21 Awesome Things To Do in Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is often overlooked due to its world-famous neighbor: Banff National Park. Jasper National Park Alberta has more of a welcoming, quaint, homey feel with the remarkable surrounding beauty. The small cute city of Jasper has plenty of eateries, watering holes, and boutique shops to explore. I loved driving just outside the town where I was able to spot wildlife everywhere we turned. Outside civilization, the Park has endless jaw-dropping scenic areas. I was utterly obsessed and blown away by the beauty of Spirit Island and the Athabasca Glacier. My point being, Jasper is an underrated National Park. Take advantage of it! Soak in all the beauty like we did and have a blast. Attempt all of the Jasper attractions I have listed because you won’t regret it. Here are 21 awesome things to do in Jasper National Park! Enjoy 🙂

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How To Get To Jasper National Park

There are two main airports near Jasper National Park.

• Edmonton: 370 km West, 5 Hours
• Calgary: 404 km Northwest, 4 hours

The best way to get there is to rent a car or an RV, and drive to the National Park. Driving your vehicle is the best way to experience this one of a kind national park. Jameson and I flew into Calgary and drove from the airport up to Jasper National Park. We made sure to drive through Icefields Parkway to experience one of the best road trip views of the world >Rent an RV Here

When is the Best Time to Visit Jasper

The best time to visit Jasper is June through September. The summer is when the snow starts to melt, and you can experience great hikes with stunning turquoise lakes. June can bring rainy weather (we experienced this). While July and August have a better chance for great weather. September is a great month to get away from the crowds.

Jasper Canada: Travel Tips and Facts

1. For official maps and guides to Jasper click here.
2. Before going on any hikes, check in at the visitor center to find out which trails are closed off.
3. Always bring bear spray with you. While bear attacks are rare, you never know how things will turn out.
4. Bring ponchos or rain jackets in your day-pack. We were rained on numerous times during our hikes, and we were happy we brought our dry gear even though it looked like great weather. Weather can change quickly in the mountains. We spotted several people hiking in the rain without ponchos, and they weren’t too happy.
5. It can get cold. I brought a jacket with me everywhere because the weather is unpredictable.
6. Always bring mosquito spray. The mosquitoes are giant and ruthless.
7. There is so much wildlife at Jasper. It can be hard not to get close to these animals. Do not try to feed or get near any animals. Especially the Elk. They look cute and harmless, but they can attack if they feel like their babies are threatened so please be careful.

Read More: The 15 Best Hikes in Banff National Park

Jasper Accommodations

1. Fairmont Jaspar Park Lodge is a resort located on the shores of Beauvert Lake just four miles away from the town of Jaspar. The Fairmont is probably one of the best Jasper Hotels. The lodges are adorable, and they even have a golf course! >Check Prices and Availability Now
2. Patricia Lake Bungalows: One of the biggest draws of Jasper is the peacefulness and chill vibes. This hotel brings out those vibes, as it is located on the shores of Patricia Lake with the outstanding views of Pyramid Mountain >Check Prices and Availability Now
3. Jasper Downtown Hostels is the best hostel, located smack dab in the middle of Jasper. If you are looking to save some money, then this is the spot to be. >Check Prices and Availability Now
4. Jasper National Park Campgrounds: We stayed in Wilcox and Whistlers campground. We loved Wilcox because of the incredible views on the Icefields Parkway. All the information on the campgrounds can be found here. They are doing renovations on Whistlers campground so, that campsite will not be available in 2019 but, Wapiti is a good alternative near the city of Jasper.

Jasper Attractions: Gear

Day Hiking in Jasper

1. Sunscreen: Although our time in the Canadian Rockies was overcast, bring some just in case! >Buy some sunscreen, so you don’t accidentally burn!
2. Hiking Boots/Shoes: OMG this was honestly one of the muddiest, wet places I have ever hiked. If you don’t get actual hiking shoes or boots, you will have wet soggy feet. >Don’t have soggy wet feet. Buy my Hiking Shoes
3. Hiking socks: Having the correct socks helps you prevent getting blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there. I also love how they now have pink socks too 🙂 >Buy Hiking Socks
4. Refillable water bottle: I always bring a Hydroflask on all my adventures. They are on the heavier side, but I know they will not break. I have had a few cheap water bottles break on me before. >Check Prices Now
5. Water: Hiking for sure requires water.
6. Sunglasses: Just in case you get lucky and the sun comes out. Also, I usually wear the most fashionable sunglasses when I hike. 🙂 >Check Out These Sunglasses
7. Snacks: The best meals are jerky, nuts, energy bars. >Clif Bars are great for hiking so click HERE.
8. Trekking Poles: This is an optional product, but they help with the knees. The poles I have listed are known to be one of the best in the market. I am not going to lie; I didn’t use trekking poles in Jasper, but I don’t have problems with my knees. Not everyone’s bodies are the same, so if you feel like you need some extra help, then check out my trekking poles. >Buy My Trekking Poles Here
9. Camera: I have linked the camera I used to take pictures of The Canadian Rockies. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.  >Buy Sony Camera Here
10. Crampons: This will help you not slip and fall with the snow and ice. I didn’t see any snow in Jasper when I went, but if you are hiking before the end of June, I highly recommend getting crampons. It sucks walking in the snow without them. >Buy your Crampons Here
11. First Aid Kit: This is one of the first things I bought when I first started backpacking and camping. It is super portable. >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
12. Day Pack: The REI bag I have linked, I have had for seven years now, and it is still going strong! >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
13. Good hiking pants: These are probably the best hiking pants that I have found. They keep you dry in the crazy weather, and they are durable. I will say that I brought a lot of shorts with me but never wore them. It was a little too cold for me. Your best bet is leggings or hiking pants. >Buy my hiking pants here
14. Breathable sweat-wicking shirts >Check Out This Shirt
15. Sports Bra: For women.
16. Jacket: Yes it was chilly at times in the summer >Buy My Favorite Jacket
17. Base Layers: If you run cold like me I recommend bringing them on the trip (Yes even in the summer). When you start your hike, you can then judge if they are needed or not. >Buy the bottoms here, >Buy the top here
18. Tripod: This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the perfect sunset pictures. >Check out this tripod
19. Bear Spray: You can usually buy this in the city of Jasper.
20. Hammock: Hammocks are a great way to lounge around. They are perfect for naps. >Buy A Packable Hammock
21. Poncho or Rain Jacket: We were rained on so many times, so it is best to take a poncho with you at all times. >Buy A Great Rainjacket Here
22. Headlamp: Just in case you get stuck hiking at night! >Buy A Headlamp Now

If Camping Around Jasper

1. Everything in the Day Hike List Above and,
2. Tent: REI’s tents are one of my favorite tents. Love the excellent quality and how packable they are. >Buy The REI Half Dome Tent
3. Sleeping Pad: A sleeping pad is pretty much a small, packable inflatable mattress. I have tried many types of sleeping pads (cheap ones, light ones, comfortable ones), and the one I have linked is probably the best one in the market for comfort. It is my husbands sleeping pad, and it can be used all year long. >Check Out My All-Time Favorite Sleeping Pad
4. Spork: A spoon and fork in one. >Buy A Spork Now
5. Pillows: Pillows can take a lot of room, so I recommend buying an inflatable one. The one I have linked, is super comfy >Buy This Inflatable Pillow
6. Sleeping Bag: One of the most critical aspects of getting a good nights sleep! Bringing a sleeping bag is a must. >Look At Prices
7. Sandals: I hate wearing my hiking shoes when I am hanging around the campsite, so bringing some sandals for leisure is a must for me. >Check Out These Sandals
8. Printed Camping reservations: Just in case anyone asks for it.
9. Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Medicine & Toiletries >Check Out This Toothbrush
10. Stove: Love this stove that we got for Christmas. Don’t forget to buy propane. (Note: Do not bring this on a plane with you, as it can get confiscated). >Buy Stove Here
11. Coffee Maker: Y’all this coffee maker is awesome! It comes with a press and cute little cups! >Buy This Awesome Coffee set here
12. Cookware Set: Love how packable my cookware set is. I can easily take it anywhere with me. We have used this countless times. >Buy My Cute Cookware Set

Jasper National Park Map

Jasper is sectioned off into five sections. Icefields Parkway, Edith Cavell, Maligne Canyon, Miette Hot Springs, and the Jasper Area. I have sectioned off this post into those five areas to make it easier for you to plan your days. For the official maps and brochures of Jasper National Park Click Here.

Below, I marked the eateries, campgrounds, hikes and photography spots. The map has different layers, so you can show the various categories as you please. You can download this map before your trip.

Things To do in Jasper National Park

Icefields Parkway

Hike Wilcox Pass

I discussed this hike in more detail in my Banff Hiking Guide. The reason why I added Wilcox Pass to both posts is that the trail is located on the border of Banff and Jasper.

This trail was my absolute favorite in the Canadian Rockies, and I feel like it is one of the top things to do in Jasper National Park. When we first attempted this hike, it was pouring rain so we decided to come back another day. I’m so glad that we did because the views were breathtaking. We also saw some Bighorn Sheep running around in the fields.

The hike is 4 km one way with a 335 m Elevation Gain, and it takes about 3.0 to 3.5 hours round trip. I would label the hike as moderate. There were times the hike felt like a stroll. 

Walk on The Athabasca Glacier or do the Glacier Skywalk

I know many visitors come to the Canadian Rockies primarily to see Moraine Lake, but, it truly is a shame if you make it all the way Jasper or Banff and don’t see the Athabasca Glacier and all its surrounding glory. I was in shock when I first laid eyes onto the landscape. Witnessing such a powerful force of nature was surreal. As always, photos do not remotely resemble the feelings, beauty or even the size. So make sure to see it for yourself.

The Athabasca Glacier has an area of about 6 square kilometers and a depth of 90-300 meters. You can experience walking on this glacier by buying tickets from Pursuit, and I feel like it is one of the best activities in Jasper National Park. You can pick up the tickets at the Icefield Discovery Center.

Even if you aren’t going to walk on the Athabasca Glacier, I recommend checking the Icefield Center out. Be advised that this place gets packed with hundreds of visitors and is complete madness during peak hours.

The Columbia Icefield Center has a few restaurants and a patio with a view. Jameson and I did not pay to walk on the glacier, but we did drink some wine while taking in the views on the patio. We also had a nice dinner at The Altitude Restaurant. The food was quite good.

Jasper National Park Hikes: Athabasca Glacier

If you don’t feel like paying CAD 100 to walk on a glacier, I suggest taking a quick hike to see the Athabasca Glacier up close. The trail is 1.4 km round trip, elevation gain/loss of 60 meters, and can be completed in less than an hour. The path is relatively easy, and the Athabasca Glacier is front and center at the end of the hike.

Throughout the hike, many signs are stating to stay on the path. Hiking on the glacier can be dangerous. People can fall into the cracks, and it is difficult to rescue them. The only safe way to walk on the glacier is to be guided by Pursuit.

Sunwapta Falls

Who doesn’t love chasing waterfalls? Yes, I do have the TLC song stuck in my head while writing this!

Upper Sunwapta Falls are located on the Icefields Parkway, and it only takes a few minutes to take photos of the waterfall. Just find a parking spot and take in the flowing water with the mountains in the background. I loved the island in the middle.

A hike to the Lower Sunwapta Falls is available which is about 2.8km return, an elevation gain/loss of 87 meters and it takes 1 hour to complete. We did not attempt this hike due to time constraints.

Eat at Sunwapta Falls Resort

I usually don’t list restaurants on my blog, but the food in Jasper is worth mentioning! Jameson and I had been eating stale muffins every morning for about four days, and we were ready to eat an actual breakfast, especially since we had been hiking for days.

We decided to stop at Sunwapta Falls Resort and wow, was this one of the best decisions we made that weekend. The breakfast was heavenly. The coffee was perfect. I am sure the stale muffin had a little to do with us loving the food here, but regardless you need to stop here to eat.

Check Out the Views At Athabasca Falls

Like Sunwapta Falls, the Athabasca Falls is located on the Icefields Parkway, and you only need to park to see these beautiful falls! Maybe you will be lucky to see these falls on a beautiful sunny day. You can see the stunning Athabasca River in different areas of Jasper, but the Athabasca Falls was my favorite area. We even walked around trails to explore the area even further.

Take a Dip at Horseshoe Lake

As much as I love turquoise blue, hazy lakes, like Moraine Lake and Maligne Lake, I am obsessed with crystal clear green lakes. Something about being able to see everything underneath really intrigues me. I also love how well they reflect the surrounding trees and mountains. Horseshoe Lake wasn’t even in our to-do lists, but Jameson saw just how clear it was from Icefields Parkway, so we decided to check it out.

Read Next: Joffre Lakes Trail | Tips for Hiking This Provincial Park Route

We did not see anyone at Horseshoe Lake at the time so, I still decided to jump in. I wished it had been sunny because the water was chilly. If you want to take a dip somewhere on a hot sunny day, this is the perfect spot. While it is advised not to, the lake has some lovely cliffs to jump off of, and the lake is plenty deep!

Edith Cavell Area

Witness Mount Edith Cavell

Do you want to see a stunning 3300-meter mountain with a stunning glacier lake at the base? Then Edith Cavell is just for you! Mount Edith Cavell was renamed after a British nurse that was executed during Wolrd War I for helping prisoners escape Brussels. This place a MUST SEE in Jasper and is one of the most popular attractions in Jasper. I was severely disappointed to find out it was closed in 2018 due to improvements.

But lucky for you, the Edith Cavell road is going to be reopened in Summer of 2019. You can find out more information here.

Jasper Area

Hike Up or Gondola Up Whistlers Mountain

Due to the limited time that we had, we chose to take the Gondola up to Whistlers Mountain. I enjoyed riding the Skytram up the mountain. The views were incredible, and the guide also talked about the history of Jasper. If you want to save money, you can also hike up the trail which is 7.3 km one way, elevation gain of 1200m, 3-5 hours up, 2-3 hours down, 5-8 hours round trip. >>>You can buy Jasper Skytram tickets here.

After the gondola ride or trek up, you will have another 1.1 km hike to get to Whistlers Peak. The trail is 1.1km one way, elevation gain of 150 meters and 1-hour round trip. I highly recommend hiking to the summit as the views are incredible.

At first, I was skeptical about hiking up to the summit due to the dense fog. I felt like the views would be obstructed, and to a certain degree, they were. However, I fell in love with the gloomy, murky haze of these clouds. The condition was an experience I have never had before. I felt like I was walking on clouds at times (and in a way we were).

There were times that the clouds would disappear and we would see the beautiful mountains off in the distance. It was spectacular. So I highly recommend this peak even on cloudy days. Don’t let a little cloud cover deter you!

Get Sunset Pictures at Pyramid Lake

When we asked around for the perfect place to get sunset pictures, everyone said Pyramid Lake. Whelp, we were out of luck because the weather was poor so we didn’t get any sunsets. But we still went to Pyramid Lake and Pyramid Island to take pictures of the “sunset”.

Take Pictures of Lake Edith

We decided to take some quick photos of Lake Edith early in the morning. The lake was empty and still. Great for reflection pictures of the mountains.

Jasper National Park Hikes: Lake Annette Loop

Lake Annette has a paved loop trail around, and it is 3.5 km with no elevation gain, and the trail takes 1-2 hours to complete. We walked around for a bit and took pictures of the glassy looking lake. We even saw a Bald Eagle flying past us. It is a perfect place for a morning stroll.

Jasper National Park Hikes: The Lac Beauvert Loop

We took a short hike around the lake while taking a few pictures. It was too windy to take a reflection picture of Pyramid Mountain, but the lake was stunning regardless. The trail is 3.5 km loop with no elevation gain, and it takes 1-2 hours to complete.

Eat at Downtown Jasper

We ate at a few places in Jasper, and we loved it! I have been to many National Parks and let me say that the city of Jasper did a pretty good job on restaurants. I asked a guide on where to eat, and she recommended: Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria, Earls Kitchen & Bar, and Jasper Curry Place. We loved every single place, most notably Jasper Curry Place. If you like curry, I highly recommend the eatery after a long day of hiking. Let me say that Jameson and I slept like babies that evening.

We also went to the two Bear Paw Bakeries in the city for coffee and pastries. The white chocolate raspberry scone was to die for. My mouth is watering right now just writing about it.

Maligne Canyon Area

Take a Picture of Maligne Overlook or Hike Maligne Canyon

The Maligne Canyon Trail is about 2.2 km one way, 100m elevation gain/loss and can be done in 1-2 hours. We didn’t have time to do the hike, so we just took a picture at the overlook on the way to Maligne Lake.

Take in The Views of Medicine Lake

If you are on the way to Maligne Lake than make a quick stop at Medicine Lake and take in all the views. Medicine Lake is a great sunset spot to stop when driving back to Jasper.

Maligne Lake area is also a great area to spot bears on the side of the road. Luck was on our side because we spotted a cute black bear!

Explore Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is where the famous Spirit Island is located. While it is the main attraction, you don’t have to go to Spirit Island to enjoy this lake (even though I highly recommend it). The area has several hiking trails such as the Mary Schäffer Loop, Moose Lake Loop, Lorraine Lake, and Mona Lake, Bald Hills and Opal Hills Loop.

You can also wine and dine on Maligne Lake.

Canoe or Take a Boat to Spirit Island

The only way to travel to the peninsula is by boat or by canoeing on your own. You would have to take your camping gear if you chose to canoe because it takes all day to canoe to Spirit Island. The campsite near the peninsula is called Fisherman’s Bay. If you do canoe here make sure to take advantage of the sunrise and sunset. The regular boats do not operate during those early mornings or late hours.

If someone told me, I could only do one thing in Jasper, I would pick to see Spirit Island in a heartbeat. I can not describe just how utterly beautiful this place is.

Jameson and I decided to see the island via boat. When we boarded, our guide informed us how magical Spirit Island is. Honestly, I didn’t take her seriously. But, then the lake started to change from a dark green haze to a light turquoise color and all of a sudden we were surrounded by tall standing mountains that seemed to go on for days. Spirit Island looked genuinely magical. When I walked outside the boat, I teared up a little. I could see and feel EXACTLY what our tour guide was talking about. >>>Buy Maligne Lake Cruise Tickets Here

If I ever had the opportunity of going back to Jasper, canoeing to spirit island would be the first thing I would do. I cannot imagine how incredible this place would be during the sunrise or sunset.

Take Pictures of the Wildlife

I can’t describe how happy we were experiencing so much wildlife during our trip. Even though we have been hiking, camping and backpacking for the past six years, Jameson and I hardly ever saw wildlife. We have seen birds, squirrels, and other small animals, but, that doesn’t count because I see birds and squirrels outside my apartment every day (my dog JJ tries to attack them all the time). Right when we enter Jasper, BAM! We see wildlife everywhere! Towards the end of the trip, we were so used to seeing animals just walking around. Maligne Canyon area is the best place to spot wildlife.

Miette Hot Springs Area

Jasper National Park Hikes: Sulphur Skyline

Sulphur Skyline trail is an 8.8 km round trip, with an elevation loss/gain of 700 meters and it takes 4-6 hours to complete. The hike is rated as difficult. The Sulphur Skyline hike is probably my second favorite hike in our Candian Mountain adventure. The views at the top are astonishing, and we were even met with rainbows and goats.

I would agree that the hike is challenging, mostly due to the last kilometer on the way up. The best part is that there were hardly any people on the trail. We were able to experience the astonishing views with only one other couple.

Take a Dip at Miette Hot Springs

Jameson and I had been hiking nonstop for about a week in Banff and Jasper. We had planned to visit the Hot Springs at Jasper, but words cannot describe how excited we were to take some time and relax in the warm water. Our muscles were dying after hiking all week!

When we were done hiking Sulphur Skyline, we went to our car, grabbed our bathing suits, drank a beer to relax a bit and walked on over to enjoy the hot springs.

The Hot Springs entry is about CAD 7 per person, and you have the option rent towels and even swimsuits. They have showers (hand soap), changing areas and lockers. The Miette Hot Springs has four different pools. Two of the pools are hot; two of the pools are regular swimming pools (cold).

When we got in the hot water, it felt as if the water just melted all of our pain away. After hiking all week, we were in heaven.

Activities Jasper National Park: Conclusion

Banff National Park is the park that gets most of the attention, but I feel that Jasper is just as beautiful. It is filled with incredible wildlife, magnificent mountains, glorious glaciers, and lovely lakes. I loved the vibe of the city and the spectacular food. I wish we had more time to explore this place to its fullest. I hope you liked this post about the best things to do in Jasper National Park Canada. Now, make sure to check out some of my other Canada posts:

• The Best Two Week Canadian Rockies Itinerary
• The 15 Absolute Best Hikes in Banff National Park
• Things To Do In Quebec City Canada
• Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park | The Ultimate Guide

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