Water activities

Jasper National Park

Picture an early morning on the water, mountains reflected in still lakes, and the quiet rhythm as you paddle through the Canadian Rockies. Whether you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, scuba diving or relaxing in a hot spring, Jasper offers unforgettable ways to experience its natural waters.

You also have the opportunity to be part of something bigger: protecting these waters for the future.

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Share the water responsibly

Jasper’s lakes and rivers are home to native fish and delicate ecosystems. These environments can be easily disrupted by plants, animals and diseases that don’t belong here, while also negatively impacting recreational experiences. Once established, invasive species are extremely difficult, often impossible, to remove.

Invasive species are often spread unintentionally by people when moving equipment used for swimming, paddling, boating, water pumping or fishing from infected waters to other water bodies.

Lakes and rivers in Jasper National Park are grouped into three zones with specific rules for water-based activities.

Review what water activities you can do in Jasper National Park, and what water activities are restricted to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Planning ahead helps. Make sure to check each national park’s specific measures, as they differ by location.

Do your part: Clean, drain, dry

Help protect these waters by cleaning, draining and drying your watercraft, equipment and fishing gear before entering and after leaving any water body. This simple step helps prevent the spread of invasive species in Jasper’s lakes and rivers and keeps them full of life for years to come.

clean 

Clean

all mud, sand and plants using a sponge, cloth or hose.

drain 

Drain

all water from watercraft and containers; tip them upside down and wipe away any remaining water.

dry 

Dry

for at least 48 hours when last used within AB, BC, NWT, or YT; and at least 30 days when last used outside of AB, BC, NWT, or YT.

 

Kayaking and canoeing

Paddle at your own pace through calm lakes and along quiet shorelines, where wildlife and mountain reflections are part of the experience.

Renting a canoe or kayak in Jasper is a convenient option for visitors, especially those travelling from outside the region, and helps reduce the movement of equipment between water bodies.

Suggested paddling areas

Easy: Lake Annette and Lake Edith
Intermediate: Patricia Lake, Pyramid Lake, Medicine Lake, Talbot Lake, Leech Lake
Difficult: Maligne Lake

Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is a great way to explore Jasper on the water. Test your balance and core strength while enjoying the pristine and crystal-clear lakes of the park. Rise early with the sun and try yoga on a paddleboard, or take the whole family out to explore along the shoreline of Lake Edith.

Visitors can rent equipment and take part in a guided stand-up paddleboarding experience in Jasper National Park, making it easy to try the sport or improve your skills without bringing equipment from home.

Suggested paddling areas

Easy: Lake Annette and Lake Edith
Intermediate: Patricia Lake, Pyramid Lake, Medicine Lake, Talbot Lake, Leech Lake
Difficult: Maligne Lake

Fishing

Enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings while casting a line in one of Jasper’s many lakes, rivers and streams. Road-accessible fishing destinations include Patricia Lake, Pyramid Lake, Medicine Lake, Maligne Lake and Lac Beauvert.

Waders and wading boots are only permitted in water bodies located within the Water Recreation Zone. Use of felt-soled boots is not permitted anywhere in Jasper National Park.

A National Park fishing license is required and can be purchased at the Visitor Information Centre and most campground kiosks.

Boating

Boat launches are available at Patricia Lake, Pyramid Lake, Medicine Lake, Maligne Lake, and Talbot Lake.

Boats with electric motors are allowed on the same five lakes only: Patricia Lake, Pyramid Lake, Medicine Lake, Maligne Lake, and Talbot Lake. Electric motors are prohibited on all other water bodies in Jasper National Park.

Gas motors are never permitted on the water in Jasper National Park.

Beaches

 Are you looking to relax on a beach in the Canadian Rockies? Jasper National Park is home to several lake beaches to quench your thirst for sand, sun, paddle sports, and the best part, mountain views!

Packrafting

Exploring Jasper’s rivers and lakes with a lightweight, portable raft is permitted in designated areas. Paddle the Miette River close to Jasper, try the scenic Whirlpool River, or, if you’re a more experienced paddler, explore the remote wilderness of Athabasca Pass on the Chaba River.

Traction Kiting

To keen adventurers: Try traction kiting. Traction kiting is permitted on Jasper Lake. Practise your skills just 30 km east of the Jasper townsite. 

Scuba diving
Credit: The Dive Outfitters

Scuba diving is permitted at Lake Annette, Lake Edith, Patricia Lake, Pyramid Lake and Lac Beauvert.

Divers can help protect these areas by maintaining distance from underwater features, avoiding contact with natural or cultural materials, and by keeping scuba equipment clean, drained and dried between water bodies.

Miette Hot Springs

Rain or shine, Miette Hot Springs is a great place for your entire family! Walk the Source of the Springs Trail to the springs’ origin, hike the Sulphur Skyline and soak in the hottest hot springs in the Canadian Rockies.

Safety tips:

Jasper’s lakes and rivers are cold year round, and conditions can change quickly. Being prepared helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

  • Avoid overloading your watercraft: Leave at least 30 cm (12 in.) of freeboard (space between the water level and the top of your watercraft)
  • Wear a properly fitted life jacket at all times: It is the most effective safety equipment you can use, because most marine incidents happen quickly and without warning
  • Stay close to shore: Paddle near shore when possible, especially in unsettled conditions, as winds can change rapidly and create large waves within minutes
  • Watch the weather: Move closer to shore if conditions worsen
  • Be aware of cold-water risks: Cold water immersion can have immediate and life-threatening effects
  • Operate a boat only when sober: Stay alert and responsive to keep yourself and others safe
  • Take a course: Learn about the area and the activity before you go
Water equipment rentals in Jasper:

Renting water equipment is an effective way to help reduce the risk of spreading invasive species.

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