Did you know Jasper is the largest of the Canadian Rockies national parks? You can take a road trip there from Edmonton or drive the jaw-dropping Icefields Parkway from Banff, known as one of the best drives in the world.
When you arrive in town, you’ll be greeted by an easygoing alpine getaway with a wealth of activities to choose from. Make sure you dont miss these eight experiences:
- Take a boat cruise to Spirit Island – Jasper is chock-full of gorgeous scenery, including one of the most photographed places on the planet. Spirit Island can only be reached by boat, but you’re in luck. The Maligne Lake boat cruise is one of the best ways to take in the mountain scenery surrounding the glacier-fed lake.
- Ride to new heights on the Jasper SkyTram – The views are stunning no matter where you look in Jasper, but there’s something special about seeing it all from above. And you don’t even have to climb a mountain to do it. The Jasper SkyTram is the longest and highest guarded aerial tramway in the entire country, and it only takes seven minutes to climb 2,263 metres (7,424 feet) to the peak of Whistlers Mountain.
- Get to know Jasper’s Wildlife – There are more than 600 species of wildlife that call Alberta home, and Jasper National Park is a haven for elk, deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, coyotes, wolves, moose and even grizzly bears. You’re likely to spot wildlife in one way or another during your visit, and one of the safest ways to do so is on a guided wildlife tour.
- Hike to Mount Edith Cavell – The mountain ranges in Alberta boast some seriously impressive peaks and Mount Edith Cavell towers above with the distinction of being the most prominent peak located entirely within the province. Mount Edith Cavell, named after a heroic British nurse who saved soldiers during the First World War, is a whopping 3,363 metres (11,033 feet) tall.
- Explore the Columbia Icefields – Whether you opt to drive the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper or want a day trip from town, the Columbia Icefields are a must-see. The best way to experience the jaw-dropping Athabasca Glacier is to climb aboard the Ice Explorer, a giant vehicle that can traverse the icy terrain and take you to the best spot to explore and walk along the glacier. This area is steeped in fascinating history, too, which you’ll learn about on the drive.
- Stargaze at the Jasper Planetarium – There are plenty of world-renowned places in Alberta, and that extends to the night sky. Alberta is where you’ll find the two largest dark-sky preserves in the entire world – Jasper National Park and Wood Buffalo National Park. A dark sky preserve is free from light pollution, and the Jasper Planetarium is the best way to experience the park’s dark-sky wonders.
- Unwind in the Miette Hot Springs – The naturally occurring Miette Hot Springs can be a destination for a day of relaxation or a stop while adventuring in the surrounding area. The Hot Springs are generally open from May to October, and they’re known for being the hottest in the Canadian Rockies.
- Rock climbing in Jasper – If the thought of becoming a human mountain goat hanging off the side of a cliff terrifies you – don’t worry. There’s a starting point for everything, even conquering mountains. The canyons and cliffs in the Canadian Rockies are what rock climbers’ dreams are made of. Breathtaking views meet heart-stopping multi-pitch routes up limestone and quartzite.
Still struggling for inspiration after all the above information and ideas, visit our Alberta page for more incredible activities in and around Jasper!