Edge of the World: Jasper’s Epic Viewpoint You Have to See
The Edge of the World is a little-known, beautiful viewpoint nestled in the mountains in Jasper National Park.
While we can’t quite call the Edge of the World Trail a fully-fledged hike, it is a lovely short walk, made all the better by the incredible views at the end. Plus, in a town where it’s easy to spend a lot of money, it’s a wonderful free thing to do in Jasper!
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path in Jasper and get away from the crowds, head on over to the edge of the world!
Jasper Travel Resources
- Getting there: search for flights to Canada
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- Tours: explore the best Jasper tours
Edge of the World Overview
The Edge of the World Trail is a short and easy out-and-back walk to an epic viewpoint overlooking Jasper.
The trail is 500m long (each way) and flat, so it’s very easy – we’re talking around 10 minutes of walking from the parking area to the viewpoint.
It’s not an official Jasper National Park route and is thus unmarked. Honestly, it’s a little hidden gem in Jasper.
The Edge of the World Jasper viewpoint is largely unknown amongst visitors to the parks, so even in the high season, you’ll likely have it all to yourself.
It’s also quite secluded and remote, making it a haven in a place that can get very busy!
Read: The 13 Best FREE Things to Do in Jasper in 2024
If the conditions are right, from the viewpoint, you can also walk down to the waterfall that sits to the left of the viewpoint.
To the left of the Edge of the World viewpoint, you’ll find a trail heading down toward the loud sound of running water. This goes down to the falls.
The trail down to the waterfall is quite steep and can be slippery, so please take care!
If the waterfall is running, it’s a great spot to fill your water bottles with fresh and delicious glacier water.
Edge of the World in Jasper Location
The Edge of the World is around 14 km from Jasper town just off Marmot Road. This is the road that runs to Marmot Basin, Jasper’s ski resort.
The trail walks through the forest to reach the viewpoint, which is on a ridge overlooking the valley.
It takes about 20 – 25 minutes to drive to the start of the edge of the world trail from Jasper town.
How to Get to the Edge of the World
As it’s an unmarked trail, with no signage, it can be a little tricky to find the Edge of the World Trail, but fear not – overall, it’s pretty easy.
Driving Directions
The Edge of the World is located on Marmot Road, which runs to Marmot Basin. The easiest way to find the trailhead is to follow the signs towards Marmot Basin.
You can find the specific GPS coordinates for the trailhead here.
Need a car to get around Jasper? We use and recommend Discover Cars.
First, take the Icefields Parkway for around 6.5 km. Take a right at the signposted junction for both Marmot Basin and Edith Cavall – this is the 93A South.
Stay on this road for 2.5 km, then take a right onto Marmot Road (again, this will be signposted for Marmot Basin).
After around 9 km on Marmot Road, you’ll see a pullout area where cars can park. This is your parking area!
Directions to the Edge of the World
Once you’ve found the parking area and left your car, walk up the road for a few minutes alongside the barrier. Once the barrier ends, you’ll see a faint path leading into the woods on the righthand side.
Once you’re on the trail, it’s 500m to the viewpoint – very evident by some big rocks jutting out from the mountain.
Should you want a digital map to navigate to the Edge of the World, it is marked on maps.me and there is a digital map on AllTrails.
Read about the best day hike in BC: The Abbott Ridge Trail in Glacier National Park
Best Time to Visit the Edge of the World
Whilst the Edge of the World can theoretically be visited at any time, May to October is the best time to visit.
This is during Jasper’s spring and summer, so when you have the best chance of a dry trail and warm weather.
Read about epic Hermit Meadows in Glacier National Park
As always, when you can visit the Edge of the World will depend on the previous winter’s snowfall and the current conditions.
For example, we visited in mid-May 2024. At that time, the Edge of the World Trail was largely snow-free (we say largely because while there was some snow, it wasn’t debilitating and we didn’t need snowshoes or ice cleats).
The trail to the waterfall was much too icy (we went down and it was sketchy) and the waterfall was completely frozen.
But, this was after a winter with very little snow and a very dry spring. In other years, should there (hopefully) be more snow, the Edge of the World Trail wouldn’t be easily accessible until later in May.
You can of course walk to the edge of the trail in winter. It makes a great spot to stretch your legs on your way to Marmot Basin for a day of skiing!
In winter, however, it will be full of snow, so you’ll want proper boots and snow pants.
Exploring Jasper in winter? Check out our list of 15 Awesome Things to Do in Jasper in Winter
Is the Edge of the World Worth Visiting?
Of course, the Edge of the World is worth visiting! It’s not an epic hike (or even a hike at all), but it is a lovely viewpoint largely unaffected by the mass tourism you find elsewhere in Jasper.
It’s a great spot to take in the view and the majesty of the Rocky Mountains.
Need we say more?
Tips and Tricks
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