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:
- How to Get to Jasper
- How to Travel in Jasper National Park
- How To Get To Banff From Jasper or Get to Jasper From Banff
- What to Do in Jasper National Park
- Things to Keep in Mind While Visiting Jasper National Park
- What Should You Bring On A Tour Of Jasper National Park
- What To Keep In Mind Before Booking Your Trip To Jasper
- The Weather in Jasper and Jasper National Park
Where to Stay in Jasper
→ Family-Friendly Hotels And Vacation Rentals in Jasper:
- 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.
- Pine Bungalows in Jasper
- Amenities and features: Pine Bungalows have both cabin rentals and lodge hotel suites, an on-site bistro & canteen, a communal fire pit, and a great location to get the more rustic, natural feel of Jasper.
- 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.
- Jasper Inn & Suites in Jasper
- Amenities and features: Jasper Inn & Suites has an on-site restaurant, free parking, a sauna and steam room, pet-friendly accommodation, rooms with full kitchens, as well as a pool facility. They are also committed to sustainable practices where possible.
→ 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.
- Tekarra Lodge in Jasper
- Amenities and features: Featuring secluded cabins and a lodge, Tekarra Lodge is in the heart of Jasper National Park. These cabins and rooms offer an oasis for a relaxing getaway with a romantic, cozy vibe. Tekarra Lodge has on-site dining at the Tekarra Restaurant, pet-friendly accommodation, bike rentals, yoga sessions, live music events, romance packages and more.
- Be sure to check out the luxury hotel options below for an extra special romantic getaway in Jasper, too.
→ Hotels for Events and Larger Group Stays in Jasper:
- Forest Park Hotel in Jasper
- Amenities and features: For trips to Jasper with larger groups, like destination weddings, family reunions, conferences or executive events and meetings, the Forest Park Hotel has great options. The Forest Park Hotel has an on-site day spa and steam room, two restaurants, an indoor pool, a fitness centre, free parking and electric car charging stations, pet-friendly rooms, and children can stay free. They have wedding, event and meeting spaces for up to 250 people as well, perfect for your destination wedding to Jasper or for a unique business conference location.
→ 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.
- Astoria Hotel in Jasper
- Amenities and features: The Astoria Hotel is one of Jasper’s original hotels in the town, dating from 1925. The Astoria Hotel offers newly renovated rooms with superb mountain views, a cafe & restaurant, an on-site lively local pub, as well as multiple packages.
→ 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.
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:
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:
What to Do in the Town of Jasper
→ Indoor Activities in Downtown Jasper:
- Visit the Jasper Yellowhead Museum & Archives
- Shopping in downtown Jasper
- Visit the Mountain Galleries art gallery, featuring Canadian Artists
- Visit the Jasper Planetarium and the Planetarium Dome Theatre
- Check out a live theatre show from Jasper Theater Productions
- Visit a Jasper spa for a day of relaxation
- Be sure to check out the Jasper events calendar for even more things to do
→ Outdoor Activities in Downtown Jasper:
- Take a food tour of downtown Jasper with Jasper Food Tours (make it extra special during the winter by combining it with one of our tours, such as the Wildlife Foodie Tour or the Icewalk Foodie Tour!)
- Try a Fireside Chat by Warrior Women for a unique drumming, storytelling and learning experience through the eyes of the Cree
- Go golfing at Canada’s #1 golf resort, with 18-holes and stunning terrain
- Visit the Jasper Farmers’ Market during the summer for local produce, fresh baked goods and unique artisan creations and crafts
- Visit the beautiful parks within the town of Jasper
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.
- Avis Canada car rentals in Jasper
- Budget Canada car rentals in Jasper
- National car rental in Jasper Train Station
How to Travel in Jasper National Park
→ 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:
- Wildlife Discovery Tour of Jasper National Park (available during the winter and summer)
- Maligne Valley Sightseeing Tour in Jasper National Park (summer only)
- Maligne Canyon Hiking Tour in Jasper National Park (summer only)
- Morning 1939 Historic Jammer Tour in Jasper National Park (summer only)
- Jasper Skytram in Jasper National Park (summer only)
- Jasper Train Tours – Jasper to Dunster or Jasper to McBride (available during the winter and summer)
- Maligne Canyon Icewalk Tour in Jasper National Park (winter only)
- Snowshoe Tour in Jasper National Park (winter only)
- Check out our other summer tours and winter tours for more options.
→ Taxis in Jasper
- Mountain Express Taxi – Phone: 780-852-4555
- Caribou Cabs – Phone: 780-931-2334
- Mr. Taxi – Phone: 780-931-2931
→ Car Rentals in Jasper
→ Cycling and Hiking in Jasper
- E-Bike Rentals
- Guided bike tours with Journey Bike Guides
- Trails and Day Hiking in Jasper (download the Day Hiking Guide PDF)
How To Get To Banff From Jasper or to Jasper From Banff
→ Shuttle Services and Transportation from SunDog Tours:
- SunDog Tours’ Transportation Services
- Jasper to Lake Louise and Banff Tour
- Banff and Lake Louise to Jasper Tour
- Google Maps directions for Jasper to Banff
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:
- Jasper Wildlife Discovery Tour
- Maligne Canyon Hiking Tour (please inquire for families with young children)
- Maligne Valley Sightseeing Tour
- Train Tours: Jasper to McBride Train Tour, Jasper to Dunster Train Tour
- Canoe Adventures
- Jasper to Lake Louise & Banff Tour // Banff & Lake Louise to Jasper Tour
- Jasper Skytram
→ Family-Friendly Winter Tours and Activities in Jasper National Park:
- Winter Wildlife Discovery Tour
- Maligne Canyon Icewalk Tour (Ages 6 and up)
- Winter Jasper Train Tours
- Dogsledding Tours (not recommended for children under 8)
- Snowshoe Tour (Ages 7 and up)
- Winter Dark Sky Astronomy Tours
Best Tours and Activities For Couples in Jasper National Park
- Sunrise Sightseeing & Wildlife Tour (summer tour)
- Jasper Wildlife Discovery Tour and Winter Wildlife Discovery Tour (available year-round)
- Maligne Canyon Hiking Tour (summer tour)
- Maligne Canyon Icewalk Tour (winter tour)
- Icewalk Foodie Tour (winter tour)
- Wildlife Discovery Foodie Tour (winter tour)
- Jasper Skytram (summer tour)
- Dogsledding Tour (winter tour)
- Winter Dark Sky Astronomy Tours (winter tour)
Best Tours and Activities For Groups in Jasper National Park
- Jasper Wildlife Discovery Tour and Winter Wildlife Discovery Tour (available year-round)
- Private Journeys and Tours in Jasper (we’ll cater a tour to you and your group!)
- Maligne Canyon Icewalk Tour (winter tour)
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!
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
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.