Canada

Jasper National Park

Jasper, Alberta, Canada
Jasper, Alberta, Canada
Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

Why visit Jasper National Park

Jasper  National Park sits in the northern reaches of the Canadian Rockies. Surrounded by vast wilderness, the town is framed by rugged peaks, glacier-fed lakes and thick pine forests. As a result, travellers come for its untamed beauty, sense of space and wealth of outdoor adventures.

For instance, Maligne Lake and Pyramid Lake offer calm, turquoise waters ideal for canoeing or photography. Additionally, Jasper National Park is known for its hiking trails, scenic drives and rich wildlife, from elk and moose to bears and eagles. In winter, skiers and snowboarders head to Marmot Basin. Then, in summer, guided walks and mountain-biking reveal the park’s alpine meadows and hidden valleys.

Meanwhile, Jasper town is relaxed and welcoming, with local cafés, cosy restaurants and boutique shops.

Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

Highlights of Jasper National Park

  • Glacier-Fed Lakes: Maligne and Pyramid Lakes are Jasper’s most striking sights. Canoe across calm turquoise waters while watching loons, osprey and moose against a mountain backdrop.

  • Jasper National Park: Canada’s largest national park is a haven for nature lovers. Hike alpine meadows, spot elk and bears, and explore trails through pristine wilderness.

  • Columbia Icefield: Stretching across the Continental Divide, this vast icefield is awe-inspiring. Guided Glacier Adventures and Ice Walks let you step onto the ancient ice and discover its history.

  • Maligne Canyon: This narrow limestone gorge is one of Jasper’s most dramatic sights. Walk its bridges to see waterfalls, or explore deeper with a guide who explains the canyon’s formation.

  • Jasper Town: Relaxed and welcoming, Jasper has boutique shops, cafés and cosy restaurants, making it a perfect base for exploring the park.

  • Wildlife and Scenic Drives: From Icefields Parkway to Maligne Lake Road, the region is ideal for spotting elk, eagles and black bears, with many lookout points along the way.

  • Dark Sky Preserve: At night, Jasper’s sky comes alive with stars. As one of the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserves, it offers private astronomy or astrophotography sessions.

Floating Forests

Some of Jasper’s lakes, like Maligne, have floating vegetation mats which are small islands of moss and plants that drift on the water and support wildlife.

Spirit Island

Resting in the calm waters of Maligne Lake, Spirit Island is one of Canada’s most photographed places, though it is not always an island. When the lake level drops in autumn, a narrow strip of land quietly appears, connecting it to the shore. For the Stoney Nakoda people, this peaceful spot holds deep spiritual meaning, reflecting the balance between people, nature and the spirit world.

Good to know

Getting to Jasper National Park

There are two major airports near Jasper National Park: Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and Calgary International Airport (YYC).

By car, the journey from either airport takes around four to five hours, offering a scenic introduction to the Rocky Mountains along the way.

When to go

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OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

Jasper National Park offers something special throughout the year. Summer, from June to September, brings long days, warm sunshine and clear skies, perfect for hiking, canoeing or exploring the trails around Maligne Lake and Mount Edith Cavell. Spring and autumn are quieter, when the air feels crisp, the forests glow with colour, and it is one of the best times to watch elk, bears and eagles along the river valleys. In winter, the park transforms into a calm snow covered wonderland, where skiing, ice walking and stargazing in the Dark Sky Preserve make for unforgettable days and nights.

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