Parking
Park at the Fifth Bridge day-use area along Maligne Road, a signed access point with direct trail access.
Overview
About Fifth Bridge Loop
Why go
- A quieter lower start leads into Maligne Canyon's strongest gorge views
- Interpretive signs explain the canyon's limestone, water and fossils
Heads up
- Out-and-back retraces the same corridor after First Bridge
- Stairs, uneven rock and slick surfaces slow the walk
Map & elevation
The route
Loading the Jasper map
Full mapElevation1,043–1,150 m
Plan your hike
Before you go
Parking
Safety
8 active Jasper alerts
- ClosureWildfire-impacted areas and facilities closedMentions this trailStay 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
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Jasper Tour Guide
Your drive to Fifth Bridge Loop, 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 tourRecorded for this trailhead
Fifth Bridge: A Quieter Way into Maligne CanyonListen
“You're nearing the turnoff for Fifth Bridge, which is a quieter entrance into the Maligne Canyon trail system. While most visitors start at the busy main lot, this spot gives you a couple of great options.”
Plays as you drive up to this trailhead in the Parkwolf Jasper Tour Guide.
More stories near here in the app
- The Overlanders of 1862
- Mount Tekarra Viewpoint and Maligne Lookout
- Maligne Canyon's Deep Gorge and Waterfalls
- Skyline Trailhead: A World-Famous Trek and a Day Hike
- 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
“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!!!!”
Trail guide
Hiking Fifth Bridge Loop
Decide if it fitsThis is a 2.6-mile (4.
This is a 2.6-mile (4.2 km) out-and-back from Fifth Bridge to First Bridge, usually 1 to 2 hours. The line follows the canyon once, then you return over the same corridor. I'd choose it for the canyon's narrower upper viewpoints without starting at the busiest upper access.
Follow the canyonStart at Fifth Bridge and walk upstream on the signed canyon trail.
Start at Fifth Bridge and walk upstream on the signed canyon trail. The route climbs through forest beside limestone walls, with stairs, bridges, waterfalls, potholes, and interpretive signs. Look for underground stream outlets and raven or black swift nests where visible. Turn around at First Bridge, then retrace your route.
Make the walk workUneven surfaces and wet or icy sections can be slick.
Uneven surfaces and wet or icy sections can be slick. Stay behind railings and allow extra time for the climb and viewpoints. For photos, include the river or a bridge to show the canyon's scale. Carry bear spray and give wildlife space.
Start at Fifth BridgePark at the signed Fifth Bridge day-use area along Maligne Road, with direct trail access.
Park at the signed Fifth Bridge day-use area along Maligne Road, with direct trail access. Check Parks Canada access notices before travel.
Wildlife
Wildlife in Jasper
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 mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Jasper. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
