Tucked away in the heart of one of Canada’s most stunning national parks, Jasper is a charming Alberta mountain town with a population of just over 4,500. It’s a year-round destination packed with endless opportunities for adventure. Here’s how to make the most of your time in this remarkable place.
With so much to take in, it pays to plan ahead! Jasper National Park in itself is a massive area — 10,878 square kilometres to be exact. Visits here are often part of a larger trip that includes other stops. You’ll want to avoid any unnecessary backtracking, particularly if you’re on a tight schedule.
Here is our suggested itinerary for 48 hours in Jasper, starting from Edmonton and heading to the Icefields Parkway (and it could easily be reversed if your trip is connected with Banff National Park).
From Edmonton, the journey to Jasper is just over four hours following along the beautiful Athabasca River. En route to the town of Jasper itself, keep your eyes out for wildlife, especially once you are past the small town of Hinton. If you see wildlife, remember to stay in your vehicle and keep a distance. (Check out our tips on responsible wildlife viewing).
Feeling hungry after the drive? Savouring a meal at Terra is the perfect way to kick off your adventure. With seasonal menus, there's always something exciting to enjoy.
You’ll want to get up early to enjoy one of Jasper National Park’s most breathtaking beauties — Maligne Lake. Head out by 7:30 a.m. and stop for a fresh cup of coffee or snacks at the Crazy Elk Café. The Maligne Lake Classic Cruise begins their first tour at 9 a.m., and it’s during this morning calm that you can best appreciate the scenery. Discover Spirit Island (accessible only by boat) and enjoy some of the most beautiful vistas in the Canadian Rockies.
After your cruise adventure, head back towards town. Hit up the local artisan shops, take a browse at the Jasper Artist’s Guild and refuel for your afternoon adventures at Jasper Pizza Place, a local pizzeria independently owned since the '70s. Grab some basics for breakfast the next morning — you've got another early start!
Enticed by the glacial-fed waters you explored earlier? Find out if you’re brave enough to test them for yourself at Horseshoe Lake. You can even try your hand at cliff-jumping into the icy crystal blue depths. But be careful — some of the highest cliffs are 80 feet tall!
To celebrate your last night in town, make your dinner reservation at Evil Dave’s Grill. Eclectic and delectable, the meals here are sure to intrigue and satisfy.
By now, you might’ve noticed that starting your adventure early makes the views even more spectacular in the Canadian Rockies. For a bird’s-eye view, take the Jasper SkyTram up Whistlers Mountain early and watch the mountains glow in golden light. After your seven-minute ride, stroll the serene boardwalks for panoramic vistas or take the 1.4-kilometre (0.87-mile) summit hike as the mountains awakens around you.
Many travellers combine a visit to Jasper with a following trip to Banff National Park. Luckily, one of the most scenic drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway, spans both national parks and is the main route connecting Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise.
There are plenty of sights worth stopping for along this journey, the most impressive being the Columbia Icefield. Here, you can experience the Columbia Icefield Adventure and Skywalk — two unforgettable experiences in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. An Ice Explorer will bring you to the top of a 10,000-year-old icefield sheet, where you can then stand over a thousand feet of glacial ice for yourself. Then, test your fears on a glass-pathed lookout, as the Sunwapta Valley sweeps out from beneath your feet.
From here, continue south towards Banff and Lake Louise, or drive north and then east back to Edmonton via Jasper. Either way, your drive will be full of more scenery and time to reflect on the memories you've gathered during your three-day adventure. Want to relax and take in the views even more? Book your trip with Brewster Express and enjoy the ride.
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