Looking for a shorter, easier hike on your trip to Jasper National Park? Check out the details below and see if the Lake Annette loop is what you’re looking for!
Lake Annette Loop Quick Details:
Distance: 2.4 km (1.5 mile) loop
Trail name: 4d, Lake Annette Loop
Elevation: minimal, very gradual and smooth inclines/declines
Trail: Paved trail wide enough for 2 people to walk side by side
Trailhead: Lake Annette and Lake Edith day use parking lots
Special notes: No bikes, good for strollers and wheelchairs
Current trail conditions:
For up-to-date trail conditions, it is always a good idea to check the Jasper National Park trail conditions page, found here.
A bit about Lake Annette
Lake Annette is one of the picturesque lakes in the valley bottom nearby to the town of Jasper. It is a very popular spot in the summer with people enjoying the trails, beaches, playground, and picnic areas.
Lake Annette is a favourite of some Jasper locals looking for a clearer, easier path when other trails might still be ice-covered, or for young families looking for an easier, shorter walk for the little ones.
A quick video walking tour:
How to get to Lake Annette
Driving: There are numerous parking lots in the Lake Annette and Lake Edith area. There are also numerous no-parking signs in all the areas you shouldn’t park. Just pay attention to the signs and you’ll be fine. On hot summer days (especially weekends), this day use area can be very busy and finding a parking spot could be a challenge.
Lake Annette is a short, 10-15 minute drive from town or from Wapiti and Whistlers Campground.
Public Transit: Jasper now has a public transit servicing this day use area.
Here’s the link for transit info, schedule times, and fees.
Bike: Because Lake Annette is in the valley close to town, it is pretty easy to bike to, especially if you’re comfortable trail riding. From town, either need to go the Old Fort Point, Jasper Park Lodge route (various trails) or Big Horn Alley, across the river and trail #13 into the lake day use area.
A Note about Bikes
Bikes are not allowed on this 4d, Lake Annette trail. I assume it’s to keep the pedestrians safe from speedy bikes. I admit that we did let our little ones ride their tiny strider bikes or scooters on this trail. However, we also made sure our kiddos respected the pedestrians and always yielded to walkers. Now that they’re bigger, they only walk it.
If you are biking and need to get around the lake, there are many bike trail options instead of this one.
Trailhead
There isn’t a specific trailhead for the Lake Annette trail. Once you find yourself in the area, just head towards the lake. When you meet the paved trail, just start following it until you arrive back where you started. Easy peasy!
Animals in the Lake Annette area:
Here are some of the animals you might see while visiting Lake Annette:
Red Squirrels:
Keep an eye out for their middens on the ground under big pines along this trail. What’s a midden? When squirrels eat cones, the pine cone scales fall into piles, and the more cones they eat, the bigger the pile gets! Then they burrow their homes into and around these piles of discarded pine cone scales. And, this is called a midden.
Elk and Deer:
We’ve seen many elk and mule deer in this grassy area between the two lakes. Do not approach elk for photo opportunities. Elk are dangerous, especially the mamas in the spring and the dads in the fall!
READ MORE: Here’s Park’s Canada page on Elk safety.
Eagles:
In years past, there has been an eagle’s nest over on the southwest side of Lake Annette. Aside from the giant bird poops on the trail over there, you might luck out and see the eagles flying or fishing.
Bears:
Yes, we’ve seen both grizzlies and black bears at this area.
- Know how to be bear smart,
- Don’t leave food unattended at picnic tables,
- Keep dogs on leashes,
- Make noise when you’re walking,
- And carry bear spray
READ MORE: more tips on being bear smart and how to teach your kids how to act around bears here.
What else can you do near Lake Annette?
Beaching, swimming, and paddling:
Like mentioned above, Lake Annette is a popular summer spot. On hot summer days the beaches are packed with sunbather, picnickers, and families playing in the sand. Both Lake Annette and Lake Edith are popular lakes for paddling, swimming, and floating.
Note for water-goers: Parks Canada has been making efforts to control the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species. Because of this there are new rules about cleaning, drying, and waiting before using your equipment in various Jasper lakes.
If you’ll be bringing your own gear (as apposed to renting), you’ll want to check out this page for up-to-date information.
Paddleboard rentals at Lake Edith
In the past few years, Translucid has had a paddleboard rentals at Lake Edith. If this interests you, check out their website.
Playground Play
There’s a nice sized playground and some swings in the open area between Lake Edith and Lake Annette. It’s a fun spot to let the kids play while you enjoy the view or get dinner cooked on one of the nearby BBQ pits.
Picnics
This day use area has a few covered cooking areas with tables and wood stoves. If you manage to find one unoccupied, they’re a great spot to get together with a few other families. The wood stoves can be lit to keep you all warm and toasty and the shelters will keep you dry or out of the sun.
Even if you don’t manage to get a shelter, there are plenty of tables and BBQ pits spread all throughout this area.
Remember to pack up your food when you’re done with it and pack it back into your vehicle before you go off on a walk or to play at the beach.
Quicksand!
Have you ever seen quicksand? I have, maybe? There’s a little pond beside Lake Annette, over by the beach area. And, this little pond has danger, quicksand signs! So cool!
To Sum it up…
Please feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions about the hike at Lake Annette. Happy hiking!
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