The top MUST DO things in Jasper

Jasper, Alberta, a jewel nestled within the Canadian Rockies, is a destination that promises breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From rugged mountain peaks to serene lakes and dense forests, Jasper offers a plethora of activities that cater to nature enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and those looking for a serene retreat. Jasper has a special place in my heart as wildlife are everywhere! It’s the only place in the world where you can be driving along a road, pull over, and snap photos of grizzly bears, elk, etc.

Join me as I uncover the top things to do in Jasper (as well as things to avoid) and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A top question is how much time should I spend in Jasper? When I was there last month (July), I stayed in Jasper for 4 days and this seemed like the perfect amount of time. I’ll try to group these as to what you can do in a day as they’re all in the same area(s). I highly recommend packing sandwich lunches and drinks with you as you do these activities.

DAY 1

Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, Medicine Lake & Edith Lake

Embark on a scenic boat cruise across the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake to reach the iconic Spirit Island. Surrounded by majestic peaks, this secluded spot is a photographer’s paradise and a place of tranquil reflection. You can only access this part of the lake by boat with canoe rentals or chartered cruises being provided by by the Maligne Lake Boathouse and Chalet.

Maligne Lake is also at a higher elevation, so dress warmly (bring a coat/sweater) and is known to be a prime location to see grizzly bears as they prefer to cooler areas of Jasper.

On your way to Maligne Lake, you’ll pass Medicine Lake. Pull over at the parking lot to Medicine Lake as this is a prime location to spot Mountain Goats at sunrise and sunset.

Medicine Lake drains its water each year through a large 17km underground cave system and doesn’t refill till the spring snow melt.

It’s a shallow lake and runs East-West, so you can get stunning sunrise and sunset photos across the lake. We enjoyed the drive to Maligne, stopping at Medicine lake and the abundance of wildlife, that we did this several times. Hint: As you drive down Maligne Lake Road, turn right into Edith Lake and slowly drive down this road and scout the valleys – This is where I saw a Grizzly Bear with baby cubs as well as a herd of Elk. As a photographer, it was paradise!

Jasper SkyTram

Soar to new heights aboard the Jasper SkyTram, ascending Whistlers Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. This is an absolute MUST and the tram and buildings are DOG FRIENDLY! Make sure you bring a coat and sweater as you’re at high altitude above the alpine (temperatures below can be 30C but at the summit it can be 5-10C). The summit offers areas for photos which the majority of people do, but I would encourage you to go beyond this. There are a few trails here that range from intermediate level (blue) to advanced (black). STAY WITHIN THE TRAIL BORDERS – this is for your own safety, as well as the wildlife (I can’t stress this enough) and bring water if you plan to hike. The false summit trail is a nice hike that my son and I did to the mountain summit and the views are amazing! The summit trail is an advanced trail that goes along the ridgeline and takes at least a couple hours to complete (this trail is not for beginners).

DAY 2

Horseshoe Lake, Athabasca & Sunwapta Falls, Goats & the Icefields

As you drive down the Icefield Parkway, you’ll spot Horseshoe Lake on the left side. It’s got a small parking lot (room for about 8 vehicles) and is extremely popular on hot days as it’s great for swimming. Locals can be seen cliff jumping from the 7m to 24m cliffs around the lake (do so at your own risk).

Continuing the drive down the Icefields Parkway and you’ll witness the raw power of nature at Athabasca Falls. Marvel at the rushing waters as they cascade through narrow rock formations, creating a spectacular display of nature’s might.

Continue down the Parkway and you’ll come to the Goats & Glacier Lookout (you can’t miss it as it’s clearly marked and there’s road indicators to drop your speed due to all the Mountain Goats. If you here at sunrise or sunset you’ll likely spot the goats everywhere!

A little further down the Parkway and you’ll come to the Sunwapta falls. The image here is from the upper falls which is right at the parking lot.

There’s a short 1.3km walk down to the lower falls.

Columbia Icefield

As you near the end of the Parkway, you’ll come to the Columbia Icefields. There are numerous pullovers for photos of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

There are tour companies that will gladly take your money and pack you onto a 4WD bus and drive onto the icefield and let you walk close to bus like penguins (same company will let you walk out on a metal skywalk). While this is fine for some people, this would be an awful experience for me. Instead, anyone can freely hike to the toe of the glacier (and I really mean anyone as it’s a crushed rock path that is well maintained). Don’t waste your money on the big bus trips unless you like being jammed in a can like a sardine! If you really want to experience the glacier, there are companies that offer true mountain climbing guided tours of the glacier (not recommended for frail individuals or people with mobility issues). The mountain climbing/hiking tours use proper safety gear and get you onto the glacier itself – truly a bucket list activity!

DAY 3

Patricia Lake

Close to home base (town of Jasper) is Patricia lake. This is a stunning lake with great swimming. If you’re looking for a nice place to stay in Jasper, Patricia Lake Bungalows is a resort located right on the lake with cabins available for rent between May and October.

Pyramid Lake

Next door to Patricia lake lies Pyramid Lake, which is famous for it’s crystal clear reflections.

Indulge in a serene paddle on Pyramid Lake, surrounded by lush forests and the iconic Pyramid Mountain. This hidden gem is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or simply relaxing by the shore.

Valley of the Five Lakes Hike

The Valley of the Five Lakes hike is a 4.5km picturesque and rewarding trail. This hike offers a captivating journey through a pristine alpine landscape, featuring five stunningly clear and vibrantly colored mountain lakes. Each lake boasts its own unique hue, ranging from emerald greens to deep blues, making the Valley of the Five Lakes hike a true feast for the eyes.

DAY 4

Explore the Jasper Townsite

Explore the charming town of Jasper, with its quaint streets lined with shops, galleries, and local eateries. Embrace the friendly atmosphere and indulge in a taste of authentic Canadian cuisine.

The entire town is walkable and the best thing about shopping in Jasper – there’s no sales tax!

There’s plenty of touristy trinket shops if that’s your thing, or check out the local shops to get better quality merchandise. Nice restaurants abound in Jasper (along with your typical touristy ice cream and beavertail food vendors), so there’s plenty of choices! My son loves pizza and give a huge thumbs-up to Jasper Pizza Place right on the main strip.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a close encounter with nature’s wonders, Jasper, Alberta, has something for everyone. I fell deeply in love with Jasper and the people so this is a magical place that I’ll definitely return to (I might even make it my 2nd home!).

Jasper provides the backdrop to a myriad of experiences that will leave you enchanted and inspired. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and embark on a journey to discover the captivating beauty of Jasper.