- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Jasper
Jasper's townsite, established 1907, shows early 20th-century railway town charm. Historic log buildings, like the Jasper Park Lodge (rebuilt) and Jasper railway station, define its rustic park architecture, showcasing what Jasper is famous for.
Set amid the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park spans 11,000 sq km of lakes, glaciers, and peaks like Mount Columbia. Explore Maligne Canyon and Athabasca Falls, ride the Jasper SkyTram, or stargaze in the Dark Sky Preserve-unforgettable experiences and best reasons to visit Jasper.
Jasper's local life centers on year-round outdoor adventure, making visiting Jasper unique. The Jasper Dark Sky Festival in autumn and Jasper in January celebrate the wilderness with events. Locals embrace mountain culture and pristine natural surroundings daily.
- JasperCanada
- JasperCanada
- JasperCanada
- JasperCanada
Quick Travel Essentials
- May-Junmild temperatures, fewer tourists
- Jul-Augwarm, peak tourist season
- Sep-Octcooler weather, fall colors, moderate crowds
- Wintercold, snowy, winter sports
- #ComfortableHikingBoots
- #WeatherProofJacket
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- #Sunscreen
- #Backpack
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 days with side trips
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- English & French
- Both are official languages
- #JasperNationalPark
- #MaligneLake
- #PyramidLake
- #ColumbiaIcefield
- #AthabascaFalls
- #JasperSkyTram
- Hiking at Valley of the Five Lakes
- Wildlife viewing on Maligne Road
- Stargazing in Jasper Dark Sky Preserve
- Taking a boat tour on Maligne Lake
- Exploring Jasper Farmers Market
Things to do in Jasper
Discover
Top things to do in Jasper include iconic sights like Maligne Lake, the Jasper SkyTram, and the Jasper Yellowhead Museum. Each offers breathtaking views and insights into Jasper's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Experience
Engage in outdoor activities like hiking in stunning trails or kayaking at serene lakes. Join Jasper tours and events that celebrate local culture through art workshops, concerts, and seasonal festivals highlighting Jasper's unique spirit.
Maligne Lake
Picturesque lake known for stunning scenery.
Jasper SkyTram
Aerial tramway offering breathtaking mountain views.
Jasper Yellowhead Museum
Museum displaying Jasper's local history and culture.
Athabasca Falls
Powerful waterfall surrounded by scenic pathways.
Miette Hot Springs
Hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies.
The Jasper Planetarium
Telescope and dome theatre in a Dark Sky Preserve.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Travelers can reach Jasper via Edmonton International Airport (YEG) or Calgary International Airport (YYC). The Jasper shuttle bus from these airports takes about 4-5 hours, costing around $95-$130 one-way.
Getting Around
Getting around Jasper is convenient with Jasper Transit (local buses) for $2.50 per ride, connecting the town and campgrounds. Car rental is widely recommended for flexibility, as the local bus does not reach all major sites in the National Park.
Local Essentials
For driving in Jasper, streets are quiet, but park carefully. Check local rules and visit attractions early to avoid crowds. Use cash at small stores, as some may not accept cards. Keep a lookout for wildlife!
Where to Stay in Jasper
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore the local cuisine in Jasper with dishes like elk burgers, bison stew, and fresh caught trout. Dessert options such as berry pie and coffee culture are highlights. Traditional food in Jasper often includes late-night dining.
Enjoy
Taste the vibrant food scene with must-visit spots. Jasper Brewing Company offers a lively pub atmosphere and craft beers; expect crowds. For a relaxed vibe, try the Raven Bistro for fusion dishes, and don't miss the top cafes in Jasper for great coffee.
Jasper Brewing Company
Craft beers and hearty pub fare; a local favorite.
Fiddle River Restaurant
Contemporary seafood dining with stunning views.
The Raven Bistro
Creative fusion dishes; cozy atmosphere, book ahead.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
For Jasper cultural activities, join mountain festivals, folk parades, and heritage fairs that honor the town's alpine roots. These timeless traditions reflect the community's pride and enduring mountain spirit.
Enjoy
Exploring Jasper, enjoy modern music festivals and art events that draw talent from around the world. Highlights include concerts, theatrical performances, and multimedia exhibitions - a must-see for anyone looking for things to do in Jasper.
Jasper Dark Sky Festival
Astronomy festival held in October with stargazing.
Jasper Music Festival
Annual summer festival featuring diverse music genres.
Jasper Heritage Festival
Festival of crafts, Appalachian music, and local mountain flavors.
Jasper Beer & Spirits Festival
Winter festival with tastings of locally crafted beer and spirits.
Winter Carnival
Family-friendly winter activities, music, and games.
Winter wildlife watching at its best
Jasper in winter is something else. Saw elk just wandering near town like it's totally normal - and apparently it is! Miette Hot Springs was the perfect way to warm up after a cold day out. Highly recommend.
Skiing in the Rockies - absolutely worth it
Marmot Basin did not disappoint. The runs are long, the snow was great, and the views of the surrounding peaks are just insane. Not as crowded as Banff either, which made the whole experience way more relaxed. Great ski trip overall.
Best stargazing I've ever done
Jasper is a Dark Sky Preserve and it shows. The Milky Way was completely visible with the naked eye - genuinely jaw-dropping. Patricia Street has some good spots to grab a hot drink before heading out to stare at the sky all night. Absolutely magical.
Incredible place for hiking
The trails around here are stunning. Valley of the Five Lakes is an easy walk but the colours of the water are unreal - almost looks fake. Wildlife sightings are basically guaranteed too. Such a clean, peaceful place to spend a few days outdoors.
Road trip stop that stole the show
We drove the Icefields Parkway as part of a bigger Canada road trip and Jasper totally outshone everything else. The Athabasca Glacier was mind-blowing and the town itself is so laid-back and friendly. Small but has everything you need.
A proper winter escape
Came here right after Christmas and the whole place felt peaceful and uncrowded. Took a scenic drive along the Maligne Lake Road and the frozen landscapes were stunning. The locals are genuinely warm and welcoming. Great food options in town too.