The Jacques Lake backpacking trail in Jasper National Park delivers a worthwhile Rocky Mountain experience without the crowds of Jasper’s more famous multi-day routes. The 25 km return hike climbs gradually past Beaver Lake and Summit Lakes before a long, forested approach to the Jacques Lake backcountry campground. While it lacks the dramatic alpine scenery of Jasper’s top backpacking trips like Tonquin Valley, it rewards hikers with solitude, wildlife, and a peaceful lakeside campground with views to the Queen Elizabeth Range.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for a moderate overnight backpacking trip that feels remote but is still manageable as a first or early-season Rockies adventure. Expect a mix of wide and narrow trails that are sometimes muddy, lake views, occasional mountain views, a surprising number of bird species, and plenty of signs of wildlife including bear and moose.
I found it much easier to get a reservation for Jacques Lake, just one week before our trip, than for many other backcountry campgrounds in Jasper National Park.
If you’re planning more time in the Jasper National Park, you can find a full collection of route ideas in my guide to the Best Hikes in Jasper National Park, which covers everything from easy town walks to Jasper’s iconic trails.
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Jacques Lake Backpacking Trail Overview
Hikers should take personal responsibility for their safety by researching conditions, preparing appropriately, and making informed decisions.
- Distance: 25 km return
- Elevation gain/loss: +240m/ -185m
- Time required: 6.5-9 hours return or 2 days/ 1 night
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Campgrounds: Jacques Lake backcountry
- Best season: Late June to mid to late September
- Dogs: Yes, on leash
- Wildlife: Take easy to access bear spray and be alert for moose
- Permit required: National Park pass
Jacques Lake Trail Map
How Difficult Is the Jacques Lake Backpacking Trail?
As a day hike to Jacques Lake it’s on the hard side of moderate – thanks to its 25-kilometre length. As a backpacking trip it’s a moderate one – since it’s 12.5 km one way. And even though there isn’t a lot of elevation change, you are carrying all your overnight gear which ups the effort factor. It makes a great first Rocky Mountain backpacking trip.
Getting to the Jacques Lake Trailhead (Beaver Creek Picnic Area)
From the Jasper Townsite
- From the junction with Connaught Drive at the north end of the Jasper townsite drive northeast on Highway 16 for 1.8 km.
- Turn right or east onto Maligne Lake Road. Set your odometer to 0.
- Cross the Athabasca River Bridge.
- Turn left after 200 m and drive towards Maligne Lake.
- Continue for 25.7 km and turn north into the Beaver Creek Picnic Area at the southeast end of Medicine Lake.
- Driving time is about 30 minutes.
If coming from Edmonton
- Drive west on Highway 16 for approximately 360 km to reach the turnoff to Maligne Lake Road.
- Turn left and follow the directions above.
- Allow approximately four hours.
Hiking to Jacques Lake: Trail Description and Highlights
Pass Beaver Lake and the Summit Lakes on a straightforward hike to Jacques Lake that will take you between 3.5 – 4.5 hours one way.
Beaver Lake: The First Stop on the Jacques Lake Trail
We found out at the beginning of our backpacking trip to Jacques Lake that there are two signed trails that head to Jacques Lake from the parking lot. The one on the right (or northeast) as you face the trailhead is the winter route. In summer it’s to be avoided because its very wet. Start hiking on the trail to the left or northwest corner of the parking lot.
Ascend gently on a wide trail – that can get very muddy after it rains. Reach the south end of Beaver Lake at 1.6 km – after about 20-25 minutes of hiking. This is a popular destination for birdwatchers.
Summit Lakes: Almost the Halfway Point
Continue up the road that skirts Beaver Lake. Near its north end look for good views of the grey-coloured Queen Elizabeth ranges through some open patches of vegetation.
We saw a lot of evidence of bear diggings and moose poop along the road before we reached the signed intersection for both the South Boundary Trail and the Jacques Lake Trail at 4.8 km. Stay alert through here, especially with all the dense vegetation. Make lots of noise!
Turn right at the intersection and continue on a single-track trail northwest to the second Summit Lake – reached at about the 6.0 km mark. Before continuing to the second lake, I think it’s worth making a quick detour to the first lake to admire the mountains to the west.
Second Summit Lake to Jacques Lake
The final section of the trail to Jacques Lake travels through dense forest with small streams to cross. It’s quite muddy in places and there are very few views to speak of.
At about 10 km look for a signed junction with a trail bearing left towards Merlin Pass. Reach the south end of Jacques Lake at 11.2 km. Continue to the north end of the lake to reach the spacious campground.
Camping at Jacques Lake Backcountry Campground
You can make reservations online or via phone at 1-877-737-3783 or 1-519-826-5391 (if outside North America) for the Jacques Lake backcountry campsite. Reservations opened on January 28, 2026 at 8 AM MT.
The Jacques Lake backcountry campsite is located along the shore of Jacques Lake in a dense forest. It features 8 tent pads, a fire pit, metal bear lockers, three picnic tables, and an open air pit toilet.
From the picnic table you can enjoy views of the lake and the Queen Elizabeth Range. We heard from fellow campers who had visited in the fall that they saw moose swimming near the campsite too.
Backpacking With a Dog
Jacques Lake is a good overnight trip for experienced trail dogs. The grade is gentle, there are numerous water sources, and the campground is spacious. Keep your dog on leash as required in Jasper National Park, be alert for wildlife, including bears and moose, and pack enough food, a collapsible bowl, and a sleeping pad or blanket so your dog stays comfortable overnight. For more tips, see my guide to Camping With a Dog: Tips for Camping, Backpacking & Canoe Trips.
What It’s Like to Spend a Night at Jacques Lake
Jacques Lake makes a fine destination for one night in the backcountry. You feel far from humanity here, surrounded by a forest that sees its share of wildlife, based on the scat we saw.
Enjoy sunset and sunrise views, the golden hour, mist rising off the lake and being disconnected – even for just a short time. A two day, one night trip is a great way to recharge.
Jacques Lake Backpacking Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Jacques Lake Trailhead to Jacques Lake Campground
- Distance: 12.5 km
- Hiking time: 4 hours
- Highlights: Wildflowers, Beaver and Summit Lakes, mountain views, the campground
Day 2: Jacques Lake to Trailhead
After a relaxed breakfast and a couple of cups of coffee, we made a beeline to the trailhead and were out in 3.5 hours with breaks. We literally didn’t see another person heading in – which surprised me, especially as the weather forecast was okay.
Jacques Lake vs Chaba Trail: Which Jasper Backpacking Trip Is Better?
You can also read my account of our backpacking trip on the Chaba Trail. It has one of the nicest waterfront campsites I’ve enjoyed in a national park.
| Jacques Lake | Chaba Trail | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2 days | 2 – 3 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate – done as a long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip | Easy to moderate. Camp at Big Bend, or continue another 8.5 km to Athabasca Crossing. Athabasca Crossing can also be visited as an out-and-back hike from Big Bend. |
| Best for | Quick getaway or early season trip – easier to get campsites than Big Bend on the Chaba Trail | Great for first time backpackers but avoid June and July because of mosquitoes |
| Scenery | Lakes and mountain views. Lakeside campsite. | Athabasca River and mountain views. Stunning campsite. |
Why Jacques Lake Belongs on Your Jasper Backpacking List
Jacques Lake isn’t about dramatic alpine scenery like you’ll find on the nearby Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park. It’s about solitude, wildlife, and an easy-to-manage overnight backpacking trip.
It is a great one for an early season backpacking trip – and for getting in shape for longer summer trips with more elevation gain. It was pleasant rather than spectacular but I still enjoyed exploring a new-to-me part of Jasper National Park.
What to Bring on the Hike to Jacques Lake
- A pair of collapsible hiking poles (useful for slippery, muddy sections)
- Carry a can of bear spray and know how to use it. It should be easily accessible via a bear spray holster or a clip at the front of your pack.
- In summer a pocket guide to wildflowers is a great addition to any hike.
- Don’t forget bug spray and a few energy bars.
- I highly recommend the 1 L Katadyn BeFree Microlight water filter. You can just fill and drink immediately.
- For a well-priced backpack that performs well I recommend the MEC Zephyr 65L Backpack.
Where to Stay in Jasper
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is in a beautiful location but it sure comes with a hefty price tag. However, you can count on loads of amenities and lots of activities either on their grounds or close by.
Another excellent choice is Bear Hill Lodge. And for easy access to a beautiful lake and all the activities around Pyramid Lake, head for Pyramid Lake Resort.
On the strip in town check out The Crimson Jasper adjacent to Terra, a restaurant offering delicious food.
FAQs About the Jacques Lake Backpacking Trail
Yes you can , but it’s 25 km return. Fortunately the elevation gain is a modest 240 metres.
There are eight campsites at Jacques Lake. Some have a touch more privacy than others.
We never saw bears but they are around. We did see recent bear diggings. It’s important to carry easy to access bear spray and to know what to do if you see a bear.
Fit adults will enjoy Jacques Lake as a beginner backpacking trip. But if you’re new to backpacking and not in great shape then I’d suggest starting with an easier trip like the 6.2 km backpack to Big Bend campsite on the Chaba Trail in Jasper National Park.
Jacques Lake can be hiked starting around mid-June through till mid to late September. It’s at a lower elevation than many other backpacking trips in Jasper, so it has a longer season.
More Great Hikes and Backpacking Trips in Jasper National Park
- Tonquin Valley Hike – What You Need to Know – A multi-day backpacking route in Jasper National Park passing Amethyst Lakes, open meadows, The Ramparts in prime wildlife habitat.
- Geraldine Lakes Hike or Backpack, Jasper National Park Reaching the second of the four Geraldine Lakes can be a tough push, but the solitude of the trail and a standout waterfall are definite highlights.
- Sulphur Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park – A steep but rewarding 8 km hike that starts at Miette Hot Springs.
- Best Hikes in Jasper National Park – From easy walks to challenging alpine trails, this guide highlights the must-do hikes in Jasper National Park for incredible views, wildlife, and classic Rocky Mountain landscapes.
- 7 Stunning Hikes to do along the Icefields Parkway – Discover some of the most jaw-dropping hikes in the Canadian Rockies, with turquoise lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and nonstop mountain scenery along one of the world’s most scenic highways.
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