Guide to Jasper, Canada

The turquoise water of Maligne Lake glistens in the afternoon sun like a mirage. The Canadian Rockies are covered in limestone peaks, but their soaring heights are moderated by the glaciers that cap them. It’s a sight that moved American-Canadian explorer Mary Schäffer Warren to reportedly declare: “If Lake Louise is a pearl, Maligne is the entire pearl necklace.”

Here is just one breathtaking view in Jasper National Park. Dark Sky Preserve It is filled with mountains, valleys and forests. There are also glacier-fed lake. It is a massive 4,200 square mile area along the Continental Divide. Banff National Park. Visitors come to see the vastness and remoteness.

“It’s wonderful by nature—the mountains and the water and the flora all feed my spirit,” says Matricia Bauer, a Jasper resident and member of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. “That is what makes Jasper such a gem.”

Jasper is an incredibly tight-knit town with just over 5,000 people. Jasper is home to many families who have lived there for generations.

Jasper still has a small-town feel. The town’s relaxed atmosphere and pace is appreciated by visitors. Paul Hardy, vice-president of the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce as well as owner of SunDog Transportation and Tour Co.. “Even in the peak summer season, you can leave the city in just 10 minutes to feel as if you have the park all to yourself.”

You’ll feel more at peace when you commune with nature alone, whether it’s canoeing in Beauvert Lake or having a picnic at Old Fort Point. How to get the most out of your trip to Jasper.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Fairmont Jasper Park LodgeSince more than 100 years, the 700-acre property on the shores of Beauvert Lake has been a focal point for the wilderness experience at Jasper National Park. The main timber-frame lodge and the cozy cabins surrounding it feel like a luxurious summer camp. Families return year after year to ride horses, swim in an outdoor pool and play golf on the 18-hole Stanley Thompson designed course. In between activities, guests can relax in spacious cabins or comfortable rooms, which are outfitted with plush bedding and woodsy décor.

Forest Park Hotel

You can walk to the downtown shops and restaurants. Forest Park HotelThe rooms have a modern feel, and the views of mountains and forests are enhanced. The hotel’s Alpine Wing offers spacious suites with kitchenettes and seating areas. A spa on site, an indoor swimming pool, and a heated hot tub will help you relax after your day of adventures.

Bear Hill Lodge

Bear Hill Lodge marries a great location with rustic yet luxurious log cabins, chalets, and cottages that nod to Canadiana—think plaid throw blankets, pine ceilings and floors, wood-burning or gas fireplaces, and art featuring mountain scenes and wildlife. Hardy says, “I love Bear Hill Lodge.” It’s a bungalow right in the middle of town. Jasper is home to places like this.

Glacier View Lodge

Stay at Jasper to break up your drive from Banff. Glacier View LodgeBoutique hotel with stunning views of massive glaciers in the Columbia Icefield. Guests can enhance their stay with glacier activities, such as a guided walk on Athabasca Icefield or a visit the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.

What to Do in Best Things to See

Visit Maligne Lake.

Aquamarine Maligne Lake, and specifically Spirit Island—a pretty alpine isle that’s sacred to the Stoney Nakoda First Nation—is one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies. Tour company offers a scenic cruise down Maligne Lake’s length, to the Spirit Island Viewpoint. Pursuit Between May and October. The Maligne Lake Boat House also offers canoe, pedal boat, and kayak rentals seasonally.

Jasper is best experienced on two wheels.

Most travelers explore Jasper on two feet along some of its famous hiking trails, but locals swear that seeing the scenery on two wheels—and thus covering a greater distance—is the way to go. Hardy suggests the Pyramid Bench Bauer prefers the flat, classic single-track trails. loop This route passes Edith, Annette and Beauvert Lakes as it circles the valley. There are many outfitters that rent out bicycles in the town, including ebikes.

Find out about the iconic Canadian wildlife.

Join a morning, evening or both wildlife tour For the best chance to spot large mammals such as grizzly, moose and bull elk. Hardy says that the diversity and regularity of wildlife is better here than anywhere else in Western Canada. In May and June we may see up to 10 bears.

Discover the night sky through an Indigenous perspective.

Bauer, the founder of the company, was in charge during the summer. Warrior Women She uses weekly stargazing events to spread Indigenous culture. Through stories, songs and drumming she shares her connection to the night sky. “Hearing Indigenous stories helps people understand Indigenous culture,” she says. The Jasper Planetarium The town also hosts an annual Indigenous constellation festival in October. Jasper Dark Sky FestivalThe program includes Indigenous programming.

Drive the Icefields Parkway

You can also find out more about the following: Icefields Parkway The 141-mile highway (Highway 93) between Jasper, Alberta and Lake Louise parallels the Athabasca as it winds its way through some of Canada’s most breathtaking scenery. You can spend a whole day exploring the route. There are many viewpoints where you can stop to view glaciers, lakes, waterfalls and more.

Best Restaurants

Otto’s Cache

This cafe and gourmet market is open for both breakfast and lunch. “I am in love with Otto’s Cache,” says Bauer. The pies are excellent, and there are some great coffees and smoothies.”

The Maligne Range

Enjoy flights of Canadian Whisky and smoked meats at the Town’s first distillery There is a restaurant in Edmonton that serves Alberta beef dishes, such as short ribs or ribeye. If whisky with meat is not your thing, you can try the Spirit Island Cocktail (Canadian Rye, sloe Gin, maraschino liqueur and orange juice).

Emerald Lounge

With a mounted bison head keeping watch above the stone fireplace—and mountain views galore—the lobby lounge at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is a relaxing space for après-hike (or après-ski) drinks and elevated appetizers like baked Camembert and crispy chicken poutine.

Aalto

Enjoy the stunning views of Pyramid Lake while enjoying regional meat, fish, vegetables and cheeses. Aalto The restaurant expertly balances Rocky Mountain cuisine with alpine ambience. Hardy: “It has log cabin charm, but also first-class cuisine.”

Best Nightlife

Jasper Royal Canadian Legion

Many small Canadian towns have legions—places where locals gather for a drink (and sometimes a party), and Jasper is no exception. “Every Friday, our jam is the best at our local legion,” says Bauer. We’ll get traveling musicians who will blow our socks off.

Athabasca Hotel

The lounge in this historic hotel has been lovingly referred to as “Atha-BAfter hours, “by locals” turns into a lively nightclub and pub. The pub is a good place to watch hockey games over pizza and beer.

When is the best time to visit?

The main tourist season in Jasper runs from May until early October. However, locals say that September is the best time to visit, as the weather is still pleasant, the aspen trees are turning golden, trails are less crowded, and the clear skies allow for great stargazing. In early autumn, you can also see animals like bull elk and bears. Bauer explains that “it’s a gorgeous time to visit Jasper.”

Jasper has a four-season appeal. There’s downhill ski at When the snow falls, Jasper is a four-season resort town. Marmot BasinSnowshoeing and cross-country ski on the valley trails.

How to get there

Jasper is located about four hours west of Edmonton or five hours northwest of Calgary. Edmonton International Airport’s (YEG), and Calgary International Airport’s (YYC) both have direct flights to major U.S. cities, Canadian cities, and European ones. Travelers can also get to Jasper by train—both Via Rail You can also find out more about the following: Rocky Mountaineer passenger trains pass through town—or by daily shuttle From Edmonton or Calgary.

How to Get Around

You will find that the distances between attractions within Jasper National Park is great. A rental car allows you to be more flexible. Parks Canada passes are required for visitors to Jasper National Park. national parks pass.