Jasper National Park
Vast Canadian Rockies park with stunning glaciers, turquoise lakes, abundant wildlife, and the iconic Icefields Parkway.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Jasper National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast Canadian Rockies park with stunning glaciers, turquoise lakes, abundant wildlife, and the iconic Icefields Parkway.
"Jasper is one of those 'once in a lifetime' places that you must visit – the scenery is astounding."
🚗 Drive the Icefields Parkway
Allow ample time for this scenic drive; stop at viewpoints! :car:
🐻 Bear Safety is Key
Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise on trails. :bear:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Maligne Lake & Spirit Island
Maligne Lake
Cruise to the iconic Spirit Island for breathtaking views. A sacred First Nations site, it's a must-see.
Athabasca Falls
Athabasca River
Witness the raw power of this magnificent waterfall carving through rugged cliffs. Easily accessible and awe-inspiring.
Icefields Parkway Drive
Highway 93
One of the world's most scenic drives, connecting Banff and Jasper with stunning glaciers, lakes, and mountains.
+1
Edith Cavell Glacier
Mount Edith Cavell
Hike to this stunning glacier and its turquoise lake. A truly unforgettable alpine experience.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: Wildlife Safety
Post-Wildfire Travel: Still Worth It!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive the Icefields Parkway
Allow ample time for this scenic drive; stop at viewpoints!
🐻 Bear Safety is Key
Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise on trails. :bear:
🛶 Canoe Maligne Lake
Rent a canoe or take a boat tour to Spirit Island.
🥾 Hike to Edith Cavell
The trail offers incredible glacier and lake views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive the Icefields Parkway
Allow ample time for this scenic drive; stop at viewpoints!
🐻 Bear Safety is Key
Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise on trails. :bear:
🛶 Canoe Maligne Lake
Rent a canoe or take a boat tour to Spirit Island.
🥾 Hike to Edith Cavell
The trail offers incredible glacier and lake views.
🎟️ Park Pass Required
You'll need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass for entry.
📸 Escape the Crowds
Jasper often has fewer tourists than Banff. :camera:
🦌 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for elk, moose, and bighorn sheep! :deer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about Jasper National Park's astounding, almost unbelievable natural beauty, often describing it as more breathtaking than Banff. The Icefields Parkway, wildlife sightings, and accessible natural wonders like Athabasca Falls are major highlights. While some mention the impact of wildfires, most agree the park remains incredibly worth visiting, offering a wilder, less commercialized experience.
"Jasper is one of those “once in a lifetime” places that you must visit (at least once). The scenery is astounding. You really cannot fathom it from pictures or videos, this is one place you have to see and experience for yourself.
If you are in your own car you have to drive the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper and stop at all the viewpoints.
If you are visiting the Icefields Parkway Visitor Centre is one place you have to stop. Even if its just for a quick look on the way along the icefield parkway. However I would highly recommend doing the glacier walk. This is one of the only places in the world where you can actually walk on a glacier and the ice rovers are great fun.
The visitor center itself is really good, from clean toilets to a very good gift shop and Starbucks coffee shop. There is a museum and other exhibits, but the tours are obviously the main attraction.
The viewpoints offer some amazing views of the glaciers and mountains, with varied and diverse scenery even though its all mountainous. There are some lovely short walks and hikes along the parkway, which requires a bit of pre-planning, but its worth it. The one you have to do is the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier, which is free and pretty easy
This area is amazing, not only for the views, but for the fact this area is the only place in the world where the continental divide splits 3 ways, with water going to the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans. The way the snow sits on the edge of the mountains is really impressive and the whole area is full of astounding scenery.
Put Jasper on your bucket list of it isn’t already."
Andy Smith
"It's so beautiful, more than Banff I would say. It's pleasant, not too commercial and yet you find everything, less tourists than banff and more things to do, hikes camping waterfalls sand dunes and just casual swimming or even night parks at medicine lake. I feel like regular photos cannot do justice to the beauty you see with your eye"
rakesh reddy
"Wild and isolated
Stayed in the park for 2 days in mid April
We walked on a glacier, saw elk and bighorn sheep, and were encompassed by towering mountains and the sense that we were in a wild place.
We did a few small hikes which were very rewarding."
Hisham Malik
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jasper National Park is accessible by car. The most scenic route is the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), connecting it to Banff National Park. Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is the closest major airport, about a 3.5-hour drive away.
While a car offers the most flexibility, you can reach Jasper via bus services from Edmonton or Calgary. Once in Jasper townsite, local shuttles and tours can help you explore.
The Icefields Parkway is a 144-mile highway. It takes about 3 hours to drive straight through, but you'll want to stop at numerous viewpoints. Plan for a full day to truly enjoy it.
Yes, there are shuttle services available, especially during peak season, to help you access popular trailheads and attractions. Check with Parks Canada for current schedules.
Jasper National Park is approximately a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Banff National Park via the Icefields Parkway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for entry into Jasper National Park. You can purchase daily or annual passes.
Daily passes are around $11 per person, and family/group passes are about $22.00 for a vehicle. An annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass offers better value for multiple visits.
While a park pass is required, many stunning natural attractions like Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls do not have separate entry fees once inside the park.
Yes, you can purchase your Parks Canada Discovery Pass online in advance through the Parks Canada website, which is recommended to save time.
Jasper National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor centers and specific attractions may have seasonal operating hours.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, Athabasca Falls, the Icefields Parkway, and Edith Cavell Glacier. Wildlife viewing is also a major draw.
Jasper is home to elk, moose, bighorn sheep, bears, and bison. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed them.
Absolutely! Jasper offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy strolls to challenging backcountry treks. Edith Cavell, Valley of the Five Lakes, and Sulphur Skyline are popular choices.
Yes, Jasper is very family-friendly with activities like scenic drives, easy hikes, and opportunities to see wildlife. Many campgrounds and lodges cater to families.
You can take a scenic boat cruise to Spirit Island or rent a canoe/kayak for a more intimate experience. The cruise is about 1.5 hours and highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Iconic spots include Spirit Island, Athabasca Falls, Peyto Lake (though technically on the Icefields Parkway), and viewpoints along the Icefields Parkway. Sunrise and sunset offer magical light.
Early mornings and late evenings provide the best light for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows and often offering calmer conditions.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is essential for low-light conditions and long exposures of waterfalls.
Yes, several local operators offer photography tours that can take you to prime locations and provide guidance on capturing the best shots.
Use a telephoto lens to maintain a safe distance. Be patient, and never approach or feed wildlife for a photo. Respect their space.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Easy hikes like the Valley of the Five Lakes or the trails around Athabasca Falls are perfect for little adventurers. Consider a boat tour on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island; it's a memorable experience that doesn't require strenuous hiking.
Many campgrounds and lodges in Jasper are family-friendly, offering amenities and activities to keep everyone entertained. Remember to pack snacks and plenty of water for your little explorers!💰 Budget Travelers
+1Pack your own food and snacks to save on dining costs. Hiking and wildlife viewing are also free activities that offer incredible experiences. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for potentially lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider a canoe trip on Maligne Lake to the serene Spirit Island for a truly intimate experience. For a touch of luxury, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers a beautiful setting. Enjoy stargazing in Jasper, a designated Dark Sky Preserve, offering unparalleled views of the night sky.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Icefields Parkway
+1 It's consistently ranked among the most scenic drives in the world, and for good reason. Allow a full day to explore, stopping at numerous pull-offs and viewpoints like Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and the Columbia Icefield.Key attractions along the Parkway include the Columbia Icefield, where you can walk on the Athabasca Glacier via an Ice Explorer tour or experience the Glacier Skywalk.
Pro Tip: Download offline maps as cell service is spotty. Consider visiting during shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for fewer crowds and stunning autumn colors or lingering snow.
Wildlife Encounters in Jasper
Keep an eye out for moose, deer, and even bears (black and grizzly). It's crucial to remember that these are wild animals. Always maintain a safe distance – at least 30 meters for elk and deer, and 100 meters for bears and wolves.
Best viewing times are often early morning and late evening. Drive slowly and be patient; sometimes the best sightings happen unexpectedly. Remember, your safety and the animals' well-being are paramount.
Exploring Jasper's Waterfalls
The roar of the water and the surrounding rugged cliffs create a dramatic scene. It's easily accessible with short walks from the parking area.Just a short drive away is Sunwapta Falls, another impressive cascade that plunges over a rocky ledge.
For a different kind of water feature, Maligne Canyon offers a series of waterfalls and potholes carved into limestone over thousands of years, accessible via a network of bridges and trails. When visiting these natural wonders, always stay on marked trails and obey safety signs. The spray from the falls can make rocks slippery, so wear appropriate footwear.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit