Jacques Lake

Jacques Lake Trail is a 15.2-mile (24.4 km) out-and-back to a peaceful backcountry lake in Jasper. The single outbound corridor is 12.2 km one way, beginning at the Jacques Lake parking lot at the south end of Medicine Lake. The first 4.8 km follows a fire road: Beaver Lake appears at 1.6 km, and Summit Lakes at 4.0 km. From Summit Lakes, the final 7.6 km continues on foot through dense forest and across small bridged creeks to the campground beside Jacques Lake.

This is a gentle, valley-bottom route with wide-open peak views, wilderness lakes, and minimal overall climbing. The full distance makes it a demanding day by time and a better one-night backpack for many visitors; plan for 1–2 days. The map line represents the single outbound corridor, while the visitor distance is the full round trip.

Bikes are permitted to Summit Lakes, where riders can lock them before continuing on foot. Horses and dogs are permitted. A backcountry camping permit is mandatory for overnight trips, and the campground has food lockers and a privy. The Alpine Club of Canada cabin on the far end of Jacques Lake is available for advance winter booking.

The area is a wildlife travel corridor: secure attractants and keep the eating area clean. In winter, the route crosses the tips of two avalanche paths, so check conditions and do not stop in them. The trail east of the Jacques Lake campground is impassable because of damage and fallen trees from a 2003 wildfire; this route ends at the campground and does not include that continuation.