Jasper is a mountain town located in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. The town is actually the commercial center of the beautiful Jasper National Park. The park is known for its glacier-fed lakes, ice fields, lakes, and rivers. One of the most visited attractions in the park is Maligne Lake. The calm water of the lake is so blue and clear it reflects the sky above. You can capture some truly amazing pictures here. In the middle of the lake is Spirit Island, home to eagles and bears and one of the most photographed spots in the park. A visit to Jasper will give you some fun ways for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. You can try climbing frozen waterfalls, trekking across a glacier, and exploring the galaxy at a dark sky preserve. To help you get the most out of your vacation, we put together this list of 26 fabulous things to do in Jasper.
1. Experience rock climbing along the Athabasca River (from USD 109.0)
If you have been looking to try rock climbing, this is the time to do it. Your four-hour experience includes round-trip transportation from the city, all the necessary equipment, and a certified guide from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Learn how to rappel down a cliff and climb back up. You will also learn belaying techniques used to keep other climbers in your party safe. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes and take some bottled water with you.
Jasper Rock Climbing Experience
Duration: 4 hours
2. Soak in the scenic beauty of Jasper National Park (from USD 72.0)
Enjoy the stunning beauty of Jasper National Park on this guided hiking tour. You will be picked up at your hotel and transported to the park. Your guide will take you along forest trails where you will see, lake and mountain views. Be on the lookout to take some beautiful photos of the wildlife. Your hike will take you through the Maigne Canyon with a rest stop at the lodge. After leaving the lodge you will be driven back to Jasper.
Jasper Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake Hike
Duration: 6 hours
3. Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting with family and friends (from USD 87.02)
This whitewater adventure is suitable for all skill levels. You will be transported by bus to the Athabasca Falls where you will be provided with all of the necessary equipment. Your guide will help you get situated in your raft then the adventure begins. Enjoy the thrill of the Class 2 rapids as you soar down the river. The ride ends with a relaxing float in calm waters. The self-bailing raft seats up to six people. This river journey takes about 3.5 hours.
Jasper: Canyon Run Family Whitewater Rafting
Duration: 3.5 hour
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4. Paddle the blue waters of Pyramid Lake (from USD 101.0)
Enjoy a fun canoe ride through the calm waters of Pyramid Lake. Be on the lookout for wildlife and keep your camera handy. This excursion is great for the whole family. You will see the untouched shores of Spirit Island and Jasper National Forest. The lake is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of Canadian Rockies. The excursion ends with a trip to shore for hot drinks and home-baked treats. This adventure lasts about four hours and you will be provided with a guide and safety equipment.
Wild Current Canoe Adventure Join a small group
Duration: 3 hours
5. Play golf at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is part of the mountain resort located in the Jasper National Park. The 18-hole professional golf course offers challenging courses surrounded by incredible beauty. You will likely have to pause your game for grizzly bears or elk who wander onto the course. After your game head over to The Lodge restaurant for a delicious lunch or to relax with a cocktail or two.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club
Address: 1 Old Lodge Rd, PO Box 40 Jasper, Alberta, Canada, T0E 1E0
Website: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 119 USD onwards
6. Enjoy biking with Jasper Motorcycle Tours
Jasper Motorcycle Tours give you plenty of options to explore the Canadian Rockies the way you want to. Choose the length of your ride, either one, two or three hours. Then choose the places you want to see, like Maligne Lake where you can snap some great pictures of the local wildlife. Or head over to Miette Hot Springs for a relaxing dip. All of the tours are done with a Harley Davidson motorcycle fitted with a sidecar.
Jasper Motorcycle Tours
Address: 610 Patricia St, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Website: Jasper Motorcycle Tours
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 169 USD
7. Hike at Maligne Lake with the help of a professional guide (from USD 71.06)
You will be transported from downtown to the Jasper National Park. A knowledgeable guide will share the history of the area on this five-hour hike along Maligne Lake. You are likely to come in contact with local wildlife including caribou, bears, and moose. You will stop at the Medicine Lake viewpoint for pictures. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for this hiking tour. Transportation back to your hotel is included.
Jasper: Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Lakeshore Hike
Duration: 6.0 hour
8. Sample local fare on this culinary walking tour (from USD 107.0)
Over the years, the town of Jasper has grown, it’s food scene is no exception. On this walking tour of downtown, your guide will point out local hot spots and regale you with tales of the town’s history. You will stop at four different restaurants for refreshments. Each restaurant will serve you one of the specialty dishes along with cocktails. This tour is a great way to sample local food while meeting fellow foodies. It takes about three hours to complete the tour.
Half-Day Jasper Culture Food Tour
Duration: 3 hours
9. Enjoy a live performance at the Whistlers Outdoor Theater
The Whistlers Outdoor Theater is located in the Whistlers Campground. During the warmer months of summer, you can kick back and take in a live performance. Local artists will sing, dance, and perform skits to teach you about the flora and fauna of Jasper National Park. The shows are free and suitable for all ages. They also offer free movie nights four times during summer. Contact the campgrounds for dates and times of the daily shows.
Whistlers Outdoor Theater
Address: 67 19, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Website: Whistlers Outdoor Theater
Price: Free
10. Explore the Jasper Train Station built in 1925
The train station dates back to 1913 when the tracks were laid. The current building was constructed in 1926. As part of the Canadian National Railway system, travelers pass through Jasper on a regular basis. You can book a trip to Ontario or Quebec City at the station. Or be adventurous and try one of the train packages such as the Adventure Routes or the Great Western Way.
Jasper Train Station
Address: 607 Connaught Dr, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Website: Jasper Train Station
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
11. Visit the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum & Archives
The Jasper-Yellowhead Museum & Archives is an interesting place to spend an afternoon. The quaint museum holds three main areas dedicated to preserving the rich history of the region. The main gallery houses their permanent collection which includes the ice ax from Mt. Alberta and Curly Phillip’s canoe. In the Showcase and Alcove galleries, you will find exhibits based on local history and are changed throughout the year. The Archive houses periodicals, historical manuscripts, photographs, and other memorabilia pertaining to the natural and human history of Canadian Rockies. What keeps this little house of history going are the sales from items found in their gift shop.
Jasper-Yellowhead Museum & Archives
Address 400 Bonhomme St., Jasper, Alberta, T0E 1E0, Canada
Website: Jasper-Yellowhead Museum & Archives
Opening hours: Mid October - Mid May: Thu - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Wed); Mid May - Mid October: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 7 USD
12. Catch a movie at the Chaba Theater
The Chaba Theater has been a community landmark since 1923. The small theater has two screens for moviegoers to enjoy. The theater is also used for community events, live plays, talent shows, and where the kids can visit with Santa Claus every December. Chaba is the aboriginal word for beaver which were plentiful in the area when the theater was built. Be sure to check the website for current movies and showtimes.
Chaba Theater
Address: 604 Connaught Drive, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0
Website: Chaba Theater
Opening hours: 1pm - 12am (daily)
Price: 12 USD
13. Dance your heart out at Atha-B Nightclub
The Atha-B Nightclub is found inside the Athabasca Hotel, just off the lobby. By day, it is a tasty diner where locals like to meet. By night, the diner becomes the hottest nightclub in town. Live bands can be seen on stage on the weekends so you can dance all night. On Wednesday nights you can become the entertainment when they host a karaoke night. The Atha B serves up pub food and cocktails in the evening hours.
Atha-B Nightclub
Address: 510 Patricia Street, Jasper, Alberta
Website: Atha-B Nightclub
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Experience the wilderness of Jasper on horseback
Experience a true adventure when you tour Jasper on horseback. The Jasper Riding Stables are located just outside of town. They offer both carriage and trail rides for all skill levels. You will be partnered with a guide as you ride through the forest trails. During your horseback ride, you will see beautiful scenery and much of the local wildlife. They have 50 horses of varying sizes and temperament and will match you with the best one for you.
Jasper Riding Stables
Address: 1 Pyramid Lake Rd, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Website: Jasper Riding Stables
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 52 USD
15. Try ice climbing in the snowy terrains of Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is one of the best places for ice climbers of all skill levels. Earlier in this article, we mentioned the frozen waterfalls and icy trails of Maligne Lake. These trails are ideal for beginners. But Jasper National Park has one of the largest collections of established ice anywhere. The Icefield Parkway offers a few trails and frozen waterfalls you can scale without a lot of effort. Or climb the Tangle Falls which will take you to the center of the Columbia Icefield.
Jasper National Park
Address: Jasper, AB T0E 1E0
Website: Jasper National Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
16. Canoe through Maligne Valley
Maligne Lake is one of the most visited areas in Jasper. The calm, azure waters reflect the sky above and create stunning photographs. The lake is so calm that beginners can easily handle canoeing through the valley. You will be able to see the three glaciers nearby and don’t miss paddling over to Spirit Island. The untouched island is home to eagles and bears. You can also book a spot at one of the campgrounds along the lake and paddle your way there. You can rent a canoe at Maligne Lake Boat House.
Maligne lake
Address: Jasper, AB T0E 1E0
Website: Maligne Lake
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 40 USD
17. Fly over the spectacular Cline Pass in a helicopter
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Experience the Canadian Rockies in a whole new way. Banff Jasper offers three different helicopter tours to choose from. You will soar over glaciers, waterfalls, crevasses, and cliffs, just like the birds. The 6 Glaciers experience gives you panoramic views over Cline Pass. Below you will see the magnificent Cline and Lioness glaciers. The tour takes about 20 minutes from takeoff to touch down. You need at least two people, single riders will be matched up with other singles if available.
Banff Jasper Helicopter Tours
Address: 215 Banff Ave. Banff, AB T1l 1B5
Website: Banff Jasper Helicopter Tours
Opening hours: 7:30am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 199 USD
18. Shop for authentic native crafts at Our Native Land
Located across the street from the Visitor’s Center, is Our Native Land. They showcase unique items from artists in Canada and the United States. If you are looking for something different to remember your trip to Jasper, this is the place. The gallery sells authentic native sculptures, paintings, clothing, and jewelry. You may also be interested in some of the beauty, health and wellness products that are available. Many of the recipes used have been handed down from one generation to the next. The gallery is easy to spot by their large green awning.
Our Native Land
Address: 601 Patricia St., Jasper,Alberta,Canada
Website: Our Native Land
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 7pm
19. Go stargazing at The Jasper Planetarium
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by The Jasper Planetarium on Wednesday, June 16, 2021
The Jasper Planetarium offers you two different ways to see the cosmos. Located at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, you can choose from an indoor or outdoor experience, or just do both. Inside the domed planetarium, a guide will take you for a live tour of the sky above. You will see auroras, constellations and other planets in our galaxy. Outside, you can look through the largest telescope in the Canadian Rockies to explore the dark sky preserve. Either experience offers some great family time that is also educational.
The Jasper Planetarium
Address: 1 Old Lodge Rd, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0
Website: The Jasper Planetarium
Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)
Price: 29 USD
20. Ease your worries at The Fairmont Spa
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge doesn’t just have one of the best golf courses in the Canadian Rockies. They also have an amazing spa facility. Just as the natural beauty of Jasper allows you to relax and slow down your pace, so too do the spa treatments offered here. Pamper yourself with one of their exclusive packages, such as the Rockies Ritual or Jasper Indulgence. The spa also features a couple’s room, a fitness facility, and a full-service salon.
The Fairmont Spa, Jasper Park Lodge
Address: 1 Old Lodge Rd, PO Box 40 Jasper, Alberta, Canada, T0E 1E0
Website: The Fairmont Spa
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 49 USD
21. Enjoy the mesmerising Maligne Lake cruise (from USD 67.0)
This 90-minute cruise takes you through blue glacial waters of Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. The island is an untouched natural habitat for eagles, bears, and deer that make the ancient forest their home. Keep your camera ready to capture some memorable photos to show the folks back home. During the cruise, you will learn about the region’s history and geology making it an educational and inspirational trip.
Maligne Lake Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
22. Ice walk into Maligne Canyon (from USD 55.0)
This three-hour hike takes you into Maligne Canyon, one of the deepest canyons found in the Canadian Rockies. Most of the walk is downhill and along the way, you will see frozen waterfalls and ice caves. Can you solve the mystery of the disappearing Medicine Lake? This package includes hotel pickup and dropoff and all of the equipment you will need for the hike.
Maligne Canyon Ice Walk
Duration: 3 hours
23. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Athabasca Glacier (from USD 189.0)
Not many people get the chance to explore an arctic glacier. This full-day trip transports you from Jasper to the Athabasca Glacier. Your personal guide will lead you on a narrative hike through the Icefields Parkway. Snowshoes and other equipment will be provided for you. Your expert guide will teach you all of the tricks to surviving in this frosty environment. This package includes a bag of lunch and transportation.
Athabasca Glacier Full-Day Tour
Duration: 7 hours
24. Stargaze in the world's largest Dark Sky Preserve (from USD 40.0)
Your stargazing experience begins inside the Jasper Planetarium. This is the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserve and the domed ceiling allows you to see millions of galaxies with their own suns. During the planetarium show, a knowledgeable guide will take you on a tour of the local constellations, auras, and the Milky Way. After the show inside, you will step outside to view the galaxy through the largest telescope located in the Rockies. This tour takes about two hours.
Jasper Planetarium and Stargazing Program
25. Get an adrenaline fix on the Glacier Skywalk (from USD 183.0)
Enjoy the view of Jasper National Park spread out below you as you walk along the Glacier Skywalk. The glass-bottomed walkway sits 1,000 feet (304 meters) over the Sunwapta Valley. Just stepping onto the Skywalk will have the adrenalin coursing through your veins. Discover the history of the Aboriginal history of the glacial region through the interactive displays found along the walkway. The beautiful drive along the Icefields Parkway from Jasper is worth the trip.
Columbia Icefield Tour from Jasper with Glacier Skywalk Ticket
Duration: 7 hours 15 minutes
26. Ride the sky tram to get panoramic views of the alpine tundra (from USD 48.0)
The Jasper SkyTram is the longest cable car system in Canada. Enjoy riding high above the treetops as you climb to the pinnacle of Jasper National Park. Below you will get a bird’s-eye view of the alpine tundra and the wildlife that calls it home. The tram stops at the mountain station where you can rent snowshoes to explore the forest on foot.
Jasper SkyTram
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies
Jasper has quickly become a hot tourist destination in Canada. The stunning beauty of the scenery alone is worth seeing. The area abounds with wildlife, elk, moose, eagles, and bears. The town and national park offer visitors of all ages plenty of things to see and do. Bring your friends and family for a memorable vacation. Spend your days creating memories that will last a lifetime and your evenings unwinding under the stars.
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