Top places to visit in Jasper

• Columbia Icefield & Athabasca Glacier

  glacier · 4.7 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

  The largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains, feeding the Athabasca Glacier whose toe is accessible near the Icefields Parkway. The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre is the hub for Ice Explorer and Skywalk tours. Sits on the Jasper-Banff…

• Maligne Lake & Spirit Island

  glacial-lake · 4.8 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate

  The largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, fed by glacial meltwater. Spirit Island, a tiny tree-topped islet reachable only by boat cruise, is one of the most photographed scenes in Canada. A Parks Canada pass is required for the…

• Athabasca Falls

  waterfall · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

  A powerful, picturesque waterfall on the Athabasca River where the river funnels through a narrow quartzite gorge. Short paved trails and viewing platforms make it accessible to all visitors. Located along Highway 93A.

• Maligne Canyon

  canyon · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A dramatic limestone gorge up to 50m deep carved by the Maligne River, crossed by a series of footbridges. Popular for self-guided walks in summer and guided ice-walks among frozen waterfalls in winter.

• Jasper SkyTram & Whistlers Mountain

  cable-car · 4.6 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  Canada's longest and highest guided aerial tramway, climbing The Whistlers to 2,263m. From the upper station a boardwalk and summit hike reach panoramic Rocky Mountain views over the town and Athabasca Valley.

• Miette Hot Springs

  hot-springs · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate

  The hottest natural mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies, cooled to comfortable soaking pools set among the Fiddle Valley mountains. A scenic 17km road leads to the springs; operated seasonally by Parks Canada.

• Pyramid Lake

  lake · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A serene lake just north of Jasper townsite backed by Pyramid Mountain, with a small island reached by a wooden footbridge. Popular for canoeing, easy walks, sunset photography and as a dark-sky viewing spot.

• Sunwapta Falls

  waterfall · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

  A scenic waterfall where the Sunwapta River drops into a deep canyon around a small rocky island, fed by the Athabasca Glacier. Located off the Icefields Parkway with short walking trails to upper and lower falls.

• Mount Edith Cavell

  mountain · 4.7 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A towering 3,363m peak with the hanging Angel Glacier visible from the Path of the Glacier trail, which leads to Cavell Pond and its floating icebergs. The seasonal access road is narrow and closes in winter.

• Jasper Dark Sky Preserve

  dark-sky · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate

  One of the world's largest accessible dark-sky preserves, covering all of Jasper National Park. Exceptional stargazing, frequent aurora, and the annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival. Best viewed away from townsite lights at Pyramid Lake or…

• Medicine Lake

  lake · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

  A geologically unusual lake along Maligne Lake Road that drains through an underground karst system, causing dramatic seasonal water-level changes - nearly disappearing by late autumn. Excellent for wildlife and scenery.

• Jasper Townsite & Jasper-Yellowhead Museum

  town · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  The compact, walkable mountain town that serves as the park hub, with shops, cafes and the historic railway station. The Jasper-Yellowhead Museum tells the area's railway, fur-trade and mountaineering history. The townsite was affected by…

Things to do

• Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island Boat · 1.5 h · from CAD 99 per person
• Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure & Skywalk Sightseeing · 3 h · from CAD 119 per person
• Jasper SkyTram Ride Sightseeing · 2 h · from CAD 65 per person
• Jasper Wildlife Watching Tour Wildlife · 3 h · from CAD 95 per person
• Jasper Dark Sky Stargazing Experience Stargazing · 2 h · from CAD 79 per person
• Athabasca River Whitewater Rafting Rafting · 3 h · from CAD 109 per person
• Maligne Canyon Guided Ice Walk Hiking · 3 h · from CAD 85 per person
• Maligne Valley & Lakes Day Tour Sightseeing · 7 h · from CAD 145 per person

Day trips and tours

• Icefields Parkway Full-Day Scenic Tour 9 h · from CAD 189
• Maligne Valley Discovery Day Tour 8 h · from CAD 165
• Jasper Wildlife & Lakes Half-Day Tour 4 h · from CAD 99

Where to stay in Jasper

• Jasper Townsite about CAD 250 per night

  The walkable heart of the park with most hotels, restaurants, shops and the railway station. Best base for first-time visitors who want to be near amenities.

• Pyramid & Patricia Lakes Area about CAD 320 per night

  Quieter lakeside lodging just north of town, ideal for nature, canoeing and dark-sky stargazing while still close to the townsite.

• Lac Beauvert / Fairmont Area about CAD 700 per night

  The upscale resort enclave around Lac Beauvert and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, offering golf, spa and a tranquil lakeshore setting minutes from town.

Hotels

• Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge 5-star · CAD 550 to CAD 1,400 per night
• Mount Robson Inn 3.5-star · CAD 210 to CAD 400 per night
• Pyramid Lake Lodge 4-star · CAD 280 to CAD 520 per night
• HI Jasper Hostel CAD 45 to CAD 160 per night
• The Crimson Jasper 3.5-star · CAD 230 to CAD 430 per night
• Sawridge Inn Jasper 3.5-star · CAD 220 to CAD 420 per night

Where to eat

• Bear's Paw Bakery Bakery, Cafe, Coffee · about CAD 12 per person
• Jasper Brewing Company Brewpub, Canadian, Pub Food · about CAD 35 per person
• Jasper Pizza Place Pizza, Canadian, Casual · about CAD 28 per person
• Evil Dave's Grill Contemporary, Canadian, International · about CAD 45 per person
• Coco's Cafe Cafe, Vegetarian, Breakfast · about CAD 16 per person
• Fiddle River Restaurant Canadian, Seafood, Regional · about CAD 50 per person
• Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria Italian, Pizza · about CAD 26 per person
• Syrahs of Jasper Canadian, Fine Dining, Wine Bar · about CAD 70 per person

Getting to Jasper

Nearest airport: Grande Prairie (YQU), about 262 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.

Getting around

• Bus
• Car Rental Self
• Walking

Safety and scams to avoid

• Fake "park pass" or tour resellers online

  Online / third-party booking sites

  Around peak season some third-party sites resell Parks Canada passes or popular tours (Maligne cruise, Glacier Adventure) at inflated prices or, rarely, sell invalid passes.

  How to avoid it: Buy your Parks Canada Discovery/day pass from the official Parks Canada site or at the park gate, and book marquee tours through official operators (Pursuit, Maligne) or reputable platforms. Avoid unofficial resellers.

More in Canada

• Toronto
• Vancouver
• Montreal
• Banff
• Niagara Falls
• Quebec City

Frequently asked questions about Jasper

What are the top-rated places to visit in Jasper?

The highest-rated places in our Jasper guide are Maligne Lake & Spirit Island, Columbia Icefield & Athabasca Glacier, Athabasca Falls, Maligne Canyon, Mount Edith Cavell.

Where should I stay in Jasper?

Our guide covers these areas to stay in Jasper: Jasper Townsite, Pyramid & Patricia Lakes Area, Lac Beauvert / Fairmont Area.

How do I get around Jasper?

Ways to get around Jasper covered in our guide: City bus, Self-drive car, Walking.

What scams should I watch out for in Jasper?

Scams reported to us for Jasper include Fake "park pass" or tour resellers online. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.