The ULTIMATE Guide to Things To Do in Jasper

Looking for the best things to do in Jasper, Alberta? You’re in the right place. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park is known for dramatic mountain scenery, turquoise-coloured lakes, powerful waterfalls, and some of the best wildlife viewing in Canada.

Whether you’re planning a summer hiking trip, a winter escape, or a quick weekend getaway, this guide covers the top attractions, outdoor adventures, scenic drives, and hidden gems that make Jasper unforgettable. We’ve visited multiple times in different seasons, and below you’ll find the experiences that truly stand out.

Top Attractions in Jasper National Park

Jasper is one of our favourite destinations in Canada, and is a great place to visit in all seasons. Below is a list of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in all seasons, followed by a short guide to the best activities in each season.

Ride the Jasper SkyTram

One cannot simply visit Jasper without visiting the Jasper SkyTram and riding Canada’s highest, longest, guided aerial tramway. It’s only a 7-minute journey to the top, but once there, you’ll be greeted with some of the best views of Jasper and the surrounding area from an elevation of 2,263 metres. From here, you can continue hiking up to the summit for even more impressive views or take it easy at the Summit Restaurant.

Please note: The Jasper SkyTram is only open during the warmer months.

Visit Maligne Lake and Spirit Island

One of the most popular sites near Jasper is beautiful Maligne Lake. This is the largest glacially-fed lake in the Canadian Rockies and is also home to the Insta-famous Spirit Island. Most people come here to take the 90-minute Maligne Lake boat tour to the island while learning about the history of the area, as well as its geology, wildlife, flora, and fauna. You could also bring your own canoe or kayak if you have one, or even go hiking. Please note that Maligne Lake is almost 50 kilometres from the town of Jasper and takes about an hour or so to get there. The scenery along the way is spectacular, so throw in some more time and enjoy it.

Hike through Maligne Canyon

On your way back to town from Maligne Lake, do stop and do the hike into Maligne Canyon. If you’re too tired, no problem. Maligne Canyon is only 10 minutes from town, making it an easy place to return. This is a fairly simple hike that takes you through the canyon, past waterfalls, and into the thick pine forest. It’s beautiful.

In the winter, Maligne Canyon turns into a winter wonderland. This is your chance to gaze at frozen waterfalls and admire the ice climbers who make their way up large vertical sheets of ice. If doing the hike on your own, make sure to wear the proper footwear. If it’s very icy, you may want ice cleats on the bottom of your shoes. Another popular place to see similar scenery is Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park.

Spotting Wildlife

It’s not too often you visit a place where wildlife is one of the main attractions. This is one of the things that makes Jasper so special. On all of our trips thus far, we’ve seen dozens of Elk, deer, and Canadian Geese. However, you may also see grizzly bears, moose, cougars, mountain goats, and more. In our experience, we’ve seen them right in the town or right next to our cabin at Becker’s Chalets. However, you could also go on a guided tour to more secluded areas.

Important note: Wildlife is wild. Please do not approach them. Deaths have occurred in the mountain parks due to people getting out of their cars and getting closer to wild animals in hopes of a better photo. Bears are often the most feared, but elk can be even more dangerous. Admire from a distance. 

Admire Athabasca Falls

If you didn’t stop at Athabasca Falls while driving the Icefields Parkway, you certainly want to make it here before you leave. It’s also one of the most popular stops in the area due to its natural beauty. It’s not a high waterfall, but it’s very powerful and very beautiful. In the winter, Athabasca remains a powerful draw due to its frozen beauty.

Walk on the Columbia Icefields

Almost in the middle of the Icefields Parkway is the world-famous Columbia Icefields – the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. There are a variety of ways to enjoy them, too. You can simply admire them from the highway, or you can jump on an Ice Explorer tour and drive right on the glacier for a chance to walk on it and even sip some fresh glacier water. There are also walking tours for those looking for more adventure. In addition, there’s the incredible Columbia Icefield Skywalk, which gives you the chance to walk out onto a glass platform that sits 918 feet (280 metres) from the valley bottom.

Admire the Stars in a Dark Sky Preserve

If you love stargazing, Jasper is one of the best places in the country. There are 17 Dark Sky Preserves in Canada, and Jasper is one of the darkest. This is because light pollution is so limited here that you can see the stars in all their glory. You may even see the Milky Way! If looking up at the dark sky is very important to you, you may want to time your visit to the annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival in October. There are even speakers, ranging from NASA astronauts to celebrities.

Go Kayaking/Canoeing/Rafting

As you can imagine, Jasper is an ideal place to get into water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and whitewater rafting. Whether you opt for a lake or a river, this is a great way to get into nature and admire its stunning surroundings. If you have your own, you’re pretty much free to go, but if you don’t, there are a number of companies in the area that offer tours for all skill levels.

Take a Dip in Miette Hot Springs

If you’re looking to sit back and relax in a natural hot spring, this is the closest one to Jasper. It’s located about 1 hour from Jasper on the road to Edmonton. With water temperatures kept steady between 37 and 40ºC, the Miette Hot Springs are actually the hottest hot springs in the Canadian Rockies!

Go Hiking in Jasper

Jasper is one of the top destinations in the world for hiking. Whether you’re looking for a simple day hike or a multi-day expedition, Jasper has it all. Many different trails take you to or through vast valleys, stunning lakes, and gorgeous mountain scenery. The warmer months are best, but you can also hike in the winter if you have the proper equipment.

Hike the Valley of Five Lakes

Speaking of hiking, one of the must-do trails is the Valley of the Five Lakes, which is one of the best short hikes in Jasper — and one of the most colourful. This relatively easy loop trail leads you past five small alpine lakes, each with its own shade of emerald and turquoise water. It’s a fantastic option for families, casual hikers, or anyone looking for a scenic walk that doesn’t require a full-day commitment. The trail is well-marked, accessible in summer, and rewards you with constant photo opportunities.

Visit Pyramid Lake and Pyramid Island

Just a short drive from town, Pyramid Lake is one of the easiest and most rewarding stops in Jasper. Calm water reflects Pyramid Mountain on clear days, making it a favourite for sunrise and sunset photographers. Walk across the wooden bridge to Pyramid Island for panoramic views, rent a canoe in summer, or visit in winter when the lake freezes, and the landscape turns postcard-perfect. It’s accessible, peaceful, and delivers big Rocky Mountain scenery without the crowds of Maligne Lake.

Go Golfing in Jasper

We’re not big golfers, but we were surprised to hear that Jasper is home to Canada’s #1 golf resort. Then again, it’s easy to imagine why. Who wouldn’t want to golf in the middle of Jasper National Park, surrounded by mountain peaks and thick pine forests? It’s located at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club.

Go Skiing and Snowboarding

Without a doubt, skiing and snowboarding are the most popular activities in the winter months. However, there’s only one resort: Marmot Basin. That’s not a bad thing, though. Marmot Basin offers 1,720 acres of varied terrain, 3,000 vertical feet of prime powder, and more than 90 runs! It’s only 20-minutes from Jasper, making it a very convenient mountain to visit. It’s also not nearly as busy as the big resorts near Banff.

Go Dog Sledding

Many people dream of going on a dog sled ride, so why not do it in the backdrop of the mighty Canadian Rockies? It’s a wonderful experience not only to see the scenery but to be towed by eager dogs wanting to get some exercise. There’s a variety of tours to choose from, and they range from a quick 1-hour jaunt to a full 5-hour excursion.

Try Ice Climbing

If you’re looking for a new, exciting adventure, why not climb up a frozen waterfall? We had always admired the look of people making their way up a frozen waterfall but never imagined doing it ourselves. But, in 2021, we made it happen. We went ice climbing with Rockaboo Mountain Adventures. There are a variety of places to go, but for us, we went back down the Icefields Parkway and climbed one of the many icefalls there. We had the sun shining right on us and it was an incredible experience. Highly recommended!

Go Fat Biking in the Snow

One of the newest winter sports is fat-tire biking, which is basically a mountain bike with fat tires on it. These tires help you push through the snowy trails. We went out to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and rented the bikes there so that we could use their many trails. Good exercise and a great way to hit the trails!

Go Ice Skating

Without a doubt, one of the most popular winter activities in the country is skating. It’s cheap to do as all you need are skates! There are a variety of places to go in Jasper, but we went out to Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and used the skating track they’ve made on one of their lakes. It’s quite big and is free to use. We had our own skates, but you can also rent them here.

Attend the “Jasper in January” Winter Festival

If you’re visiting Jasper in the winter, we highly recommend timing your visit with the Jasper in January winter festival. Not only can you still enjoy all the usual winter activities, but you get to combine it with a festival that brings unique activities such as sleigh rides, pond hockey tournaments, concerts, and street parties, just to name a few. There are also special curated menus at many of the restaurants and a spectacular fireworks display on the final day.

Things to Do in Jasper in the Summer

Here’s a quick guide to all the attractions best experienced in the warmer months.

• Ride the Jasper SkyTram
• Visit Maligne Lake and Spirit Island
• Hike through Maligne Canyon
• Walk on the Columbia Icefields
• Go Kayaking/Canoeing/Rafting
• Go Hiking in Jasper
• Go Golfing in Jasper

Things to Do in Jasper in the Winter

Here’s a quick guide to all the attractions best experienced in the colder months.

• Go skiing and snowboarding
• Dog-sledding
• Ice climbing
• Jasper in January winter festival
• Ice skating
• Fat-biking
• Maligne Canyon Icewalk

Mini Itinerary: 2 Days in Jasper

Adding this section strengthens the “Jasper itinerary” intent without creating cannibalization.

Day 1: Classic Jasper Highlights

• Ride the Jasper SkyTram for panoramic mountain views
• Explore Maligne Canyon’s dramatic waterfalls
• Take a cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island
• Sunset at Pyramid Lake
• Evening wildlife drive along Pyramid Lake Road

Day 2: Waterfalls & Easy Hikes

• Visit Athabasca Falls in the morning
• Drive part of the Icefields Parkway
• Hike the Valley of the Five Lakes
• Relax at Miette Hot Springs
• Stay out after dark for stargazing in the Dark Sky Preserve

Where to Sleep in Jasper

There are lots of options when it comes to Jasper Accommodations, ranging from luxury to rustic and everything in between. There are also a plethora of camping options in the summer months.

Budget: For the ultimate budget and nature experience, camping is one of the best options in the warmer months. You can book online via Parks Canada and choose from an array of stunning campgrounds. There are also hostels such as Hi-Athabasca Falls, and Hi-Maligne Canyon.

Mid-Range: The only place we’ve ever stayed in Jasper (we just keep coming back) is Becker’s Chalets, which is located about 10 minutes south of Jasper along the Icefields Parkway. We like them because they’re right next to the river and offer cabins with full kitchens. Every morning, we’d look out the window in the massive field and see elk or Canadian geese. It’s a great spot, especially for families or couples. However, there are many other options for where to stay in Jasper.

Luxury: Without a doubt, the most luxurious option is the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. This luxurious hotel has 8 on-site restaurants, a spa, and one of the most popular golf courses in the country.

Where to Eat in Jasper

Another thing we love about Jasper is the array of amazing restaurants. Whether you’re looking for the best pizza and beer or a small fine-dining experience, Jasper has it all. Some of our favourite Jasper restaurants include:

Terra

Located in The Crimson Hotel, Terra is currently our favourite restaurant in Jasper. Inspired by the rawness of Jasper, this restaurant utilizes locally farmed and foraged fare, creating menus that change with the seasons. From breakfast to dinner, we always pay a visit to Terra. Some of our favourite dishes include the Roasted Squash (Ras El Hanout Rub, Toasted Pepitas, Crème Fraîche, and Timut), the Roasted Kuterra Salmon (Fingerlings, Preserved Tomatoes, Sumac Butter, and the Duck Duo (Confit Duck Leg, Crispy Duck Wing, White Bean Cassoulet, and Sour Cherry Jus). The atmosphere is inviting, open, and simple. Highly recommended!

Harvest Food & Drink

During our visit to the Jasper in January event in 2024, we paid our first visit to Harvest and fell in love with the food. Giving Terra a run for its money, Harvest is equally our favourite restaurant in Jasper now. This small family-owned and operated restaurant offers delicious meals and cocktails, offering great value at the same time. If you want to follow in our footsteps, the Goat Cheese Bruschetta is mouth-watering, made with fresh tomato, onion chutney, basil oil, balsamic, goat cheese, and toasted baguette. We also loved their Arctic Char (Roasted vegetables, kale, chorizo sausage, coconut rice, lemon caper butter) and Lamb Osso Buco (red wine and tomato-braised lamb shank, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, chimichurri).

Jasper Pizza Place

If you’re simply looking for a delicious pizza, Jasper Pizza Place is the spot. Whether you order takeout or sit in their lively bar-style restaurant, Jasper Pizza Place knows how to make a pizza thanks to both a wood-burning and a traditional oven. I wish I could say we’ve tried them all, but with only one visit so far, we sunk our teeth into their King of New York (capocollo, genoa, pancetta, fior di latte, basil & tomato sauce) and their Salumi (genoa, fior di latte, chillies, honey, Parmigiano & tomato sauce base)

Where is Jasper, Alberta?

Jasper is right at the intersection between the Yellowhead Highway and the Icefields Parkway. It’s about 365 kilometres from Edmonton, 288 kilometres from Banff, and 413 kilometres from Calgary.

Jasper has a population of around 5,200 people, and Jasper National Park receives around 2.5 million visitors each year. Yes, it’s a popular place.

Getting to Jasper

For those travelling to Jasper, you can only go by road. There is no airport. The closest airport is Edmonton International Airport (YEG) as well as the Calgary International Airport (YYC), which isn’t much further away.

There are a variety of options for getting to Jasper, including car, bus, rideshare, or even the train. There are car rental companies in Jasper as well, though it’s much better to rent one before you get here.

Edmonton is the closest city if you’re looking for the most direct route, but Calgary is also a great option, as it’s very close to Banff as well. We’ll go over that below.

Getting to Jasper by Car

Like most of Canada, getting around with a vehicle is the most convenient option. It’s a huge country, and both Jasper National Park and Banff National Park are big places, which means a lot of driving. However, they’re also incredibly scenic and there’s no shortage of places to stop off and let your jaws drop.

Note: Driving in the mountains is fairly straightforward but does come with some caution. First and foremost, there is a lot of wildlife in this area. This is great for spotting bears and elk, but not so great if you run into one. In addition, there might be heavy traffic in the summer, whereas the winter presents icy conditions. Be alert and drive safely. 

Edmonton to Jasper: Jasper is approximately 365 kilometres from downtown Edmonton. The fastest route is heading almost entirely west, taking Highway AB 16 all the way to Jasper. It takes approximately 4 hours without stopping.

Calgary to Jasper: Jasper is approximately 413 kilometres from downtown Calgary. The fastest route here also happens to be one of the most scenic routes in the world. You’d link up with the Trans-Canada Highway towards Banff and once you hit Lake Louise, you’d jump on the famous Icefields Parkway and continue north until you arrive in Jasper. This drive takes 5 hours, but in all honesty, you should allow yourself 10 hours to fully enjoy all the scenic stops along the way.

Jasper to Vancouver: Vancouver is approximately 800 kilometres from Jasper and takes approximately 9 hours without stopping. This is also a scenic drive, so if you’re hoping to stop off along the way, you may want to add in some extra days and enjoy other places along the way.

Banff to Jasper: Driving from Banff to Jasper is around 288 kilometres, as Jasper is at the opposite end of the Icefields Parkway. The drive takes three hours if you don’t stop, but if it’s your first time (or second, third or fourth), you might be inclined to stop half a dozen times. I’d allow at least six hours to enjoy i,t or even more if you plan on doing some light hikes along the way.

Getting to Jasper By Train

Thanks to the Jasper VIA Rail Station, there are actually a couple of options for arriving by train. VIA Rail has a direct route from Edmonton to Jasper that takes around 6.5 hours and runs every day. There’s also a VIA Rail route from Vancouver to Jasper, which takes around 19 hours.

Another option is the Rocky Mountaineer, which also goes from Vancouver to Jasper but not as a direct route. The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury tour that stops in Lake Louise. The one-way trip can take anywhere from 2-4 days and is much more expensive than VIA Rail.

Getting to Jasper by Bus

If you’re not up for getting a car but still want to enjoy the scenery, taking the bus is probably the best option. Jasper isn’t as serviced as Banff but there are still a few options for bus services:

Sundog Tours: This tour company offers bus service to Jasper from both Calgary International Airport and Edmonton International Airport. The plus side of going from Calgary is that you’d arrive via the Icefields Parkway. The cost is approximately $89.

Cold Shot: This relatively new bus company has a range of options, with one of them being Edmonton to Jasper. It costs approximately $55.

As of now, there is no longer any direct service from Vancouver to Jasper. However, there are options for going from Vancouver to Banff. Once in Banff, you can find a way to get to Jasper, including with Sundog Tours. Busbud is a good option for searching and comparing different buses.

Getting Around Jasper

Although the town of Jasper can probably be walked in less than two hours, it’s all the other sights in the area that require some mode of transportation.

Rent a car: Driving a car will give you the best opportunity to schedule your own trip and see everything in the area. Options are limited in Jasper but you can rent a car from Budget or National. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll probably want to book well in advance. Even better, book one in Calgary or Edmonton and drive here.

Cycling: Bikes can be rented in all seasons from the Bench Bike Shop. The warmer months are much better, but fat-tire biking is catching on rather quickly in the winter months. There are many trails in the are,a but make sure you have enough time to visit certain sites, and please ask about wildlife in the area. Even on a bike, you can’t “outrun” a bear.

Shuttles: If you don’t have a car and you want to get to some of the distant natural attractions, you will need to take a shuttle. These are run by tour companies and include guides who can give you quality information about the sites you’re visiting.

Taxi: There are also several taxi companies in Jasper, including Mountain Express Taxi, Mr.Taxi, and Caribou Cabs. It won’t be cheap to go far distances but it is an option if you need it.

Weather in Jasper (Best Times to Visit Jasper)

Jasper is a year-round destination. However, most people visit between June and late September. Some lodges close down after October. We love visiting in the fall, as it’s slightly quieter and the fall colours are beautiful.

Like Banff, Jasper is warm in the summer (roughly +20 Celcius in the day) and cold in the winter (roughly – 25 Celcius in the day). Nights are much cooler than during the day. Due to the additional attractions and activities in the summer, this is the optimal time to visit. However, Jasper in the winter is also a winter wonderland, and for those willing to brave the cold, it offers incredible beauty and a wide range of activities including skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Jasper

How many days do you need in Jasper?

Ideally, plan for 2–3 days in Jasper to see the highlights like Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls, the Jasper SkyTram, and a few scenic hikes. If you want to explore the Icefields Parkway or tackle longer backcountry trails, 4–5 days gives you more breathing room.

Is Jasper better than Banff?

Jasper is quieter, more rugged, and less commercial than Banff. While Banff offers luxury hotels and a busier town vibe, Jasper feels wilder and more relaxed. If you prefer fewer crowds and a more laid-back atmosphere, Jasper often wins.

What is Jasper best known for?

Jasper National Park is best known for its dramatic mountain scenery, wildlife viewing, Maligne Lake’s Spirit Island, Athabasca Falls, and being one of the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserves.

What is the best time of year to visit Jasper?

Summer (June–September) offers the best hiking and lake access, while winter (December–March) is ideal for snowshoeing, skiing, and frozen waterfalls. Shoulder seasons are quieter but may have limited trail or road access due to snow.

Can you see wildlife easily in Jasper?

Yes, Jasper is one of the best places in the Canadian Rockies to spot elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears, and occasionally grizzly bears. Early morning and evening are the best times for wildlife viewing. Always maintain safe distances and follow Parks Canada guidelines.

Do you need a park pass to visit Jasper?

Yes. Jasper National Park requires a valid Parks Canada pass. You can purchase a daily pass or an annual Discovery Pass online or at park gates and visitor centres.

Is Jasper walkable?

The town of Jasper is small and walkable, with restaurants, shops, and accommodations clustered near the main streets. However, most major attractions like Maligne Lake and Athabasca Falls require a vehicle or tour.

Are there free things to do in Jasper?

Absolutely. Many of Jasper’s top experiences — hiking, scenic viewpoints, wildlife watching, and waterfalls — are free with your park admission. Trails like Valley of the Five Lakes and Pyramid Lake are excellent budget-friendly options.

Things To Do Around Jasper

Jasper is the perfect place for an Alberta road trip, so don’t forget to enjoy some of the nearby attractions as well.

Icefields Parkway

It would be one of the worst mistakes you could make in life to come to Jasper and not drive the Icefields Parkway. Yes, it’s that SPECTACULAR. From Banff to Jasper or Jasper to Banff, it’s truly mind-blowing and is easily one of the best road trips in Canada. Watch our Icefields Parkway Video for more information.

Hinton

This little town is known as the “Gateway to the Rockies” and is a wonderful place to see beavers! All you have to do is walk the 3-km Beaver Boardwalk around Maxwell Lake.

Abraham Lake

If you do drive down the Icefields Parkway and want to take a side trip, head to Abraham Lake via Highway 11. This is a great place to spot wildlife, and in the winter, it’s one of the most photographed lakes due to the frozen methane bubbles beneath the surface. It’s spectacular to see. Plus, you can also take an incredible helicopter tour over the mountains with Rockies Heli.

Want to EXPLORE more of ALBERTA and CANADA? Check out these articles below:

• Things To Do in Banff
• Things To Do in Calgary
• Things To Do in Canmore
• Things To Do in British Columbia
• Things To Do in Alberta
• 3-Day Jasper Itinerary

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