Explore Pyramid Lake’s Hikes and Views in Jasper National Park
Just minutes from downtown Jasper, Pyramid Lake and Pyramid Mountain form one of the most recognizable landscapes in Jasper National Park.
Pyramid Lake (and Pyramid Mountain) are two of the most photographed parts of the park. On calm days, the peak and scenery reflect perfectly in the glassy, mirror-like surface of the lake.
Plus, it’s one of the best spots to head to if you’re trying to catch a glimpse of the northern lights!
I think Pyramid Lake is perfect for families and really all visitors, whether you’re looking to hike, bike ride, or just relax and take photos.
Enjoying Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake is home to a lodge, a few docks, and several beaches.
Popular things to do:
- Paddle to Pyramid Island: A short trip by canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. There’s also a bridge to cross.
- Find a Beach: Paddle past the island to a quiet shoreline on the far side of the lake.
- Dine Lakeside: Aalto, a restaurant at the Pyramid Lake Lodge, has great food and views.
- Rentals: If you don’t have your own gear, boat rentals are available at Pyramid Lake Lodge.
- Hike the Trails: Family-friendly options below.
Photographers love the area on a day with calm (or ideally no winds) because the scenery reflects in the glassy lake water.
The docks at the lodge have chairs to relax in and enjoy the view.
Hike: Pyramid Lake Lookout Trail
Pyramid Lake is home to a great trail system, which includes this loop:
- Trailhead: Far end of Pyramid Lake Road
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Time: 2+ hours
- Difficulty: Easy
The Pyramid Trail is a scenic hike, that winds through aspen and pine trees.
The longer Pyramid Ridge Loop is 10 miles, and much more of a challenging hike.
The trail can be muddy in spring and fall, and icy in the winter. I think it’s especially beautiful in autumn when golden leaves frame views of the lake and mountain.
Hike: Pyramid Bench Trails
The entire trail system between Jasper and Pyramid Lake is called Pyramid Bench. Here are a few options:
Overlook Loop
- Distance: 3 mile loop
- Trailhead: North end of Pyramid Lake Road
This hike will bring you to one of the best viewpoints in Jasper. From the top you’ll see the Miette, Maligne, and Athabasca valleys all at once.
Cottonwood Creek Loop
- Distance: 3 miles
- Trailhead: Jasper Activity Centre
The loop follows Cottonwood Creek to great Athabasca Valley viewpoints.
Mina–Riley Lakes Loop
- Distance: 5 mile loop
- Trailhead: Jasper Activity Centre
You’ll hike to views of Mina Lake and Riley Lake, then loop back toward town.
Pyramid Mountain
Rising 2,766 m above sea level, Pyramid Mountain dominates the skyline above Jasper. In the 1800s, it was known as Priest’s Rock, but its modern name comes from its distinctive shape.
On my first visit, I was drawn to the mountain’s striking red-orange color in the rock. It’s from iron minerals that oxidize over time. When the evening sun hits its slopes, the entire mountain glows in a uniquely beautiful way.
Pyramid Beach
Looking to relax after a hike or paddle? Pyramid Beach has plenty of room to spread out, enjoy the mountain views, or take a refreshing dip in the cold, clear water.
Know before you go:
- Open daily from 8:00am to dusk
- Smoke-free
- Dogs have to be leashed (and aren’t allowed in all areas)
- No drones
- Fires only in designated fire boxes. Bring your own firewood (cutting firewood in the park is illegal)
Fishing at Pyramid Lake
Anglers can fish from late May through early September, when the lake is open for sport fishing.
Licenses are required and can be purchased at Pyramid Lake Resort or the Jasper Information Center downtown.
Rainbow trout and mountain whitefish are the most common catches here. You’ll find signs detailing the fishing rules.
Dark Sky Viewing
As part of the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve, the Pyramid Lake area is protected from light pollution, giving visitors a clear view of the Milky Way, planets, and even the northern lights.
The lake’s wide-open setting and reflective surface make it ideal for astrophotography.
Pyramid Island is especially popular for night-sky viewing, with its footbridge and island trees adding dramatic silhouettes to long-exposure photos.
October is one of the best months to visit, with its clean, crisp air, longer nights, and a good chance to see the aurora borealis.
Patricia Lake: Pyramid’s Quieter Neighbor
Just down the road from Pyramid Lake lies Patricia Lake, a smaller, quieter body of water that’s every bit as scenic. It’s a favorite among locals for its calm atmosphere, mirror-like reflections, and its proximity to Jasper (3 miles).
Things to do at Patricia Lake:
- Canoe and kayak: Rentals are available at Patricia Lake Bungalows in summer.
- Swim: The shallow shoreline warms faster here than at Pyramid Lake, making it a popular swimming spot on hot days.
Underwater History
Patricia Lake is the site of a fascinating WWII experiment known as Project Habbakuk, where researchers attempted to build an aircraft carrier out of ice and wood pulp (“pykrete”). Remnants of the project still rest beneath the lake’s surface.
Weather & Best Time to Visit Jasper
Pyramid Lake is open year-round, but the experience changes dramatically with the seasons. Here’s what you’ll find (generally speaking, since the weather is unpredictable):
- Spring (May – June): Melting ice, quiet trails, and good wildlife viewing. Expect daytime highs from 50 to 65 °F.
- Summer (July – August): Warmer days, with highs from 70 to 77 °F.
- Autumn (September – October): Cooler, crisp weather (highs 40 – 65 °F) and vibrant fall colors. The first dusting of snow arrives in Jasper in October.
- Winter (November – March): The long winter in Jasper begins in November. Pyramid Lake freezes over, creating opportunities for skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Final Thoughts on Pyramid Lake
For me, Pyramid Lake has a long list of draws, the first being its proximity to the town of Jasper. Plus, it’s a place I’ll always return to because the scenery changes with the seasons.
South of Jasper, Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls are options, which are also family-friendly and accessible. Mistaya Canyon is farther south, but worth the drive.
If you’re looking for lakes with turquoise water (from glacier melt), head south on the Icefields Parkway to Peyto Lake or Lake Louise and hike its iconic Big Beehive Trail!
Whether you’re hiking the Pyramid Trail, paddling to Pyramid Island, or relaxing on a beach, Pyramid Lake encapsulates everything Jasper is known for: wild beauty at the base of one of the Canadian Rockies’ most photogenic peaks.
