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A beautiful, peaceful lake surrounded by mountains in Jasper, Canada

Top 10 Things to Do in Jasper, Canada

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By Kathryn Hodgson


Jasper is a beautiful town set within Canada’s wilderness; engulfed by snow-capped mountains, there’s always a stunning view. The locals are exceptionally friendly and super willing to show off their town to its best.

As the seasons change so does the wildlife viewing, activities on offer and the feel of the town. Many visitors will access Jasper from the Icefield Parkway, one of the top ten scenic drives in the world and voted by National Geographic as the best highway in the world.

Read on for my guide to some of the best things to do in Jasper.

1. Columbia Icefield Skywalk

The Glacier Skywalk is one of the best things to do in Jasper, if you’re brave enough to step out onto the four inches of glass, over 1,000 feet above the valley below! 


The Skywalk platform gives completely uninterrupted views of the valley beyond and below. Accessible by shuttle from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, the attraction has been sympathetically built to blend into its dramatic surroundings. A free audio tour provides an insight into the geology and history of the Rocky Mountains and the wildlife which inhabits this inhospitable area. The journey to the Skywalk showcases all five glaciers which descend from the Columbia Icefield. For those who prefer to be closer to the ground, specially designed ice explorer trucks drive onto the Athabasca Glacier in this unique icefield adventure.


If you're looking for a truly memorable experience, stay overnight at the Glacier View Lodge. Located by the icefield, experience the Glacier Skywalk and the Icetruck Explorer as part of your unique stay.


 

The skywalk platform in Jasper, Canada

2. Stargazing

Jasper National Park is a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve. This means the whole town must adhere to anti light pollution practices, and one of the best things to do in Jasper is therefore stargazing.


October sees Jasper’s annual Dark Sky Festival filled with lots of activities. From a dinner viewing shooting stars and meteor showers atop Mount Whistler at the Skytram station, to watching Edmonton Symphonic Orchestra at a ‘Symphony Under the Stars', Jasper really celebrates their sky. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge even has a planetarium and hosts evening shows aptly named 'Jasper to Jupiter'.


For those looking for a more authentic experience on a clear night, you want to take a drive to Pyramid Lake for what the locals perceive to be the night sky at its most magnificent. Jasper National Park is also the best place in the Rockies to spot the aurora borealis (the northern lights).


 

The northern lights as seen from Jasper National Park in Canada

3. Athabasca Falls & Sunwapta Falls

Along the Icefield Parkway, around 30 minutes south of Jasper, these two beautiful waterfalls are clearly signposted and well worth turning off for. 


The Sunwapta Falls can be seen as soon as you walk onto the wooden bridge above. The falls tumble below, the water is glacier fed and therefore a stunning turquoise colour due to its glacial mineral content. There are walking trails both sides of the falls and into the forest. 


The Athabasca Falls is a similarly beautiful turquoise. These falls are much stronger at the top, as the river tumbles over a barricade of rocks from the wide shallow river. Steep steps take you down past canyon-like rock formations with the water forming a pool at the base, then feeding a serene looking lake.


 

Athabasca Falls just outside of Jasper in Canada

4. Maligne Canyon and Lake

Maligne Canyon is just a 15 minute drive from Jasper town centre, and is the perfect place to explore, whatever the season. The trails vary in length from 1.6 kilometres to 7 kilometres, with a dramatic view into the canyon from both sides. Waterfalls tumble into the canyon rock crevice at such speed you are sprayed with mist on the bridges that cross the deep canyon below, and there are viewpoints from high up, really giving you an awareness of its depth. 


Maligne Canyon and its surrounding forest would be a lovely spot for a day hiking the trails and a picnic in summer. In the winter, the base of the canyon freezes and ice walking tours take you right into its depths. Maligne Lake is a popular spot for viewing the elusive moose, however it’s a further forty minute drive from the canyon away from town. 


Surrounded by more magnificent views, Maligne Lake is home to one of the best lake boat trips in the Rockies.


 

An isolated cabin on Maligne Lake in Jasper, Canada, on a clear sunny day

5. Wildlife Viewing

The Icefield Parkway is great for spotting wildlife and bears meandering along the highway. Moose are also often spotted here, and in parts there are flocks of Big Horned Mountain Sheep crossing the highway and traversing the steep mountain terrain. 


The Jasper Wildlife Discovery tour is a great way to use tour guides expertise to maximise wildlife viewing and get out into the wilderness from Jasper town. There is a large population of elk in Jasper, providing constant in town and roadside viewing of these beautiful creatures. When rutting they can be violent so it is always best to keep your distance! There is a huge emphasis on conservation in the park, demonstrated by their catch and release approach to fishing in their many lakes.


 

A brown bear in Jasper National Park, Canada

6. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is a resort-style lakefront property, and really is something special. Even the approach has a smaller lake used for skating in winter and is flocked by elk grazing the manicured lawns. 


The lodge itself maintains a rustic authentic feel, providing a true alpine lodge experience. The Emerald Bar has floor to ceiling windows with an alluring view of Lac Beauvert and a roaring log fire. Fine dining restaurant 'Moose's Nook' showcases local flavours and cuisine in an atmospheric traditional First Nation setting. The spa has similarly stunning views and is a tranquil retreat from the daily activities. The boat house enables guests to enjoy the lake and walking trails circumnavigate it for a peaceful stroll through the forest. 


A day can easily be spent enjoying the property and even the late Queen Elizabeth II stayed here!


 

The lake at the Fairmont Hotel in Jasper, Canada

7. Jasper Raft Tour

The Jasper Raft Tour is one of the best things to do in Jasper for those looking to take in all the beautiful scenery of the area.


Soak up the views on this scenic rafting trip down the Athabasca River. Perfect for first-time rafters, your guide will navigate through gentle rapids and provide commentary on the natural history of the area while you sit back and enjoy the ride. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for bears, moose and various other wildlife.


 

Rafting in Jasper, Canada

8. Skytram

Ride the Skytram for truly the best view of Jasper. 


An endless panorama of six mountain ranges, many turquoise glacier fed lakes, rivers and Jasper town are what awaits you at the top. It really is one of the best things to do in Jasper, and the most accessible alpine experiences, despite the upper station being 2,263 metres above sea level!


The flight up takes less than eight minutes and you really feel the true mountain experience once walking the boardwalk around the station. The more active can hike the remaining 1.4 kilometre alpine trail to the summit of Whistlers Mountain whilst keeping an eye out for bears and mountain goats. 


The summit restaurant has a great menu and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with amazing views out over the Rockies.


 

The skytram in Jasper, Canada, on a bright sunny day

9. Jasper Brewing Company

Canada has seen its craft beer scene explode in recent years, and despite its small size and remote location, Jasper is no different. Jasper Brewing Company is found in the centre of town on Connaught Drive and offers typically friendly hospitality, a relaxed atmosphere, fantastic food throughout the day and of course plenty of beer!


Sample a pint of your choice from lagers and stouts to various ales, or alternatively give them all a try with a flight of various choices. Of course, it's not the only place in town to grab a drink, so take an evening to explore Jasper's various bars to get a taste for great Canadian beer whilst mingling with the locals.


 

Craft beer tasting in Canada

10. Patricia Street Deli

Patricia Street Deli tucked away off Patricia Street in Jasper town is the ultimate sandwich shop. Top rated on TripAdvisor and Google, this petite countertop spot is ideal to pick up lunch before driving back along the Icefield Parkway.


The friendly servers handmake customisable sandwiches for every taste and to order. Choose from an array of fresh ingredients from chicken roasting away on the rotisserie in store, to smoked meats and a variety of cheese, sauces and salads. If you can't take our word for it, there are hundreds of tributes written on the walls, a testament to their popularity.

For more inspiration, take a look at our Canada Holidays pages.

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Written by Kathryn Hodgson

Kathryn is a Procurement Manager for Canada, the USA and Alaska in our Kensington head office.

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