Lake Annette and Lake Edith are small lakes just outside the Town of Jasper in Alberta, Canada. One of the highest peaks in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Edith Cavell, can be seen beautifully from these lakes. Their proximity to Jasper makes them a favorite for locals, providing convenient opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and hiking. Both lakes are located on the Athabasca Valley floor, at a lower elevation than other national park lakes, allowing them to warm up enough for comfortable swimming during the summer.
There is a nearly two-mile wheelchair-accessible, level asphalt track around Lake Annette. Hikers can learn about the natural scenery and sites by reading interpretive signage. Along the trail are benches where you may stop and take in the scenery. The lake is perfect for swimming because of its beautiful waters and sandy shoreline. To preserve the lake’s peace, engines are not permitted. Fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are popular activities there. Because the lake is fed by natural springs and has crystal-clear waters, scuba diving is also very popular.
Lake Edith, immediately north of Lake Annette, has about 50 cottages on leased land around its shoreline. The lake features shallow areas and sandbars that extend far into the water, making it perfect for swimming. The hiking trails around Lake Edith are more complicated due to the private leased land, with the marked paths including local roads and streets. Mountain biking is popular, and the trails around the lake cover approximately three miles.
Despite their proximity to Jasper, the lakes are surrounded by heavily wooded areas, supporting a wealth of wildlife, including deer, caribou, bears, elk, and various smaller mammals. Visitors are reminded to avoid feeding wildlife as they are unpredictable.