Jasper National Park is known for the Columbia Icefield and its abundance of wildlife. You will also find snowcapped mountain peaks, waterfalls, turquoise glacier-fed lakes, hot springs, and red Adirondack chairs. Elk, moose, cougars, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and grizzly bears live in Jasper. Popular summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, canoeing, paddleboarding, and white water rafting. Skiing, snowboarding, Ice climbing, ice skating, dog sledding, sleigh rides, and the Maligne Canyon ice walk are popular in the winter months. Plan your visit with this Jasper National Park Travel Guide.
You are excited to visit Jasper National Park and want to know the best time of year to visit, where to stay, what not to miss, and where to eat while there. Researching the best things to do while visiting Jasper National Park while working full time is overwhelming and you don’t have hours to spend on the internet. Save time and plan an unforgettable trip full of top activities with this Jasper National Park travel blog.
Planning a Visit to Jasper National Park Travel Guide
Where is Jasper National Park
Guided tours are available but the best way to experience Jasper National Park is by self-drive. Jasper is located north of Banff National Park and west of Edmonton. The closest international airports to Jasper are in Edmonton and Calgary Canada. Rent a car upon arrival. The drive from Edmonton to Jasper is 4 hours and 5 hours from Calgary to Jasper.
Facts About Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park was established in 1907, it is the second most visited national park in Canada (2 million per year)
It is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies (4,200 square miles) and the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world
Maligne Lake is the largest glacially-fed lake in the Canadian Rockies
Medicine Lake is famous for its “disappearing water” due to the water draining into a cave system in the winter causing the lake to become a mudflat
The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world
There are approximately 2,000 lakes in Jasper National Park
Athabasca Glacier is around 3.7 miles in length and slowly receding each year
Jasper Brewing Company is Canada’s first National Park Brewery
Jasper National Park is sectioned into five sections. Icefields Parkway, Edith Cavell, Maligne Canyon, Miette Hot Springs, and the Jasper Area.
Best Time of Year to Visit Jasper National Park
July and August are the busiest times and peak seasons. Summer temperatures range from 60-75 degrees F. Early June and late September are shoulder seasons. Most of the trails are dry from June to September. Leaves begin to change color in September and October is a great time for viewing the night sky. Skiing and snowboarding at Marmot Basin is usually possible from mid-November to the end of April. The best conditions are from December to March. Other popular winter activities include ice skating, snowshoeing, and dog sledding. April and May are great for spotting wildlife, wildflowers are in bloom and waterfalls are full of rushing water.
Accommodation in Jasper National Park
Hotels, lodges, B&Bs, and hostels are available in Jasper and Hinton. Book early, this is a popular destination and moderately priced accommodations fill fast. There are 11 campgrounds within the park with over 1,800 sites in and around Jasper National Park. Some are first come first served, reservations are recommended during July and August. Backcountry campgrounds are available on the Skyline Trail and Tonquin Valley, get your permit here.
Where to eat at Jasper National Park
There are often long waits to obtain a table at Jasper restaurants. Consider booking accommodations with a small kitchen and purchasing groceries.
Hikes in Jasper National Park
Stroll the Discovery Trail around Jasper
Walk the 2.3-mile loop around Maligne Canyon
Hike the 2.8 miles RT Valley of the Five Lakes loop
Old Fort Point loop trail
Hike the Mount Edith Cavell to Angel Glacier
Wilcox Viewpoint has amazing views of the Athabasca Glacier, a 5.4-mile loop trail
Hike Sulphur Skyline 4.8 miles RT for views of Utopia Mountain, Ashlar Ridge, and Fiddle Valley
Things to Do in and Around Jasper National Park
Drive the 144-mile Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise to Jasper stopping at the scenic overlooks on the way
Walk on the Athabasca Glacier
See the Sunwapta Valley from above on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk
Take a Boat Cruise on Maligne Lake and photograph Spirit Island
Bike to Snake Indian Falls
Photograph Medicine Lake
Swim or paddleboard in Lake Annette or Edith Lake
Enjoy a horseback ride through the mountains
Cliff jump at Horseshoe Lake
Check out the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge resort and Lac Beauvert
Soak in the Miette Hot Springs
See Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls
Enjoy a picnic on Pyramid Island
Canoe around Patricia Lake
Rappel down a waterfall at Two Valley Canyon
Ride the Jasper Skytram up Whistlers Mountain and enjoy the view
White water raft on the Athabasca or Sunwapta River
Go mountain biking on the trails at Water Tower, Mina Lake, or Loni’s
Learn about Jasper’s history at the historic Train Station
Shop for souvenirs in downtown Jasper, see Jasper the Bear sculpture and the Two Brothers totem pole
Take an evening wildlife tour
Scuba dive Horseshoe lake
Be sure to check the Jasper National Park Service for current events
Tips for Visiting Jasper National Park
Be sure to bring plenty of snacks and water
Check for trail closures at the visitor center and grab a map
Dress in layers and be prepared for rain
Purchase or rent bear spray and learn bear safety before you visit
The mosquitos are relentless, purchase bug spray and After Bite
Cell service is inconsistent, download offline maps
Practice Leave No Trace Principles
Fill the gas tank before driving the Icefields Parkway, the only gas station on the parkway is Saskatchewan River Crossing and is expensive
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