Top Things to do in Jasper
The 10 Best Things to do in Jasper, Canadian Rockies
Escape the urban bustle and make Jasper your home base for exploring Canada's extraordinary wilderness. As a mountain town, it's low-key and unpretentious with good food and drink; as a destination, it's an outdoor sports lover's playground, with hiking and golfing in summer and skiing and dog sledding in winter. If it's chilly, heat up at Miette Hot Springs in the National Park.
Restaurants in Jasper
1. Athabasca Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,708 reviews
A spectacular waterfall in Jasper National Park.
Reviewed By BrittanyMExplores - Winnipeg, Canada
Athabasca Falls is located approximately 30 minutes south of the town of Jasper along the scenic Icefields Parkway. It is a place definitely worth stopping and exploring. There were a network of paved pathways leading to various areas overlooking the waterfalls and viewpoints of the deep and narrow canyon. Athabasca Falls was powerful and gorgeous waterfall with a stunning backdrop of forests, mountains and the river flowing through as huge volumes of water rushed down into the canyon. There were a few lookout points offering different views of the falls along the trails. I visited on a sunny afternoon and the area was quite crowded with some of the lookout areas being very small, so I had to wait my turn in order to get up front and take photos. The pathways were interesting to explore and one of them led through a narrow section between two walls of the canyon with stairs carved into the rocks. There were some great vantage points overlooking the river and the canyon to see where the water had eroded the rock to create caves and unique rock formations over many years. Athabasca Falls was a wonderful area to discover, admire the natural beauty and take plenty of photos. The parking lot was large and could accommodate quite a few vehicles. It would probably be best to visit in the morning during the summer season before the crowds of people show up. If you’re driving the Icefields Parkway, definitely stop here.
2. Jasper Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 642 reviews
This historic building houses the visitor's center for Japer National Park.
Reviewed By nyalta - Bedford, United Kingdom
The weather was wet and cloud cover low so we visited the information centre for suggestions of things to do in the drizzly rain. The staff were excellent, very knowledgeable and keen to help the visitors. We left armed with a trail map marked with the recommended hikes and some bear spray in case our walks in the woods stumbled across a bear - we didn’t although did see bears by the roadside from our car. The parks staff have all the latest information on areas closed due to animal activity so a good place to start any trip to Jasper.
3. Jasper SkyTram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,897 reviews
Jasper SkyTram is the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada. This family trip offers incredible views of six different mountain ranges, turquoise-coloured lakes, glacier-fed rivers and the town of Jasper. Gain a new perspective on Jasper National Park, the largest park in the UNESCO Canadian Rockies World Heritage Site. Watch for wildlife below as you gently climb towards the upper station located at 7,425 feet (2,263 meters). A knowledgeable guide will accompany you on your 7.5 minute flight, sharing a few insights about the area, its history and the diversity of nature surrounding you. Stroll along the interpretive boardwalk or try hiking the 1.4 km trail to the summit of Whistlers Mountain at 8,081 feet (2,463 meters). Make sure to stop at the Summit Restaurant for a meal at the top of the Canadian Rockies and visit the gift shops at the upper or lower stations for a souvenir to take home. From March to early May, rent snowshoes at the top for a unique experience.
Reviewed By bbeerbower - Peachtree City, United States
This was my favorite of the 2 gondola/sky trams we took up to the mountains. Banff gondola, Lake Louise gondola & Jasper Sky Tram. the scenery was fantastic at the top, you could see the entire valley, the town of Jasper and Whistler etc. Once there you could hike up to the top of the mountain or just sit on rocks taking in the scenery.
4. Maligne Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,561 reviews
A scenic limestone canyon with waterfalls and walking trails.
Reviewed By nikkisC5765BV - Banff, Canada
I did the whole hike all the way to 6th bridge (7+km out and back). The first 1/4 of the hike is heavily trafficked as it follows the canyon. After this, it follows a gorgeous river through the woods to 6th bridge. Stunning the whole way. Great for families as it can be customized to a long or short hike depending on which bridge crossing you turn back Lovely cafe with outdoor seating and a firepit at the parking lot.
5. Marmot Basin Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 504 reviews
Marmot Basin, located in Jasper National Park, Alberta provides unparalleled skiing and snowboarding for all ages and all abilities. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Marmot Basin offers a family friendly, laid back, crowd free experience with stunning views. The nearby town of Jasper offers a friendly welcome to all with hotels, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. As well as an unforgettable snow sports experience, there are also many other activities available, including shoe-shoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sledging, winter wildlife tours, canyon walks and much, much more! Once visited, never forgotten, come see us for an authentic Rocky Mountain experience. We look forward to seeing you! Your friends at Marmot Basin.
Reviewed By 805douga
We ski one day per trip when travelling to Jasper. I love the parking alongside the runs. Parking is easy, and access to the run down to the lift is at the end of the parking lot. fantastic variety of difficulties, great snow, lifts, and amenities.
6. Pyramid and Patricia Lakes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,783 reviews
Reviewed By 571MargaretM - Brisbane, Australia
visited in winter. it is just a short drive outside of Jasper, there is a motel, cafe, toilets and lots of car parking, the lake has little boats - that some one has dragged up onto the shore line and they are surrounded in ice - like boats in an ice cube. people were skating, and riding bikes on the lake. such a beautiful spot. you can hire skates there or else bring your own. in summer it would be nice walk to the lake. the trees are affected by the pine beetle and when i was there burning and cleaning was taking place. fun place to take the family on a sunny winter day.
7. Bald Hills
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By serenadawson77 - Burnaby, Canada
Great hike, took about 3 hours, very windy and cold at the top so bring layers! We went the steeper short cut way and was totally doable if you have a good level of fitness or just take it a bit slower.
8. Columbia Ice Field
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,022 reviews
Reviewed By 680gordona - Waterloo, Canada
Aside from the effects of climate change melting the glacier by 15 metres a year, the tour guide added warmth and charm to his informative presentation. We learned many more facts about glaciers, too. Bring a warm jacket because it’s chilly up high on the glacier. Well worth the cost.
9. Old Fort Point Loop Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By denewton - Manchester, United Kingdom
We took the left hand part of the loop first which with so much snow was beautiful. The challenging bit came towards the end - above the lookout - when it was slippy around the edge of the mountain. Still, the views at the view point were tremendous and the feeling of achievement, so good !
10. The Jasper Planetarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 329 reviews
YEAR-ROUND TELESCOPE OUTDOOR AND INDOOR DOME TOURS - One of the best evening things to do in Jasper! Join our astronomy experts to explore Jasper Dark Sky Preserve, an 11,000 square-km stargazing paradise. Come OUTSIDE at our Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge location where you can see stars, planets, galaxies and more through the largest telescope in the Rockies. ALSO, take a guided 'tour' of local aboriginal constellations, recent Northern Lights activity, and more inside our 40-seat domed theatre. This fun, f u n n y , inspiring, interactive audience-participation attraction is a great after-dinner activity for families, couples and others.
Reviewed By madsab20
Husband and I attended both planetarium and telescope package on a cloudy night. Planetarium show was comfy in an outdoor covered tent and Peter is very interactive and responsive to questions. Telescope portion is outdoors starting at 11pm so be prepared for the weather. Since it was cloudy and only a few attending, we got to sit in outdoor chairs and listen to Matt show us vivid and clear pictures of stars and astronomy phenomenons taken previously. We made use of their "raincheck offer" and came back 2 nights later when the skies were clear to see the live telescope show. Of course, it was much busier and so everyone had to stand in separate groups. Was neat to see "live stars" but trickier since the sun is out so late to see them clearly. Overall a fun and educational event that got me more interested in astronomy. Even though it was warm during the day, the night was windy and cold, so don't come wearing sandals and shorts, especially since you might be standing in one spot for an hour or more (if you stay till midnight or later). Maybe bring hats/gloves just in case - even though it was almost July.
