Hiking the Skyline Trail

The Skyline Trail is commonly regarded as one of the most spectacular backpacking routes in the Canadian Rockies — and for good reason. Covering 44 km (27 miles) through the Maligne Valley in Jasper National Park, nearly two-thirds of the trail stays above the treeline, where you'll have sweeping views of jagged peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes.

This spectacular trek follows a moderately graded trail winding along ridgelines and through valleys rich with wildflowers and wildlife.

It’s a favourite for hikers who want a true backcountry adventure.

Trail Overview

Distance: 44 km (27 miles)
Recommended Duration: 2–4 days
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,410 meters (4,625 feet)
Best time to hike: July to September

Always check current trail conditions before heading out. Be prepared for changing mountain weather, including rain, snow, and below-freezing temperatures, even in mid-summer.

For the latest updates, consult the Jasper National Park Trail Report before your trip.

Fresh water is readily available along the route from small streams and creeks — just bring a lightweight purifier. All campsites have water nearby.

NOTE: If you're staying at Shovel Pass Lodge, you do not need a backcountry permit. However, permits are required if you are camping at any of the campsites along the trail.

Maligne Adventures offers a shuttle service for hikers to leave their vehicle at Signal Mountain Trailhead and get dropped off at Maligne Lake.

More Information:

Visit katknox.com for a detailed trip account
Official Parks Canada site: parks.canada.ca/skyline
Maligne Adventures Shuttle Service: https://maligneadventures.com/shuttle/

Looking for a multi-sport adventure?

If you've done the Skyline before or are seeking a different approach, consider the bike-and-hike route via Signal Mountain Fire Road:

Start at Signal Mountain Fire Road and bike the first 8 km to the junction.
Leave your bike at the bike rack provided, then hike the remaining 17 km to Shovel Pass Lodge.
On your return, retrace your steps and cruise downhill on your bike back to the trailhead.
E-bikes are allowed on this trail, making it a great option for a wider range of fitness levels.

This is a unique and scenic way to access the lodge, especially for those looking to mix things up. It’s ideal for repeat Skyline hikers or those after a different kind of backcountry experience.

Hiking the Watchtower Trail

The 15km long Watchtower Trail is a quiet, rugged alternative to the popular Skyline Trail — offering solitude, stunning alpine views, and a true backcountry experience. Though shorter than Skyline, this trail comes with more elevation gain and a wilder, less-traveled feel.

Trail Conditions & Access Notes

While the trail is no longer maintained by Parks Canada, it is well-flagged through boggy sections, especially in the upper basin.
The footbridge over the Maligne River is out, but crossing is manageable, except when Medicine Lake is overflowing.
Call Parks Canada Dispatch before your trip to check current water levels if you are uncertain.
The trail intersects with the Skyline Trail in Big Shovel Basin, you then follow the Skyline for the last 2km to get to the Lodge.

Suggested Itineraries

People complete the Skyline in various ways—some choose to camp along the trail, others prefer the comfort of staying at the lodge, and some combine both. How you experience the trail is entirely up to you! To help you get started, here are a few suggested itineraries to guide your planning.

1 Night Stay

Skyline Trail Express

Day 1 - Start your day in Jasper: Enjoy a hearty breakfast in town to fuel up for the adventure ahead. Drive to Signal Mountain Trailhead Park your vehicle here—this will be your hike’s endpoint. Catch the Maligne Adventures Shuttle to Maligne Lake Be sure to book ahead to secure your spot on the shuttle to your starting point. Begin the 21km hike from Maligne Lake to the Lodge Plan for a 5–8 hour hike through stunning alpine terrain. Arrive at the Lodge in the late afternoon Unwind with a cold beer or a glass of wine and soak your feet in the refreshing creek. If it’s raining—no worries! Head into the cozy main lodge to play board games or sip wine by the fireplace. Feeling adventurous after dinner? Stroll down the valley to discover our two cold plunge pools—a refreshing and invigorating way to end the day. End your day in comfort Drift off to sleep in a warm, cozy bed, lulled by the gentle sounds of the creek and the peaceful tranquility of the mountains. Wake up rested and recharged Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lodge, then hit the trail to complete the remainder of the Skyline.

2 Night Stay

Skyline Trail Explorer

Day 1 - Hike In: Start your morning with breakfast in Jasper. Drive to the Signal Mountain Trailhead and leave your vehicle there. Catch the Maligne Adventures shuttle (book ahead) to Maligne Lake. Begin your hike on the Skyline Trail, heading toward Shovel Pass Lodge. Plan for a 5–8 hour hike. Arrive in the late afternoon, kick off your boots, and unwind with a cold drink by the creek. Dinner is served in the main lodge, followed by dessert and time to relax indoors or outside. Settle into your private cabin and fall asleep to the sounds of the alpine creeks. Day 2 - Rest & Explore: Take a day to recharge and explore at your own pace—or simply do nothing at all. The day is yours. Hike up to beautiful Curator Lake and have time to enjoy it, whether by swimming or borrowing the lodge's inflatable paddleboards. Go for a refreshing dip in the cold plunge pools a short walk from the lodge. Hike the south side of the Notch for a different view of the surrounding peaks. Relax indoors with board games or enjoy a drink on the deck with panoramic mountain views. Take a well-earned afternoon nap in your cozy cabin. Let your legs recover before tackling the final stretch of the Skyline tomorrow. Day 3 - Hike Out: Wake up rested and enjoy a hearty breakfast in the main lodge. Grab your bagged lunch and hit the trail. Hike up and over the Notch—one of the Skyline’s most iconic sections—and continue along the ridgeline to Signal Mountain Trailhead, completing your Skyline adventure.

3 Night Stay

Skyline Trail Recharge

Day 1 - Hike the first leg of the trail: Start your morning with breakfast and a coffee at one of the many cafes in Jasper. Drive to and leave your vehicle at the Signal Mountain Trailhead—this will be your final exit point. Catch the Maligne Adventures shuttle (book ahead) to Maligne Lake. Hike the first leg of the Skyline Trail (20km, 5–8 hours) to Shovel Pass Lodge. Arrive in the late afternoon, drop your pack, and unwind with a cold drink by the creek. Enjoy dinner and dessert in the main lodge. Settle into your private cabin for a quiet night surrounded by mountain silence. Day 2: Explore & Recharge Your first rest day. Ease into the rhythm of life in the backcountry. Take a morning paddle on serene Curator Lake. (Inflatable paddleboards available at the lodge) Go for a dip in the cold plunge pools or sunbathe by the creek. Combine these activities with a short hike up the south ridge of the Notch for a new perspective Browse the lodge’s library and read by the fire or on the deck. Enjoy a board game or spend the afternoon napping in your cabin. Dinner and dessert served in the main lodge. Evenings are peaceful out here. Day 3: Peak Day For those craving to add more adventure to your Skyline journey, today is your chance. Choose from scenic day hikes nearby: Curator Mountain – A rewarding climb with sweeping views Amber Mountain – A lesser-traveled ridge with wildflower meadows Watchtower Ridge & Basin – Big views, off the beaten path Or, simply enjoy another day of rest and reconnection—this time is yours. Disconnect from the outside world and settle into the simplicity of mountain life. Return to the lodge for a final dinner and relaxing night. Day 4: Hike Out Wake up well-fed, well-rested, and ready to take on the trail. After a hearty breakfast, begin your hike over the Notch, one of the most iconic stretches of the Skyline Trail. Descend to the Signal Mountain Trailhead, completing your backcountry journey