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Tourism Jasper

Truly unforgettable summer and winter experiences are waiting for you in Jasper! Plan your trip with the help of the Tourism Jasper official site, discover events and get advice on what to do and where to stay.

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• Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
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Contact information

Tourism Jasper, 411 Patricia St, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada

https://www.jasper.travel/

@ [email protected]

780-852-6236

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The Ultimate Jasper Travel Guide

Visiting Jasper National Park

Visitors come from far and wide to experience Jasper National Park’s 11,000 square kilometres of glaciers, lakes and Rocky Mountain peaks, along with iconic sites like Spirit Island, Mount Edith Cavell, Athabasca Falls and Maligne Canyon. 

We can’t wait to welcome you to experience it all. Here’s what you need to know to start your journey to Jasper.  

Where to Fly

If you’re coming to Alberta to visit Jasper, you might land at Edmonton International Airport because it’s a slightly shorter journey to Jasper than from Calgary. Edmonton, which is the capital of Alberta and the second biggest city in the province, is about 365 km away from Jasper and the drive will take you around four hours.

Your other option is to land at Calgary International Airport. Calgary is the biggest city in the province with 1.3 million residents and plenty to explore. The journey to Jasper is longer from Calgary — just under five hours — but you may have come through this city to visit Banff first, a stop you can make on your journey.

Getting to Jasper

From Edmonton: Head west from the city on Alberta Highway 16, which leads directly into the mountains to Jasper. (Total time: 3 hours 50 minutes)

From Calgary: Head west out of town on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) towards to mountains. Keep driving past Banff and right after Lake Louise, you’ll continue forward on Alberta Highway 93 (rather than veering left to continue on AB-1. Follow to Jasper! (Total time: 4 hours 45 minutes)

From Banff: Stopped in Banff first? You can continue down past Lake Louise to Alberta Highway 93, also known as the Icefields Parkway. It’s a beautiful drive, but make sure to check for road closures if you’re travelling in the winter. (Total time: 3 hours 30 minutes)

Other Transportation

From Edmonton: There are several bus transportation options from Edmonton, including SunDog Tours and Cold Shot .

From Calgary: If you’re not looking to rent a car and drive, take the Brewster Express in the summer from the Calgary Airport or downtown. In the winter, this bus doesn’t take you all the way to Jasper, so you’ll have to connect through Edmonton. This includes services like Red Arrow , Rider Express , Cold Shot and The Canada Bus .

From Banff: Hop on the Mountain Connector from Sundog Transportation to travel to Jasper from Banff and relax during this scenic bus ride.

Getting Around Jasper

Snow is plentiful in the Rocky Mountains and if you visit in the winter, you’re sure to see a snowfall or two. The weather can get chilly and dry — expect average lows of -15°C but prepare for colder as the temperature can get to -30°C. Pack warm clothes and look forward to favourite winter activities like skiing at Marmot Basin, skating on frozen lakes, snowshoeing and soaking in the Miette Hot Springs. 

While snow lingers, temperature highs hover around 10°C. Alberta gets a lot of sun, so you might feel a bit of summertime weather. Don’t be surprised when locals emerge in shorts while snow remains on the ground. All your favourite winter activities are available through most of the spring — like skiing and snowshoeing — but with warmer weather. Seasonal summer activities also start opening in May, so look out for sightseeing and touring!

At last, it’s warm and sunny! The weather can still get cool in the summer, especially during the evenings and early mornings. If you’re heading out on a hike, you might start with a light jacket and pants and end up in shorts and a T-shirt. This season, some of our favourite attractions open including Maligne Lake Cruise , Columbia Icefield Adventure and boat rentals on Pyramid Lake.

It’s the season of watching the leaves change, and if you’re lucky, seeing the first snowfall. You’ll find mornings to be quite chilly and then warm in the afternoon in early fall. By December, temperatures will likely be cool all day. Enjoy picturesque autumn views on one of many hikes open well into this season.

Park Passes

If you’re driving, you’ll need to purchase a park pass to enter Jasper National Park. The park passes and fees help maintain and service the park. You can purchase your pass at the entry gates to the park or in advance online .

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Jasper Park Information Centre National Historic Site

At the heart of Jasper townsite is a log and stone building, a classic example of Rustic architecture found in many Canadian national parks. Here, in the Jasper Park Information Centre, friendly park experts offer insights on front and backcountry exploring, hiking trails, camping, paddling, wildlife viewing and skiing. To help you make the most of your stay, you can also get details on special events, weather conditions, and pick up maps and permits. The Friends of Jasper Gift Shop and Tourism Jasper are also on site, making the Info Centre a one-stop destination to plan your adventure.

Plan your visit

How to get to the Jasper Park Information Centre National Historic Site.

Hours of operation

Complete schedule for the Jasper Park Information Centre National Historic Site.

Stewardship and management

Learn about site management at the Jasper Park Information Centre National Historic Site.

Culture and history

The Jasper Park Information Centre is a classic example of rustic architecture found in many Canadian national parks.

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[email protected]

Open year-round. Complete schedule

More places to discover with Parks Canada

Athabasca Pass National Historic Site

A major fur trade transportation route traversed by David Thompson and other early adventurers during the mid 1800s.

Yellowhead Pass National Historic Site

Referred to by early fur traders as “leather pass” is a major transportation route through the Rocky Mountains.

Jasper House National Historic Site

The archaeological remains of an 1829 fur trade post.

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Climate
• 1.3 Tourist information
• 2.3 By train
• 2.4 By plane
• 2.5 Park entry fees
• 3.1 By taxi
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10 Stay safe

Jasper is a town of about 5,200 people (2016) in Jasper National Park in the Alberta Rockies region. It is a small tourist town that serves as a base for exploring the park, and for outdoor sports such as skiing, hiking, climbing, canyoning, rafting, canoeing, golfing and fat biking.

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

Jasper House was a North West Company fur trade outpost established in 1813 on the York Factory Express trade route to what was then called "New Caledonia" (now British Columbia), and Fort Vancouver in Columbia District on the lower Columbia River. It was later taken oven by the Hudson's Bay Company.

Jasper National Park was established in 1907. The railway siding at the location of the future townsite was established by Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in 1911 and called named Fitzhugh after a Grand Trunk vice president (along the Grand Trunk's "alphabet" line). The Canadian Northern Railway began service to Fitzhugh in 1912. The townsite was surveyed in 1913 by H. Matheson. It was renamed Jasper after the former fur trade post. An internment camp was set up at Dominion Park in Jasper from February 1916 to August 1916.

By 1931, Jasper was accessible by road from Edmonton, and in 1940 the scenic Icefields Parkway opened, connecting Lake Louise and Jasper.

Climate [ edit ]

Summers in Jasper are pleasant, with daily highs usually around 21 °C (70 °F) and lows around 7 °C (45 °F). Winters are cold, though may be considered mild by Canadian standards, with daily highs around -2 °C (28 °F) and lows around -12 °C (11 °F), with some nights dipping below zero.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Tourism Jasper , ☏ +1 780-852-6236 . ( updated Oct 2020 )

Get in [ edit ]

On the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, Jasper is the shy cousin to bold, brassy Banff and offers a more serene experience. Approximately four hours north of Banff and four hours west of Edmonton , capital of the province of Alberta . Most people enter the park via Edmonton.

By car [ edit ]

Highway 16 ( Yellowhead Highway ), connects Jasper to Edmonton (via Hinton and Edson), which has an international airport and is served by many major airlines. It also connects to Kamloops, B.C. and Prince George, B.C. to the west.

Highway 93, the Icefields Parkway , connects north through the Rockies from Lake Louise and Banff .

Drivers will have to pay for a park admission pass as the town of Jasper is in Jasper National Park.

By bus [ edit ]

• Brewster Express , toll-free: +1-866-606-6700 . From May to mid-October, operates a bus daily between downtown Calgary and Jasper including stops at Calgary International Airport, in Canmore , in Banff , and in Lake Louise . Travel time to Jasper from downtown Calgary is 8½ hours, from Calgary International Airport is 7½ hours, from Canmore is 6 hr 15 min, from Banff is 4 hr 15 min, and from Lake Louise is 3½ hours. ( updated May 2022 )
• Thompson Valley Charters , ☏ +1 877-769-3287 . In partnership with Ebus, operates twice per week service between Kamloops and Edmonton with stops in Barriere, Little Fort, Clearwater , Avola, Blue River, Valemount , Mount Robson Provincial Park , Jasper, Hinton , and Edson . Travel time to Jasper from Kamloops is 5 hr 15 min, from Clearwater is 3½ hours, from Valemount is 1 hour, from Edson is 2 hours, and from Edmonton is 4½ hours. ( updated Mar 2022 )
• Daily between Edmonton International Airport and Jasper including stops in downtown Edmonton , Hinton , and Edson . Travel time to Japser from Edson is 1 hr 45 min, from downtown Edmonton is 4 hours, and from Edmonton International Airport is 4 hours and 45 minutes.
• During the winter between Banff and Jasper including a stop in Lake Louise . Travel time to Jasper from Banff is 4 hr 15 min and from Lake Louise is 3 hours. Same day connecting service between Calgary and Banff is available from Brewster Express.

By train [ edit ]

• The Canadian has trips up to three trips per week between Toronto and Vancouver with stops in both directions in medium to large cities and tourist destinations such as Sudbury , Winnipeg , Portage la Prairie , Saskatoon , Edmonton , Jasper, and Kamloops . This route can offer a scenic view of the Canadian Rockies , depending on the train schedule, as the train operates day and night. Travel time to Jasper from Toronto is 3 days, from Sudbury is 2 days 18 hr, from Winnipeg is 1 day 10 hours, from Saskatoon is 19 hr 45 min, from Edmonton is 6½ hours, from Kamloops is 10 hours, and from Vancouver is 19 hours.
• The route between Jasper and Prince Rupert with stops in McBride , Prince George , Vanderhoof , Burns Lake, Houston, Smithers , New Hazelton , Kitwanga , and Terrace . The train travels during the daytime, taking two days in each direction. There is an overnight stop in Prince George, where passengers will need to book sleeping accommodations. Travel time to Prince George from Prince Rupert is 12½ hours, from Terrace is 10 hours, from Smithers is 6 hours, from Burns Lake is 4 hours, and from Vanderhoof is 2 hours. Travel time to Jasper from Prince George is 7 hr 45 min.

There is no direct train route between Jasper and Banff.

By plane [ edit ]

• Jasper By Air , 530 8 Ave, SW, Calgary , ☏ +1 403-470-8000 , toll-free: +1 888-276-6660 , [email protected] . A Calgary-based company offering daily scheduled flights from Calgary to Jasper-Hinton airport ( near Hinton ) (1.25 hours). Schedules and pricing information is available on the website. $210 . ( updated May 2022 )

Park entry fees [ edit ]

All visitors stopping in Jasper Park (even just in the town) require a park permit. If you are driving through non-stop, the pass is not required. Day passes and annual passes are available, see Jasper National Park#Fees and permits for details.

Get around [ edit ]

There is no public transit. A few taxis and rental cars are available, and bikes can be rented in the summer.

Hitchhikers report that getting a lift in Jasper is very easy.

The town of Jasper is small enough that most places are easily accessed by foot. The surrounding national park will require a car, or taking a tour. Tour companies offer bus service to most of the major tourist destinations including Maligne Lake, The Columbia Icefields and Miette Hot Springs. The two major companies in town are Brewster and SunDog. Both these companies offer similar tours at the same price. The only difference is the size of the tour group: Brewster uses large buses (seating approx. 50) and SunDog has smaller vehicles (seating approx. 12).

By taxi [ edit ]

• Caribou Cabs , ☏ +1 780-931-2334 . ( updated Aug 2022 )

See [ edit ]

• Many attractions in Jasper National Park are a short drive away.
• 52.877322 -118.080616 1 Jasper Information Centre , 500 Connaught Drive , ☏ +1 780-852-6176 .  

Do [ edit ]

• 52.80079 -118.083658 1 Marmot Basin , 1 Marmot Road , ☏ +1 780-852-3816 . Cross-country and downhill skiing. 20 minutes from Jasper, Marmot Basin offers 3,000 vertical feet (914 m) of skiing and snowboarding on 1,720 acres of varied terrain. Large, snow-filled bowls attract powder skiers and snowboarders.  
• Rent a bike . Plenty of sport shops offer bikes, which are a great way to see the area.
• 52.85129 -118.123612 2 Jasper Tramway , Whistler's Road , ☏ +1 780-852-3093 . Cable-car to great views of the area from Whistlers Mountain. The hike from the upper station to the summit is not too difficult with only a few steep sections, however do not forget this is high mountain area and you can be in cold clouds very quickly, even in the summer. Should not really venture too far from the board walk if you are in T-shirt and flip-flops, although some idiots do.  
• Jasper Pride . Jasper's LGBT Pride festival is held in late April, so you can do some spring skiing in between parties and other events. ( updated Oct 2020 )

Buy [ edit ]

• 52.87497 -118.08049 1 Connaught Drive . Full of souvenir shops, clothing stores, and jewellery stores.  
• 52.87505 -118.08189 2 Patricia Street . A few more practical shops.  

Eat [ edit ]

Most of the hotels in or near Jasper have restaurants that will meet or beat your expectations for dining in a small community. Some are higher-toned than others, but across the board food is generally very good and portions tend to be hearty. In addition to the hotel restaurants, the town has several noteworthy dining spots as well as numerous restaurants catering to the hungry but penny-pinching skiers and other visiting outdoors-folk.

• 52.829684 -118.059257 1 Becker's Gourmet Restaurant , ☏ +1 780 852-3535 . French and Canadian cuisine. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.878688 -118.079556 2 Dead Dog Bar & Grill , 404 Connaught St , ☏ +1 780-852-3351 . $7 burger & fries, happy hour on Fridays,  
• 52.875949 -118.081613 3 Earls , 600 Patricia St , ☏ +1 780-852-2393 . Western Canadian cuisine. A restaurant and bar in one, this can get fairly packed out. The staff aren't fantastic, but the food more than makes up for the wait to be seated. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.874636 -118.081034 4 Jasper Brewing Company , 624 Connaught Dr , ☏ +1 780 852-4111 . Unique in Jasper, beer is brewed on-site. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.878672 -118.080586 5 Kimchi House , 407 Patricia St , ☏ +1 780 852-5022 . Korean cuisine. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.87514 -118.08208 6 Patricia Street Deli , 610 Patricia Street , ☏ +1 780-852-4814 . M-Th 9AM-3PM; F-Su 9AM-6PM . Sandwich shop specializing in Canadian fare such as rotisserie chicken, roast turkey and in-house roast beef sandwiches and homemade soups; gluten-free and vegetarian options. ( updated Apr 2024 )
• 52.875065 -118.080734 7 North Face Pizza , 618 Connaught Dr , ☏ +1 780-852-5830 . Excellent pizza, great after a day at Marmot Basin! ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.874793 -118.082007 8 Something Else , 621 Patricia St , ☏ +1 780-852-3850 . A Greek restaurant that serves up a variety of cuisine, and pizza.  

Drink [ edit ]

• 52.887833 -118.077 1 Hearthstone Lounge and Champs Sports Lounge , 82 Connaught Drive , ☏ +1 780-852-5111 . Hearthstone Lounge (10:30AM to 10PM) offers appetizers, soups and a wide selection of light meals. Cocktails, wines by the glass, fine draught beer. Unique furnishings, large flat screen TVs, stone fireplace. Champs Sports Lounge (4:30PM to midnight) offers food and drink, Wednesday night karaoke, UFC fight nights on large flat screen TVs, NHL games and playoffs. $9-20 (lunch, dinner) . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.873571 -118.082082 2 Villa Caruso , 640 Connaught Drive ( Corner Hazel Ave ), ☏ +1 780-852-3920 . Steakhouse & bar. ( updated Mar 2023 )

Sleep [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

In the summer, there is excellent camping in the campgrounds operated by Parks Canada. Throughout the year, it is possible to stay in private home accommodation - rooms or suites in residents' homes. Prices vary, but standards are high - full details of what is available can be found in the tourist office in town, or at the Stay in Jasper website . Hostelling International runs a series of hostels throughout Jasper National Park. Jasper International is the closest to town (7 km south-west from Jasper on Whistlers Road, and is open all year), and four Wilderness Hostels which cater more towards trekkers and those people who "enjoy getting in touch with nature."

• 52.852055 -118.111703 1 HI Jasper , 708 Sleepy Hollow Road ( turn west off highway 93 just south of the townsite ), ☏ +1 778 328-2220 , toll-free: +1-866-762-4122 , [email protected] . Check-in: 1-11PM , check-out: 11AM . Open all year. This large 78-bed hostel was the original ski lodge in Jasper and has a good communal feel that is sorely lacking in many big-city hostels. It is the closest budget accommodation to the Jasper townsite and a great base for hikers. In winter, staff transform the surrounding property into a snowboarding terrain park. The large deck makes a great place for a BBQ in summer and there's an outside bonfire year-round. The hostel has a full kitchen, laundry facilities, TV room, comfortable common room, running water, showers, electricity, and very friendly staff. The dorms are big: 48 beds in the co-ed dorm and 30 beds in the female dorm can make for loud night. Bring earplugs. $40/person for HI members, $44/person for non-members, 4 private rooms are available too. Bookings recommended in summer months . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.890496 -118.067454 2 Pine Bungalows , 2 Cottonwood Creek Road , ☏ +1 780-852-3491 . Cabins in the woods. Elk are known to roam the site. Picnic tables and camp-fire facilities next to accommodation. Near the river so do not forget your mosquito spray. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.850655 -118.077457 3 Whistlers Campground ( 3 km south of Jasper town off the 93. ). ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.8384 -118.0638 4 Wapiti Campground , Highway 93 ( 3 km south of Jasper ). Campground for tents or caravans with water stations, flush toilets and hot showers. ( updated Aug 2017 )
• 52.76583 -117.98915 5 Wabasso Campground , Highway 93A ( 17 km south of Jasper ). Simple campground for tents or caravans with water stations, flush toilets but no shower. Reservation possible as well as "First arrived first served". $21 for a tent site . ( updated Aug 2017 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

There are numerous motels and inns within the town, as well as in Hinton , just outside the eastern entrance to the park.

• 52.882063 -118.078649 6 The Crimson , 200 Connaught Dr , ☏ +1 587-802 3577 , toll-free: +1 888 704 9425 . Motel with wi-fi; rooms are spacious, although rather dark, with clean bathrooms. Hot tub, conference facilities, lounge and restaurant. Includes buffet breakfast with fruit, cereals, bagels, muffins, croissants, many types of bread, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, sautéed potatoes, French toast and pancakes. $200 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.872063 -118.088839 7 Austrian Haven B&B , 812 Patricia St , ☏ +1 780-852-4259 . Owned by a friendly and welcoming Austrian lady. Two rooms, big comfortable beds, excellent views of the mountains around Jasper.  
• 52.885829 -118.080552 8 Château Jasper , 96 Geikie St , toll-free: +1-888-852-7737 . Hotel, restaurant and conference facilities. $140-462 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.884515 -118.080756 9 Jasper Inn & Suites , 98 Geikie Street , ☏ +1 780-852-4461 , toll-free: +1-800-661-1933 , fax : +1 780-852-5916 . Check-in: 4PM , check-out: 11AM . Cozy fireside accommodation and casual fine dining. $93-413 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.886502 -118.080252 10 Lobstick Lodge , 94 Geikie Street , ☏ +1 780-852-4431 . Restaurant, five hot tubs, indoor pool. Fall has the cheapest rates (<$100 is common), while summer is high season (June - August). ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.870684 -118.09153 11 Maligne Lodge , 912 Connaught Ave , ☏ +1 780-852-3143 , fax : +1 780-852-4789 . $86-473 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.88779 -118.077183 12 Marmot Lodge , 86 Connaught Drive , ☏ +1 780-852-4471 . Heated indoor pool, sauna and whirlpool. Kitchen suites. $70-260 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.87095 -118.09009 13 Mount Robson Inn , 902 Connaught Drive , ☏ +1 780-852-3327 . Two storey motel style inn, 80 rooms and suites, air conditioning, cable TV. $94-325 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.902897 -118.097559 14 Patricia Lake Bungalows , Pyramid Lake Road , ☏ +1 780-852-3560 , toll-free: +1-888-499-6848 , fax : +1 780-852-4060 . Rooms, suites and cabins at lakeside at end of private road. Grill and camp-fire facilities as well as small children's playground and canoe hire for the lake. Great location out of town. $100-355 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.889538 -118.077495 15 Forest Park Hotel , 76 Connaught Drive , ☏ +1 780-852-5111 , toll-free: +1-866-606-6700 . 153 rooms, most with private balcony and mountain view. Conference Centre, Hearthstone Lounge, Champs Sports Lounge, Mountain Wellness Spa, indoor pool, hot tubs, jacuzzi, sauna, fitness centre and business centre. $115-360 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.886573 -118.078128 16 Tonquin Inn , 100 Juniper Street , ☏ +1 780-852-4987 . Good quality motel-style rooms. Very good restaurant on site. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 52.86879 -118.10142 17 Columbine House , 1118 Patricia Street , ☏ +1-780-852-5477 , [email protected] . Check-in: 4PM , check-out: 11AM . $125-160 . ( updated Jan 2019 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 52.883039 -118.044112 18 Jasper Park Lodge ( Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge ), Old Lodge Rd ( turn south off Highway 16 just east of the townsite, and make a quick right after crossing the river ), ☏ +1 780-852-3301 , toll-free: +1-800-257-7544 , fax : +1 780 852-5107 , [email protected] . The best-known hotel in Jasper, this grand old hotel is one of the most famous and storied mountain resorts in Canada. Started as a tenting site in conjunction with the Grand Trunk Railway in 1915, it has grown into a destination resort. $400 and up . ( updated Mar 2023 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Bears looking for food are a potential problem. The city has installed bear-proof garbage cans and business use bear-proof dumpsters.

It is a good solution until the bears learn how to read!

Go next [ edit ]

• Travel by train to Vancouver or Edmonton, see "By train" above under "Get in."
• It is also popular to travel down to Columbia Icefield , Banff National Park , Lake Louise and Banff along the very scenic Icefields Parkway , making stops at Athabasca Falls, Peyto Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, and Bow Lake.
• Mount Robson Provincial Park . The park's namesake peak is the highest in the Canadian Rockies at 3954 metres. Mount Robson Provincial Park is 217,200 hectares of stunning mountains, valleys, and waterways. Forests of spruce, fir, balsam, cedar and alder are home to an abundant array of wildlife including mountain goats, moose, deer, elk, marmot and squirrels and chipmunks. The Rearguard Falls of the Fraser River is the furthest migration point of the Pacific salmon.

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Jasper Information Centre

Top ways to experience Jasper Information Centre and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Jasper Information Centre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.03 mi) Wilcox Creek Campground
• (0.10 mi) Whistlers Campground
• (0.13 mi) Jasper Downtown Hostel
• (0.06 mi) Whistlers Inn
• (0.07 mi) Athabasca Hotel
• (0.01 mi) Sihtaw Restaurant
• (0.04 mi) The Raven Bistro
• (0.11 mi) Snowdome Coffee Bar
• (0.06 mi) Cassios Italian Restaurant
• (0.10 mi) Earl's Restaurant

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Jasper National Park Itinerary

Last Updated on February 12, 2024

by Audrey Webster

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Just north of Banff National Park sits Jasper—a less-visited but no less beautiful national park in the Canadian Rockies. Planning a 2 to 3 days in Jasper National Park itinerary is one of the best ways to see this incredible natural area in the mountains of Alberta.

While you could spend an endless amount of time exploring the park and all the natural wonders it has to offer, spending a few days in Jasper is enough to get a feel for the park and the splendors it contains. Whether you’re looking for plenty of hikes or simply want to take in incredible lake and mountain views, visiting Jasper is never a bad idea.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Jasper National Park?

After a quick search to get a sense of all the things to do in Jasper, you’re probably left wondering how many days to spend in the national park to catch the highlights without overextending yourself. If you only have a few days, here’s what you can expect.

If you have 2 days in Jasper, you can catch the park’s most famous highlights. Plan to be met with crowds and spend much of your day driving, but you will see most of the landmarks that make this park spectacular.

With 3 days, you can either see the sights at your leisure or spend the extra day hiking and lounging. There are a number of comfortable mountain lakes and relaxing hot springs to spend a nice afternoon and round out your visit to Jasper.

Getting To & Around Jasper National Park 

The two airports nearest Jasper National Park are Calgary International Airport and Edmonton International Airport. Calgary is about a five-hour drive away from the park while Edmonton is four hours away by car.

You can book a shuttle bus from Edmonton to Jasper, but it tends to be expensive and limits your ability to get around the park. Many visitors see Banff National Park in tandem with Jasper, so flying into Calgary and driving through Banff to Jasper makes the most sense.

Keep in mind that you will need to purchase a Park Pass in order to enter Jasper. There are a few different options available that can suit lots of different travel styles and preferences, so make sure to choose which is best for you.

That said, the best way to get around Jasper is with a car. You can rent one at whichever airport you fly into by browsing Rentalcars.com to compare prices. Alternatively, you can consider renting from Outdoorsy if you prefer an RV or campervan. This grants you the most flexibility to see the park.

You can sign up for tours such as this full-day tour but they usually won’t take you everywhere you might want to go. We highly recommend you rent a car to see through your Jasper itinerary. 

2 to 3-Day Jasper Itinerary

For your itinerary to feel complete, add some of these highlights to your travel plans. You can adjust the order based on where you’re staying in the park, but the list below contains some of the park’s most impressive landmarks.

Day 1 – Jasper SkyTram, Columbia Icefields & Athabasca Glacier and Falls

Ride the jasper skytram.

Welcome yourself to Jasper by taking a ride on the Jasper SkyTram. It’s a quick way to get an early sense of everything Jasper has to offer and you can pre-book tickets here.

From the top, you’ll get panoramic views of the Rockies. You can see the town of Jasper, the Athabasca River, surrounding mountain ranges, and much more.

Take your time walking along the boardwalk with several options for viewpoints or relax in the restaurant. You can go on a short hike to the top of Whistlers Mountain. Bear in mind that the SkyTram is usually only operational from March to October, weather permitting. 

Columbia Icefields 

The Columbia Icefields never fail to impress their visitors. It sits along the Icefields Parkway, the highway that runs through Banff and Jasper, connecting the two parks. The icefields include several major glaciers with a few ways to get excellent views.

First, is from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center. If you want to hike to a viewpoint, consider the Toe of the Glacier trail for a close-up view of Wilcox Pass for a bird’s-eye view.

You can also stop by the Columbia Icefield Skywalk—a glass-floored lookout that gives viewers a look over Sunwapta Valley and nearby glaciers.

Athabasca Glacier

It’s worth it to call out one glacier in particular: Athabasca Glacier. It’s one of the most-visited glaciers in North America and it’s the lowest tip of the Columbia Icefields. During peak travel seasons, Athabasca Glacier sees a lot of tourists.

You can walk right up to the base of the glacier or you can hop on a trail nearby to get away from the crowds for a broader view. During the hikes we recommended viewing the Columbia Icefields, you’ll also get good views of Athabasca Glacier. 

Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls is located on the upper Athabasca River, just south of the town of Jasper. There are various viewing platforms and walking trails so you can experience the falls from several angles.

The waterfall was created when the Athabasca Valley Glacier receded, revealing a cavernous landscape that pushed tons of water through.

In total, the falls are about 79 feet, with several tiers of drops. By far the best time to visit is in the early spring when snowmelt sends water pummeling over the falls. 

Day 2 – Maligne Lake and Canyon, Pyramid Lake & Medicine Lake

Maligne lake and spirit island.

If you want to start your second day on a slower note, head over the Maligne Lake. This is the largest lake in the Canadian Rockies, with stunning views of forests, mountains, and the crystal clear lake all around. The drive to this lake along the Maligne Lake Road is one of the most scenic in the entire park, with incredible views and jaw-dropping overlooks to see along the way.

One of the most popular ways to explore the lake is by boat. The boat tour takes you around the lake to point out unique geographical features and the history of the area. You’ll also make a short stop at Spirit Island. You can take a walk along the short trail around the island before heading back to the boat.

The photo of Spirit Island surrounded by the lake and mountains is one of the most iconic images of Jasper. 

For those after an easy and beautiful hike in the area, also consider the Moose Lake Loop, which is a family-friendly circular route. The trailhead is located close to the boat launch area, so this is something you can easily combine with a cruise on the lake.

Medicine Lake

Medicine Lake is a popular and easy stop along the route to Maligne Lake. Its smooth waters reflect the mountains and trees surrounding it. The lake is fed by glacial water, filling it with crystal clear water. Medicine Lake has earned the nickname “disappearing lake” because of an underground drainage system.

There are sinkholes at the bottom of the lake that drain the water through caves before resurfacing about ten miles downriver. It’s a natural wonder, beautiful site to behold, and an excellent spot for looking for wildlife.

The best time to spot wildlife is early in the morning or at dusk. Elk, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bears, and moose are all common sightings throughout the park. You can also choose to go on a wildlife tour to explore with a guide.

Maligne Canyon

Here is one of Jasper National Park’s most unique features. This narrow gorge stretches more than 160 feet in some places. Its limestone walls have been carved by the powerful Maligne River. It’s a scenic area to go on a hike along the interpretive trail.

It’s a fenced path that runs along the cliffside. You’ll cross bridges that span the canyon creating excellent vantage points over the fast-flowing river below. The canyon is especially impressive during winter.

The water freezes over to cover the gorge in ice. You can take an ice walk to see it up close and personal. But the canyon is beautiful all year round.

Pyramid Lake and Island

The little island on Pyramid Lake is an unexpected favorite for many Jasper visitors. It also happens to be one of the most iconic photo ops in the entire park.

Pyramid Lake is a calm, kidney bean-shaped lake at the base of Pyramid Mountain. Its smooth waters create a mirror reflection of the surrounding landscape. This makes it a great spot to swim on a warm day or pause for an afternoon picnic.

To reach Pyramid Island, you’ll cross a narrow wooden bridge over a shallow section of the lake. 

And if you haven’t had enough lakes for the day, then consider heading a little bit away from Pyramid Lake to the beautiful Lake Edith and Lake Annette, two more incredible bodies of water nestled in the Rockies.

Day 3 – Sunwapta Falls and Valley, Cavell Meadows, Miette Hot Springs & Lac Beauvert

Sunwapta falls and valley.

You’ll see a lot of Sunwapta Valley as you’re making your way through Jasper National Park, but Sunwapta Falls is another beautiful waterfall you’ll find in Jasper. It was created by a hanging valley.

This is a place where two valleys, one deeper than the other, collided to create a sharp drop in the landscape. At Athabasca Falls, Chaba Valley and Athabasca Valley met.

You can visit Sunwapta Falls alone or head out on the trail to visit the lesser-trafficked Lower Sunwapta Falls or hike into the backcountry. Like all waterfalls in the park, the most impressive time to visit is during the spring.

Cavell Meadows

The hike through Cavell Meadows is a perfect mash-up of everything Jasper has to offer over a few-mile hike. Before you go, know that because it’s a hike of moderate difficulty and offers beautiful scenery, it does tend to be popular.

Try to be on the trail earlier in the day. That said, along this hike, you pass by alpine meadows, wildflowers, Angel Glacier, and Cavell Pond, with stunning views of Mt. Edith Cavell. You can expect to run into some wildlife here as well. Marmots and pikas are common. 

Miette Hot Springs

What better way to conclude seeing Jasper in 3 days by relaxing in hot springs? After you’ve walked many miles and taken in all the park’s stunning beauty, head over to Fiddle Valley where you’ll find Miette Hot Springs.

These outdoor pools are located high in the hills, granting visitors exceptional views while they enjoy the warmest natural hot springs in the Rockies. The water emerges from the ground at 54°C (129°F) and is cooled to 40°C (104°F) before being funnelled into the pool.

The pools are generally open from May to October but double-check before your visit. 

Lac Beauvert

If you have time to spare on your last day in Jasper, visit Lac Beauvert. It’s convenient to reach if you’re staying in the town of Jasper as it’s located near the Jasper Park Lodge. You can explore the lake in multiple ways.

First, you have the option of hiking around the lake on the Lac Beauvert Trail. This entirely forested trail circles the lake and stretches just over two miles long. Alternatively, you can rent a kayak, paddle board, or pedal boat to see the lake and surrounding landscape from the water.

It’s quiet, serene, and relaxing. The Jasper Planetarium is also located on the lakeshore. 

Have More Time?

Spend an afternoon or morning wandering around the townsite of Jasper. It was formerly a railroad hub, but Jasper is now a charming town filled with bakeries, restaurants, and cafes.

If you’re interested in taking a deeper dive into the local cuisine, you can sign up for a food tour to taste some of the highlights. You also could opt to visit nearby Patricia Lake if you haven’t had enough of gorgeous lakes on your trip.

Mount Robson is the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies and just a short day trip from Jasper. Mount Robson Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers guests an exceptional visitor’s center where you can enjoy nice views of the mountain and surrounding landscape.

There are several options throughout the park to see it from the water as well. You can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle board to explore one of the lakes. Another option is taking a rafting tour on the Athabasca River, with a few exciting rapids and tons of stunning viewpoints.

Where to Stay in Jasper

Mount Robson Inn – This 3-star hotel in downtown Jasper is a great option for mid-range visitors to the national park. They have a number of great rooms to choose from, a perfect location for exploring all the area has to offer and gorgeous mountain views from all rooms.

Miette Hot Springs Bungalows – These cosy bungalows are an excellent choice for those looking for a private yet luxe place to stay when visiting Jasper. Located outside the town of Jasper, there are a range of bungalows to choose from and plenty of wonderful amenities available to guests.

Private Rental – Those looking for their own space while they visit Jasper National Park will find an array of private rentals available in the area. There are properties to suit all kinds of visitors – such as this two-bedroom apartment in the town of Jasper.

HI Jasper – Budget travelers will love this hostel located in the center of the town of Jasper. Offering both dorms and private rooms, they have great common areas with a cosy fireplace and chalet-style feel.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Jasper hotels!

It goes without saying, but Jasper is full of beautiful lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and canyons to explore. Just a short time in Jasper couldn’t possibly capture everything the park has to offer. We hope this Jasper itinerary gives you plenty of options for what to do on your trip to Jasper National Park. Enjoy your trip!

Are you planning to visit Jasper? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

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After Banff, Jasper Alberta is the second largest town located in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks and is the only town in Jasper National Park. Jasper lies approximately 290km north of Banff, and much of the journey is along the incredibly scenic Icefields Parkway, which warrants the trip in itself. Jasper sees fewer visitors than Banff, which is part of its charm, but the mountain scenery is no less impressive in this area and a true tour of the Rocky Mountains would be incomplete without a visit to the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies.

History of Jasper

Jasper was fist settled in 1813 when the North West Company built an outpost there, which later became known as Jasper House. This outpost was later abandoned in the 1880’s, and in 1907 Jasper Forest Park was established, which was later to become a National Park in 1930. The first hotels in Jasper were built in the 1920’s and tourism has been strong ever since.

Jasper Tours & Activities

Jasper offers a varied choice of tours and activities from relaxing hot springs to adrenaline filled rafting adventures and everything in between. If you are looking for mountain scenery, the Jasper Tramway offers amazing views of the Athabasca River and the peaks of Jasper National Park, and sightseeing tours to Maligne Lake, and the Columbia Icefield are also not to be missed. Hiking in Jasper National Park is an absolute joy, and the trails tend to be much quieter than those in Banff National Park to the south, and in the winter Marmot Basin offers excellent skiing and snowboarding, just a 20 minute drive from the town of Jasper. With horseback riding, helicopter sightseeing tours, and even motorcycle tours, there is no shortage of ways to get out and about around Jasper National Park.

Jasper Hotels & Accommodation

Whether you are searching for a mountain style log cabin, an affordable downtown hotel, or a magnificent lakeside lodge, you are sure to find accommodation in Jasper Alberta to match your taste and budget. For the rustic cabin experience, Beckers Chalets is a popular place to stay on the Icefields Parkway, and the budget conscious will appreciate the attractive rates at the Bear Hill Lodge . The Astoria Hotel and Whistlers Inn both offer a convenient downtown location in the mid level price range, while at the very top end of the scale, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is a grand Canadian lodge on the shore of beautiful Lac Beauvert. Jasper also offers a good range of traditional bed and breakfasts, and a larger number of private home accommodations which are also often called bed & breakfast, but are mostly in the form of private suites without breakfast. As is the case throughout the National Parks, campgrounds are also abundant in the Jasper area.

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2023 Visitor's Guide

New! Visitor Experience Centre now open

Tourism Jasper is excited to announce the new Visitor Experience Centre, which opened its doors to the public in spring 2023. This innovative venue provides an enhanced space for visitors to learn about the unique and locally-recommended things to do, see, and taste throughout Jasper National Park.

By creating a stand-alone Visitor Experience Centre that is easily identifiable and located in the heart of Jasper, Tourism Jasper can improve the visitor experience and directly support the local tourism industry. The focus will be on fostering deeper, more personal connections to the town and its people.

Since opening in May, the Visitor Experience Centre is already reaching many more travellers. It is quickly outpacing past in-destination initiatives: throughout July the centre's Travel Counsellors have assisted nearly three times the number of people compared to July 2022.

“The visitor's experience comprises much more than what tour they went on. It includes things like access to information, a sense of arrival, safety/cleanliness of spaces, interactions with residents and businesses and the overall delivery of the brand promise that drew them to Jasper in the first place.” says Tyler Riopel, Director of Destination Development. “Our new Visitor Experience Centre will help boost vibrancy in the core and drive referrals directly to businesses in the park.”

Funded in part by Western Economic Diversification Canada, the Visitor Experience Centre was built by Honomobar, an Alberta-based company, from a repurposed sea can and will be located at 414 Patricia Street beside the Old Fire Hall.

“Our team of summer travel counsellors are passionate about Jasper and excited to share their tips and tricks on how to explore like a local.” notes Meg Olson, Visitor Experience Centre Coordinator. “Everyone is looking forward to welcoming guests from around the world and making sure they have a memorable experience in Jasper.”

Contact Information Address: 414 Patricia Street Email: [email protected] Phone: 780-820-1006 Toll Free: 1-877-560-8782

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Jasper Visitor Experience Centre will be operating from 9am to 7pm 7 days a week ! Our team can assist you via email or our contact form on jasper.travel .

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BBC staff get new London-Manchester train service

A new rail service between Rochdale and London is being introduced to the benefit of BBC staff working at its northern outpost.

Plans for a route terminating in Rochdale, nestled in the Pennine Hills 10 miles north of Manchester, will aid those travelling to the BBC’s Media City office in Salford.

Rochdale, a former mill town of 110,000 people , last had its own rail connection to the capital a quarter of a century ago.

Passengers from the area will benefit from a new three-hour service along the West Coast Main Line to London Euston, travelling at speeds of up to 125mph.

FirstGroup, which is behind the proposal, said the service will support around 1.6 million people in the region. 

Operations are planned from 2027 under FirstGroup’s Lumo brand, requiring a fleet of around half a dozen new trains.

Japan’s Hitachi is expected to be best-placed to secure the procurement contract, having supplied Lumo’s existing five-train fleet from its plant in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

The trains will operate under overhead wires as far as Manchester and be equipped with batteries to complete the last few miles on the unelectrified line to Rochdale.

At the heart of the plan is the restoration of direct London trains to Manchester Victoria station, once one of Britain’s major rail hubs but in recent years reduced to providing mostly local trains and semi-fast services to other northern cities.

The service will also stop at Eccles, which FirstGroup said will serve nearby Salford and provide Media City employees with a convenient route to London.

This will mean they do not have to travel to Piccadilly Station, Manchester’s hub for trains to the capital.

MediaCity hosts 3,200 employees and is home to BBC Sport, BBC Breakfast, Radio 5 Live and the BBC Philharmonic, as well as children’s and religious programming and local TV and radio. 

The trains, which will offer wi-fi and at-seat catering, will make two more stops before heading to Euston, and are set to make six return journeys a day,

Lumo, launched in 2021, already operates a service between London and Edinburgh, which it is looking to extend to Glasgow, while sister brand Hull Trains has been operating between London and the Yorkshire city since 2000.

The company has applied to run the new Rochdale service under open access rules that allow for the launch of new routes not catered to by existing franchises where demand is sufficient. 

Other open access operators include Arriva UK’s Grand Central, which provides services to Sunderland and Bradford from King’s Cross, though several more have fallen by the wayside after proving unviable, including a service from London Marylebone to Wrexham.

Labour’s plan to renationalise the railways by taking franchises under state ownership as they expire shouldn’t impact the plan, according to FirstGroup, which cited a commitment to retain the open access model in the recent Getting Britain Moving strategy.

FirstGroup already runs Manchester’s existing express service to London through its Avanti West Coast business.

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