Parking
From Jasper, follow Maligne Lake Road to the signed Sixth Bridge turnoff, about 2.1 km from the town approach. Park at the Sixth Bridge lot and picnic area, cross the bridge, and follow signs for Trail 7 toward Maligne Canyon.
Overview
About Sixth Bridge to Third Bridge Loop
Why go
- Quieter starting point than the upper canyon lots
- The longer river walk builds toward the canyon viewpoints
Heads up
- About 6.3 km return with stairs and uneven footing
- Wet, icy, or safety conditions can close the canyon route
Map & elevation
The route
Loading the Jasper map
Full mapElevation1,021–1,111 m
Plan your hike
Before you go
Parking
Safety
8 active Jasper alerts
- ClosureMaligne River watercraft closureMentions Maligne River, referenced in this guideDo not use, enter or travel by watercraft on the Maligne River between Maligne Lake and Medicine Lake; the closure protects Harlequin Ducks from human disturbance.Official details
- 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
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Jasper Tour Guide
Your drive to Sixth Bridge to Third 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
Sixth Bridge: A Quieter Canyon EntranceListen
“The trailhead you're approaching is for Sixth Bridge, a calmer alternative to the main Maligne Canyon entrance. This is a great starting point if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.”
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
- Fifth Bridge: A Quieter Way into Maligne Canyon
- Mount Tekarra Viewpoint and Maligne Lookout
- Edith Lake: A Quiet Swim and Historic Cabins
- 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 Sixth Bridge to Third Bridge Loop
The routeThis is a 3.9-mile (6.
This is a 3.9-mile (6.3 km) out-and-back from Sixth Bridge to Third Bridge, usually about 2 to 2.5 hours with time for the viewpoints. Cross Sixth Bridge, follow Trail 7 toward Maligne Canyon, and turn around at Third Bridge. The stored line follows the mapped corridor once; the listed distance includes the return walk.
Why take itThe longer approach is quieter than the upper canyon lots and gives you time beside the Maligne…
The longer approach is quieter than the upper canyon lots and gives you time beside the Maligne River before the limestone walls tighten near Third Bridge. Look for potholes, layered rock, waterfalls, and the changing sound of the river. Leave room in photos for the bridge or a person so the canyon's scale comes through.
Footing and effortExpect short climbs, stairs, uneven dirt and gravel, and wet or icy sections near the river.
Expect short climbs, stairs, uneven dirt and gravel, and wet or icy sections near the river. The route is moderate rather than technical, but it is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Keep dogs leashed and allow extra time if the surface is slick.
Start hereFrom Jasper, follow Maligne Lake Road to the signed Sixth Bridge turnoff, about 2.
From Jasper, follow Maligne Lake Road to the signed Sixth Bridge turnoff, about 2.1 km from the town approach. Use the Sixth Bridge lot and picnic area, cross the bridge, and follow signs for Trail 7 and Maligne Canyon. Check Parks Canada access information before setting out because this canyon route can close for safety.
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.
