Jasper's premier multi-day backcountry hike traverses above the treeline for much of its length with sweeping views of the Athabasca Valley and surrounding peaks. Backcountry camping permits required; wildlife including caribou, grizzly, and wolverine are commonly seen.
The Skyline Trail is Jasper National Park's signature multi-day backcountry route, traversing 44 kilometres of high alpine terrain between Maligne Lake in the southeast and Maligne Canyon near Jasper townsite in the northwest, Alberta. The trail spends much of its length above the treeline along a broad exposed ridge at elevations between 2,100 and 2,550 metres, earning its name from uninterrupted panoramas across the Athabasca Valley and surrounding peaks of the Canadian Rockies.
The Maligne Lake trailhead is accessible by vehicle or by seasonal shuttle bus from Jasper townsite, approximately 48 km southeast on Maligne Lake Road. Backcountry camping permits are required and must be reserved through Parks Canada, which opens reservations in January for the coming season. Due to the trail's reputation, permits for peak July and August months fill within days of release. The trail is most commonly hiked from Maligne Lake to Maligne Canyon (southeast to northwest) to take advantage of prevailing winds and to distribute elevation more evenly across the itinerary.
Conditions on the Skyline Trail are genuinely alpine. The Notch — the highest point at 2,510 metres — is exposed to wind and rapid weather changes year-round, and snow can fall in any month. The surface ranges from well-maintained gravel and rock slabs at lower elevations to loose rocky terrain and potential snowfields in early season across the Notch and Curator Ridge sections. Backcountry campgrounds at Snowbowl, Curator Lake, and Tekarra Lake are the primary overnight stops, each with pit toilets, tent pads, and food storage poles.
Wildlife on the Skyline Trail is exceptional and includes one of the last woodland caribou herds in the range, grizzly bears, wolverines, mountain goats, and golden eagles. Trail closures in some sections occur when bear management activity is in effect — checking Parks Canada trail advisories before departure is essential. Cell coverage is entirely absent; a personal locator beacon is strongly recommended for all parties.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Jasper National Park, Alberta
- Best season
- Mid-July to mid-September
Highlights
- Curator Lake
- Shovel Pass
- above-treeline ridge walking
- wildlife viewing
Tips for visiting
- Secure a backcountry permit in January when Parks Canada opens reservations — peak-season spots fill within days of the booking window opening.
- The Notch (2,510 m) can retain snow year-round; carry microspikes and a waterproof shell even in July.
- A personal locator beacon (PLB) is strongly recommended — the trail has no cell coverage and emergency response times are long.
- Arrange a car shuttle or pre-book a commercial shuttle between the Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon trailheads before departure.
- Water is abundant at Curator Lake and other sources along the route; filter or treat before drinking.
- Check Parks Canada trail advisories on the day of departure — sections near The Notch may be closed for bear management without advance notice.
When to visit
Mid-July to mid-September is the primary hiking window when The Notch is typically snow-free. Early July may involve snowfields above 2,300 metres; August offers the most reliable conditions and warmest overnight temperatures.
Accessibility
The Skyline Trail is entirely unsuitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments. The route traverses remote alpine terrain with extended sections of loose rock, exposed ridgeline, and multi-day backcountry conditions far from any vehicle road.
Frequently asked questions
Do Skyline Trail permits sell out?
Yes. Backcountry camping permits sell out within hours of the Parks Canada reservation window opening each January. Checking for cancellations online in the weeks before the intended hiking date can yield last-minute openings.
Can the Skyline Trail be done as a day hike?
The full 44 km route is not feasible as a day hike. Some hikers do a day trip to Curator Lake (approximately 12 km return from Maligne Lake) as a shorter out-and-back option to experience part of the trail without a backcountry permit.
How technical is The Notch section?
The Notch is a steep, exposed ridge with loose rock and potential snowfields in early season. It does not require technical climbing equipment but demands careful footing, appropriate footwear with ankle support, and readiness for sudden weather changes.
What wildlife should hikers expect to encounter?
Grizzly bears, black bears, woodland caribou, wolverines, mountain goats, and golden eagles are all present. Bear spray must be carried accessible — not packed away — at all times on the trail.
Is a shuttle between the trailheads easy to arrange?
Maligne Adventures and other Jasper-based operators offer shuttles connecting Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon. Advance booking is strongly advisable in peak season, as demand is high from groups completing the point-to-point route.