Jasper National Park is home to breathtakingly beautiful lakes and waterways. Glacier-fed lakes almost glow stunning turquoise and are so clear you can sometimes see fish swimming below your canoe or kayak. With easily accessible launch points and paddlecraft rentals in town and throughout the park, canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding in Jasper is an incredible way to experience this remarkable landscape.
Map of places to paddle near Jasper
Protect the water: clean, drain, dry
The rivers and lakes in Jasper National Park are home to delicate ecosystems and home to native fish and special creatures. If we want to enjoy these waterways for recreational paddling, we must share the responsibility for protecting them from plants, animals, and diseases that don’t belong there. Invasive species usually enter water via boats, and once they’ve settled in, they’re difficult and often impossible to remove. Learn more about invasive species in national parks.
To help protect these waters, all visitors must clean, drain and dry their watercraft, equipment and fishing gear before entering and leaving any water body in the park. This simple step is effective in preventing the spread of invasive species, so we can enjoy Jasper’s lakes for years to come!
Clean: All sand, mud, plants and other crud with a sponge or cloth.
Drain: Make sure all water is drained from your boat or containers. Flip your boat to get the water out, and get the rest with a sponge or cloth.
Dry: Your watercraft must dry for at least 48 hours when last used in Alberta, BC, the Northwest Territories or the Yukon. It must dry for 30 days after the last use outside of these provinces and territories.
Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals in Jasper
There are several businesses in Jasper National Park that offer canoe, kayak or paddleboard rentals. Renting is a convenient option and helps reduce the movement of equipment between water bodies. Essentially, renting equipment is the safest option for these precious waterbodies. Here is a list of paddle rental companies in Jasper:
- Jasper Boat Rentals
- Jasper Outdoors
- Wild Current Outfitters
- Currie’s Guiding
- Translucid Adventures
- Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
- Pyramid Lake Lodge
- Maligne Lake Boat House
5 Places to Paddle Near Jasper Townsite
If you’re staying in town, exploring one of these paddling destinations is easy and accessible. They’re all within a 25-minute drive from town, and a few offer rentals right at the lakeshore for easy access.
Lake Annette
Annette Lake is a picturesque kettle lake that is a popular summer destination for locals and visitors alike. The water is bright turquoise, and you’ll enjoy postcard-perfect views of Pyramid Mountain and the surrounding peaks. Paddlecraft can be launched from the Main Beach and Day-Use area.
Location: Accessed by taking Highway 16 and turning onto Maligne Lake Road. Then, follow the signs for Lake Annette.
Facilities: The area includes picnic tables, fire pits, a playground, a cook shelter, ample parking, pit toilets, trails, and a sandy beach.
Note: Lake Annette is one of the popular places to paddle near Jasper, and can get very busy in the summer months. Come early to ensure parking and avoid the crowds.
Lake Edith
In the same area, and across the parking lot from Lake Annette, there is beautiful Edith Lake. If one of these two lakes is windy, the other is usually calm. Lake Edith is the same turquoise blue, has a sandy beach to launch your boat, and is surrounded by mountain views. There are also private cabins and homes on the other side of Edith Lake; many are historic, making for an interesting paddle.
Paddleboard rentals are available right at Lake Edith.
Location: Accessed by taking Highway 16 and turning onto Maligne Lake Road. Then, follow the signs for Lake Edith. It is to the left of Lake Annette.
Facilities: The area includes a sandy beach, small parking lot, pit toilets and a paddleboard rental trailer.
Pyramid Lake
Paddling Pyramid Lake is definitely a favourite. Pyramid Mountain towers over the lake, offering exceptional views throughout the paddle. In addition, you can paddle around Pyramid Island and explore the more remote areas of the lake. For convenience, canoe and kayak rentals are available at Pyramid Lake Lodge. Pyramid Beach also has a great day-use area that includes a boat launch, beaches and picnic areas.
Location: At the end of Pyramid Lake Road, above the Jasper townsite.
Facilities: At Pyramid Lake Beach, there is a beach, boat launch, picnic areas and pits toilets. At Pyramid Lake Lodge, there are paddle rentals, dining, public pit toilets and a dock.
Patricia Lake
Patricia Lake is located just before Pyramid Lake on Pyramid Lake Road. It is usually less busy than Pyramid, but it offers the same views and emerald-coloured water. It is often calm, giving mirror reflections of Pyramid Mountain and the surrounding forest, and is a great lake for bird and wildlife watching. For convenience, you can rent canoes, kayaks or paddle boats from the Patricia Lake Bungalows.
Location: On Pyramid Lake Road above the Jasper Townsite. There is a boat launch at the east end of the lake.
Facilities: There are not many facilities at Patricia Lake because public access is limited. However, there is a boat launch and parking area at the east end of the lake that has pit toilets. Guests of the Patricia Lake Bungalows are welcome to use their facilities.
Talbot Lake
Talbot Lake is a large, shallow lake that runs along Highway 16 east of the town of Jasper. If you’re looking for a longer paddle, this is the place to go! The water is crystal clear, and you’ll enjoy the bullrushes and birdsong along the shorelines. This lake also features sand dunes south of the boat launch and stunning, steep rocky cliffs beyond that. It is also a popular destination for fishing, and you’ll likely see Northern Pike darting in and out of the reeds.
There is a fair bit of road noise on the shoreline next to the highway. We usually cross the lake directly after launching to avoid that if it is bothersome.
Location: Directly off Highway 16, about 25 minutes northeast of Jasper. There is a boat launch midway up the lake.
Facilities: At the boat launch and south parking lot near the dunes, you’ll find pit toilets and parking.
Note: Talbot Lake can get very windy without notice. Always check weather conditions and start your paddle against the wind to make the return easier and stay close to shore.
Safety Tips for Paddling in Jasper National Park
Jasper’s turquoise lakes are some of the most beautiful places to paddle in the Canadian Rockies, but they also come with unique mountain hazards. A little preparation can go a long way toward ensuring a safe and enjoyable day on the water.
Always wear a life jacket
Even on calm days, wearing a properly fitted life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) is essential. Jasper’s lakes remain cold year-round, and cold-water immersion can quickly lead to hypothermia if you capsize. Parks Canada recommends wearing your PFD at all times while on the water.
Stay close to shore
Many of Jasper’s lakes can experience sudden wind shifts that make paddling very difficult and can create large waves within minutes. Staying close to shore provides a safer escape route if conditions deteriorate and reduces the risk of a long swim in cold water if your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard overturns.
Check the weather before you launch
Mountain weather is famously unpredictable. A sunny morning can quickly turn into strong winds, rain, or even snow at higher elevations. Check the forecast before heading out and keep an eye on changing conditions while paddling. If dark clouds or strong winds begin to develop, head back to shore immediately.
Paddle early in the day if possible
Morning is often the calmest time on Jasper’s lakes. Winds tend to increase throughout the afternoon, especially on larger lakes. An early start usually means calmer water, fewer crowds, and better opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Prepare for cold water
Many visitors underestimate just how cold Jasper’s lakes are, even during the height of summer. Snowmelt and glacial runoff keep water temperatures low throughout the season. Wear quick-drying layers, pack extra clothing in a waterproof bag, and be prepared for the possibility of immersion. Hypothermia is a real risk factor, so you’ll want dry, warm clothes to change into if you get wet.
Tell someone your plans
Before heading out, let someone know where you’re paddling and when you expect to return. This simple step can be invaluable if an emergency occurs and assistance is needed.
Help protect Jasper’s lakes
To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, always clean, drain, and dry your canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and gear before entering any water body in Jasper National Park. Some waterways also have restrictions in place, so check current watercraft regulations before your trip.
Respect the power of mountain lakes
Conditions can change quickly, and cold water leaves little margin for error. With proper preparation, paddling in Jasper can be one of the most memorable experiences in the Canadian Rockies.
