Are you planning a trip to Jasper? Want suggestions on the best things to do in Jasper?
As someone who has visited the Rockies and done the Icefields Parkway road trip, let me tell you that Jasper is just stunning!
This also happens to be one of the largest national parks in the Rockies, and I love how much there is to see and do here.
From stunning turquoise lakes to glaciers and waterfalls, there are plenty of Jasper attractions to enjoy!
Most importantly, it is not as crowded as Banff, and you can experience more nature here.
Keep reading my article below on the Things to Do in Jasper, Alberta: Bucket-List Adventures You Can’t Miss to know more about what you can do here!
Where is Jasper Located?
It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks.
You can reach there by driving 4 hours from Edmonton or via the famous Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world.
What I love about Jasper is that it is tucked away between the mountains, glaciers, and forests.
So, it feels remote but offers accessibility to plenty of hikes and interesting attractions.
Weather in Jasper Throughout the Year
- Summer (June–August): If you want to do the best hikes in Jasper, then summer is perfect. The weather is warm with cool nights, and most trails and lakes are accessible at this time.
- Fall (September–October): If you love the fall foliage, autumn is best for visiting Jasper National Park. There are fewer crowds, and everything looks gorgeous. The weather is just a little chillier at night.
- Winter (November–March): For snow lovers, winter is the perfect time to visit Jasper, AB. The city turns into a snowy wonderland, and you can indulge in fun activities like skiing and snowshoeing.
- Spring (April–May): Of course, spring is also good if you want to explore the waterfalls and indulge in wildlife sightseeing. Since it is the shoulder season, there are fewer people around and the weather is not as cold.
Things to Do in Jasper, Alberta: Bucket-List Adventures You Can’t Miss
Maligne Lake & Spirit Island
Maligne Lake and Spirit Island are the top Jasper attractions that should be a part of your Canada itinerary.
I love how gorgeous Maligne Lake, a turquoise colored lake, looks with the surrounding jagged peaks.
And Spirit Island is easily one of the most photographed locations in Canada.
You can take a boat cruise to the island or paddle in a canoe if you want a little adventure.
I would recommend you arrive here early in the morning for a magical and peaceful experience.
Trust me, this is one of the top things to do in Jasper, Canada that you simply cannot miss!
Check this out: Jasper National Park: Maligne Lake Cruise With Guide
Check this out: Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Cruise
Athabasca Falls
Just a 40-minute drive from the city, Athabasca Falls is another of the best things to do in Jasper, AB.
It is quite powerful and impressive.
I can’t even explain how breathtaking it looks as the water rushes through the narrow canyon.
There are plenty of short trails and bridges around it, walk around and take plenty of amazing photographs.
Just be careful and don’t get too close to the waterfall.
Check this out: Athabasca Falls/Abraham, Sunwapta Falls, Icefield, Peyto Lake
Check this out: Athabasca Glacier Ice Explorer Tour
Maligne Canyon
A favorite Jasper attraction is the Maligne Canyon, which is a natural wonder.
During the summer season, you can hike along bridges suspended above the deep limestone canyon and watch the waterfalls crash below.
If you plan a winter visit, then you can actually walk inside the frozen canyon. How cool, right?
You will be able to see ice formations and frozen waterfalls, which look so out of this world.
If you want a unique experience, one of the best things to do in Jasper in winter is to visit Maligne Canyon.
Check this out: Winter Wildlife Bus Tour in Jasper National Park
Check this out: Columbia Icefield Skywalk and Ice Explorer Ticket
Pyramid Lake & Pyramid Island
Another beautiful lake to visit while staying in Jasper, Canada, is Pyramid Lake.
It is just two minutes from the town, and there is also an island here that you can visit by walking a wooden bridge.
You can sit on a bench and take in the amazing mountain views.
During the winter, the lake freezes and is perfect for ice skating under the Rockies.
However, if you visit during the summer, you can plan a picnic or go kayaking in the lake, making this an all-year-round attraction.
Check this out: Downtown Foodie Tour
Check this out: Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Lakeshore Hike
Jasper SkyTram
Don’t want to hike but still want to enjoy those panoramic mountain views?
Then, one of the best things to do in Jasper is to take the SkyTram, which takes you to Whistler’s Mountain.
From here, you can take a short hike to the summit for an amazing view or just enjoy the mountains from near the sky tram.
Honestly, it is one of the best sunset points in the city!
Check this out: SkyTram Roundtrip Flight Ticket
Check this out: Banff/Jasper: Canadian Rockies Scenic Helicopter Tour
Things to do in Jasper: Medicine Lake
When you visit Maligne Lake, plan a stop at Medicine Lake as well.
It’s unlike other lakes, and the best part is that it disappears every fall!
The water drains underground into a cave system. So, depending on when you visit, you can find it full or completely empty.
If you plan during the fall season, then visit during sunset as it looks extremely magical.
Check this out: Maligne Valley Wildlife & Spirit Island Cruise
Mount Edith Cavell
One of the most amazing mountains to view in the area is Mount Edith Cavell.
The glaciers cling to its sides, and there are turquoise pools below that you can explore.
You can also do a short hike to Cavell Meadows from where the views are simply jaw-dropping!
If you want to witness dramatic alpine scenery without a huge trek, this is the place.
Check this out: Sightseeing Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise
Things to do in Jasper: Sunwapta Falls
One of the top things to do in Jasper National Park is to visit the Sunwapta Falls.
It is actually two sets of falls – upper and lower.
You can easily reach the upper falls from the road, and for the lower falls, it is just a short hike.
You can also enjoy whitewater rafting on the river through the canyon here and have a truly memorable experience.
Check this out: Sunwapta River Whitewater Rafting – Self-Drive
Dark Sky Preserve Stargazing
Did you know Jasper National Park is one of the designated Dark Sky Preserves in Canada?
This means you can see stars, constellations, and the Milky Way from here quite clearly.
If you plan a visit during the annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival in October, then you are in for a treat.
So, if you love stargazing, this is one of the best Jasper National Park activities to do.
Check this out: Jasper: Jasper Planetarium and Telescope Combo Tour Tickets
Check this out: Jasper: Jasper Planetarium Dark Sky Experience
Things to do in Jasper: Miette Hot Springs
I am sure after all those adventure activities, such as hiking and kayaking, you want to relax a little too.
Well, then, Miette Hot Springs is a great choice.
You can slip into the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies and feel your sore muscles relax instantly.
These hot spring pools are surrounded by mountain peaks, so you get amazing views while relaxing.
Trust me, this is one of the best things to do in Jasper after a tiring day.
Check this out: Jasper: Canyon Run Family Whitewater Rafting
Things to do in Jasper: Wildlife Watching
I love how you can find elk strolling through town and bears grazing by the roadside when visiting the city.
You never know what you’ll find here.
There are plenty of mountain goats also on the cliffs, so make sure to always be on the lookout for wildlife.
I feel early mornings and evenings are the best times to spot the wildlife, so if you can, head out then.
If you aren’t sure about sightings, you can even join wildlife watching tours and hikes for a better chance at finding them on your trip.
Check this out: Jasper National Park: Evening or Morning Wildlife Watch Tour
Check this out: Jasper: Guided Wildfire Hike with Lunch
Valley of the Five Lakes
This is one of the best hikes in the area if you want something easy but with stunning views.
This loop trail takes you past 5 stunning lakes, each with a different shade of blue or green.
You can enjoy a peaceful time at each of these lakes and pack a picnic for an epic time here.
Believe me, this is one of the few things that you must visit from Jasper for a memorable vacation!
Check this out: Jasper: Maligne Valley And Pleckatis Canyon Tour
Check this out: “From Jasper with Love” Live Theater Show Ticket
Things to do in Jasper: Essentials Packing List
Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.
It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.
These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful when visiting spas or hot springs.
These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.
If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.
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Where to Stay in Jasper, Alberta
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – For a luxury stay in Jasper, I recommend the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
This is a rustic yet luxurious lodge that features cabins and rooms along the shores of Lac Beauvert.
You will enjoy amazing views of the Rockies in the backdrop!
Forest Park Hotel – A great option for those who don’t want to splurge a lot on stays is the Forest Park Hotel.
It is a cozy and stylish hotel with modern rooms, an indoor pool, and easy access to Jasper town.
Jasper Downtown Hostel – Want something more budget-friendly?
Then, check out the Jasper Downtown Hostel in the town. From here, you can walk to cafés, shops, and the train station in minutes.
Plus, it has both private rooms and dorms, along with a shared kitchen and lounge that make it easier to meet other travelers.
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