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24 Best Things to do in Jasper National Park

When most people think about the Canadian Rockies they most often think of Banff National Park.

But did you know that Jasper is actually just as beautiful and has so much to see and do too?

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Whistler's Mountain

Whenever I talk to someone that is planning on visiting Alberta for the first time I’m usually sad to hear that Jasper has been overlooked.

I wanted to write this post to show you that there really are so many incredible things to do in Jasper National Park and that you definitely should include it in your trip to the Canadian Rockies.

By the way, if you’re planning a trip to the Canadian rockies soon you might also want to check out these posts:

Now onto the list of the best things to do in Jasper National Park!

Ride the Jasper SkyTram

You can’t visit Jasper without taking a ride up the iconic Jasper SkyTram!

The family friendly Jasper SkyTram is an 8 minute ride that will take you up Whistler’s Mountain.

The ride to the top is incredibly scenic, and it gets even better the higher you go.

From the top of the Jasper SkyTram you’ll get to enjoy the incredible view of Jasper below and the surrounding mountain range that will surely take your breath away.

The Jasper SkyTram is hands down one of the best things to do in Jasper, especially for families or those with less mobility.

However, even adventure seekers will have a great time hiking further along the Alpine Trail at the top.

Hike the Alpine Trail

Your ride up the Jasper SkyTram is just the beginning of your high in the sky adventure for the day.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Whistler's Mountain

Once you leave the Upper Station (at the top of the Jasper SkyTram) you can either walk along the boardwalk or head out onto the hiking trails that lead all the way to the summit of Whisters Mountain.

If you’re heading off the boardwalk make sure you’re prepared and have all the appropriate hiking equipment.

Hike Whistlers Mountain (Instead of Taking the SkyTram)

If you’re feeling a little more on the adventurous side and like long hikes you have the option of hiking up Whistlers Mountain rather than taking the Jasper SkyTram.

The Whistlers Trail is a 15.4km out and back trail that will take you to the top of Whistlers Mountain.

This hike is rated as difficult, includes some scrambles and can be a challenge. However, if you’re up to the challenge it’s a great hike!

Explore Pyramid Lake Island

Pyramid Lake Island is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Jasper. I just loved it!

You’ll find Pyramid Lake Island about 7.5km from the Jasper Townsite and just down the road from Pyramid Lake Resort.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Pyramid Island

There are only 5 parking stalls here so make sure you either come early in the day or after peak hours.

Once you park you’ll walk across this beautiful bridge to get to the island. Sunsets are really beautiful here!

You might recognize the famous bridge that leads to Pyramid Lake Island, it’s been featured in a lot of instagram photos and videos from notable travel creators.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Pyramid Island
Even though it was smoky the sunset was stunning at Pyramid Lake island

Spend a Night (or Two) at Pyramid Lake Resort

Another incredible place to stay during your time in Jasper is the Pyramid Lake Resort.

Located just down the street from Pyramid island, Pyramid Lake Resort is nestled on the edge of Pyramid Lake and features stunning views and lots to do during your visit.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Pyramid Lake Resort

This 3 star eco-friendly resort of alpine chalets is the perfect place to relax your cares away without breaking the bank.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Pyramid Lake Resort

At Pyramid Lake Resort you can rent kayaks, paddle boats, or even mountain bikes onsite at the lodge.

They also have electric family cruiser boats that fit up to seven people.

You’ll also find some great hiking trails in the area!

Take a Drive down Maligne Lake Road

Maligne Lake Road is my favourite road in Jasper, second only to the Icefields parkway (more on that later).

The incredibly scenic Maligne Lake Road is a 46km road that starts in Jasper and ends at Maligne Lake.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Maligne Lake Road

Along the way you’ll see some absolutely incredible sights, from stunning lakes to mountain ranges.

You even have a great chance of seeing some Moose and other wildlife!

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Moose along Maligne Lake Road

There are many sights to see along Maligne Lake Road, and you won’t be able to do them all in one day.

I would definitely plan to come back to this area twice.

Stop to admire Medicine Lake

Along the way down Maligne Lake Road you will come across Medicine Lake which is actually a vanishing lake!

Medicine Lake got it’s name from indigenous people in the area who believed it had medicinal powers.

Like all lakes in the area, Medicine Lake is continuously draining through a network of underground caves.

During the spring the glacier run off happens faster than it can drain so the lake is full.

By late fall the lake is gone leaving an empty mud flat till the next spring’s melting.

Visit Spirit Island

One of the most incredible places to visit in Jasper is Spirit Island.

In fact Spirit Island, is actually one of the most iconic and famous places in all of Canada!

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Spirit Island

Spirit Island is one of the most famous and photographed places in the Canadian Rockies.

It’s a sacred place to the Stoney Nakoda First Nations, and photos of it have been featured around the world.

I was so excited to see this famous and sacred spot myself and it definitely didn’t disappoint.

Take the Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island

There are two ways you can get to Spirit Island, the best in my opinion (and most family friendly) being on the Maligne Lake Cruise.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Maligne Lake Cruise

The Maligna Lake Cruise takes you on a quick 20 min boat ride to Spirit Island.

Along the way your guide will tell you all about the history of the area and it was so interesting to hear!

I definitely recommend booking your visit to Spirit Island on the Maligne Lake Cruise.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Maligne Lake Cruise

Paddle to Spirit Island

The other option you have to get to Spirit Island is by paddling yourself.

This 14 km journey (each way) is incredibly scenic, but of course not for the faint of heart.

If you love canoeing or kayaking and are up for the adventure though you will absolutely love seeing Spirit Island this way.

The best part about paddling there yourself is that you’ll get to explore Spirit Island for as long as you want.

You can also paddle out there in the morning before the first cruise and get to experience the area alone.

Opal Hills Hiking Trail

Located just a minute away from the Maligne Lake parking lot is the parking lot and trailhead for the Opal Hills loop hiking trail.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Opal Hills Hike

The Opal Hills hiking trail is an incredible 7.9km loop that’s absolutely beautiful to do during the fall especially (but really nice in summer too).

This hike is rated as difficult and the first portion is pretty intense as it’s a steady incline for quite some time (don’t worry though, no scrambles! Just tiring).

Once you get to the top though the rest of the loop is easy and so incredibly scenic.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Opal Hills Hike

When visiting the Opal Hills loop during the fall you’ll get so see all sorts of incredible colors and foliage.

I really loved this beautiful hike and can’t wait to do it again.

Visit the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is hands down the most iconic and luxury hotel in all of Jasper and is an absolute must visit while you’re in the area.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

The lodge itself has plenty of on-site activities for you to do, plus incredible restaurants, shops and a spa.

Whether you decide to just visit for the day or stay the night, you definitely won’t regret visiting this incredible resort.

One of my favourite parts of staying with the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge was just how much they had to do on site!

You don’t even need to leave the resort which makes it a truly relaxing getaway.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Skating at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Skating at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

In the winter the activity centre at the Fairmont Jasper Park lodge has skates you can rent, plus crampons (for the Maligne Canyon ice walk), fat tire bikes, snowshoes and cross country skies.

There are lots of places on property to enjoy these activities including a stunning ice rink and numerous trails through the property.

In the summer the Fairmont has their golf course open, hiking trails, an outdoor pool and spa space, and a boathouse (more on that below!).

Have a Champagne Picnic in the Mountains

One of the most amazing experiences I’ve had during my many stays at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is definitely a champagne picnic on their stunning grounds!

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Have a champagne picnic in the mountains
Pro tip: If you want to have your picnic on the grounds rather than a picnic table like me, bring your own picnic blanket!

Most people don’t know that you can have a champagne picnic at the Fairmont, and you don’t even need to be a guest!

If you’re planning a trip to Jasper, Alberta and want the chance to enjoy a 5 star luxury (and ultra romantic) experience without paying to stay at a 5 star hotel, this is for you.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Have a champagne picnic in the mountains

You can book your Veuve Clicquot champagne picnic (or a regular picnic without the bubbles) with the Fairmont just by sending them an email at jasperparklodge@fairmont.com.

This is the perfect way to experience luxury for the afternoon!

Your gourmet champagne picnic is put together by Fitzhugh’s Fine Foods and will come in a beautiful picnic basket.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Have a champagne picnic in the mountains

Inside will be sandwiches, salads, gourmet sweets, brie cheese, fruits, crackers, and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot!

This really is the ultimate date idea to do while you’re in Jasper.

Paddle on Lac Beauvert

I couldn’t write a post on the best things to do in Jasper without including canoeing!

Lac Beauvert is a beautiful lake that sits alongside The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club.

It’s the perfect place to head out for a paddle and enjoy the sights.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Canoeing on Lac Beauvert

You can rent canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and paddle boats and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge boat house and go for a paddle around Lac Beauvert.

It’s such a beautifully relaxing activity to do and it really is such a pretty lake to paddle on!

You can check the latest rates for rentals at the JPL Boathouse here

Hike around Lac Beauvert

Beyond boating on Lac Beauvert, you can also hike around the lake while you are there.

The Beauvert Lake loop is a 3.4km loop that’s rated as moderate and is incredibly scenic.

it’s definitely worth doing scenic hiking trail, that wraps the entire lake while you are here. Dogs are also allowed on leash!

Hike Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is a 4.3km heavily trafficked (very popular) loop trail that’s just down the road from the Fairmont that has some pretty spectacular views and photo opportunities

The trail follows alongside the canyon the entire hike and the scenery is absolutely incredible.

Although there is some elevation gain, the inclines are fairly gentle and nothing too difficult or steep so it’s friendly for the whole family.

You’ll see all sorts of incredible viewpoints of the canyon from the Fourth, Third, Second and First Bridges and at various points along the way too.

Do the Maligne Canyon Ice Walk (Winter Activity)

If you’re lucky enough to visit Jasper in winter (I think I need to write a whole blog post on this!) you absolutely have to do the Maligne Canyon ice walk.

The Maligne Canyon ice walk was hands down the neatest activity I’ve done in Jasper, and I would go back to Jasper in winter just to get to do it again.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Maligne Canyon Ice Walk

In the dead of winter the river through the Maligne Canyon freezes over and you can walk on the ice right into the canyon.

Along the way you’ll get to explore caves and see frozen waterfalls.

Although you can only do the Maligne Canyon Ice Walk in the dead of winter, because you’re deep in the canyon you won’t actually be as cold because you’re shielded from the wind.

So don’t let that scare you away!

It is honestly one of the most beautiful things to see and the frozen waterfalls are so majestic.

Go for a Drive Along the Icefields Parkway

Going for a drive might not sound like it would be one of the most incredible things to do in Jasper National Park, but that’s because you haven’t seen the Icefields Parkway!

The Icefields Parkway is such an incredibly beautiful drive.

In fact, it was rated one of the top drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveller!

The Icefield Parkway is a 232 km highway that connects Jasper to Banff.

Along this highway you’ll see soaring rocky mountain peaks, icefields and vast sweeping valleys.

Although the entire drive along the Icefields Parkway takes a few hours, the Jasper portion is no more than an hour in and has so much to see and do along the way so you definitely don’t want to miss it!

Visit Mount Edith Cavell

Mount Edith Cavell is a mountain that’s located in Athabasca and Astoria River Valleys.

It’s actually the most prominent peak in all of Alberta and is such a scenic place to visit.

To get to Mount Edith Cavell you’ll drive a little way down the Icefields Parkway before turning off to drive up a smaller winding road up to the trailhead.

At Mount Edith Cavell there are two hikes you can do, both of which start with the path of the glacier trail.

Path of the Glacier Trail

The Path of the Glacier Trail begins at at the end of Mount Edith Cavell road (by the parking lot). From here you have a .8 km moderate level hike that takes you to the viewpoint overlooking Cavell Pond and the layered ice of the Cavell glacier.

You’ll most likely see icebergs that have fallen into the water.

Across the valley you’ll see the Angel Glacier that rests it’s “wings” between Mt. Edith Cavell on the left and Sorrow Peak on the right.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Mount Edith Cavell

It is important to note that due to a change in the landscape this area is now quite dangerous and it is not advised that you approach the Cavell pond. Large chunks of ice are known to fall from the glacier above and cause flash flooding. It is not uncommon that chunks of ice as large as a house have fallen down so it is now best to view the pond from afar.

Once you have finished enjoying the beautiful scenery here you can either head back or continue on the Mount Edith Cavell Meadows Trail.

Mount Edith Cavell Meadows Trail

The Mount Edith Cavell Meadows Trail is an 8.4km heavily trafficked loop that’s rated as moderate.

It is such a beautiful hike and has so many incredible viewpoints along the way.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Mount Edith Cavell

This hike was easily one of my favourites and arguably one of the most beautiful hikes in Jasper National park.

There are multiple viewpoints along the way with the final being the summit.

Sadly I never made it to the top as my travel partner gave up on me but I’ve read it is absolutely incredible and 100% worth doing the last leg.

We stopped at the point you can see above which still had really beautiful views as you can see.

This is definitely one of the best things to do in Jasper and was one of my favourite places we visited!

Visit Athabasca Falls

Further down the Icefields Parkway (about 30 minutes from the townsite of Jasper) you’ll reach Athabasca falls which is one of the most famous waterfalls in the area.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Athabasca Falls

The hike itself is only about 1km and rated as easy so it’s friendly for the whole family.

Here you’ll get to walk along boardwalks and admire the waterfall and racing rapids.

You’ll even get the chance to explore in the canyon before you reach the bottom of the river.

It’s a really stunning place to explore and highly recommended. Especially if this is your first time in the area!

Go Whitewater Rafting on Athabasca or Sunwapta

This is definitely one of the most fun activities to do while you’re in Jasper!

If you’re the adventurous type you have to go whitewater rafting.

Check out the Stunning Sunwapta Falls

Just a couple of minutes down the road from Athabasca falls, and on the edge of Jasper National park is Sunwapta.

In my opinion Sunwapta falls is the most beautiful waterfall you’ll see in Jasper National Park and definitely one of the things to do in Jasper that you won’t want to miss.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Sunwapta Falls

The upper and lower waterfalls are fed by the Athabasca Glacier and you don’t have to hike far to get an incredible view of the upper falls (seen above).

In fact, the viewpoint is basically off the parking lot!

A further 1.3 hike will take you down through the forest to the lower falls.

Here you’ll get to see three waterfalls that spread over the Sunwapta River.

Do the Columbia Icefield Skywalk (Glacier Skywalk)

The Glacier Skywalk is a cliff-edge glass walkway in Jasper National Park that’s surrounded by some pretty incredible views and is a must-do when you visit Jasper National Park.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Glacier Skywalk

On the Glacier Skywalk you’ll get to step out on a clear cliff-edge walkway where giant glaciers perch above you and the spectacular Sunwapta Valley spreads out below.

This glass bottomed walkway is 1,312 feet long and sits 1,000 feet above the ground.

You’ll feel your adrenaline pump as you walk the runway 1000 feet above the ground and admire the valley below.

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Glacier Skywalk

Every Glacier Skywalk admission provides transportation via coach to and from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre so you don’t have to worry about parking. The centre has plenty!

Spend the Night at the Glacier View Lodge

My most memorable night in Jasper National Park was spent at the Glacier View Lodge, the stunning little lodge located at the top of the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre.

To be honest, it was kind of a Canadian dream come true!

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park soon? Here's a local's guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper. From hikes and trails to adventure sports, family friendly excursions, dining experiences and more. You won't want to miss this guide of the best things to do and places to see in Jasper. Pictured here: Glacier View Lodge

Just imagine waking up, strolling out of your room to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee by the window overlooking the stunning Athabasca Glacier and surrounding mountains.

You’ll have to pinch yourself, I know I did!

The Glacier View Lodge also has a welcome cocktail hour every evening for guests and it’s such a welcoming environment.

You’ll definitely enjoy your stay here!

Final Thoughts

Although most people think of Banff when they think of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper really has so many incredible things to see and do.

The landscape in Jasper is so beautiful and it’s definitely worth spending at least a few nights here to really explore the area.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post on the best things to do in Jasper National Park! What are you most excited to explore?

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