Lac Beauvert Loop

If you want classic Jasper scenery without breaking a sweat, this is it. The Lac Beauvert Loop circles a jewel-toned lake beside the Jasper Park Lodge and its golf course, with constant peekaboo mountain views and quiet forest stretches. It’s flat, short, and photogenic—more of a scenic stroll than a backcountry hike.

The loop is roughly 2.4 miles (about 3.9 km) total, signed and easy to follow (look for yellow diamonds marked #4a). Most people take about an hour at a relaxed pace. The surface is unpaved and can be muddy or wet after rain or in spring; waterproof shoes help. Start from the south end of the lake by Jasper Park Lodge (Parking Lot 17), and stick to the lakeshore path—especially where the route brushes the golf course.

Expect tranquil water, stands of lodgepole pine and spruce, and the occasional wildlife cameo—elk are common near the fairways, and bears are possible in spring. The setting owes its beauty to glacial history; Lac Beauvert is a classic glacially fed, emerald lake framed by conifers and mountain backdrops.

It’s popular, particularly midday in summer, but early morning pays off with calm water, reflected peaks, and fewer people. Facilities at the lodge (including boat and bike rentals) make this an easy add-on to a relaxed day near town. In winter, the loop doubles as a mellow snow walk or snowshoe when conditions allow. Always check Parks Canada’s Jasper trail conditions before you go.

Tips: go clockwise or counterclockwise—doesn’t matter, the views are constant. Keep dogs leashed. Give elk and any bears lots of space. And use the correct “Lac Beauvert” in your maps app to avoid confusion with similarly named spots nearby.

Best time to hike: May–September for dry tread and the lake’s vivid color; dawn for photos and solitude. Shoulder seasons are quieter but can be soggy. Winter is pleasant for a flat, snowy walk if you’re prepared for ice and cold.