Travel reviews
What to do
- Noteworthy
- Worth the detour
- Must see
Jasper National Park is the largest park in the Canadian Rockies and boasts more than 1,200 kilometres of hiking trails. Created in 1907, it is also one of the oldest parks in Canada.
With its large population of wildlife including elk, bighorn sheep, deer and grizzly bears, Jasper National Park is one of the last large Rocky Mountain ecosystems where wildlife can be seen.
Jasper and the Canadian Rockies are perfect for a Canada RV holiday, where you will be at one with nature.
Jasper National ParkSeason: Open year-round, 24 hours a day. Visitor Centres: The Jasper Information Centre National Historic Site (500 Connaught Drive, Jasper) and The Parks Canada Information desk at the Icefields Centre (103 km south of Jasper on Highway 93). |
Jasper Skytram
Accessible to everyone, this gondola ride offers some of the most stunning panoramas in the Rocky Mountains. For a truly spectacular experience , plan to be there at sunset. At the top, be sure to walk the hiking trail to the summit of Whistler's Mountain. You will find that you are short of breath because of the high altitude (more than 2,225 metres).
Maligne Lake cruise
This 90-minute cruise will take you to Spirit Island , the most photographed island in the world. Enjoy the azure-blue waters and majestic scenery of this large glacial lake. The best light is in late afternoon. Tickets can be purchased in advance right in Jasper or on the website. It is recommended to take the cruise after 2 p.m. to avoid the crowds and to improve your chances of spotting wildlife on the return drive.
When you buy your tickets, you will have the choice between the regular 90-minute cruise and the 2-hour Premium cruise. Take the time to compare the two to choose the right option for you. The regular cruise generally runs every day from early June to early October. Check their website for specific hours.
Mount Edith Cavell
The narrow 12-km road to Mount Edith Cavell winds through the Athabasca Valley along the Athabasca river. To get to the trailheads, go 7 km south of Jasper on Highway 93 and turn right onto Highway 93A. Travel 5.4 km and turn right onto the Cavell Road, which leads to the mountain.
* Warning, this route is unsuitable for large motorhomes (over 25 feet/7 metres).
ANGEL GLACIER
Distance (round-trip): 1.7 km
Time (round-trip): 1 hour
Level: Intermediate
Elevation gain: 87 m
A short 1.7 km (1 hour) moderate hike at the foot of the mountain offers views of the magnificent Angel Glacier and Cavell Meadows.
CAVELL MEADOWS
Distance (round-trip): 8 km
Time (round-trip): 3-5 hours
Level: Difficult
Elevation gain: 370 m
You can also take the Cavell Meadows trail, which is more demanding but offers stunning views.
Maligne Valley
Between Jasper and Maligne Lake, you have a good chance of seeing wildlife (especially black bear and bighorn sheep) close to the road. The best times for wildlife sightings are early morning and in the evening, as that is when the animals come close to the road to feed.
If you have time, go for a hike in Maligne Canyon to admire the many waterfalls that helped carve the canyon out of the surrounding limestone rock.
NEARBY
Icefields Parkway
The panoramic Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper offers access to a vast wilderness of pristine mountain lakes, ancient glaciers and broad sweeping valleys.
You will want to stop at some of the many points of interest along the way, including:
- Sunwapta Falls
- Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield
- Peyto Lake (an easy 30-minute hike leads to an exceptional viewpoint)
- Bow Lake
- Athabasca Falls
OTHER EXCURSIONS NEAR JASPER• Lake Annette: Lake Annette, located 7 km from Jasper, is the perfect spot for families or groups to stop for a swim. Enjoy a picnic on the edge of the clear glacier-fed lake in a magical setting with a spectacular view of the Rockies. And if you want to stretch your legs, you can even take a short hike around the lake. The interpretive 2.4 km paved loop is wheelchair accessible. • Old Fort Point Loop: This magnificent hiking trail is a steep 3.8 km (1-2 hrs./130 m elevation gain) loop leading to stunning views of the valley, the Canadian Rockies and the town of Jasper. 2 km from Jasper. Visit the Jasper Information Centre (500 Connaught Drive, Jasper) for more information and free brochures. |
Where to eat
- $ Inexpensive
- $$ Moderate
- $$$ Upscale
- $$$$ Fine dining
Patricia Street Deli ($)
As most visitors to Jasper spend at least a few days hiking or exploring the surrounding wilderness, it seemed like a good idea to recommend this emporium of sandwiches-to-go. A favourite with locals and tourists alike.
Downstream Restaurant & Lounge ($$-$$$)
This modern restaurant and lounge captures Jasper’s mountain town spirit and casual feel. The fresh innovative bistro cuisine and quality service draw a great many visitors and loyal guests. Great food and a good wine list.
Evil Dave’s Grill ($$-$$$)
A popular casual restaurant serving creative, globally inspired fare along with specialty cocktails & wine. Dinner reservations are recommended, especially in high season. The eclectic "evil"-themed menu is sure to make you smile.
Where to sleep ?
Festivals calendar
Jasper Folk Music Festival
Dates: mid-September
This family festival in the heart of the Rockies is a late summer celebration featuring excellent local music in a magical setting. In addition to shows and jam sessions, there is something for everyone with yoga, meditation, children's activities, good food and a beer garden.
Map
When to visit
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| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Climograph
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| Month | Average temperature min (°C) |
Average temperature max (°C) |
Precipitations (mm) |
Overall score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -19 | -6 | 27 | |
| February | -12 | 3 | 7 | |
| March | -8 | 4 | 14 | |
| April | -4 | 11 | 17 | |
| May | 1 | 15 | 46 | |
| June | 5 | 19 | 56 | |
| July | 7 | 23 | 50 | |
| August | 6 | 24 | 54 | |
| September | 2 | 18 | 36 | |
| October | -2 | 10 | 26 | |
| November | 9 | 1 | 28 | |
| December | 14 | -4 | 22 |
Travel reviews
Jasper
Great stop 2
Getting to Jasper from Banff on the Icefields Highway - WoW, what a day and what a treat.
Jasper was a great little town and I was impressed with the RV parking provided in town and it was free. There was a free shuttle from the camp but timings didn't work for us. Saw lots of trains which was fun to watch. Lots of things to do it Jasper and near by. Great place.
Our favourite town. Lovely vibe. Great setting. Friendly. Not too busy
The town is small and easy to get around. Mostly locals but touristy enough to provide plenty of friend;ly bars and restaurants. Great walks around lakes close by. We drove to Lake Maligne, for us the best lake in Canada, and hiked up the mountain. And we saw two grzzlies!
