Wabasso–Five Lakes Trail

This is Trail 9 from P16 at Wabasso Lake to P15 by the Valley of the Five Lakes access: about 6.2 miles one way, usually four to five hours. The official 3.4-kilometre figure covers the approach to Wabasso Lake; this through-walk continues about 6 kilometres beside Wabasso Creek, then follows a short link back to the highway at P15. It is a half-day walk with modest ridges rather than a summit climb. Arrange a pickup or leave a second car at the other end; walking back to P16 doubles the distance.

The path crosses several low ridges. The last one opens across the Athabasca Valley to Mount Edith Cavell and the reddish quartzite peaks beyond it. From Wabasso Lake, Trail 9 follows the shore and then runs north beside grassy Wabasso Creek to the Trail 9a junction. The final stretch drops back toward the Icefields Parkway and P15. On the ridge, include some of the valley in a photo so the peaks have a sense of scale.

Beavers created Wabasso Lake, and their long, high dam is visible at its northeast corner. The lake is the route’s main pause before the longer creek-side section. The separate Wabasso Lake out-and-back returns to P16; it is a shorter choice if you do not have a ride waiting at P15.

Start at P16, about 14.6 kilometres south of Jasper on the Icefields Parkway, and finish at P15, about 9 kilometres south. Both are marked parking areas. Trail 9 is also used heavily by cyclists, so pay attention at bends and junctions and give riders room.