Hiking Patricia Lake - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Patricia Lake: trails, map and practical info

Canadian Rockies • Alberta

4.7 Appreciated by 76 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
5 km
Elevation
23 ft
Duration
45min
Max altitude
1,223 ft

Explore a 2.4 km lakeside loop in Jasper National Park where mirror-like waters reflect towering Rockies peaks. This easy, 34-minute circuit with minimal 38 m elevation gain balances accessibility with pristine mountain scenery, perfect for families and nature photographers in Alberta's backcountry.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Patricia Lake? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

The main hiking attraction here is the Patricia Lake Circle Trail, a 2.4-kilometer loop that wraps around the lake's entire perimeter. With only 38 meters of elevation gain spread across the circuit, this easy trail takes approximately 45 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace, though most visitors find themselves stopping frequently to take in the views and watch for wildlife.

Recommended gear for this trail

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Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
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Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
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Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
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Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
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Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Patricia Lake, Alberta T0E 1E0, Canada
GPS coordinates
52.9040287, -118.1012056
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The patricia lake trails can be accessed from the patricia lake Provincial Park campground. There is a trailhead near the campground entrance.

The patricia lake trails can be accessed from the patricia lake Campground.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
52.9040287, -118.1012056
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.7
38 Reviews
R
Robert
Mar 28, 2026
Great spot for a quick nature escape from Jasper townsite. The trail surface is mostly packed earth with some rocky sections, and we spotted mountain chickadees and other bird species. Water temperature was refreshing during summer, and the surrounding forest provides nice shade. Despite easy campground access, the setting feels wonderfully remote and peaceful.
E
Emma
Jan 18, 2026
Nice short loop but gets quite busy during summer weekends. The trail connects conveniently with campground facilities and offers good boardwalk sections for wetland viewing. When we visited in winter, parts of the lake were frozen creating interesting ice formations along the edges. Would definitely recommend visiting on weekdays for a more peaceful experience away from crowds.
M
Michelle
Jan 8, 2026
Beautiful winter visit to Patricia Lake revealed fascinating ice formations along the water's edge. The trail remains accessible during colder months, though it can get quite crowded on summer weekends. The boardwalk sections provide excellent viewing spots for waterfowl and protect the sensitive wetland areas. I'd recommend visiting on weekdays for a more serene experience in this stunning Rocky Mountain setting.
M
Michael
Nov 22, 2025
As a senior hiker, I really appreciated this gentle trail with minimal elevation gain and clear path markers. The mountain reflections in the calm water are absolutely breathtaking. We took our time with plenty of stops for photos and wildlife watching, completing the loop in about an hour. The red Parks Canada chairs provide perfect spots to rest and soak in the mountain views.
S
Sarah
Nov 15, 2025
This gentle trail around Patricia Lake is perfect for families with young children. The 2.4 km loop offers stunning mountain reflections in the crystal-clear water with minimal elevation gain of just 38 meters. We enjoyed watching our kids skip stones along the peaceful shoreline while taking in the beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery. The well-maintained path makes it accessible for all ages.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
23.00 m
1223.00 m
45min
No
No
Patricia Lake trail has a minimal elevation gain of only 38 meters, making it a very gentle hike suitable for all fitness levels. This low elevation gain contributes to the trail's Easy difficulty rating.
Yes, Patricia Lake trail is excellent for families with children due to its Easy difficulty rating and short 2.4 km distance. The minimal 38-meter elevation gain and 34-minute duration make it manageable for young hikers.
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Hiking near Jasper

82 trails to explore ~4 km away

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Update : June 2026