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Imagine a land of countless expansive glaciers, snow-capped mountain peaks, powerful waterfalls, turquoise alpine lakes, and plenty of wildlife to gawk at.
This image you’ve conjured into your mind is Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies.
Jasper National Park sits in the Athabasca River Valley in Alberta, and is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies.
Although it’s lesser-known than the world famous neighbour of Banff, Jasper is nothing short of breathtaking!
I prefer Jasper over Banff because people are more spread out between valley and activities. You won’t find Banff’s crowds here.
What you will find are stunning natural wonders you can explore up close.
Whether it’s walking on the glacier, jumping into an emerald lake, watching wildlife at sunset, or hiking up majestic peaks, Jasper has an outdoor experience and endless adventures for everyone.
This guide includes the most unmissable things to do in Jasper National Park – from hiking trails to scenic viewpoints, and other incredible attractions, tours, and activities.
Let’s dive in.
1. Go marvel at Athabasca Glacier
Columbia Icefields, located along the picturesque Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), is the largest icefield in North America, and you can see it right from the road. But this gorgeous place is worth a closer look.
The Ice Explorer bus at Columbia Icefield Discovery Center takes you directly to Athabasca Glacier. You walk on a gigantic glacier with Columbia Icefield above and taste the fresh glacier water (if you bring a water bottle with a filter).
You can also admire the views of the valley from the glass-bottomed Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
Another option is a Wilcox Pass Hike located just across the valley. The best thing about Wilcox Pass Hike is that you don’t even need to reach the pass to get the most beautiful views. If you only hike the first 3 km, you see the Athabasca Glacier surrounded by mountain peaks and other glaciers.
There’s a viewpoint with the famous red chairs, located at the most stunning photo locations in the Canadian Rockies.
You might even get some company as local bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and mountain goats like to hang out at the viewpoint as well.
2. Be wowed by Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls
As you continue driving on the Icefields Parkway, watch for signs for Sunwapta Falls and a bit further down the road Athabasca Falls. They’re the most impressive waterfalls in Jasper National Park.
Sunwapta Falls are 18 meters high and easily accessible on the paved path. There are several viewpoints along the falls with a beautiful mountainous background.
If you visit Jasper at the beginning of the summer, the waterfalls would be the strongest when the Athabasca Glacier starts to melt slowly.
Athabasca Falls are 24 metres high, and the azure water flows through a deep canyon. The best view of the waterfall is from the bridge.
TOP TIP: You should carry a bear spray whenever you go exploring in the Canadian Rockies. Parks Canada recommends carrying it within arm’s reach, knowing how to use it and learning about wildlife safety in advance.
3. Admire Horseshoe Lake
Horseshoe Lake is a true hidden gem accessible from the Icefields Parkway. It’s not a usual turquoise alpine lake with a mountain backdrop as you usually see in the Rockies.
Horseshoe Lake has an emerald colour, and tall rock walls and a forest surround it.
Because of the sheltering from the trees, the water is calm and crystal clear. It’s a quiet place for a picnic, stand-up paddle boarding, and, most often, cliff diving. You can choose from one to 25 metres in height and cool off in summer.
4. Hike around Valley of the Five Lakes
Valley of the Five Lakes is one of the most visited hikes in Jasper National Park. It’s relatively easy, and I’ve seen people of all age groups on the trail.
A short 5.5 km loop takes you around five lakes in different shades of emerald colour. The changing scenery keeps it interesting as you hike through a forest, meadows filled with wildflowers, and different viewpoints of the lakes.
The third lake is hands down the most beautiful one. It has a different shade of green on shore than in the middle, depending on how the sun’s rays shine.
That’s why Parks Canada put the red chairs at the viewpoint; you will want to sit and watch, taking the beauty in.
5. Paddle on Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake with Pyramid Island in the middle is an iconic spot easily reachable from downtown Jasper.
You can rent a bike in the town of Jasper and then ride to the lake. Jasper has excellent bike trail systems connecting trails around town and nearby lakes.
You pass Patricia Lake with a beach and boat rental from Jasper and reach Pyramid Lake shortly after. It’s a popular spot for photographers due to the background of Pyramid Island and Pyramid Mountain.
Have a picnic on the island or rent a canoe to paddle around the lake. You can often spot wildlife right on the shore.
STAY: Pyramid Lake Resort
Located in Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies, this resort offers canoeing, fishing, and hiking. It features a private beach, on-site dining, and rooms with gas fireplaces. Beautiful location on the lake surrounded by mountains.
See prices and availability here
6. Hike to Edith Cavell Meadows
If you go hiking in Jasper National Park, I recommend Edith Cavell Meadows.
You see a glacier, alpine lake, wildflowers, and even marmots. It’s a stunning place accessible for all, and you can choose how far to go based on your fitness level.
A short and paved 1.6 km path leads to the Angel Glacier viewpoint. If you decide for the 8 km loop, you reach the glacier with the small lake underneath, and then hike up a hill through the switchbacks. That’s where the best view is!
Edith Cavell Road is also close to several campgrounds in Jasper National Park. Despite Jasper having a lot of lodges and cabins, camping is very popular in the Rockies.
Waking up with the sound of rustling trees, chirping birds or the river close by is a great way to start the day (not even mentioning the wildlife that often wanders into campgrounds).
7. Boat cruise on Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake is the second largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies and the most visited in Jasper National Park. The Maligne Road leading to the lake is also an excellent place for wildlife watching, especially by the Medicine Lake.
When you arrive at Maligne Lake, you see mountain peaks and several glaciers surrounding the lake, and you can easily spend the whole day here!
Boat cruise across Maligne Lake to Spirit Island has been voted best boat cruise in Canada by Reader’s Digest. And Spirit Island is one of the most photographed spots in the Rockies. (See prices and availability for the Maligne Lake Cruise here)
The serenity and calmness of this remote inlet, only accessible on water, is mesmerizing.
If you’d like to explore on your own, you can rent a kayak or canoe. Several easy hike trails depart from Maligne Lakes to surrounding lakes.
One of my favourites is Bald Hills Hike. During 10 km, you gain 500 meters of elevation, and the trail is mostly switchbacks. The views slowly open up the higher you go and offer a fantastic panoramic view of Maligne Lake.
TOUR IDEA: Maligne Canyon Icewalk Discovery Tour
One of Jasper’s most impressive and popular adventures! Travel with your friendly guide to the bottom of the deepest accessible canyon in Jasper National Park. Marvel at frozen waterfalls, ice caves and incredible ice formations.
About t Book your tour here.
8. Take the SkyTram up Whistlers Mountain
Whistlers Mountain is the most accessible mountain in Jasper because of the Jasper SkyTram, the highest aerial tramway in Canada.
In about 20 minutes, you’re almost on top of the Whistlers Mountain. You need to hike the last 2 km to reach the summit at 2,470 meters.
The panoramic views of Jasper and the Athabasca River valley are breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see Mount Robson (3,954m), the highest peak of the Canadian Rockies.
There’s an option to hike from the very bottom to the top of Whistlers Mountain for adventurous visitors. It’s a steep 9 km trail with 1,200 meters of elevation gain.
Don’t forget to check trail conditions, mainly at the beginning of the season, as the trail passes an avalanche terrain.
9. Go skiing or snowboarding at Marmot Basin Ski Resort
Of course, a visit to the snow-capped Canadian Rockies can only mean one thing come winter time – skiing!
The best place to ski in Jasper National Park is Marmot Basin ski resort.
Here skiiers and snowboarders will find 1,675 acres of skiable terrain, including 91 runs – some of which descend 3,000 vertical feet of diverse terrain.
Marmot Basin is superb for skiing because it has runs for all skill levels, and excellent powder so snowboarders can get that POW shot.
Not to mention the slopes are less crowded and you have beautiful scenery to enjoy as you cruise down the slopes.
10. Relax in Miette Hot Springs
Miette Hot Springs are the hottest hot springs in the Canadian Rockies. They are large, outdoor swimming pools with varying degrees of temperature, with gorgeous views of the mountains surrounding them.
These pools are filled with natural hot spring water which flows from the mountain. The temperatures range from 54°C (129°F) to 40°C (104°F).
The water also has natural minerals; sulphate, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, and sodium, which are said to be good for your aching joints.
This would be the perfect activity after a hike in the summer!
The resort has lots of parking and you can drive straight up to the entrance, and despite the fact they are quite a luxury, they are rarely crowded.
It’s only open during the summer season, from late May until early October.
11. Stargaze
Jasper National Park is the second largest dark sky preserve in the world. If this isn’t a reason to camp under the stars, I don’t know what is!
The benefit of stargazing from a designated dark skies park is you have the best chance to see the Milky Way, and even the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
Some of the best viewing spots for stargazers are Pyramid Island, Jasper Lake, Old Fort Point and the toe of Athabasca Glacier.
These are because they are accessible and the skies are not blocked by trees or other obstacles.
12. Watch the elk grazing around Lake Annette
Lake Annette is another breathtaking, scenic lake with serene mountain views.
It has a short loop trail around the lake (about 2.7 km) and a small beach, which is often frequented by elk grazing on warm days.
In the summer, if you fancy dipping your toes in the water, Lake Annette is perfect for swimming. There is a day use area for swimming, with bbq and picnic areas for the public to use.
13. Swim in Lake Edith
Another lake that’s worth visiting in the summer months is Lake Edith, which has a public dock and beach that you can swim from.
Lake Edith is one of the warmest lakes in Jasper during the summer, and has designated areas for swimming.
You can also go boating or fishing here.
14. Admire views from Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is a luxury hotel set on the shores of Lac Beauvert. The resort has 700-acres of grounds to explore, and is open all year round.
You can choose to stay here, and experience a cabin stay in a truly remote wilderness in the Canadian Rockies, but if you can’t afford the price of a night’s stay, at least visit to experience the incredible views from its restaurants and bars. See rates and availability here.
Best time to visit Jasper National Park
The best time to visit Jasper National Park depends on what you want to do. If you want to go hiking, then head to the park when there is lush warm weather between June and August.
Crowds will be thinner in late September and the weather is still ideal.
For skiing and snowboarding, the winter activities begin around December to March, with snow starting to fall around late November and stays until early April.
Come the spring season, the weather tends to fluctuate between snow and rain, and the wildlife come out of hibernation and are particularly hungry. The wildflower meadows look lovely in late May.
Final thoughts
Jasper National Park is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
It’s lakes, it’s jagged mountain peaks, relaxing hot springs and ample opportunities for hiking and adventures, makes it a worthwhile visit on any trip to Alberta.
We hope this guide gave you some inspiration for things to do here and helped you plan your visit.
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Are you planning on visiting Jasper National Park? What are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments.
