Jasper National Park

Established in 1907 as Jasper Forest Park, Jasper National Park is the largest park in the Canadian Rockies UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a place of jaw-dropping glaciers, vast ice fields, shimmering glacial lakes, winding scenic drives, rugged mountain peaks, and peaceful alpine meadows. There’s something truly magical about the scale and raw beauty here.

Compared to its busier neighbour Banff to the south, Jasper feels more laid-back and spacious, definitely our favourite. We’ve been lucky to visit in every season, from fresh spring blooms to golden autumn forests and crisp snowy winters. Each time, the landscape shifts and reveals new wonders, and even at popular spots, there are always quieter corners to find some peace.

The wildfires of 2024 changed parts of the park, but we’re eager to go back and see the resilience of this incredible landscape and how it’s healing. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors lover or someone who’s never been to the Rockies, Jasper offers unforgettable experiences, from wildlife spotting and star-filled skies, to easy walks and epic mountain views. It’s a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature in one of Canada’s most spectacular settings.

Main Attractions in Jasper National Park

There’s no shortage of must-see spots in Jasper, each with its own wow factor. Here are some highlights you won’t want to miss:

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
This iconic resort is the perfect blend of rustic charm and luxury right in the heart of the park. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth a visit to wander the beautifully manicured grounds, enjoy a meal with mountain views, or simply soak in the old-school elegance surrounded by towering pines and the crisp mountain air. Keith particularly enjoyed partaking in the Jasper Beerfest in the main ballroom overlooking the lake.

Spirit Island
One of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies, Spirit Island is a tiny emerald gem sitting in the middle of Maligne Lake. You’ll need to hop on a boat tour to reach it, but trust me, the surreal turquoise water framed by towering peaks makes it more than worth the trip.

Athabasca Falls
Powerful and picturesque, Athabasca Falls are a thunderous cascade where the Athabasca River squeezes through a narrow gorge of hard quartzite rock. The roar of the water and the mist in the air make it a refreshing stop. There are several viewing platforms that get you right up close to the action.

Columbia Icefield
This massive icefield is a true natural wonder stretching across the Continental Divide. You can take a guided tour onto the Athabasca Glacier itself via the famous Ice Explorer vehicles or walk the Glacier Skywalk for breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and valleys. It’s a chilling experience — literally and figuratively! For a different view, the Wilcox Pass trail winds up the opposite side of the valley and ends up at a broad overlook with a panoramic perspective that is truly worth the hike.

Maligne Canyon Ice Walk – Exploring Jasper’s Winter Magic

One of the most unforgettable winter adventures in Jasper is the Maligne Canyon Ice Walk. In the cold months, the canyon transforms into a breathtaking frozen wonderland, where waterfalls become towering ice sculptures and the rushing river freezes into a glittering path beneath your feet.

We took a guided walk through the canyon, starting at the Fifth Bridge. They provide you with special boots and crampons to safely navigate the icy trail. Walking through the canyon, surrounded by thick walls of rock and stunning frozen waterfalls, felt like stepping into a completely different world, a quiet, peaceful, and utterly magical world.

Our guide shared fascinating stories about the geology and wildlife of the area, which made the experience even richer. The walk covers a few kilometers of easy to moderate terrain, perfect for anyone who enjoys a good winter hike and doesn’t mind the cold.

If you visit Jasper in winter, this is a must-do. We loved the calm early morning walk, before the crowds arrived, when the light made the ice shimmer like glass. It’s a unique way to see the park and experience its beauty in a season when everything feels fresh and new.

Jasper Skytram & Whistlers Summit – A Ride to the Top

For spectacular views of Jasper National Park, the Jasper Skytram is a must. This scenic gondola ride takes you up Whistlers Mountain, soaring high above the valley floor and surrounding forests. From the moment you step into the tram, you start feeling the excitement build as you ascend toward the summit.

At the top, Whistlers Summit rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Rockies, sprawling glaciers, and winding rivers. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic, a gentle hike along the summit trails, or simply soaking in the vastness of the landscape.

We got lucky with clear skies, and the 360-degree views were absolutely stunning, a reminder of just how wild and beautiful Jasper really is. Whether you’re after a relaxing day trip or some great photo ops, the Skytram is an easy way to connect with the mountains without the effort of a full hike.

Early Morning at the Valley of the Five Lakes

There’s something truly special about being out on the trail before the rest of the world wakes up, and the Valley of the Five Lakes is the perfect place to enjoy that quiet magic. We set out early, just after sunrise, when the air was cool and still, and the only sounds were birdsong and the crunch of our boots on the path.

This scenic loop takes you past five small but stunningly clear glacier-fed lakes, each with its own shade of blue or green depending on the light. In the early morning, the water is like glass, perfectly reflecting the surrounding pines and distant peaks. It felt like we had stumbled into a painting.

The trail isn’t too long or difficult, making it a great choice for a gentle start to the day. There are a few little ups and downs, some roots and rocks, but nothing too tricky, just enough to feel like a proper adventure. We took our time, stopping to admire the shifting colours of the lakes, watch for wildlife, and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

By the time the trail started to get busier, we were already heading out, refreshed, grateful, and with a camera full of photos we couldn’t wait to look back on.

Old Fort Point and the Old Fort Bridge

Just outside the Jasper townsite, across the iconic old green steel bridge that spans the Athabasca River, lies one of our favourite little hikes, Old Fort Point. Crossing that bridge always feels like the official start of an adventure. It’s one of those classic Canadian park structures, sturdy and unpretentious, but with a certain charm. We always slow down to look upriver and admire the sweep of mountain views.

Old Fort Point is a short but steep climb that rewards you with panoramic views over Jasper, the winding Athabasca River, and the surrounding peaks. The trail starts in the forest and quickly begins to rise, and yes, your legs will feel it, but it’s worth every step. We’ve done it in every season: crisp fall days with golden larches, snowy winter mornings with frozen footprints ahead of us, and sunny summer afternoons with pikas chirping in the rocks.

At the top, you’re standing on a rocky outcrop with 360-degree views looking towards the majestic peak of Mount Edith Cavell. It’s one of those places that makes you feel both small and grounded, a reminder of just how much beauty is tucked into this park.