Things to do in Jasper

Whether you arrived in Jasper on the Rocky Mountaineer or on self-drive from Banff or Clearwater in British Columbia a three night stay is the minimum time we would suggest to get the most out of your time in this remote town. 

On day one of your three days get to know the town of Jasper. Start off with heading up the mountains on the Jasper Sky Tram to get amazing views of the town and surrounding national park from above. The ascent takes just seven minutes to reach the summit. Once at the top you can enjoy alpine hikes or enjoy a meal in the clouds at one of the two café/restaurants.  In the afternoon why not join a foodie tour so you can explore the town with a guide and enjoy delicious dishes along the way. You can choose to do this on a walking tour, on bikes or even by motorbike in a sidecar. 

On day two get up early and join a wildlife discovery tour. We recommend going early morning as this is often the best time to see animals as they are more active just after sunrise, and it will give you the best opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. Animals that call Jasper National Park home are caribou, elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bears and wolves.

After a morning hopefully seeing some animals head into downtown Jasper for lunch in one of the cafes or restaurants and then mid afternoon head out to Maligne Lake. Board a boat for a 90-minute cruise on one of the Rockies' most picturesque lakes. During the excursion the vessel will stop at Spirit Island where you can do a short hike to a look-out point which promises a great photo opportunity.  

Today is your last day in Jasper so after breakfast why not head into town and wander around the shops, maybe grab a few souvenirs to remember your time in this beautiful town.

There are a couple of options on what we recommend doing today. For those that enjoy watersports make sure you head out to one of the white-water rafting spots and paddle your way down the fast waters. There are also options for beginners too so if you've not done it before don't worry. Or if you are looking for something a bit more relaxed then head out to the Columbia Icefield Parkway.  You can walk out over the Sunwapta Canyon on the glass-floor walkway and travel along the ancient Athabasca Glacier on all terrain Ice Explorer. 

Jasper sits in Jasper National Park and the town and surrounding area offers tourists many cultural activities to allow you to understand the history of the area and about the First Nation people who still live in the area. There is a wonderful live theatre show called 'From Jasper with Love' and is the the perfect night out for those who want to know more about Jasper's history in a fun atmosphere. Alternatively head to the Jasper Planetarium to discover the cosmic world above as Jasper is the worlds second largest dark sky preserve. To learn more about the First Nation people join a fireside chat where you can listen to drumming, singing and learn about the legends through the eyes of the Cree people. 

You might be surprised by the selection of shops in Jasper seeing as it is such a remote town. Whether you're looking for the perfect souvenir or just need to pick up an item you forgot to pack, Jasper's various retailers can help you find what you need. Stocking everything from rugged fashion fit for backcountry adventures to fashionable Rocky Mountain attire. Wild Mountain is a luxury outlet which stocks brands like The North Face and Smartwool and is a great place to stop by if you need some outdoor gear. Or head to Ransom a locally owned shop which has a wide selection of products including artwork from local artists and souvenir t-shirts.  

Home to world-renowned mountain-scape, Jasper and the surrounding areas offer boundless opportunities to experience incredible beauty all year-round. Discover glistening emerald lakes, stunning snow-capped peaks and countless scenic viewpoints. Whether you’re looking to explore by foot, pedal, paddle or ski, discover the possibilities for amazing adventures in the heart of nature. There are many hiking and biking routes to enjoy near Jasper including The Opal Hill Loop, which is amazing during the wildflower season but is a little steep. The Valley of the Five Lakes is a nice gradual walk that passes five different coloured lakes, or Sulphur Skyline that takes hikers to a hot spring (entry fees apply) which is a great reward after a steep hike, so make sure you bring your bathing suits. 

There are many free things to see and do in Jasper and the surrounding area. Take a look at our recommendations and plan these into your itinerary. Athabasca Falls is a dramatic waterfall with a substantial volume of water and surrounded by pine-forest. The Malign Canyon is a picturesque limestone gorge that is regarded as the most captivating canyon in the Canadian Rockies. Pyramid Lake is just a 10-minute drive from Jasper town and offer hiking trails, lookout points and a serene beach with picnic area. Patricia Lake is another picturesque spot not far from Pyramid Lake and offers mountain views, tranquil waters and kayak and canoe rental options in the summer.