Jasper, an alpine town in Canada’s Alberta province, is the commercial centre of Jasper National Park. Amid the snow-capped Canadian Rockies, the park has glacier-fed lakes, forests and rivers. The Jasper SkyTram climbs to the summit of Whistlers Mountain, with views of downtown. The Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives presents exhibits on the fur trade, railway and early exploration of the park.
June – September: Best for hiking, wildlife spotting, and outdoor adventures.
December – March: Great for skiing, snowboarding, and winter activities.
September – October: Stunning fall colors and fewer crowds.
February – April: Ideal for northern lights viewing.
By Car: Jasper is accessible via the scenic Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) from Banff or Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) from Edmonton.
By Train: VIA Rail connects Jasper to major cities like Vancouver and Edmonton.
By Air: The nearest airport is in Edmonton (YEG), about 4 hours away by car.
Jasper National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Maligne Lake & Spirit Island – One of Canada’s most photographed spots, offering boat cruises and kayaking.
Athabasca Falls – A powerful and picturesque waterfall.
Columbia Icefield & Athabasca Glacier – Take an Ice Explorer tour on the massive glacier.
Miette Hot Springs – Relax in the hottest natural hot springs in the Canadian Rockies.
Maligne Canyon – A breathtaking limestone canyon with frozen waterfalls in winter.
Pyramid Lake & Pyramid Mountain – Great for canoeing, hiking, and scenic photography.
Medicine Lake – A mysterious disappearing lake that drains underground.
Jasper SkyTram – Ride up Whistlers Mountain for panoramic views of Jasper.
Tonquin Valley – A remote and spectacular backcountry area for hiking and camping.
Go Wildlife Watching – Spot elk, bears, moose, mountain goats, and more.
Hike Iconic Trails – Try Valley of the Five Lakes, Opal Hills, or Edith Cavell Meadows.
Stargaze in the Dark Sky Preserve – Jasper has some of the best stargazing in the world.
Canoe or Kayak on Maligne Lake – Paddle to Spirit Island.
Ski or Snowboard at Marmot Basin – A top winter destination.
Explore Icefields Parkway – Drive one of the world’s most scenic highways.
Go Mountain Biking – Jasper has incredible biking trails for all levels.
Try Ice Climbing in Maligne Canyon – A unique winter adventure.
Camp Under the Stars – Jasper’s campgrounds offer unbeatable wilderness experiences.
Join a Northern Lights Tour – Best seen in winter months.
Luxury: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – A scenic lakeside resort.
Mid-Range: Pyramid Lake Resort – Cozy cabins with lake views.
Budget: Jasper Downtown Hostel – Affordable and centrally located.
Camping: Wapiti, Whistlers, and Pocahontas Campgrounds – Stunning locations in Jasper National Park.
Evil Dave’s Grill – Creative Canadian cuisine with local ingredients.
Jasper Brewing Company – Alberta’s first national park brewery.
The Raven Bistro – Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a mountain twist.
Patricia Street Deli – A great spot for sandwiches and wraps.
Fiddle River – Fresh seafood with amazing views.
Small Mountain Town Vibes: Jasper is less commercial than Banff, offering a more laid-back atmosphere.
Indigenous Heritage: The area has strong ties to the Métis and Cree cultures.
Outdoor Adventure Hub: The town thrives on outdoor tourism, with an eco-conscious mindset.
Jasper is an adventurer’s paradise, offering breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're visiting for hiking, skiing, or stargazing, Jasper provides an unforgettable Rocky Mountain experience without the crowds of Banff.