Should Parks Canada Formalize a New Loop Trail at Valley of the Five Lakes?
Official title: Parks Canada Agency Valley of the Five Lakes Trail Restoration
The Valley of the Five Lakes Trail in Jasper National Park was badly damaged by the 2024 wildfire and remains closed. Parks Canada wants to formalize an existing informal trail (350 m) and add a new 100 m section to create a loop. This would give hikers an alternate route while the main trail stays closed.
Why This Matters
Love hiking in Jasper? This popular trail has been closed since the 2024 wildfire. The new loop would reopen access to the Five Lakes area sooner. If you've used the informal trail before, this makes it official.
What Could Change
Parks Canada would build a 100 m new trail section and formalize 350 m of existing social trail. The Valley of the Five Lakes area could reopen to hikers with this alternate loop route.
Key Issues
- Should the existing 350 m informal trail be formalized as an official park trail?
- Should a new 100 m trail section be built to create a loop?
Indigenous Consultation
This consultation requires engagement with Indigenous communities under the Crown's duty to consult.