Looking for the best things to do in Jasper? Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, wilder and quieter than Banff, with Maligne Lake, abundant wildlife and a Dark Sky Preserve. A 2024 wildfire damaged part of the townsite and surrounding forest, and the community has been rebuilding. This list mixes famous landmarks with local favourites and easy day trips, with practical tips on timing, tickets and costs for Canadian travellers.
Best things to do in Jasper
1. Maligne Lake and Spirit Island
Boat cruises to the famous island. Book tickets online to skip the line.
2. Maligne Canyon
Deep limestone canyon walks. Bring a refillable water bottle.
3. Jasper SkyTram
Canada’s highest and longest guided aerial tramway. Check opening hours before you go, as they change seasonally.
4. Athabasca Falls
Powerful falls off the Icefields Parkway. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
5. Pyramid Lake
Canoeing and views. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
6. Miette Hot Springs
The hottest springs in the Rockies (seasonal). Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
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7. Columbia Icefield
On the drive from Banff. Sunset is a particularly good time.
8. Dark Sky Festival
Every October. Bring a refillable water bottle.
9. Wildlife spotting
One of the most popular ways to experience Jasper; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
10. Canoeing
One of the most popular ways to experience Jasper; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
11. Stargazing
One of the most popular ways to experience Jasper; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. It is great value for families.
12. Hiking
One of the most popular ways to experience Jasper; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. It is great value for families.
13. Rafting
One of the most popular ways to experience Jasper; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
14. Take a day trip to Banff
Banff is Canada’s first national park (1885) and its most famous mountain town, surrounded by turquoise lakes, hot springs, wildlife and the peaks of the Rockies. Read our Banff travel guide. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
15. Take a day trip to Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway links Lake Louise and Jasper over 232 km of glaciers, lakes and peaks, one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Read our Icefields Parkway travel guide. Check opening hours before you go, as they change seasonally.
16. Eat your way through the local food scene
Try bison, Alberta beef and craft beer. Food tours are a fun way to sample several places in one afternoon. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
When to go
The best time to visit is June to September.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Lakes still frozen until late May or June; quiet and cheaper. |
| Summer | June–August | Warm days of 20–25°C, turquoise lakes, peak crowds. |
| Fall | September–October | Golden larches in mid-to-late September; cooler and calmer. |
| Winter | November–March | Snowy and cold (-15°C is common); world-class skiing. |
Where to stay
- Jasper townsite: Central.
- Lodges around Lake Beauvert: Resort stays.
- Hinton: Better value, 1 hour east.
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$180–300 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | C$320–550 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | C$650–1,500 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
For more detail, read our Jasper travel guide.
Tips for visitors
- A Parks Canada pass is required (daily admission or a Discovery Pass).
- Check current trail and area closures after the 2024 wildfire.
- Book accommodation early; there are fewer rooms than in Banff.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Visiting only on peak weekends, when parking and restaurants are packed.
- Not booking accommodation early enough in high season.
- Skipping the quieter trails and viewpoints just outside town.
- Driving tired after a long day outdoors.
- Forgetting that some shops and restaurants keep short seasonal hours.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | C$960–C$1,650 |
| Food and drink | C$660–C$1,056 |
| Activities and entry fees | C$160–C$320 |
| Local transport or car | C$210–C$315 |
| Total | C$1,990–C$3,341 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
What to pack for Jasper
- Layers: a base layer, fleece and waterproof shell
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- A daypack with water and snacks
- Sun protection (UV is stronger at altitude)
- A warm hat for cool evenings
- Bear spray in bear country (buy locally)
For cold-weather trips, see our Canada winter packing list.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Before you go: gear checklist
- How to choose a power bank for travel Buyzello
Understand capacity, airline limits and charging speed before you buy. - Camping and outdoor gear guides Buyzello
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Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Jasper?
For most first-time visitors it is Maligne Lake and Spirit Island: boat cruises to the famous island.
How many days do you need in Jasper?
Plan 3 days to cover the highlights at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Jasper?
June to September.
Is Jasper good for families?
Yes. Many of the top attractions suit children, and Jasper is popular with wildlife lovers, stargazers and hikers.
What should I eat in Jasper?
Try bison, Alberta beef and craft beer.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Jasper Travel Guide: Wildlife, Lakes and Dark Skies
- Banff Travel Guide: Lakes, Hikes and Where to Stay
- Icefields Parkway Travel Guide: Stops, Glaciers and Driving Tips