In the late afternoon sun, the turquoise surface of Maligne Lake shimmers like an alpine mirage, creating one of the most photographed scenes in the Canadian Rockies. The surrounding limestone peaks of the mountains scrape the sky, their lofty ambitions tempered by glaciers capping their summits. 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.” This breathtaking vista represents just one stunning location in Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Dark Sky Preserve filled with peaks, valleys, forests, and glacier-fed lakes. Covering a staggering 4,200 square miles along the Continental Divide in Alberta, and abutting Banff National Park, the scale and remoteness of its wilderness are precisely why travelers journey here from around the world. The park offers an authentic Canadian Rockies experience that combines natural grandeur with authentic mountain town hospitality.
“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’s really what makes Jasper a jewel.”
Understanding Jasper’s Small-Town Charm
The park is anchored by the town of Jasper, a tight-knit community of just under 5,000 residents. Some families have lived in Jasper for generations, and many of the businesses remain family-owned, contributing to the authentic character that sets this mountain town apart from more commercialized destinations.
“People still feel the small-town charm of Jasper. They appreciate the pace of the town and its laid-back atmosphere,” says Paul Hardy, vice president of the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce and owner of SunDog Transportation and Tour Co. “Even during the busiest time of summer, you can be out of town in 10 minutes and feel like you’ve got the park to yourself.”
Communing alone with nature lends a sense of discovery to every park outing, whether you’re canoeing on Beauvert Lake or picnicking at Old Fort Point. Here’s how to make the most of a trip to Jasper.
Best Hotels & Resorts in Jasper National Park
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, set on 700 acres on the shore of Beauvert Lake, has elevated the wilderness experience in Jasper National Park for more than a century. The historic timber-frame main lodge and surrounding cozy cabins feel like a posh summer camp, with families returning year after year to horseback ride, swim in the outdoor pool, and tee off on the 18-hole Stanley Thompson-designed golf course.
Between activities, guests luxuriate in comfortable rooms or spacious cabins kitted out with robes, plush bedding, and woodsy decor touches. The property perfectly balances upscale amenities with the rustic mountain atmosphere that defines the Canadian Rockies.
Forest Park Hotel
Walk to downtown shops and restaurants from Forest Park Hotel, which adds a modern sensibility to rooms with mountain and forest views. Check into the hotel’s Alpine wing for spacious suites that include kitchenettes and sitting areas.
An on-site spa, an indoor pool, and a hot tub work out the kinks after the day’s adventures. The convenient location makes it easy to explore Jasper town on foot while still feeling connected to the surrounding natural beauty.
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.
“I love Bear Hill Lodge,” says Hardy. “It’s a little bungalow property that’s right in town. Places like that are totally unique to Jasper.” The property offers an authentic mountain lodge experience without sacrificing modern comforts.
Glacier View Lodge
Break up the drive from Banff to Jasper with a stay at Glacier View Lodge, a boutique hotel in Jasper National Park with views of the Columbia Icefield’s massive glaciers. Guests can add glacier experiences to their stay, including a guided ice walk on Athabasca Glacier or a visit to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
This property serves as an excellent base for exploring the southern section of the park and the famous Icefields Parkway.
Best Things to Do in Jasper National Park
Visit Maligne Lake and Spirit Island
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. Take a scenic boat tour down Maligne’s length to the Spirit Island viewpoint with tour company Pursuit between May and October.
Canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals are also available seasonally from the Maligne Lake Boat House. The 22-kilometer-long lake is the longest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies and offers stunning views at every turn.
Experience Jasper 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 recommends the Pyramid Bench for classic, flowy, single-track mountain biking trails, while Bauer loves the mostly flat loop that passes Edith, Annette, and Beauvert lakes as it encircles the valley. Numerous outfitters in town rent bicycles, including e-bikes that make tackling elevation changes more accessible.
Look for Iconic Canadian Wildlife
Join a morning or evening wildlife tour for the best chance of spotting large mammals like grizzly bears, moose, bull elk, and mountain sheep. “The diversity of wildlife you’re going to see here, and the regularity, is probably better than anywhere in western Canada,” says Hardy.
“Sometimes in May and June, we’ll see 10 bears on a tour.” The park’s vast wilderness supports healthy populations of iconic Canadian wildlife, making wildlife viewing one of the most popular activities for visitors.
Learn About the Night Sky from an Indigenous Perspective
During the summer, Bauer, who founded Warrior Women as a platform for sharing Indigenous culture, leads weekly stargazing experiences that impart her connection to the stars through stories, drumming, and songs.
“Hearing Indigenous stories helps people understand Indigenous culture,” she says. The Jasper Planetarium also shares Indigenous constellation stories, and every October, the town hosts the Jasper Dark Sky Festival, which incorporates Indigenous programming.
As a designated Dark Sky Preserve, Jasper offers some of the best stargazing in Canada, with minimal light pollution allowing the Milky Way to blaze brilliantly overhead.
Drive the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is a 141-mile road between Jasper and Lake Louise that parallels the Athabasca River as it winds past some of the Canadian Rockies’ most spectacular scenery.
Plan to spend an entire day along the route, as there are multiple viewpoints to pull off and see glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls, or go for hikes. Notable stops include Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, the Columbia Icefield, and Peyto Lake.
The Icefields Parkway consistently ranks among the world’s most scenic drives, offering unparalleled access to alpine landscapes.
Best Restaurants in Jasper
Otto’s Cache
Sandwiches, salads, and savory pies are on the menu at this cafe and gourmet market that’s open for breakfast and lunch. “I have this love affair going on with Otto’s Cache,” says Bauer. “The pies there are great, and they have some interesting coffees and smoothies.”
This local favorite sources ingredients from regional producers whenever possible, creating fresh, flavorful dishes that fuel a day of mountain adventures.
The Maligne Range
Featuring flights of Canadian whisky paired with smoked meats, the town’s first distillery is also a restaurant that specializes in Alberta beef dishes like brisket, short ribs, and rib eye.
If whisky neat with meat isn’t your thing, try the Spirit Island cocktail (Canadian rye with sloe gin, maraschino cherry liqueur, and orange juice) with the West Coast salmon. The industrial-chic atmosphere provides a contemporary counterpoint to Jasper’s rustic mountain lodges.
The 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.
The lounge offers both indoor seating and a lakeside patio where you can watch the sun set behind the mountains while sipping craft cocktails.
Aalto
Renowned for stellar views of Pyramid Lake and dishes that highlight regional cheeses, vegetables, meat, and fish, Aalto expertly balances alpine ambience with Rocky Mountain cuisine.
“It’s got the log cabin charm with first-class dining,” says Hardy. The restaurant’s elevated location provides panoramic views that enhance the already excellent dining experience.
Best Nightlife in Jasper
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, we have the best jam at our local legion,” says Bauer. “We’ll often get a traveling musician that comes through and knocks our socks off.”
Visitors are welcome at the legion, where you’ll experience authentic local culture and perhaps make some new friends over a game of pool.
Athabasca Hotel
The lounge at this historic hotel, lovingly called the “Atha-B” by locals, turns into a lively pub and nightclub after hours. It’s also a great spot to watch a hockey game over pizza and a pint.
The Athabasca Hotel has been a Jasper institution since 1929, and its walls are adorned with historic photographs documenting the town’s evolution.
Best Time to Visit Jasper National Park
Jasper’s main tourist season lasts from May to early October, but locals agree the best month to visit is September, when the days are still warm, the aspen leaves turn golden, the trails are less busy, and clear skies with longer nights make for good stargazing.
There’s also a good chance of seeing wildlife like bears and bull elk in early fall. “It’s just a beautiful time in Jasper,” says Bauer. The autumn season offers the perfect combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and spectacular natural displays.
Though Jasper shines in summer and fall, it’s a four-season resort town. When the snow flies, there’s downhill skiing at Marmot Basin, cross-country skiing on the golf course, and snowshoeing on valley trails.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer (June-August) brings peak crowds and prices but offers the longest days and warmest temperatures for hiking and camping. All facilities are open, and the full range of activities is available.
Winter (December-March) transforms Jasper into a snowy wonderland perfect for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and winter wildlife viewing. The Maligne Canyon ice walk is particularly spectacular.
Spring (April-May) sees the park awakening from winter, with waterfalls at their most powerful from snowmelt. Wildlife is active, and prices are lower than summer.
How to Get to Jasper National Park
The town of Jasper is about a four-hour drive west of Edmonton, or a five-hour drive northwest of Calgary. Both Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and Calgary International Airport (YYC) have direct flights from major U.S., Canadian, and European cities.
Travelers can also get to Jasper by train—both Via Rail and Rocky Mountaineer passenger trains pass through town, offering scenic rail journeys through the Canadian Rockies. Daily shuttle services operate from Edmonton or Calgary, providing convenient alternatives to driving.
How to Get Around Jasper
Distances between attractions in Jasper National Park are great, and renting a car will give you the most flexibility to explore at your own pace. Visitors to Jasper National Park will also need to purchase a Parks Canada national parks pass.
The town of Jasper itself is walkable, with most restaurants, shops, and services concentrated in the compact downtown core. However, accessing attractions like Maligne Lake, the Icefields Parkway, and more remote trailheads requires a vehicle.
Additional Planning Tips
Accommodation Booking
Book accommodations well in advance, especially for summer and fall visits. The limited lodging options in Jasper fill quickly during peak season. Consider booking 6-12 months ahead for the best selection.
Park Pass Requirements
A Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for all visitors entering Jasper National Park. Passes can be purchased online or at park gates. The pass is valid for one year and provides access to all Canadian national parks.
Wildlife Safety
Jasper is wild bear country. Carry bear spray, make noise on trails, and never approach wildlife. Store food properly and follow all park regulations regarding wildlife encounters.
Weather Preparation
Mountain weather changes rapidly. Bring layers even in summer, and be prepared for sudden temperature drops, especially at higher elevations. Rain gear is essential regardless of season.
Trail Conditions
Check Parks Canada website for current trail conditions, closures, and bear warnings before setting out. Many trails don’t open until late June due to snow at higher elevations.
Sustainable Tourism in Jasper
Jasper National Park is committed to sustainable tourism practices. Visitors can support these efforts by:
- Following Leave No Trace principles
- Staying on designated trails
- Supporting family-owned local businesses
- Using public transportation or shuttles when possible
- Participating in Indigenous cultural experiences
- Respecting wildlife viewing distances
Explore more Canadian Rockies travel guides, national park planning resources, and mountain destination inspiration at The Inspiring Insight—where we help you discover the authentic character of wilderness destinations and connect meaningfully with the natural world.
