I’ll always remember the primary time we noticed a grizzly bear within the wild. We had been driving slowly down Maligne Lake Highway in Jasper, home windows down, with the scent of pine hanging within the cool mountain air. After which, there he was, an enormous male grizzly, foraging for berries simply metres from the highway. We lower the engine and watched in absolute silence, fully in awe of his dimension and energy.
That’s the magic of Jasper Nationwide Park, one of the vital stunning of Canada’s nationwide parks. It’s a spot the place moments like that really feel doable round each nook. It’s wilder, larger, and extra rugged than its southern sister, Banff. After numerous highway journeys via the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Jasper stays one among our absolute favorite locations on Earth.
Most guides gives you a easy checklist of common spots. We need to share the experiences which have saved us coming again for years. That is our assortment of tales, insider suggestions, and might’t-miss adventures, designed that will help you get past the roadside pull-offs and into the actual coronary heart of the Rockies.
High 5 Can’t-Miss Jasper Experiences
Should you’re brief on time, listed here are the 5 experiences in Jasper that we consider are completely important for any first-time customer.
- Maligne Canyon Icewalk: The only most original winter journey within the Rockies.
- Jasper SkyTram: For probably the most spectacular panoramic views of the encircling ranges.
- Wildlife Recognizing: For that iconic second with a Canadian Rockies native.
- Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island: For one among Canada’s most well-known and breathtaking views.
- Athabasca Glacier Stroll: A real bucket-list expertise to stroll on an historical glacier.
Finest Issues to Do in Jasper for Wildlife Lovers
One of many essential causes we return to Jasper repeatedly is the unimaginable alternative to see wildlife. It’s, indisputably, the most effective locations within the Canadian Rockies for animal sightings. Do not forget that these are wild animals; all the time maintain a protected and respectful distance, by no means feed them, and concentrate on your environment. It’s not unusual to identify wildlife like elk, deer, and even mountain goats.
Go on a Wildlife Safari (or a Self-Drive Tour)
Whilst you can e book an official wildlife tour, our favorite solution to search for animals is to do our personal self-drive safari. There’s a quiet thrill in heading out at daybreak with a espresso in hand, driving slowly with the home windows down, and scanning the bushes for motion.
The most effective instances are all the time early within the morning or within the hours simply earlier than nightfall when the animals are most energetic. For the perfect odds, we advocate a sluggish drive down Maligne Lake Highway or the Icefields Parkway simply south of city.
Search for Bighorn Sheep on the Miette Sizzling Springs Highway
If you need an virtually assured sighting of Bighorn Sheep, take a drive out towards the Miette Sizzling Springs. Alongside the facet of the highway, you’ll typically see them licking the mineral deposits proper off the rocky cliffs. It’s an interesting sight. Simply you should definitely pull your automotive over safely and fully off the highway, as they’ll trigger a little bit of a visitors jam!
Finest Outside Adventures in Jasper
Jasper is a large outside playground, and the checklist of potential adventures is countless. However some experiences are so spectacular they need to be on the high of everybody’s checklist. These are our private favourites that we expect are really unforgettable.
Hike Maligne Canyon (Summer time) or Do the Icewalk (Winter)
Maligne Canyon is a must-see, however the expertise is totally completely different relying on the season. In summer time, it’s an exciting hike throughout a collection of bridges, with the highly effective turquoise river roaring deep under you.
In winter, nevertheless, it transforms. We did the ice stroll on our final winter journey, and it was one of the vital unimaginable issues we’ve ever executed within the Rockies. You may e book a guided tour or go by yourself. You strap on ice cleats and stroll proper on the frozen ground of the canyon, surrounded by large, glittering icefalls. It’s a brilliant enjoyable and otherworldly expertise.
Experience the Jasper SkyTram
For the very best view of the sheer scale of the encircling mountains, it’s important to take a experience on the Jasper SkyTram. It climbs over 1,000 metres up Whistlers Mountain to a viewpoint that provides you a shocking 360-degree panorama of six completely different mountain ranges.
Our greatest tip is to e book a spot on the primary tram of the day. You’ll get the perfect morning gentle for images and keep away from the largest crowds that arrive mid-day.
Take a Cruise to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake
You’ve most likely seen the photograph a thousand instances; it’s one among Canada’s most iconic pictures. So, is the cruise to see it in particular person price it? In our opinion, sure. The boat cruise itself is gorgeous, with guides declaring glaciers and historic spots alongside the way in which.
And seeing Spirit Island with your individual eyes, framed by the turquoise water and big peaks, is a second that actually lives as much as the hype.
Stroll on the Athabasca Glacier
A part of the huge Columbia Icefield, the Athabasca Glacier is likely one of the most accessible glaciers on this planet. You may e book a tour that takes you out onto the ice in a large Ice Explorer automobile, permitting you to step out and stroll on ice that’s 1000’s of years outdated.
It’s a humbling expertise to face on such a strong river of ice. Even on a scorching summer time day, the wind coming off the glacier is frigid, so you should definitely convey a jacket and put on sturdy, closed-toe sneakers.
Hike to Pyramid Lake and Stare upon Pyramid Mountain
Only a brief drive from Jasper city, the Pyramid Lake space is one among our favorite spots for a straightforward, rewarding outing. The principle attraction is the small picket footbridge that results in Pyramid Island, the place you may get that excellent photograph of the enduring, pyramid-shaped mountain mirrored within the nonetheless water.
We love coming right here within the early morning earlier than the tour buses arrive, when the lake is like glass and you may typically spot elk or deer grazing close to the shore.
Really feel the Energy of Athabasca Falls
Whereas not the tallest waterfall within the Rockies, Athabasca Falls is likely one of the strongest. The sheer quantity of water from the Athabasca River that thunders via a slim gorge is unimaginable to witness.
There’s a community of protected, paved trails and viewpoints that allow you to get near the motion. Our tip is to observe the path right down to the decrease canyon to see the place the churning water opens up into the river valley, it’s a perspective most individuals miss.
Discover Sunwapta Falls
Situated additional south on the Icefields Parkway, Sunwapta Falls is one other must-see cease. We love this one as a result of the perspective is only a brief stroll from the parking zone, making it tremendous accessible.
The traditional view is of the higher falls with its small island of bushes proper within the center, however you should definitely take the brief hike right down to the decrease falls for superb views. It’s far much less crowded and presents a stupendous stroll alongside the river.
See the Sights from a Motorbike Sidecar
For an exciting and completely distinctive perspective on the park, it’s important to strive a motorbike tour. We did this on our final summer time journey and it was an absolute blast. Bundled into the sidecar, you are feeling fully immersed within the panorama—the wind in your face, the rumble of the engine, and fully unobstructed, panoramic views.
Our information took us on a two-hour journey out to Maligne Canyon and Drugs Lake, sharing attention-grabbing info alongside the way in which, and seeing these iconic sights from the open air was a very completely different expertise than seeing them from a automotive. It’s a improbable solution to really feel the size of the mountains and have a ton of enjoyable doing it.
Courageous the Columbia Icefield Skywalk
Only a brief drive from the Athabasca Glacier Discovery Centre is the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, and it’s not for the faint of coronary heart. We’ve executed just a few of those glass-floor viewing platforms, and this one is really spectacular. You stroll out on a walkway that extends over the Sunwapta Valley, with nothing however bolstered glass between you and a 280-metre (918-foot) drop.
The views of the glaciers and the valley under are breathtaking, and it offers you an actual sense of the size of the panorama. Our recommendation is to concentrate on the mountains on the horizon as you stroll out, and don’t look down till you’re prepared!
Finest Enjoyable Experiences in Jasper
Jasper isn’t nearly adrenaline-pumping adventures. It’s additionally a spot that invitations you to decelerate, breathe within the mountain air, and easily be current. These are a few of our favorite methods to unwind after an extended day of exploring.
Stargaze in a Darkish Sky Protect
Do you know that Jasper is the world’s second-largest Darkish Sky Protect? This implies the park has made a particular dedication to limiting gentle air pollution, and the outcomes are breathtaking. On a transparent evening, simply drive a couple of minutes out of city, pull over, and search for. We’ve spent hours simply staring on the Milky Method splashed throughout the evening sky, extra good than we’ve ever seen it wherever else.
Soak within the Miette Sizzling Springs
Tucked away on the finish of a scenic highway, the Miette Sizzling Springs are the most well liked mineral springs within the Canadian Rockies. Soaking within the heat, mineral-rich water whereas surrounded by towering peaks is the right treatment for sore climbing muscle tissue. It’s about an hour’s drive from city, however the gorgeous journey is a part of the journey. We predict it’s nicely definitely worth the journey.
Discover the Downtown Jasper
The townsite of Jasper has a laid-back, unpretentious allure that we love… Our favorite post-hike ritual is to seize a pint and a chunk on the Jasper Brewing Firm, the primary nationwide park brewery to open in Canada. It’s the right place to calm down and mingle with Jasper locals and fellow travellers. Don’t neglect to take a look at the Two Brothers Totem Pole close by, a stupendous piece of native artwork.
Have a Drink on the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
You don’t must be a visitor to expertise the grandeur of the historic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Set on the shores of the gorgeous Lac Beauvert, this sprawling property of log cabins and lodges is an attraction in itself. We like to cap off a day of climbing by heading to the Emerald Lounge, grabbing a seat on the outside patio, and having fun with a cocktail with a world-class view of the lake and mountains. It’s an ideal solution to expertise a bit of iconic Canadiana.
If you’re staying on the lodge, we extremely advocate taking a dawn stroll round Lake Annette and Lake Edith. The views with the rising solar are spectacular.
Take a Jasper Meals Tour
One in all our favorite methods to get to know a brand new place is thru its meals scene, and a Jasper Meals Tour is the right approach to do this. We joined one on our final go to and had been so impressed. It’s a small-group strolling tour that takes you to 4 native eating places, pairing a signature dish with a craft beer or wine at every cease. It was an effective way to pattern completely different spots and chat with the restaurant homeowners and Jasper locals. We found a few new favorite dishes and it gave us an awesome really feel for the pleasant, down-to-earth meals tradition in Jasper city.
Planning Your Journey to Jasper Nationwide Park
Now that you’ve an thought of all of the unimaginable issues to do, let’s cowl the sensible particulars. Right here’s what you might want to know to plan your go to.
The way to Get to Jasper Nationwide Park
The 2 closest main airports to Jasper are Edmonton Worldwide Airport (YEG) and Calgary Worldwide Airport (YYC).
- From Edmonton: That is the closest and most direct route, usually a 4-hour drive.
- From Calgary: The drive is longer, about 5 hours, however it takes you alongside the spectacular Icefields Parkway. When you’ve got the time, we extremely advocate this route because it’s one of the vital scenic drives on the planet.
- Combining Jasper and Banff: Many individuals (together with us) mix a visit to each nationwide parks. We extremely advocate beginning in Banff Nationwide Park and Lake Louise, then driving the Icefields Parkway north to Jasper. The parkway is likely one of the most scenic drives on the planet and an iconic Canadian highway journey in itself. Give your self a full day to make the drive, as you’ll need to cease continuously for images and viewpoints.
Getting Round (Do You Want a Automotive?)
In a phrase, sure. To profit from your time and have the liberty to discover, a automotive is important. Whereas the city of Jasper itself may be very walkable, many of the main sights like Maligne Lake, the Athabasca Glacier, and the varied trailheads are unfold out throughout an enormous nationwide park.
A automobile means that you can pull over safely for wildlife, go to viewpoints by yourself schedule, and really expertise the wildness of the park. You may test for the most recent path situations and knowledge on the Jasper Data Centre on the town, or take a look at the Parks Canada web site.
The place to Keep in Jasper Nationwide Park
Jasper doesn’t have a large collection of accommodations, so it’s vital to e book nicely upfront. For a primary go to, staying in or close to the principle townsite is your most handy possibility.
- For a Central Location: Search for accommodations alongside Connaught Drive, the principle avenue on the town. This places you in strolling distance of all of the eating places and retailers.
- For the Final Splurge: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is an iconic Canadian expertise, set on a stupendous lake simply outdoors of city.
- For a Rustic Really feel: There are a number of cabin and lodge-style lodging simply outdoors the townsite that supply a quieter, extra rustic mountain expertise, which is nice for the entire household.
Finest Time to Go to Jasper Nationwide Park
There’s no unhealthy time to go to Jasper, however the expertise modifications dramatically with the seasons.
- Summer time (July – August): You’ll get the perfect climate, the longest days, and all sights are assured to be open. Nevertheless, that is additionally peak season, so anticipate the largest crowds and highest costs.
- Fall (September – October): That is our private favorite time to go to. The crowds have thinned out, the aspen bushes flip an excellent gold, and the air is crisp and funky. Wildlife can also be very energetic throughout this time.
- Winter (December – March): Jasper transforms right into a magical winter wonderland. It’s the time for distinctive experiences just like the Maligne Canyon Icewalk, snowshoeing, and snowboarding at Marmot Basin. It’s chilly, however the snowy panorama is unforgettable.
- Spring (April – June): That is the shoulder season. You’ll discover fewer crowds and higher costs, however the climate might be unpredictable. Many lakes should still be frozen into early June, however it’s a good time to see bears and different wildlife rising from hibernation.
Continuously Requested Questions About Jasper
Listed below are our fast solutions to among the most typical questions we get about visiting Jasper.
We advocate a minimal of three full days in Jasper. This offers you sufficient time to discover the principle highlights like Maligne Lake and the Icefields Parkway with out feeling rushed, and it permits for at the least one massive journey like a significant hike or the SkyTram.
For the perfect steadiness of fine climate and fewer crowds, our private favorite time to go to is September. The autumn colors are spectacular, wildlife may be very energetic, and the summer time plenty have gone dwelling. Nevertheless, July and August provide the warmest and most dependable climate for climbing and lake actions.
Sure, you possibly can! Jasper is a large Darkish Sky Protect, which makes it an unimaginable place for stargazing and, in the event you’re fortunate, seeing the Aurora Borealis. Your finest probability is through the fall and winter months on a transparent, darkish evening. Head away from the lights of city for the perfect view.
Your Jasper Journey Awaits
Jasper Nationwide Park is the sort of place that stays with you. It’s a really wild and humbling panorama that rewards the adventurous spirit. Whether or not you’re strolling on a glacier, watching a grizzly from a protected distance, or simply staring up at a sky filled with stars, we hope this information has helped you propose an unforgettable journey.
When you’ve got any extra questions, drop them within the feedback under!
