Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, a World Heritage landscape of broad valleys, glaciers, alpine meadows and wild rivers on the eastern slopes of the mountains in western Alberta. It feels quieter and more spacious than neighbouring Banff, with wildlife often seen from the road and hiking trails that lead away from the crowds in minutes.
Jasper covers about 10,900 square kilometres and has more than 1,000 kilometres of hiking trails, along with scenic drives that rank among the best in the Rockies. It is a place to thrill at the thunder of waterfalls, stand beside an ancient glacier, watch for elk and mountain goats at the roadside and relax in hot springs after a long day outside.
The park was badly affected by wildfires in July 2024, which destroyed about one third of the buildings in Jasper townsite. The central shopping and dining area and the train station were spared, rebuilding is under way, and visitors are welcome.
The Skytram climbs high above the valley, and from the upper station a short but steep walk leads to the summit. On a clear day the views stretch over several mountain ranges and the Athabasca valley below.
The Jasper Skytram carries visitors up Whistlers Mountain for views over the Athabasca valley. Photo: Hansueli Krapf, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
This kidney-shaped lake lies at the foot of Pyramid Mountain, a landmark that overlooks the townsite. A small wooden footbridge leads to Pyramid Island, which has benches, picnic tables and a simple shelter.
Pyramid Lake lies at the foot of Pyramid Mountain, close to Jasper townsite. Photo: Florian Fuchs, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
The most prominent peak entirely within Alberta was named in 1916 for the British nurse Edith Cavell. A trail to Cavell Meadows, about 3.8 kilometres one way with a 370 metre climb, brings you face to face with the north face and the Angel Glacier, which spills over a cliff.
The Angel Glacier hangs from the north face of Mount Edith Cavell and can be seen from Cavell Meadows. Photo: Balcer~commonswiki, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5
At the end of a seasonal road off Highway 16 near the park's east gate, these springs are the hottest mineral springs in the Rockies. The water is cooled to a comfortable temperature in two hot pools, with two cold plunge pools nearby.
Miette Hot Springs has the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies. Photo: Jon Eeuwes, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The canyon has been closed until further notice while Parks Canada assesses conditions and works out what is needed to reopen it safely. In the meantime, you can still enjoy the Maligne Overlook along Maligne Lake Road.
Maligne Canyon is a deep gorge on the Maligne River near Jasper. Photo: CV1958 (Colin Viney), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Medicine Lake is not a true lake. It is the point where the Maligne River backs up before disappearing underground through sinkholes, and with no river flowing out, its depth changes with the amount of meltwater coming in.
Medicine Lake fills and drains through underground sinkholes, so its level changes through the year. Photo: Joli Rumi, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
About 44 kilometres south of Jasper, this long lake is famed for its azure water, the three glaciers visible from its shores and Spirit Island, which can be reached only on the boat cruise that runs from spring to autumn.
About 30 kilometres south of Jasper, the Athabasca River squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges about 24 metres. The falls are known for their power rather than their height, and the rock walls are smoothed and potholed by the force of the water.
Athabasca Falls is known more for its force than its height. Photo: Migueldalugdugan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
A short walk from the parking area, Sunwapta Falls is a smaller waterfall but a worthwhile break from the road. Wildlife often appears nearby, so keep your distance and watch for bears.
Sunwapta Falls is a short walk from the parking area on the Icefields Parkway. Photo: Bitan Banerjee, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Straddling the Continental Divide, the Columbia Icefield is the largest ice field in the Canadian Rockies, about 325 square kilometres in area, and receives huge amounts of snow each year.
The Columbia Icefield is the largest ice field in the Canadian Rockies. Photo: Ethan Sahagun, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Alberta is cattle country, so Alberta beef is the classic dinner order, and bison, the animal long linked to the western plains, appears on many menus as burgers and steaks. For dessert, look for Saskatoon berry pie. The saskatoon is a native shrub of western Canada, and its name comes from a Cree word. To drink, try a Caesar, the clam and tomato cocktail created in Calgary in 1969.
Popular dishes to try in Jasper National Park
Jasper townsite is the best base for most visitors, with hotels, motels, hostels, private rentals and restaurants within walking distance.
Pyramid Lake, a short drive from town, has lakeside lodging and bungalows near Patricia Lake. It suits families and anyone who wants a quiet setting with canoeing and walking trails at the doorstep.
Lac Beauvert, just outside the townsite, is the setting of a classic full-service lodge with a golf course.
Sunwapta Falls, about halfway along the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield, has a lodge with a restaurant, and rustic hostels and campgrounds line the road.
Where to stay in Jasper National Park
Summer is the most popular time, with pleasant daytime highs around 21 degrees Celsius and long evenings for lake cruises, hiking and the hot springs. Autumn brings cooler air, fewer visitors and often lower accommodation rates, though some seasonal services wind down. Winters are cold, with daytime highs around minus two and lows near minus twelve, but they are mild by Canadian standards and good for skiing and winter walks.
Highway 16, the Yellowhead Highway, links Jasper with Edmonton, about four hours to the east, and with Valemount and the British Columbia interior to the west. The Icefields Parkway, Highway 93, runs north from Lake Louise and Banff.
The VIA Rail train called The Canadian stops in Jasper, and a second route runs to Prince Rupert. The Rocky Mountaineer also serves the town.
Everyone who stops in the park needs a park pass, and a pass is also required for the Icefields Parkway. The townsite is walkable, but the wider park needs a car or a tour with companies such as Brewster or SunDog.
Settle in, wander Patricia Street and ride the Skytram, then watch the light change over Pyramid Lake in the evening.
Drive up the Maligne Valley, stopping at the overlook, Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake for the cruise to Spirit Island.
Head south on the Icefields Parkway to Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls and the Columbia Icefield.
Hike to Cavell Meadows in the morning and finish with a soak at Miette Hot Springs.
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