One of Jasper’s Most Popular Hikes Set to Reopen After Wildfire Damage

Crews and volunteers are working to restore one of Jasper National Park’s most popular trails after it was heavily damaged during the 2024 Jasper wildfire, with Parks Canada aiming to reopen the route in 2026.

The Valley of the Five Lakes trail, a short loop known for its vivid turquoise lakes and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, remained closed throughout the 2025 season while restoration work continued.

According to Parks Canada’s 2025 Jasper National Park Annual Report, the trail was “heavily impacted by the 2024 Jasper Wildfire and remained closed in 2025 for the safety of trail users and for ecological recovery.” Trail crews spent much of the year restoring damaged sections and clearing hazards.

Across the park, crews collectively logged more than 2,000 hours of work restoring and realigning trails, including on the Valley of the Five Lakes route. Parks Canada said it “looks forward to welcoming visitors to experience the much-loved Valley of the Five Lakes trail in 2026.”

The trail is among Jasper’s most visited hikes, drawing thousands of visitors each summer. The roughly 4.5-kilometre loop begins in forest before crossing a marshy meadow and gradually climbing through lodgepole pine stands. Hikers then reach a series of five small lakes known for their striking shades of blue and green, created by glacial minerals suspended in the water.

The route features several short climbs and descents but is widely considered accessible for most visitors. A narrow ridge section near the fifth lake offers panoramic views of the lakes and surrounding mountains, making it one of the trail’s most photographed viewpoints.

Much of the restoration effort has focused on clearing burned and fallen trees, repairing trail tread, and rebuilding bridge infrastructure damaged during the fire.

Volunteers have also played a significant role in the recovery.

The Friends of Jasper National Park, a local nonprofit that supports conservation and visitor programs in the park, contributed more than 1,550 volunteer hours in 2025, assisting Parks Canada staff with brush clearing and trail repairs.

“The Friends were a great help in clearing brush and repairing trail tread on the Valley of the Five Lakes Trail to help prepare it for reopening in 2026,” the report said.

The wildfire that swept through Jasper National Park in July 2024 burned large areas of forest and damaged trails, roads, and infrastructure across the park. While many attractions reopened the following year, some areas required longer restoration due to safety risks from burned trees and unstable terrain.

Trail restoration has been part of a broader effort by Parks Canada to rebuild visitor infrastructure while allowing the landscape to recover naturally.

Jasper National Park has nearly 1,100 kilometres of official trails and more than 80 backcountry campgrounds, making trail maintenance a significant part of park operations.

For hikers who return when the trail reopens, the route may offer a new perspective. The fire altered parts of the forest around the lakes, and as vegetation regrows, sections of the trail are expected to reveal more open views of the surrounding valley.

Park officials say restoration will continue through the coming seasons as crews work to safely reopen one of Jasper’s most recognizable hikes. Parks Canada has not announced a reopening date.