10 must-see attractions in Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies invites you to discover a spectacular alpine universe.

This legendary destination should definitely be on your bucket list.

Here are 10 things you simply must see in Jasper National Park.

1. Icefields Parkway

This 230-km panoramic route between Lake Louise and Jasper offers some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the world.

It is a magnificent route designed to showcase the landscape with many conveniently located scenic viewpoints. I personally recommend renting an RV to fully experience it. 

While driving the Icefields Parkway, you will not only have the chance to enjoy spectacular vistas, but also to see exceptional wildlife. Be sure to drive carefully because it's not uncommon to see grizzly bears feeding along the side of the road.

2. Peyto Lake

This startling turquoise lake is fed by Peyto Glacier.

At Peyto Lake, a short 15-minute hike leads to a viewpoint with postcard perfect views, making it perfect for a family vacation or less-energetic visitors. It's one of the best reward-to-effort ratios on the planet!

You will be left speechless by the beauty of your surroundings.

3. Athabasca Glacier

It will be easy to see why Athabasca Glacier is the most visited glacier in North America.

You can explore the glacier on foot with a short hike out onto the ice, or climb aboard an Ice Explorer bus specially designed for glacier driving.

Pay a visit to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, just in front of the glacier, where you can learn all about Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefield.

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4. Sunwapta Falls

Sunwapta Falls is a must-stop attraction along the Icefield Parkway.

It's just a quick stop that can take 30 minutes or less, but is definitely worth it!

5. Athabasca Falls

The turquoise waters of the Athabasca River thunder into a narrow canyon, creating a 25-metre waterfall.

These beautiful falls are sure to impress you with their exhilarating power and their backdrop of the magnificent Rocky Mountains.

6. Mount Edith Cavell

Mount Edith Cavell is an impressive 3,300-metre peak.

A narrow road brings visitors close to the mountain's imposing north face.

This area is famous for the alpine flower-covered Cavell Meadows and for spectacular views of Angel Glacier.

7. Jasper

Jasper is a small town of 5,000 inhabitants, tucked away within Jasper National Park.

It is the main service centre for the park and offers a wide array of hotels, restaurants, shops, grocery stores, etc.

One interesting thing about this alpine town is the impressive number of elks that can be seen roaming the downtown streets. They're hard to miss!

8. Medicine Lake

During the summer, glacier melt waters flood the lake, sometimes overflowing it.

In fall, the lake mysteriously disappears, becoming a mudflat with scattered pools of water.

But there is no visible channel or river for draining the lake – so where does the water go?

The water drains out the bottom through a cave system, forming one of the most extensive underground systems in the world. This makes Medicine Lake the entrance to what may be the largest inaccessible cave system anywhere in the world!

9. Maligne Lake

The largest lake in the Rockies is ringed by snow- and ice-capped mountains, even in summer. It is without a doubt the most beautiful spot in the park, so you won't want to miss it!

Spirit Island, sitting serenely in the middle of the lake, is the most photographed island in the world.

Don't hesitate to take a cruise to fully appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.

Maligne Canyon is another sight you won't want to miss, with its 50-metre gorge worn by the force of the swirling, churning water.

10. Miette Hot Springs

Relax with a soak in the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies, Miette Hot Springs.

The installations feature two hot pools and one cold pool: it's the perfect place for an invigorating hot-cold thermal experience.

The hot springs are open from mid-May to mid-October and are well worth half a day. After all, you are on holiday!

Map of the 10 must-see attractions near Jasper
 

In your opinion, what must-see attraction is missing from this glorious list?

Don't hesitate to share your discoveries or ask questions in the comments below.