Scenic Views · Fishing · Alberta
Jasper Lake
A wide, shallow stretch of the Athabasca River beside Highway 16 in Jasper National Park, with mountain views, the Rockies' only sand dunes and knee-deep water that small kids love. Park pass required.
What visitors say
Jasper Lake is where the Athabasca River spreads out into a broad, shallow lake about 25 km northeast of the town of Jasper, right beside Highway 16. Mountains rise on both sides, and between the lake and Talbot Lake sit the only sand dunes in the Canadian Rockies. Photographers recommend coming at sunrise, and reviewers say it rarely feels busy.
Most people treat it as a roadside stop. There's a big pull-out with a washroom and a single bench, and trails near the washroom lead down to the water; another across the highway reaches the larger part of the lake. The water is only knee-deep with a sandy bottom in places, which makes it a favourite with families letting small kids wade, though it's glacial meltwater and cold. In autumn the water drops and wide sand flats open up.
Parks Canada treats the lake as part of the Athabasca River, which is open to angling with a national park fishing permit (provincial licences aren't valid) and closes for part of the year on this stretch. Reviewers don't mention fishing, and it's better known for the view. Clean, drain and dry any boat or gear before it touches the water.
In spring the lake can still be frozen. Traffic on Highway 16 moves fast, so slow down well before the pull-out and watch for wildlife on the road. A Parks Canada pass is required to stop in the park.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 60 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.