Travelers with a desire for vast mountains, calm wilderness, and basic mountain town charm should not miss the town of Jasper in Canada. This charming little town, tucked away within Jasper National Park, serves as a gateway to the outstanding beauty of the Canadian Rockies, and we don’t want you to miss a minute of the action.
For this reason, we have carefully curated this list of the top Jasper activities! Together, we’ll explore Jasper’s attractions, taking in its well-known landmarks, highlighting unseen treasures, and leading you through a variety of activities that make this place a naturalist’s and adventurer’s dream come true. Jasper photographs everything from hot springs and food tours to glacier-fed lakes and high peaks.
Here are 15 Best Things to Do in Jasper
Go on an Ice Walk Through Maligne Canyon
Adventure seekers in Jasper will find Maligne Canyon offers year-round thrills and beauty. This magnificent natural wonder is a must-see in Jasper as it enchants visitors with its dramatic limestone walls, cascading waterfalls, and lush forest surroundings. Tourists can embark on the network of well-marked trails that wind through the canyon and over bridges while witnessing the mesmerizing power of the Maligne River,
which has carved its way through the rugged terrain over thousands of years. The canyon and its trails offer fantastic views of Jasper, the valley, and the surrounding mountains, which means there are some pretty awesome photo opportunities, too. Those visiting in the warmer months will find Maligne Canyon can get quite packed.
We recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds or at sunset for an epic golden hour experience. Alternatively, visitors can sign up for a guided hike and tour of Maligne Canyon with SunDog Tours or group a visit to the canyon with other natural attractions with this half-day wildlife and waterfalls adventure tour.
Winter transforms Maligne Canyon into a magical ice-sculpted realm with shimmering frozen waterfalls, offering adventurous travelers a chance to explore the icy canyon floor and marvel at the sculpted ice and rock formations. Joining an ice walk tour of Maligne Canyon is easily one of the best winter activities in Jasper. Tourists can still walk the upper canyon trails on their own in the winter, but we highly recommend bringing good winter hiking shoes as the trail can get very slippery.
Learn About Local History at Jasper and Archives
Sometimes, small-town museums are half-assed and boring, but that is not the case with Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives. This lovely Jasper attraction invites tourists to explore the cultural heritage of Jasper and the Canadian Rockies.
Visitors will encounter a diverse range of artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, offering insights into the area’s indigenous roots, early explorers, and the development of this vibrant mountain community. Tourists may even be surprised to find out about some of the celebrity visitors who fell in love with Jasper and came back year after year!
With exhibits that showcase everything from the fur trade and secret WWII experiments to the construction of the iconic Yellowhead Highway, the museum becomes a delightful window into the past and will positively reshape the way visitors experience the area. Whether you’re a history buff or a curious traveler, a visit to the Jasper Yellowhead Museum promises an enriching and enjoyable exploration of the stories that have shaped this picturesque mountain town and its ever-friendly community.
Hike Pyramid Lake Loop
There is no better way to experience the magic of Jasper’s mountains and landscapes than with a hike! One of the most popular and easily accessible hikes in the area is Pyramid Lake Loop. Visitors can start this nearly six-kilometer loop trail from Pyramid Lake Lodge
, which can be reached by car in 10 minutes or by Jasper’s public bus on its Pyramid Loop route (the bus stop is right beside the lodge). Another option is to hike from town along Trail 15 to the lodge. This is a beautiful and well-marked trail that starts beside Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, follows Lake Pyramid Road, and leads on a gradual incline out of Jasper, offering expansive views of the town and mountain ranges. The Trail 15 hike to Pyramid Lake Lodge takes roughly an hour and passes by Cottonwood Slough and Lake Patricia.
Once you reach Pyramid Lake Lodge, make your way down the road (or on the trail beside the road) until you reach Pyramid Island. This stunning isle boasts breathtaking views of the lake and Pyramid Mountain in the background, along with picnic benches. After a visit to the island, hikers can then walk across the road to link up with Pyramid Lake Loop, which is marked as Trail 2 and 2B on the maps.
Those looking to complete this hike in the winter can opt to rent snowshoes to use on the trails or they can bring their ice skates and skate on either Lake Patricia or Pyramid Lake. Dogs are also allowed on the trails but must be on leash.
Stargaze at the Jasper Planetarium and Dark Sky Preserve
Stargazing is a timeless activity that allows us to peel back the layers of the night sky and connect with the vast cosmic wonders above, and there is no better place to do this than at the Jasper Planetarium and Dark Sky Preserve. What sets this experience apart is not only the opportunity to stargaze in the world’s second-largest dark-sky preserve but also the immersive and interactive presentations offered by enthusiastic astronomy guides.
Three different guided experiences are offered at the planetarium. The first is the planetarium experience, which will take tourists on a 40-minute journey through the stars with a knowledgeable astronomy guide who will decode the night sky and unveil the captivating narratives behind constellations, the Northern Lights, planets, and galaxies. Tourists could also choose to sign up for their 45-minute telescope experience,
where they’ll join an experienced guide and use the most powerful telescope in the Rockies to explore constellations and planets, and perhaps even the Aurora Borealis. The telescope and planetarium experiences can be combined into one two-hour tour, or tourists can sign up for the planetarium’s stargazing lakeside dinner experience at Pyramid Lake Lodge, which offers a three-course meal at Aalto followed by an evening of stargazing with telescopes and an astronomy guide. The stargazing lakeside dinner experience also includes hands-on activities like making an aurora and holding meteorites!
Ride the Jasper SkyTram
This awesome Jasper attraction offers tourists a breathtaking ascent into the heart of the Canadian Rockies and up to Whistlers Peak, promising unparalleled views of Jasper’s stunning landscapes and the town. As visitors embark on the guided 7.5-minute journey to the upper station, they will be treated to panoramic vistas of neighboring peaks,
pristine lakes, and expansive forests. At the top, an observation deck, café, and gift shop await, providing a spectacular vantage point to enjoy a cup of coffee and a view. Adventure enthusiasts can explore a network of varying-level hiking trails at the top. One can’t-miss hike is the Summit Trail, a 1.2-kilometer out-and-back trail that leads to Whistlers Peak and offers unmatched panoramic views of Jasper National Park. This is the perfect spot to capture the ultimate holiday photo in Jasper National Park!
Hike the Valley of Five Lakes
The Valley of Five Lakes promises hikers a captivating journey through some of the most enchanting landscapes Jasper has to offer. The loop trail is approximately 4.5 kilometers long and weaves its way around five pristine mountain lakes, each distinguished by its own unique color palette. With a moderate difficulty level, this hike is accessible to a range of skill levels, making it ideal for both seasoned hikers and those seeking a more leisurely stroll.
The loop trail typically takes around one to two hours to complete, but the trail can get quite icy in the winter, so make sure to bring good hiking boots and walking poles. We also recommend bringing some snacks and drinks to enjoy while taking a break on the red chairs that overlook Third Lake. Trust us, it’s an incredible place to perch up and enjoy a mid-hike picnic!
The Valley of the Five Lakes is located on the Icefields Parkway about a 15-minute drive from Jasper. Alternatively, visitors could hike from Old Fort Point just south of town and follow Trails 9, 9A, and 1 to meet up with the Valley of the Five Lakes Loop. Hiking from Old Fort Point adds an additional 10 kilometers to the loop hike.
Go on a Mountain Bike Adventure With Journey Bike Guides
Are you a rider looking to take advantage of the excellent mountain biking trails in Jasper? Then you need to head over to Journey Bike Guides (or they can come to you)! Journey Bike Guides offers winter fat bikes and regular bike rentals delivered right to your accommodation. You and your crew could also book a private mountain bike tour with owner, wilderness woman, and mountain bike instructor Elissa Cummings. Her and her expert guides will lead you through the rugged trails of the Canadian Rockies, offering personalized insights and ensuring an unforgettable experience. This is a great way to get an introduction to the sport, whether you’re young or young at heart!
Enjoy a Relaxing Soak at Miette Hot Springs
A trip to the Miette Hot Springs offers tourists the promise of relaxation amidst breathtaking mountain scenery. Open seasonally, from mid-May to mid-October, the hot springs offer a warm respite after a day of exploring Jasper’s natural wonders. Not only can visitors bask in the mineral-rich therapeutic waters, with temperatures ranging from 37 to 40 degrees Celsius (around 104 degrees Fahrenheit), but they’ll also get to take in the panoramic views of Fiddle River Valley. Miette Hot Springs provides excellent on-site amenities, including change facilities with lockers, a café, bathing suit and towel rentals, and interpretive displays about the local geology and history.
Take a Downtown Foodie Tour
You might not think of Canada as being particularly well-known for its cuisine (other than poutine, of course), but exploring Canadian cuisine is an essential part of the travel experience! A food tour offers a delightful way to explore culinary traditions that reflect Canada’s multicultural identity. Alberta, in particular, offers a distinctive culinary experience with its game meats like elk, bison, and venison.
This guided Downtown Foodie Tour is the perfect way to spend an afternoon, as it includes four plates (three main meals and one dessert) and four perfectly paired alcoholic beverages with no more than 12–14 other guests. Not only will you get to sample four dishes at four different restaurants, but you’ll also get a mini tour of the town as your guide will lead you to some of Jasper’s highlights in between restaurant visits. What will you get at each restaurant? Oh, we’ll leave that as a surprise. But we will say that you’ll be licking your plate clean afterward!
Learn About Indigenous Culture with Warrior Women
Warrior Women offers a unique Fireside Chat experience that unveils the empowering stories of Indigenous women and culture, sharing their wisdom, resilience, and cultural heritage against the backdrop of the majestic Canadian Rockies. During this excursion, visitors will gather for an intimate and engaging evening around an outdoor campfire, where Matricia Brown will weave a night of traditional drumming, Indigenous songs, and captivating stories into one unforgettable experience.
From tales of survival to the preservation of traditional knowledge, participants will gain insights into local aboriginal nations and engage in conversation about Indigenous culture. Tourists will even walk away able to speak a few words and phrases in Cree! The Fireside Chat tour not only immerses visitors in the cultural fabric of Jasper but also fosters a deep appreciation for the enduring spirit of Indigenous communities, creating an enlightening travel experience under the starlit skies of the Canadian wilderness.
Hike Whistlers Trail to Whistlers Peak
Experienced hikers can choose to save their wallets on a ticket for the Jasper SkyTram and instead hike to Whistlers Peak via Whistlers Trail. This out-and-back trail starts at the Jasper SkyTram parking lot and leads into a dense bush where the trail will turn into a challenging switchback path that has little to no flat sections, along with a scramble section.
There is also a rock slide section, and when hikers reach it, they should find and follow the pink or green ribbons through the section. Do not follow AllTrails maps as they are incorrectly marked! This demanding hike is well worth the effort, as trekkers will be rewarded with incredible views on the path and even more breathtaking scenery from the summit. In total, it should take between three and four hours to hike up to the summit and another two to three hours to climb back down, making a total hike time of roughly seven hours and about 15 kilometers.
Hikers could also choose to ride the tram up and hike the trail down, or vice versa, but a ticket will be required. Those planning on completing this hike during the fall or spring will most likely need spikes and poles due to the amount of ice on the top part of the trail. For those planning a summer hike, good hiking shoes and bug spray are a must!
The Whistlers Trail trailhead can be reached by car within 10 minutes from town or visitors can take the Campgrounds Loop bus from town, get dropped at Whistlers Campgrounds, and walk 2.5 kilometers to the trailhead.
Join in Community Events at the Legion
If you’re a fellow Canadian, you might be thinking, “The Legion made it on this list,” but trust us when we say Jasper’s Royal Canadian Legion is well worth a visit! For non-Canadians, the Royal Canadian Legion is Canada’s largest veteran support non-profit, and branches can be found in most small towns and big cities across the country.
While Legions are known to put on public community events from time to time, Jasper’s Legion is open to the public almost every day of the week, provided there aren’t any specialized events planned. Inside the Legion, visitors will find a vibrant family-friendly watering hole complete with a restaurant serving up Canadian grub and plenty of weekly events. There are also pool tables, video games, and dartboards. Tourists can join in on a trivia night, enjoy live music on a Friday night, or pop in for a brew and round of billiards.
This is a fantastic way for visitors to engage with friendly locals and get a taste of what Canadian small-town charm is truly about!
Drop the Kids at Cubz Play Cafe
If you’re wondering what to do in Jasper on a rainy day with kids, then make your way down to Cubz Play Café! This tourist attraction in Jasper is a haven for families and little adventurers alike. Opened in 2023, this indoor playground and daycare center offers a large indoor play space focused on open-ended play for children up to eight years old.
Little ones can scramble the rock climbing wall, jump in the ball pit, post up in the reading nook with a book, or join the other kids in free play on the jungle gym. However, the best part about this indoor play haven isn’t even all the cool toys and games they offer; it’s that parents can relax! Cubz Play Café offers a café and sitting area where parents can enjoy a cappuccino and a book while the little ones burn off energy in the next room
. Alternatively, parents looking for a few personal hours to shop or escape to the spa can drop their little ones off for daycare at the indoor play center. All of the staff are qualified in early childhood childcare and have up-to-date first aid and criminal background checks.
Rent a Motorcycle and Cruise the Mountain Roads
One fun thing to do in Jasper is rent a motorcycle and explore the breathtaking landscapes of Jasper National Park with the wind in your hair and the purr of the engine beneath you. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a first-timer, the freedom of two wheels allows you to go on a thrilling adventure as you cruise through winding mountain roads surrounded by towering peaks,
crystal-clear lakes, and the vibrant hues of alpine meadows. Jasper Motorcycle Tours offers bike rentals for experienced riders and sidecar tours for those who would prefer riding shotgun rather than driving. Of particular interest is the Icefields Parkway Tour, which will take you on a guided tour through a series of ice-age glaciers that make up the Icefields Parkway. This incredible driving route was rated by National Geographic Magazine as one of the top 10 most spectacular road trip routes.
Book a Wildlife Tour
A guided wildlife tour in Jasper is an essential addition to any itinerary and a must for any nature enthusiast eager to witness the incredible Canadian wildlife in their natural habitat. The rugged landscapes of Jasper National Park provide a haven for a variety of species, from majestic elk and bighorn sheep to elusive grizzly bears and eagles.
We highly recommend booking this three-hour wildlife-watching tour from Maligne Adventures. You can choose between a morning or an evening tour where an air-conditioned coach bus will pick you up at your accommodation and take you on a three-hour ride through the park to spot wildlife. During the tour, you’ll receive live commentary from a guide on local wildlife and history and occasionally be let out of the bus to snap some photos.
Go Paddleboarding on Lake Edith or Lake Annette
If you’re looking to spend a relaxing afternoon at one of Jasper’s lakes, then why not head over to Lake Edith or Lake Annette for a day of sun-fueled fun by the water? Both lakes offer plenty of sandy or grassy waterside areas to set up for the day, and there are on-site amenities like washrooms, a playground, and picnic tables.
While there are plenty of hiking trails to enjoy nearby, you and your crew could also opt to rent stand-up paddleboards and explore the lake at a leisurely pace. Paddleboard rentals are available from Translucid Adventures, located right on Lake Edith, on a first-come, first-served basis. For a particularly breathtaking experience, we recommend renting a paddleboard for sunset! All rentals also come with a 10-minute crash course for those who have never used a SUP before. Translucid Adventures also offers SUP yoga classes, SUP paddle classes, and certification courses.
Blog Summary
In Jasper’s wild embrace, adventure awaits! Hike emerald trails past cascading waterfalls and kayak glassy lakes mirrored by snow-capped peaks. Embark on wildlife safaris, spotting elk grazing meadows or bears lumbering through forests. Dive into Maligne Canyon’s icy depths, or ascend skyward on the Jasper SkyTram for breathtaking panoramas. Paddle serene Spirit Island, a postcard come to life. Unwind under star-studded skies at the Jasper Planetarium, or sip craft brews in cozy town pubs. Immerse yourself in Jasper’s magic
where every minute is an unforgettable masterpiece
