Written by Alexander Kopp, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans
01/08/2025
Joshua Woroniecki, Pexels
Nestled within the vast Canadian Rockies, Jasper offers a blend of natural majesty and outdoor pursuits. Visitors can discover sharp peaks, shimmering turquoise lakes, and expansive glaciers, alongside abundant wildlife. It provides a destination for both active adventures and tranquil escapes, notably as the world's second-largest Dark Sky Preserve for stargazing.
The town of Jasper provides avenues for socializing, with commercial activity focused on Connaught Drive and Patricia Street, featuring shops, restaurants, cafes, and galleries. Local watering holes are available for drinks, and establishments like the Athabasca Hotel and The Whistle Stop host live music. While nightlife may be limited, the town's welcoming atmosphere encourages gathering.
Top 6 Things to do in Jasper
Jasper offers a range of activities focused on exploring its natural landscapes, from tranquil lake visits and scenic drives to invigorating hikes and wildlife encounters.
1. Explore Maligne Canyon
Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park, where the Maligne River carves through a dramatic gorge up to 50 meters high. Visitors can follow walking trails that hug the canyon walls, crossing six bridges that offer unique perspectives of the geological formations and powerful waterfalls. This area is captivating year-round, transforming into a magical wonderland with frozen falls and icy caverns in winter.
Cost: Access to Maligne Canyon is free, beyond the Parks Canada Pass required for entry into Jasper National Park. Guided tours are available and vary in price.
Transport: Maligne Canyon is located approximately 15 minutes from downtown Jasper along the Maligne Lake Drive. A taxi from Jasper townsite would cost approximately CAD 18-33 for a 10-20 km ride. While no specific public transit route to Maligne Canyon is mentioned, various tour operators offer transportation from hotels in Jasper.
2. Hike the Valley of the Five Lakes
The Valley of the Five Lakes offers a picturesque hiking experience, featuring a series of five pristine lakes, each with unique shades of green and blue water due to glacial rock dust and algae. The most popular loop is 4.5 km and takes 1.5 to 2 hours, suitable for families. Longer options are available, including a 7.3 km loop around the first lake, which is less crowded. It is recommended to wear proper hiking shoes and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds. Note: As of July 2025, this hike was reported as closed due to fire damage, so it is essential to check current Jasper National Park trail reports before planning a visit.
Cost: The hike itself is free, aside from the Parks Canada Pass required for park entry.
Transport: The trailhead is located about 9-10 km south of the Jasper townsite, just off the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). Parking is available at the trailhead. A taxi ride from Jasper townsite could cost approximately CAD 18-33 for a 10-20 km trip. Jasper Transit offers service to areas around Jasper, including some campgrounds and Pyramid Lake, but direct service to this specific trailhead is not noted.
3. Go Wildlife Viewing
Jasper National Park is home to abundant wildlife, and guided tours offer an excellent opportunity to observe animals such as elk, deer, black bears, moose, mountain goats, and eagles in their natural habitats. Wildlife sightings are most frequent during the early morning and evening hours. Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience by providing information on the park's ecology and animal behaviors.
Cost: Guided wildlife tours typically range from approximately CAD 160 to CAD 200 per person, depending on the duration and specific inclusions.
Transport: Many wildlife tours offer in-town pickup and drop-off from Jasper hotels, making transportation convenient.
4. Experience the Icefields Parkway and Athabasca Glacier
The Icefields Parkway is a world-renowned scenic drive connecting Jasper and Banff National Parks, offering breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes. A highlight of this route is the Columbia Icefield, where visitors can take an 'Ice Explorer' vehicle onto the Athabasca Glacier itself. An experienced driver-guide shares fascinating information about glaciers and their impact. Additionally, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk provides an unobstructed, glass-floored observation platform offering expansive views of the Sunwapta Valley. Warm layers are recommended, as glacier temperatures can be significantly cooler.
Cost: A full tour from Jasper that includes admissions to the Columbia Icefield Adventure (Ice Explorer) and Skywalk, along with a hot buffet lunch, starts from approximately CAD 360 for adults and CAD 234 for children (ages 6-15). Children 5 years and under are typically free.
Transport: Tours depart directly from Jasper, and driving oneself along the Icefields Parkway is also an option, though there is no cellular service along this stretch.
5. Visit Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls is a powerful and impressive waterfall located just off the Icefields Parkway. Visitors can take short, easy walks around designated viewpoints to admire the thundering water and the surrounding canyon. For those seeking more adventure, rafting tours are available that start at the base of the falls, navigating Class 2 whitewater rapids.
Cost: Access to Athabasca Falls is free, with a Parks Canada Pass required for park entry. Rafting tours on the Athabasca River starting near the falls can be booked separately, with prices varying by operator.
Transport: Athabasca Falls is located approximately 30-32 km south of the Jasper townsite. Driving is the most common way to reach the falls. A taxi from Jasper to Athabasca Falls would cost between CAD 75-95 one way. Tours that include stops along the Icefields Parkway often incorporate Athabasca Falls.
6. Explore Pyramid Lake and Island
Pyramid Lake is a stunning lake near Jasper, known for the reflection of the pyramid-shaped Pyramid Mountain in its calm waters. A small bridge connects the mainland to Pyramid Island, a popular spot for photography and tranquil moments. The lake is ideal for relaxing, swimming on hot days, or engaging in water activities like canoeing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Guided canoe tours are also available from the shore.
Cost: Access to Pyramid Lake and Island is free, besides the Parks Canada Pass. Canoe rentals are available, and guided canoe tours have separate costs.
Transport: Pyramid Lake is approximately 7.5 km from the Jasper townsite. Jasper Transit offers a route that includes Pyramid Lake Resort. A taxi ride from the townsite would be around CAD 20.
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