Pros & cons
PROS
- Leach Lake and mountain views provide clear destinations along the corridor
- Mostly gradual route with a well-defined winter trail from Whirlpool Winter Hub
CONS
- The full 15.5 km return is long for a modest-grade outing
- Winter use, grooming, and limited facilities require self-sufficient planning
Park at Whirlpool Winter Hub or the signed parking areas off Highway 93A near the north end of the Leach Lake route. The mapped line begins a short access distance from parking; do not drive the closed winter corridor.
Dogs are not allowed on the official Leach Lake route. Obey Parks Canada seasonal closures and trail-use rules, stay on the marked corridor, and do not assume the Geraldine Fire Road junction is part of a longer connected hike. Facilities are limited and cell service may be unreliable; carry navigation, warm layers, water, and bear spray where appropriate.
Leach Lake Trail is a winter out-and-back along the old Highway 93A corridor in Jasper National Park. Starting at Whirlpool Winter Hub, the route follows the groomed trail toward Leach Lake, then continues to the Geraldine Fire Road junction near Athabasca Falls. The mapped corridor is about 7.7 km one way, so plan on roughly 15.5 km (9.6 miles) for the full return; the stored line represents the physical corridor once, while length is the total visitor distance.
The first section is gradual, the middle section climbs toward Leach Lake, and the final stretch descends toward the Geraldine Fire Road junction. Views open toward Mount Hardisty and Mount Kerkeslin. This is primarily a winter Nordic route on a closed road corridor, suitable for hiking or snowshoeing when permitted; it is also groomed for classic and skate skiing. It is not a summit route or a hike to Kerkeslin Lake.
Park at Whirlpool Winter Hub or one of the signed parking areas off Highway 93A. The mapped route begins a short access distance from parking. Plan to turn around at the Geraldine Fire Road junction unless you have separately verified onward travel. Facilities are limited and cell service may be unreliable.
The official route prohibits dogs. Bring a route map, warm layers, water, and bear awareness, and follow Parks Canada seasonal closures and trail-use rules.
Elevation
9.6 mi · 4.5 hrWhere it starts
52.7252, -117.9285Wildlife on this trail
Near Leach Lake Trail
All places →All trails →
3.3 mi awayHorseshoe LakeCliff-ringed turquoise lake just off the ParkwayParking · Restroom3.3 mi awayHorseshoe Lake CircuitShort Horseshoe Lake lollipop with clear water, shoreline views, and cliff-top viewpointsEasy · 1 mi · 30 min
3.5 mi awayWabasso CampgroundRiverside basecamp with spacious sites and modern bathrooms, no showersCampground · Restroom
3.8 mi awayWabasso LakeGentle forest walk on Trail 9 to a quiet, marsh-edged lake.Easy · 4.2 mi · 2.5 hr4 mi awayWhirlpool River TrailHistoric Whirlpool River valley out-and-back to a riverside campgroundModerate · 8.3 mi · 4.5 hr
4.6 mi awayAthabasca FallsRoaring glacier-fed falls squeezed into a narrow quartzite canyonTrailhead · Pullout
5 mi awayHI Athabasca FallsRustic hostel steps from Athabasca Falls with a cozy cookhouseLodging · Parking
