Brazeau Lake

Overview

About Brazeau Lake

Brazeau Lake is a remote, high-elevation backcountry lake (about 1,816 m) tucked into a broad glacial valley, surrounded by rugged peaks. It’s a highlight of the multi-day Brazeau Loop and a reward for hikers who prefer wild, quiet places far from the road.

Why stop

Remote alpine setting with real solitude
Designated lakeside backcountry campground with bear lockers, tables, and an outhouse
Good high-elevation trout fishing

Heads up

Reachable only by a multi-day hike on the Brazeau Loop
Mosquitoes can be intense in summer

Expect big-mountain scenery, a turquoise lake set in classic U-shaped alpine terrain, and genuine seclusion. Many hikers consider the lakeside campground the best stop on the loop—ideal for lingering by the shore, a quick (cold) swim, and wide-open views.

Parkwolf’s verdictWhy Go

Map

Where it is

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Full map

SightBrazeau Lake52.40794, -117.06311

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Local know-how

Tips for visiting Brazeau Lake

Book backcountry campsites as soon as reservations open in late January.
Check Jasper’s trail conditions report before committing to the loop.
Expect one wading ford near the lake; plan accordingly.
Carry bear spray and follow strict food storage practices at camp.
If you want to fish, bring your gear and budget time on the shore.

Plan your stop

Before you go

Best time to visit

Go when the loop is snow-free and water levels are reasonable. Even when bookings are full, it often feels quiet due to the remoteness. Aim for stable weather windows; shoulder periods may have lingering snow, while mid-summer brings bugs. Day of week matters little out here—crowds aren’t the story.

Getting There

There’s no road access. Most people reach it as part of the Brazeau Loop, typically starting from the Nigel Creek side. The approach to the lake can be a long day with a full pack, but you avoid pass climbs that other days require. Trails pass through forests, river valleys, and meadows, with the Brazeau River a frequent companion.

8 active Jasper alerts

ClosureWildfire-impacted areas and facilities closedStay out of closed wildfire-impacted areas and facilities in Jasper National Park; closures protect public safety after the 2024 wildfire and remain in effect while recovery and safety work continues.Official details
Closure93A (Wabasso Road) no through travel during roadworkFrom mid-October to early November 2026, plan for 93A (Wabasso Road) to be accessible from the south entrance only; no through travel is expected during roadwork.Official details

See all 8 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Jasper Tour Guide

Your drive to Brazeau Lake, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Jasper National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

See the Jasper audio tour

157 audio storiesacross Jasper’s roads, triggered by GPS as you drive
Wildlife heatmapsfor Grizzly Bear, Caribou, Gray Wolf, and 13 more
Works offlinemaps, 91 trails, 129 places, and audio download before you lose signal
CarPlay readysimple controls built for the drive

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“Fantastic app with many points of information… It’s great to just turn on while you’re driving and it gives you an audio tour of the national Park. We love it!!!!”

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Guide

More about Brazeau Lake

Camping & AmenitiesA designated backcountry campground sits at the lake, with tent pads, picnic tables, bear-proof…

A designated backcountry campground sits at the lake, with tent pads, picnic tables, bear-proof food storage, and an outhouse. All water is from natural sources—treat it. There are no services (no store, restaurant, or Wi‑Fi), so you’ll pack everything in and out.

WildlifeThis corridor is rich with wildlife: expect bears (black and grizzly), moose, elk, deer,…

This corridor is rich with wildlife: expect bears (black and grizzly), moose, elk, deer, marmots, and more. Camps have bear lockers, but you still need solid bear safety and awareness.

FishingHigh-elevation trout fishing is a draw here.

High-elevation trout fishing is a draw here. If that’s your thing, plan for extra time on the shore and bring your gear.

Planning EssentialsReservations for designated backcountry sites are required and open in late January; they fill…

Reservations for designated backcountry sites are required and open in late January; they fill quickly.
Most river crossings are bridged, but one near the lake typically requires wading (often straightforward and mid‑shin deep).
Conditions can swing fast—early season snow lingers, and late-summer wildfire smoke can affect views. Check Jasper National Park’s trail report before you go.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Jasper

All Jasper wildlife maps

174 sightingsGrizzly BearMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

43 sightingsCaribouMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

40 sightingsGray WolfMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

12 sightingsCanada LynxMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

315 sightingsMooseMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

1,028 sightingsElkMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Jasper. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.