Valley Loop at the Valley of the Five Lakes

Valley Loop is a 7.7 km circuit from P15, with the 0.9 km Wetland Way approach walked in and back out. Allow about two to three hours; The route is rated moderate. It reaches First Lake and Reflection Point, then takes the longer outer path back to the wetland junction. Choose it for a longer walk around the first lake. The Emerald Circuit is a separate route for lakes two through five.

From P15, Wetland Way crosses marshy ground on a boardwalk before reaching the trail junction. Follow the orange Valley Loop route around First Lake and continue to Reflection Point, where a bench faces the water. The loop then swings around the valley’s west side and returns to the same junction; retrace Wetland Way to P15. Keep the orange route distinct from the green Emerald Circuit when the trails meet.

The 2024 Jasper wildfire changed parts of the valley. Recent field reporting describes blackened lodgepole trunks, new growth and wildflowers, with wider mountain views where the canopy opened. Those same exposed stretches have less shade, so carry water and plan for sun on warm days.

P15 is on the Icefields Parkway about 9 km south of Jasper, and Accessible toilets are available at the lot. There is a bench at Reflection Point beside First Lake; from there, include the near shoreline in a photo when the water is still enough to reflect the trees and mountains. Dogs may use most Jasper trails outside designated caribou habitat restrictions, but must remain on leash; Valley Loop is not named among the restricted trails.