locals and visitors alike.
3 – Lake Edith
Location: End of Lake Annette Road, Jasper, AB
Description: Just down the road from Lake Annette, this is the older, and much larger sister. The water isn’t as clear, but is just as cold. There are large stretches of beaches, and lots of spots for renting boats or paddle boards (without engines).
4 – Pyramid Lake
Location: Along Pyramid Lake Road, Jasper, AB
Description: This large lake contains Pyramid Island that is well-visited in both the summer and the winter. There is also a hotel on the lake that rents canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards, as well as a day use area with a beach. Pyramid Mountain overlooks the water, making for stunning views while you swim.
5 – Lake Five
Location: Valley of the Five Lakes Hike (just off the Icefields Parkway)
Description: The Valley of the Five Lakes is a popular hike just outside of Jasper Town. The hike takes you past five lakes, a few of which are easily accessible. When hiking on hot summer days, stopping for a quick dip in glacial cold water is the best feeling in the world. When the trail splits, go right, and this is the first lake that you will come upon. There is a dock that you can jump off of, or you can walk in from the rocky shore.
6 – Lake Four
Location: Valley of the Five Lakes Hike (just off the Icefields Parkway)
Description: The next like along the trail, this is a small, quiet spot surrounded by trees and easily reached from the trail. The shore is shallow and easy to access, and the water is cold and clear.
7 – Medicine Lake
Location: 27 min up Maligne Lake Road from Jasper Town
Description: This stunning lake is surrounded by mountains and can be reached by a lookout point, with parking, on the side of the road. It is often overlooked by those that are driving all the way to Maligne Lake, so the lake and shoreline are usually deserted.
8 – Maligne Lake
Location: 50 min up Maligne Lake Road from Jasper Town
Description: This famous lake is a popular tourist site for its incredible views, great hikes, and the majestic Spirit Island. There is a teahouse near the shore by the parking lots, and lots of spots to kick off your hiking boots and jump in. Note that there are motorized boats on this lake that make waves, so be careful to keep an eye out for watercraft.
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Meet The Author
Lindsay Shapka is an avid traveler and the creator of The Anthrotorian — a website dedicated to sharing travel tips, stories about adventures, culture quirks, artists you should know, fascinating bits of history, and more!
She is also an artist, marketing specialist, editor, and freelance writer who has work featured on websites, blogs, and in magazines like National Geographic Traveler.
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