I’ll never forget the first time we saw a grizzly bear in the wild. We were driving slowly down Maligne Lake Road in Jasper, windows down, with the scent of pine hanging in the cool mountain air. And then, there he was, a huge male grizzly, foraging for berries just metres from the road. We cut the engine and watched in absolute silence, completely in awe of his size and power.

That’s the magic of Jasper National Park, one of the most beautiful of Canada’s national parks. It’s a place where moments like that feel possible around every corner. It’s wilder, bigger, and more rugged than its southern sister, Banff. After countless road trips through the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Jasper remains one of our absolute favourite places on Earth.

Most guides will give you a simple list of popular spots. We want to share the experiences that have kept us coming back for years. This is our collection of stories, insider tips, and can’t-miss adventures, designed to help you get beyond the roadside pull-offs and into the real heart of the Rockies.

Top 5 Can’t-Miss Jasper Experiences

If you’re short on time, here are the five experiences in Jasper that we believe are absolutely essential for any first-time visitor.

• Maligne Canyon Icewalk: The single most unique winter adventure in the Rockies.
• Jasper SkyTram: For the most spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding ranges.
• Wildlife Spotting: For that iconic moment with a Canadian Rockies local.
• Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island: For one of Canada’s most famous and breathtaking views.
• Athabasca Glacier Walk: A true bucket-list experience to walk on an ancient glacier.

Best Things to Do in Jasper for Wildlife Lovers

One of the main reasons we return to Jasper again and again is the incredible opportunity to see wildlife. It is, without a doubt, one of the best places in the Canadian Rockies for animal sightings. Remember that these are wild animals; always keep a safe and respectful distance, never feed them, and be aware of your surroundings. It’s not uncommon to spot wildlife like elk, deer, and even mountain goats.

Go on a Wildlife Safari (or a Self-Drive Tour)

While you can book an official wildlife tour, our favourite way to look for animals is to do our own self-drive safari. There’s a quiet thrill in heading out at dawn with a coffee in hand, driving slowly with the windows down, and scanning the trees for movement.

The best times are always early in the morning or in the hours just before dusk when the animals are most active. For the best odds, we recommend a slow drive down Maligne Lake Road or the Icefields Parkway just south of town.

Look for Bighorn Sheep at the Miette Hot Springs Road

If you want an almost guaranteed sighting of Bighorn Sheep, take a drive out toward the Miette Hot Springs. Along the side of the road, you’ll often see them licking the mineral deposits right off the rocky cliffs. It’s a fascinating sight. Just be sure to pull your car over safely and completely off the road, as they can cause a bit of a traffic jam!

Best Outdoor Adventures in Jasper

Jasper is a massive outdoor playground, and the list of potential adventures is endless. But some experiences are so spectacular they should be at the top of everyone’s list. These are our personal favourites that we think are truly unforgettable.

Hike Maligne Canyon (Summer) or Do the Icewalk (Winter)

Maligne Canyon is a must-see, but the experience is completely different depending on the season. In summer, it’s a thrilling hike across a series of bridges, with the powerful turquoise river roaring deep below you.

In winter, however, it transforms. We did the ice walk on our last winter trip, and it was one of the most incredible things we’ve ever done in the Rockies. You can book a guided tour or go on your own. You strap on ice cleats and walk right on the frozen floor of the canyon, surrounded by massive, glittering icefalls. It’s a super fun and otherworldly experience.

Ride the Jasper SkyTram

For the best possible view of the sheer scale of the surrounding mountains, you have to take a ride on the Jasper SkyTram. It climbs over 1,000 metres up Whistlers Mountain to a viewpoint that gives you a stunning 360-degree panorama of six different mountain ranges.

Our best tip is to book a spot on the first tram of the day. You’ll get the best morning light for photos and avoid the biggest crowds that arrive mid-day.

Take a Cruise to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake

You’ve probably seen the photo a thousand times; it’s one of Canada’s most iconic images. So, is the cruise to see it in person worth it? In our opinion, yes. The boat cruise itself is beautiful, with guides pointing out glaciers and historical spots along the way.

And seeing Spirit Island with your own eyes, framed by the turquoise water and massive peaks, is a moment that truly lives up to the hype.

Walk on the Athabasca Glacier

Part of the massive Columbia Icefield, the Athabasca Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. You can book a tour that takes you out onto the ice in a massive Ice Explorer vehicle, allowing you to step out and walk on ice that is thousands of years old.

It’s a humbling experience to stand on such a powerful river of ice. Even on a hot summer day, the wind coming off the glacier is frigid, so be sure to bring a jacket and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes.

Hike to Pyramid Lake and Gaze at Pyramid Mountain

Just a short drive from Jasper town, the Pyramid Lake area is one of our favourite spots for an easy, rewarding outing. The main attraction is the small wooden footbridge that leads to Pyramid Island, where you can get that perfect photo of the iconic, pyramid-shaped mountain reflected in the still water.

We love coming here in the early morning before the tour buses arrive, when the lake is like glass and you can often spot elk or deer grazing near the shore.

Feel the Power of Athabasca Falls

While not the tallest waterfall in the Rockies, Athabasca Falls is one of the most powerful. The sheer volume of water from the Athabasca River that thunders through a narrow gorge is incredible to witness.

There’s a network of safe, paved trails and viewpoints that let you get close to the action. Our tip is to follow the trail down to the lower canyon to see where the churning water opens up into the river valley, it’s a perspective most people miss.

Explore Sunwapta Falls

Located further south on the Icefields Parkway, Sunwapta Falls is another must-see stop. We love this one because the viewpoint is just a short walk from the parking lot, making it super accessible.

The classic view is of the upper falls with its small island of trees right in the middle, but be sure to take the short hike down to the lower falls for amazing views. It’s far less crowded and offers a beautiful walk along the river.

See the Sights from a Motorcycle Sidecar

For a thrilling and totally unique perspective on the park, you have to try a motorcycle tour. We did this on our last summer trip and it was an absolute blast. Bundled into the sidecar, you feel completely immersed in the landscape—the wind in your face, the rumble of the engine, and completely unobstructed, panoramic views.

Our guide took us on a two-hour trip out to Maligne Canyon and Medicine Lake, sharing interesting facts along the way, and seeing those iconic sights from the open air was a completely different experience than seeing them from a car. It’s a fantastic way to feel the scale of the mountains and have a ton of fun doing it.

Brave the Columbia Icefield Skywalk

Just a short drive from the Athabasca Glacier Discovery Centre is the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, and it’s not for the faint of heart. We’ve done a few of these glass-floor viewing platforms, and this one is truly spectacular. You walk out on a walkway that extends over the Sunwapta Valley, with nothing but reinforced glass between you and a 280-metre (918-foot) drop.

The views of the glaciers and the valley below are breathtaking, and it gives you a real sense of the scale of the landscape. Our advice is to focus on the mountains on the horizon as you walk out, and don’t look down until you’re ready!

Best Relaxing Experiences in Jasper

Jasper isn’t just about adrenaline-pumping adventures. It’s also a place that invites you to slow down, breathe in the mountain air, and simply be present. These are some of our favourite ways to unwind after a long day of exploring.

Stargaze in a Dark Sky Preserve

Did you know that Jasper is the world’s second-largest Dark Sky Preserve? This means the park has made a special commitment to limiting light pollution, and the results are breathtaking. On a clear night, just drive a few minutes out of town, pull over, and look up. We’ve spent hours just staring at the Milky Way splashed across the night sky, more brilliant than we’ve ever seen it anywhere else.

Soak in the Miette Hot Springs

Tucked away at the end of a scenic road, the Miette Hot Springs are the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies. Soaking in the warm, mineral-rich water while surrounded by towering peaks is the perfect remedy for sore hiking muscles. It’s about an hour’s drive from town, but the stunning journey is part of the adventure. We think it’s well worth the trip.

Explore the Downtown Jasper

The townsite of Jasper has a laid-back, unpretentious charm that we love… Our favourite post-hike ritual is to grab a pint and a bite at the Jasper Brewing Company, the first national park brewery to open in Canada. It’s the perfect place to relax and mingle with Jasper locals and fellow travellers. Don’t forget to check out the Two Brothers Totem Pole nearby, a beautiful piece of local art.

Have a Drink at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

You don’t have to be a guest to experience the grandeur of the historic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Set on the shores of the beautiful Lac Beauvert, this sprawling property of log cabins and lodges is an attraction in itself. We love to cap off a day of hiking by heading to the Emerald Lounge, grabbing a seat on the outdoor patio, and enjoying a cocktail with a world-class view of the lake and mountains. It’s a perfect way to experience a piece of iconic Canadiana.

If you are staying at the lodge, we highly recommend taking a sunrise stroll around Lake Annette and Lake Edith. The views with the rising sun are spectacular.

Take a Jasper Food Tour

One of our favourite ways to get to know a new place is through its food scene, and a Jasper Food Tour is the perfect way to do that. We joined one on our last visit and were so impressed. It’s a small-group walking tour that takes you to four local restaurants, pairing a signature dish with a craft beer or wine at each stop. It was a great way to sample different spots and chat with the restaurant owners and Jasper locals. We discovered a couple of new favourite dishes and it gave us a great feel for the friendly, down-to-earth food culture in Jasper town.

Planning Your Trip to Jasper National Park

Now that you have an idea of all the incredible things to do, let’s cover the practical details. Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit.

How to Get to Jasper National Park

The two closest major airports to Jasper are Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and Calgary International Airport (YYC).

• From Edmonton: This is the closest and most direct route, typically a 4-hour drive.
• From Calgary: The drive is longer, about 5 hours, but it takes you along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. If you have the time, we highly recommend this route as it’s one of the most scenic drives on the planet.
• Combining Jasper and Banff: Many people (including us) combine a trip to both national parks. We highly recommend starting in Banff National Park and Lake Louise, then driving the Icefields Parkway north to Jasper. The parkway is one of the most scenic drives on the planet and an iconic Canadian road trip in itself. Give yourself a full day to make the drive, as you’ll want to stop frequently for photos and viewpoints.

Getting Around (Do You Need a Car?)

In a word, yes. To make the most of your time and have the freedom to explore, a car is essential. While the town of Jasper itself is very walkable, most of the major attractions like Maligne Lake, the Athabasca Glacier, and the various trailheads are spread out across a vast national park.

A vehicle allows you to pull over safely for wildlife, visit viewpoints on your own schedule, and truly experience the wildness of the park. You can check for the latest trail conditions and information at the Jasper Information Centre in town, or check out the Parks Canada website.

Where to Stay in Jasper National Park

Jasper doesn’t have a massive selection of hotels, so it’s important to book well in advance. For a first visit, staying in or near the main townsite is your most convenient option.

• For a Central Location: Look for hotels along Connaught Drive, the main street in town. This puts you in walking distance of all the restaurants and shops.
• For the Ultimate Splurge: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is an iconic Canadian experience, set on a beautiful lake just outside of town.
• For a Rustic Feel: There are several cabin and lodge-style accommodations just outside the townsite that offer a quieter, more rustic mountain experience, which is great for the whole family.

Best Time to Visit Jasper National Park

There’s no bad time to visit Jasper, but the experience changes dramatically with the seasons.

• Summer (July – August): You’ll get the best weather, the longest days, and all attractions are guaranteed to be open. However, this is also peak season, so expect the biggest crowds and highest prices.
• Fall (September – October): This is our personal favourite time to visit. The crowds have thinned out, the aspen trees turn a brilliant gold, and the air is crisp and cool. Wildlife is also very active during this time.
• Winter (December – March): Jasper transforms into a magical winter wonderland. It’s the time for unique experiences like the Maligne Canyon Icewalk, snowshoeing, and skiing at Marmot Basin. It’s cold, but the snowy landscape is unforgettable.
• Spring (April – June): This is the shoulder season. You’ll find fewer crowds and better prices, but the weather can be unpredictable. Many lakes may still be frozen into early June, but it’s a great time to see bears and other wildlife emerging from hibernation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jasper

Here are our quick answers to some of the most common questions we get about visiting Jasper.

Your Jasper Adventure Awaits

Jasper National Park is the kind of place that stays with you. It’s a truly wild and humbling landscape that rewards the adventurous spirit. Whether you’re walking on a glacier, watching a grizzly from a safe distance, or just staring up at a sky full of stars, we hope this guide has helped you plan an unforgettable trip.

If you have any more questions, drop them in the comments below!