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SunDog Tours’ Ultimate Guide to Jasper

Set in some of the most spectacular wilderness in the world, Jasper is a must-visit destination while in the Canadian Rockies. Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and is a UNESCO world heritage site.

So, how do you make the most of your time in the Canadian Rockies? What are the best things to do in Jasper? Where should you stay/eat/play? We’ve got all the answers you need right here.

Table of Contents:

Maligne Lake - Spirit Rocks
A view of Spirit Rocks, also known as “Spirit Island”, on Maligne Lake
A blue and white boat cruises across Maligne Lake over light blue water, with trees and mountains in the background and the sun shining, while on a Maligne Lake Boat Cruise Tour with SunDog Tours.
The Maligne Lake Boat Cruise Tour

Where to Stay in Jasper

→ Family-Friendly Hotels And Vacation Rentals in Jasper:

A family of four walk along the Skywalk, a clear pathway that stretches over a part of Jasper National Park.
Take the Skywalk for a spectacular view of Jasper National Park.
  • The Crimson Hotel in Jasper
    • Amenities and features: The Crimson Hotel has an indoor pool, a hot tub, a great location near shops and restaurants, on-site dining, and pets are allowed with charge. Children also stay free.
  • Maligne Lodge in Jasper
    • Amenities and features: Maligne Lodge has pet-friendly rooms, an indoor pool, an outdoor hot tub, a cafe on-site and more. Children under 17 also stay free.

→ Hotels For Couples & Romantic Getaways in Jasper:

  • Miette Mountain Cabins in Jasper 
    • Amenities and features: Nestled in the historic Miette area of Jasper National Park, these idyllic cabins are the perfect setting for a romantic retreat or weekend in the mountains with friends. Soak in the views, enjoy a hike or relax in the Miette Hot Springs. The Miette Mountain Cabins have gorgeous views, an outdoor hot tub, outdoor barbecues, a heated outdoor pool in the summer, mountain bikes, is close to the Miette Hot Springs, pet-friendly rooms and more.

→ Hotels for Events and Larger Group Stays in Jasper:

→ Budget-Friendly Hotels in Jasper:

  • HI Jasper Hostel in Jasper
    • Amenities and features: The HI Jasper Hostel is a new hostel in Jasper, and is only a short walk from downtown Jasper. Designed for today’s backpackers and adventurous travellers, the hostel has shared rooms for four people, private ensuites and family rooms. They also have an on-site cafe, bike and ski storage, kitchen, BBQ, laundry room, sauna, pool table, and more. A great environment for meeting new people and making friends, while still saving some money, during your adventure in Jasper.

→ Luxury Hotels in Jasper:

  • Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper
    • Amenities and features: For a luxury getaway to Jasper, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge checks all the boxes. Ideal for an extra special couples getaway, celebrating an anniversary, or just to stay in the best of the best, this luxury mountain resort wraps around the shores of the pristine Lac Beauvert, and Canada’s #1 Golf Resort Course. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has a premier golf course, an indulgent full-service spa,  an outdoor pool and hot tub, multiple on-site restaurants and a bar, and more. 
  • Pyramid Lake Resort in Jasper
    • Amenities and features: This newly renovated chalet-style Alpine resort has breathtaking views of Pyramid Lake and the Canadian Rockies from its luxury guest suites and rooms. With a cozy, upscale cabin style, the resort offers the perfect mix of luxury and rustic so you can enjoy the best that Jasper offers. The Pyramid Lake Resort has pet-friendly rooms, an on-site lakeside restaurant, an outdoor hot tub and dry sauna, a fitness centre, outdoor bbq and s’more kits, yoga, mountain bike rentals and more.
A heated, large luxurious pool with steam coming off and a couple swimming in it at night at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in partnership with SunDog Tours.
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has a heated outdoor pool to relax in.

Camping In Jasper

→ Campgrounds in Jasper (Campgrounds for RVs, trailers, tents etc.):

  • Whistlers Campground 
    • Campground Information: The Whistlers Campground has newly refurbished, full hook-up sites, has the closest location to Jasper townsite, 18 new combined washroom and shower facilities, firewood included, and there are bear bins available.
  • Wapiti Campground 
    • Campground Information: The Wapiti Campground has winter and summer camping available, good amenities and electric sites available, firewood included, and bear bins available.
  • Wabasso Campground
    • Campground Information: The Wabasso Campground offers a more remote location that is riverside with limited facilities. There is also electric sites available, firewood included, and bear bins available.

→ Quick Tips for Camping in Jasper:

A mother moose and her baby stand in a snowy open field that is surrounded by evergreen trees covered in snowy with cloudy pink skies in the background while on a Winter Wildlife Discovery Tour in Jasper
A wolf walks along the bank of a river in the snow in Jasper National Park
A mother bear and her cub walk in a grassy field in Jasper National Park.
There is plenty of wonderful wildlife throughout Jasper National Park

It’s always important to remember that Jasper National Park is full of natural wildlife. Although a national park, the park is huge (just over 11000 square kilometres!) and is a true wilderness in the vast majority of the park. Even on a cleared campground, wild animals will wander through the site. Your time in Jasper will be a memorable experience with truly special moments, but you’ll want to keep your group safe during your visit and to keep our wonderful Park healthy and beautiful. If you’re planning to camp, please come prepared and always keep safety in mind:

  • Please clean up your campsite and after yourself as you visit the park.
  • Please DO NOT feed the animals. These are wild creatures, and feeding them can put them in danger.
  • Please check for fire bans during your visit, and always monitor your fires. Always put out your fire when leaving it unattended, and make sure that it is out to help prevent fires.
  • Please store food safely in bear bins or with another food storage method safe from bears and other wild animals. DO NOT leave food out to attract animals to your campsite.
  • Please be mindful of camp rules and your fellow campers.
  • If you do encounter a wild animal (which is always special and likely to happen during your visit) please be respectful and keep your distance. It never hurts to look up wildlife behaviour and to prepare yourself in advance for the best way to act around them during an encounter. Here is a special note on elk: they may look non-threatening, but elk can be extremely dangerous and aggressive. DO NOT approach a wild elk, and give them their space.
  • Find out more about safety tips and ways to prepare for camping in Jasper.

Where to Eat in Jasper

→ Family-Friendly Restaurants and Casual Restaurants in Jasper:

→ Upscale Dining in Jasper:

→ Quick Bites & Cafes in Jasper:

→ Top Local “Hidden Gems” in Jasper:

→ Top Take-Out Spots in Jasper:

→ Late-Night Bites in Jasper:

A plate of gourmet food sits on a table, with a group of cheerful people eating and sipping wine in the background, on the SunDog Tours Foodie Tour.
A plate with delicious, gourmet food sits on a table during the Downtown Foodie Tour in Jasper with SunDog Tours.
You’ll find delicious food no matter your personal taste while visiting Jasper

What to Do in the Town of Jasper

→ Indoor Activities in Downtown Jasper:

→ Outdoor Activities in Downtown Jasper:

The inside of the Jasper Planetarium Dome, with the constellations drawn on the ceiling and a rainbow aurora effect, with three people looking up at the ceiling.
The Jasper Planetarium offers a great learning experience
A large set with wine glasses and food, with a group of people sitting around it while on the SunDog Tours Foodie Tour.
A Jasper Food Tour is never a bad idea
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge sits at dusk across a lake with the mountains in the background and gorgeous landscape around it in Jasper National Park.
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has Canada’s #1 golf resort

How To Get To Jasper

→ Shuttle Services to and from airports

If you’re looking for shuttle services and transportation to and from airports, SunDog Tours has you covered! We have many options to help get you where you need to go. Check out our shuttle services and transportation options for travelling to Jasper.

→ Train to Jasper

VIA Rail offers trips to Jasper from numerous Canadian cities, including Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Prince Rupert. The luxurious Rocky Mountaineer is another fantastic way to ride the rails to Jasper!

→ Sightseeing Tours to Jasper

If you’re looking for a more fun way to get to Jasper, why not tie it into a tour? SunDog Tours offers tours between Banff and Lake Louise to Jasper so that you can enjoy some sightseeing while getting you where you need to be. Hit two birds with one stone and check out our Banff and Lake Louise to Jasper (or Jasper to Banff and Lake Louise) tour.

→ Drive to Jasper and Car rentals in Jasper

Whether you’ve already got a car or need a rental, driving to Jasper is always an option for getting to the town and park. If you are driving yourself during the winter, be sure to check for road closures and conditions, and that you have winter tires, as conditions for driving during the winter in Alberta can be treacherous.

SunDog Tours' Shuttle Bus that takes guests to and from airports to Jasper National Park and the town of Jasper, with the mountains in the background.
1X20 Mini Bus - Our Vehicles
The back of a female elk as she stands on the tracks, with the stationary Via Rail train in the background in Jasper National Park.
Photo by Jeffrey Dungen on Unsplash
Edmonton To Jasper Bus hotel pick-up
Transportation with SunDog Tours is easy and comfortable

How to Travel in Jasper National Park

Edmonton To Jasper Bus driver helping passenger out of the bus
Take a private tour of Jasper with SunDog Tours
Rent an E-Bike to Travel in Jasper
The Jasper Skytram over looking Jasper National Park.
The Jasper Skytram
A group of rafters on a SunDog rafting tour arrive at the shoreline to see a herd of wild mountain sheep laying down and grazing in the grass and trees in Jasper National Park Alberta.
Wild mountain sheep are one of many sights you can see while in the park
jasper park sight seeing & Wedding tour
The 1939 Historic Jammer Tour
A kayaker travels up a bright blue river between two cliff sides in Jasper National Park.
The brilliant glacier blue waters of the Athabasca River
A woman with a blue backpack hikes along a trail with bright coloured wildflowers in the forefront and green trees in the back in Jasper National Park.
Hiking through Jasper National Park is a classic activity
Maligne lake row boat and dock.
A stunning view of Maligne Lake

→ Shuttle Services

SunDog Tours also offers Private Charters to help you get around Jasper National Park

→ Tours of Jasper National Park

Tours are another great way to take the guesswork out of travelling around the vast park:

→ Taxis in Jasper

→ Car Rentals in Jasper

→ Cycling and Hiking in Jasper

How To Get To Banff From Jasper or to Jasper From Banff

→ Shuttle Services and Transportation from SunDog Tours:

What to Do in Jasper National Park

In such a huge park full of amazing things, there’s always something to check off the to-do list. To help you narrow down what you should add to your schedule, we’ve put together this curated list of tours to check out while you’re visiting the park. Of course, if you’re looking for more ideas, take a look at our blog for more inspiration.

Best Family-Friendly Tours and Activities in Jasper National Park

→ Family-Friendly Summer Tours and Activities in Jasper National Park:

→ Family-Friendly Winter Tours and Activities in Jasper National Park:

A group in a canoe canoes in Pyramid Lake in Jasper National Park on a sunny day with the mountains in the background.
Canoe Tours on Pyramid Lake
A large moose stands amongst a grassy green hillside on a sunny day, spotted while on a SunDog Wildlife Discovery Tour in Jasper National Park.
A bull elk with large antlers lays in the snow in Jasper National Park.
Two people travel between tall rock formations in Maligne Canyon during the winter with snow on the ground while on a Maligne Canyon Icewalk Tour in Jasper with SunDog Tours.
Maligne Canyon Icewalk Tour

Best Tours and Activities For Couples in Jasper National Park

A couple stands underneath a wall of icicles coming from a cliff and surrounded by snow while on an icewalk tour with SunDog Tours in Jasper National Park.
The Maligne Canyon Icewalk Tour
A couple sits on a bench while on a boat cruise tour of Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park.
The Maligne Lake Boat Cruise Tour

Best Tours and Activities For Groups in Jasper National Park

Things to Keep in Mind While Visiting Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a stunning testimony of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and nature itself, and we’d like to keep it that way! Please be respectful of the wildlife and nature and listen to your guides while on your tours. Please be sure to clean up after yourself (and pick up any litter if you see it), please dispose of garbage and food waste properly, please DO NOT feed wild animals, and please stay on trails where possible. We’re so excited that you’ll be experiencing our favourite place in the world, and we know you’ll love it too!

Two people canoe along still water in Patricia Lake at the base of Pyramid Mountain on a sunny day in Jasper National Park.
Canoeing on Patricia Lake with Pyramid Mountain in the background
Snowshoeing - Close-up
A snowshoeing tour in the winter is always fun
Jasper Train Tour passing by a lake with a forest surrounding it and the Canadian Rockies in the background
A Jasper Train Tour offers spectacular views all from the comfort of a nostalgic train

What Should You Bring On A Tour Of Jasper National Park

→ What To Bring on a Summer Tour Of Jasper National Park:

  • Water bottle and water
  • Sunscreen (be sure to reapply throughout the day)
  • Camera, camera battery, and an extra memory card (trust us, you’ll be taking lots of photos!)
  • Snacks
  • Hat
  • Wear proper footwear and clothing for your tour or activity

→ What To Bring on a Winter Tour of Jasper National Park:

  • Water bottle and water
  • Camera, camera battery, and an extra memory card
  • Toque, scarf, and gloves
  • Snacks
  • Wear proper footwear and warm clothing and outer layers (it can be very cold during the winter)

What To Keep In Mind Before Booking Your Trip To Jasper

  • Write down a priority list (what do you most want to see?)
  • Plan and book your main activities in advance
  • Write a checklist of everything you’ll need so you’re ready when packing time comes (and bring the list with you so you don’t forget anything when the trip is done)
  • Figure out how you’ll get around Jasper in advance if you’re not bringing your own car, such as booking tours with transportation included, renting a car etc.
  • Leave a bit of time during your trip in case there’s something extra you decide to tack on while here, or simply to relax in-between exploring
  • Know that you most likely won’t be able to do everything you want in one trip, and try not to cram too much in – a rushed trip means you won’t be able to savour as much of the Park’s beauty as you might’ve otherwise
  • Know the peak seasons, and figure out if you want to be there during the exciting (and busy) time of peak tourist season (June-August), or go in the slower months to avoid the busier times
Cavell Lake Reflection in Jasper National Park
Cavell Lake awes with beautiful reflections of the mountains and sky.

Jasper National Park and Jasper’s Weather

Jasper National Park is a huge park, and the weather can range drastically depending on where you are. Being a part of the Canadian Rockies, the weather can also change rapidly, so be prepared for a change in weather no matter the season. Check here for the current weather forecast in Jasper, and pack for your trip accordingly.

Jasper National Park and the town of Jasper are full of wonders worth checking off your bucket list! The diverse landscapes and wildlife make visiting the park truly unique every time, and it promises to be a memorable experience you’ll never forget. Whether you’re driving from Calgary or flying to Jasper from another continent, you won’t be disappointed with your time in Jasper. If you’re looking for more ideas of things to do or tips on planning your trip, check out our blog, or contact us for more information.

Still looking for even more information on things to do in Jasper? Check out the Kayak Travel Guide.

BACK TO THE TOP
Pyramid Mountain sits in the distance over golden trees with misty clouds around it during the Fall season in Jasper National Park
The view of Pyramid Mountain is no less beautiful during the fall
A beautiful sunrise over Medicine Lake with surrounding mountains while on a tour with SunDog Tours in Jasper National Park.
Medicine Lake comes alive during the summer months
Three people in the distance stand at the bottom of Maligne Canyon in winter, with a huge and majestic cavernous space around them while on a Maligne Canyon Icewalk tour in Jasper with SunDog Tours.
The Maligne Canyon Icewalk tour offers a different view of the canyon during the winter
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