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Canada🇨🇦 | hikesSkyline Trail (Jasper)The Notch, alpine ridgelines, Shovel Passes, Jasper backcountry | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Skyline Trail (Jasper)
🌟 Highlighthike ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 23, 2026

Skyline Trail has no official trailhead at its western end, so most hikers commit to a two-way shuttle or a car swap before they ever lace up. The trail sits in Jasper National Park in Canada’s Alberta Rockies, southeast of Jasper townsite. It runs about 44 kilometers point to point, with long stretches above treeline, so the views come in huge pieces. Downsides: no public transit reaches Maligne Lake, and the tread turns to loose scree on the high ridges. I once hiked past the Shovel Pass campground water source without refilling, assuming a creek ahead would flow. It was dry, and my afternoon turned into rationing sips while pika whistled from the rocks. Now I top off at every stream. A first day could mean an early start from Maligne Lake, a gradual climb through spruce and the first open meadows, then camp at Evelyn Creek or Little Shovel.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Canada Travel Guide.
Best time to go: June - September
Duration: 2 to 3 days
Distance: 44 kilometers
Total ascent: 1400 meters


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 hike in CanadaWhy visitors keep coming back

Skyline Trail earns its reputation for more than 25 kilometers above or near treeline, a rare proportion on a trail this accessible. Most Rockies routes spend days in forest before they open up. Here the meadows, ridges and passes arrive within the first few hours, and the walking stays airy and wide for most of the route. That payoff is why people book it months ahead.

The second pull is flexibility. You can string it into a two-night trip or take it as a long day-hiker’s push, and the Notch at roughly 2,510 meters gives you a high point you can use as a turnaround if weather closes in. Campsites are spaced so you can shorten or stretch the distance.

It also fits a longer Rockies itinerary neatly, since Jasper townsite has the supplies, the gear and the permit office you need before and … read more 👉
Skyline Trail earns its reputation for more than 25 kilometers above or near treeline, a rare proportion on a trail this accessible. Most Rockies routes spend days in forest before they open up. Here the meadows, ridges and passes arrive within the first few hours, and the walking stays airy and wide for most of the route. That payoff is why people book it months ahead.

The second pull is flexibility. You can string it into a two-night trip or take it as a long day-hiker’s push, and the Notch at roughly 2,510 meters gives you a high point you can use as a turnaround if weather closes in. Campsites are spaced so you can shorten or stretch the distance.

It also fits a longer Rockies itinerary neatly, since Jasper townsite has the supplies, the gear and the permit office you need before and after. Backpackers who have done Banff-area trails often rank this one higher for sheer openness.

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while hiking the Skyline Trail (Jasper)

  1. The Notch: The highest point on the trail, about 2,510 meters, is a steep, rocky saddle with views back over the Maligne Valley and ahead to endless ridgelines. A side scramble up the nearby slope adds even more outlook.
  2. Curator Lake and Curator Campground area: Open alpine terrain and views of the Queen Elizabeth Ranges make this stretch feel remote. Marmots and pikas are common in the boulders.
  3. Little Shovel Pass: A wide alpine pass with wildflowers in midsummer and the trail threading between rolling ridges. It is the place to slow down and look around.
  4. Big Shovel Pass: Broad open slopes and wide views of the Athabasca Valley. Caribou and bighorn sheep are sometimes spotted on distant slopes.
  5. Signal Mountain Viewpoint: Near the end of the route, the descent offers a panorama over the Athabasca
… read more 👉
  1. The Notch: The highest point on the trail, about 2,510 meters, is a steep, rocky saddle with views back over the Maligne Valley and ahead to endless ridgelines. A side scramble up the nearby slope adds even more outlook.
  2. Curator Lake and Curator Campground area: Open alpine terrain and views of the Queen Elizabeth Ranges make this stretch feel remote. Marmots and pikas are common in the boulders.
  3. Little Shovel Pass: A wide alpine pass with wildflowers in midsummer and the trail threading between rolling ridges. It is the place to slow down and look around.
  4. Big Shovel Pass: Broad open slopes and wide views of the Athabasca Valley. Caribou and bighorn sheep are sometimes spotted on distant slopes.
  5. Signal Mountain Viewpoint: Near the end of the route, the descent offers a panorama over the Athabasca Valley and Jasper townsite. It is a good spot for a final break before the knees-down finish.
The Notch and Curator Lake area fit together easily in one long day if you are camped nearby.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Skyline Trail (Jasper)

Maligne Lake Cruise

Maligne Lake Cruise

4.8(1406) 1h 30m
From €80
per personViator
Jasper Wildlife & Maligne Lake Tour with Spirit Island Cruise

Jasper Wildlife & Maligne Lake Tour with Spirit Island Cruise

4.8(791)
From €151
per personViator
Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour

Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour

4.7(949)
From €62
per personViator
Athabasca Falls Run

Athabasca Falls Run

5.0(536) 3h
From €81
per personViator
Athabasca River Mile 5

Athabasca River Mile 5

5.0(471) 2h
From €67
per personViator
Half-Day Jasper Culture Food Tour

Half-Day Jasper Culture Food Tour

5.0(409) 3h
From €104
per personViator
Jasper National Park Tour: Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake and Spirit Island

Jasper National Park Tour: Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake and Spirit Island

4.7(528) 6h
From €132
per personViator
Athabasca River Easy Scenic Raft Trip

Athabasca River Easy Scenic Raft Trip

4.9(387) 2h
From €64
per personViator
Jasper Wildlife and Sightseeing Tour with Maligne Lake Hike

Jasper Wildlife and Sightseeing Tour with Maligne Lake Hike

4.8(319) 6h
From €70
per personViator
Sunwapta River Self-Drive Rafting Trip

Sunwapta River Self-Drive Rafting Trip

5.0(251) 2h 15m
From €92
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs

  • Peak Summer (July to mid-August): The Skyline Trail is most reliably snow-free from roughly early July to mid-September, with daytime highs of 15 to 24°C (59 to 75°F) and nights near 2 to 6°C (36 to 43°F). Wildflowers peak in July, and the light lasts past 9 pm. Campsites at Shovel Pass and Snowbowl book out months ahead.
  • Early Fall (September): Larches and willows turn gold, bugs vanish and crowds thin. Daytime temperatures run 8 to 16°C (46 to 61°F), and nights often drop below freezing. Daylight falls to about 12 hours by month's end.
  • Late Fall to Spring: Snow covers the high ridges from October into June, with temperatures often from -15 to 5°C (5 to 41°F). Avalanche terrain and short days make this a winter-gear trip only.
  • Prices: Jasper lodging peaks in July and August, and drops noticeably
… read more 👉
  • Peak Summer (July to mid-August): The Skyline Trail is most reliably snow-free from roughly early July to mid-September, with daytime highs of 15 to 24°C (59 to 75°F) and nights near 2 to 6°C (36 to 43°F). Wildflowers peak in July, and the light lasts past 9 pm. Campsites at Shovel Pass and Snowbowl book out months ahead.
  • Early Fall (September): Larches and willows turn gold, bugs vanish and crowds thin. Daytime temperatures run 8 to 16°C (46 to 61°F), and nights often drop below freezing. Daylight falls to about 12 hours by month's end.
  • Late Fall to Spring: Snow covers the high ridges from October into June, with temperatures often from -15 to 5°C (5 to 41°F). Avalanche terrain and short days make this a winter-gear trip only.
  • Prices: Jasper lodging peaks in July and August, and drops noticeably in September. Backcountry camping fees stay flat, but reservations open in the spring.
Book your campsites the day reservations open, and aim for the first or second week of September for the best mix of space and color.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: below average for travelingFEBFebruary: below average for travelingMARMarch: below average for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: below average for travelingDECDecember: below average for traveling
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🥾 Hike detailsHike details: route, duration, and difficulty of Skyline Trail (Jasper)

Total Distance: Skyline Trail covers about 44 kilometers one way, finishing near Signal Mountain or the Maligne Canyon area depending on route choice.
Estimated Duration: Two to three days, with a typical camping plan of two nights. Strong hikers sometimes do it in one very long day.
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous. Long distance and altitude gain, but the grade is mostly steady.
Starting Point: Maligne Lake, reached by road from Jasper townsite. Public transit does not serve the trailhead, so plan a shuttle or a car swap.
Major Landmarks:
  • Evelyn Creek: A common first-night camp with a creek for
… read more 👉
Total Distance: Skyline Trail covers about 44 kilometers one way, finishing near Signal Mountain or the Maligne Canyon area depending on route choice.
Estimated Duration: Two to three days, with a typical camping plan of two nights. Strong hikers sometimes do it in one very long day.
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous. Long distance and altitude gain, but the grade is mostly steady.
Starting Point: Maligne Lake, reached by road from Jasper townsite. Public transit does not serve the trailhead, so plan a shuttle or a car swap.
Major Landmarks:
  • Evelyn Creek: A common first-night camp with a creek for water.
  • Little Shovel Pass: Alpine meadows and open ridges.
  • The Notch: The highest point and the most dramatic viewpoint.
  • Signal Mountain: A viewpoint and the descent toward the Athabasca Valley.
Terrain and Scenery: Forest gives way to meadows, then scree ridges and alpine passes. Footing can be loose and steep around the Notch.
Vegetation: Spruce and fir forest at lower elevations, then heather, wildflowers and low alpine plants above treeline.
Wildlife: Marmots, pikas, caribou, bighorn sheep and grizzly and black bears are present. Carry bear spray and stay alert.
Permits: Backcountry camping reservations are needed through Parks Canada and fill early.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

The Skyline Trail is a well-marked, heavily used route, and most problems come from weather and underpreparation. Roughly half of the 44 km (27 mi) sits above treeline, where the ridgeline offers no shelter. Afternoon thunderstorms build quickly in July and August, and snow can fall in any month, so start early and carry a real rain shell, warm layers, a hat and gloves. Footing is mostly packed trail with some loose scree on the climb to Notch, and the descent to Signal Mountain Fire Lookout is hard on knees, so trekking poles help. Grizzly and black bears live here. Carry bear spray where you can reach it, make noise in the trees, and store all food in the provided campsite lockers. Elk and marmots appear often, so keep your distance. Filter water, and pack out all waste.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Most backpackers hike the Skyline Trail in 2 days and 1 night, though 2 nights is common for a relaxed pace. The route covers about 44 km (27 mi) from Maligne Lake to Maligne Canyon, near Jasper. Typical days run 6 to 9 hours of walking, often split by a night at Snowbowl or Curator campground. Fast hikers sometimes do it in a long single day of 10 to 12 hours.
The Skyline Trail is rated moderate to challenging, mostly because of distance and elevation rather than technical terrain. You gain roughly 1,400 m (4,600 ft) in total, including a climb past Notch Pass at about 2,510 m (8,235 ft). The path is well maintained with no scrambling or river crossings, but exposure to wind and storms above treeline can be hard going. A reasonable level of fitness and practice with a loaded pack is enough for most hikers.
Yes, you need a Parks Canada backcountry permit, but no guide is required for the Skyline Trail. Campsite reservations are limited and usually open in the spring, and you pick specific sites such as Little Shovel, Snowbowl or Curator. Expect to pay about US$12 to 15 per person per night plus a reservation fee of roughly US$9 to 12, and a Parks Canada day or Discovery Pass for park entry. Trail shuttles from Jasper are available if you do not have two vehicles.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

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We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Skyline Trail looks like a ridge walk, but its water is scarce on the highest stretches. I would fill every bottle at each creek and carry a spare liter. Book your campsites early, start with a short first day, and let the long open ridges do the rest.

✈️ When did I visit Canada?
As part of my 1.5 year travel around the world trip, I visited Canada in 2016.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Canada, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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