What are the best things to do in Jasper?

Jasper National Park is part of the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, recognized for its spectacular landscape of mountains, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls and abundant wildlife. 

For a first visit, the standout Jasper attractions include Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, the Jasper SkyTram, the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier, and Athabasca Falls. Jasper is also the one of the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserves in the world, making it an excellent destination for stargazing.

Maligne Lake is the largest glacially fed lake in the Canadian Rockies, stretching 22 kilometres (14 miles) through a valley framed by mountains and ancient glaciers. Spirit Island, a tiny tree-covered island near the south end of the lake, is one of the most photographed spots in Canada and can only be reached by boat. 

The cruise experience takes approximately 90 minutes and runs from late May through mid-October. The enclosed boats have large windows and open-air viewing areas, with guides sharing information about the area's natural and cultural history. Spirit Island itself is protected, so visitors disembark nearby and follow a short trail to the viewpoint.

Book early: Maligne Lake cruises are popular and departures can sell out during the peak summer season. Reserving as far ahead as possible is strongly recommended. The experts at Canadian Train Vacations can arrange the cruise as part of your personalized Canadian Rockies itinerary.

Yes, particularly if you want high-alpine views without a long mountain hike.

The Jasper SkyTram reaches an elevation of approximately 2,263 metres (7,425 feet) in about seven minutes. It is Canada's longest and highest guided aerial tramway and travels up Whistlers Mountain to panoramic views across Jasper National Park.

The SkyTram itself is wheelchair accessible, although the upper-level Summit Café and the 1.4-kilometre Whistlers Summit Trail are not. Guests who do not want to hike can still enjoy views from the boardwalk and upper station area.

The Jasper SkyTram generally operates during the spring, summer and fall. Advance reservations are recommended during busy periods.

The Columbia Icefield covers approximately 230 square kilometres and feeds six major glaciers, including the Athabasca Glacier.

Located along the Icefields Parkway, the Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains of North America. The Athabasca Glacier extends from the icefield and is one of the area's best-known Jasper attractions.

Seasonal Ice Explorer tours take travellers onto the glacier in specially designed all-terrain vehicles. The nearby Glacier Skywalk extends over the Sunwapta Valley, with a glass-floored observation platform offering dramatic views of the surrounding mountains.

The Columbia Icefield Adventure and Glacier Skywalk typically operate from spring through fall, and can be included in a Canadian Train Vacations itinerary when travelling between Jasper and Banff or Lake Louise.

Designated in 2011, the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve covers roughly 11,000 square kilometres and is one of the world's largest dark-sky preserves.

Low levels of artificial light make Jasper National Park an exceptional place for stargazing. On clear nights, you may see the Milky Way, constellations and thousands of stars. The aurora borealis can also appear when conditions are right, although sightings are never guaranteed.

The Jasper Planetarium offers guided astronomy and stargazing experiences, while open areas around the park provide plenty of opportunities to simply step outside and look up.

For an easy evening activity, dark-sky viewing is one of the most accessible things to do in Jasper and requires little more than warm layers and a clear night. For astronomy enthusiasts, visit Jasper in October and attend the Jasper Dark Sky Festival.

Parks Canada manages Jasper National Park, and a valid national park admission pass is required when visiting.

Jasper is part of the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site alongside Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks and Mount Robson, Mount Assiniboine and Hamber provincial parks.

The town of Jasper is the main visitor hub. Here you'll find the Jasper Information Centre, restaurants, shops, hotels and Jasper train station on Connaught Drive.

Wildlife is frequently seen throughout the park, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep and occasionally bears and moose. Always keep a safe distance, never feed wildlife and follow Parks Canada guidance.