JASPER NATIONAL PARK
If you’re planning a Canadian Rockies adventure, you can’t miss Jasper National Park, filled with glacier-fed lakes, jaw-dropping mountains, and some of THE BEST wildlife viewing in North America. While Banff often steals the spotlight, Jasper offers a quieter, wilder experience with endless trails, epic viewpoints, and bucket-list activities.
In this ultimate Jasper National Park guide, we’ll share the top things to do in Jasper National Park (post the devastating 2024 wildfires) from exploring Maligne Lake and Spirit Island to Hot Springs and hidden gems that most tourist miss. Whether you’re here for hiking, road-tripping the Icefields Parkway, or simply soaking in the mountain scenery, this guide will help you plan the perfect Jasper trip.
Top Stops & Attractions
In this post, we'll be sharing info on what to do in Jasper once you've finished the breathtaking Icefields Parkway drive - because the adventure doesn't end when the Parkway does. This is when the real Jasper experience begins. (If you would like to see stops you should make in Jasper National Park that can be made right off the Icefields Parkway, like Columbia Icefield & Athabasca Falls, you can read our previous blog post here).
Maligne Lake & Spirit Island
Maligne Lake is one of those places that feels almost unreal, with its brilliant turquoise water framed by soaring peaks and glaciers. The highlight for many, as it was for us, is taking the iconic Maligne Lake cruise to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in all of Canada. The cruise generally operates from late-May through mid-October (weather dependent). The Classic cruise lasts 1.5 hours, allowing a 15 minute stop at Spirit Island but I don't think people realize there is an adults only, 2 hour premium cruise, which gives you an extra 15 minutes at Spirit Island, so you get 30 minutes to soak in the majestic view. This is the cruise we took and highly recommend it! Unlike the classic cruise which has multiple time slots throughout the day, the premium cruise only has one time slot per day, at 5pm.
Plan to arrive around one hour before your cruise time and allow at least 90 minutes for the drive from Jasper to Maligne Lake. This accounts for sightseeing stops, potential wildlife delays, road traffic, and parking. The drive is stunning and will take you longer than you think. We got there about an hour before our cruise time, wandered around enjoying the view, then grabbed a drink at The View.
Medicine Lake & Maligne Lake Road
The journey to Maligne Lake is just as unforgettable as the destination itself. Along the winding Maligne Lake Road, you’ll pass Medicine Lake - famous for its disappearing act each fall when the water drains into underground caves, earning it the nickname the “vanishing lake.” The drive itself is a highlight, with sweeping mountain views, dense forests, and plenty of chances to spot wildlife like bears, elk, and bighorn sheep. The road to Maligne Lake is a must-do experience in Jasper, where every turn feels like a postcard waiting to be photographed.
Miette Hot Springs
It will take you about an hour to reach the Miette Hot Springs from Jasper or Hinton but, like most places in Jasper, the drive is a destination in itself. Miette Hot Springs, tucked into Jasper National Park’s Fiddle River Valley, is the hottest natural thermal springs in the Canadian Rockies - discharging water at approximately 54 °C (129 °F) that’s gently cooled to a comfortable 40 °C (104 °F) for soaking. Day passes cost $27 per adult or you can choose a single entry for $17.50. They have lockers, towels, and swimsuits for rent. The hot springs are open mid-May through mid-Oct from 9am-11pm daily.
Adjacent to the developed pools lies the charming Source of the Spring Trail, a short but insightful walk that begins at the ruins of the historic 1930s Aquacourt and follows Sulphur Creek along paved and boardwalk pathways. Following the path, visitors arrive at the very heart of the springs. The 1.2 km round-trip trail offers a gentle descent with interpretive signage, wrapping up in about 30-60 minutes, making it an inviting mix of relaxation, history, and nature exploration. For the more adventurous, you can hike the Sulphur Skyline Trail, a moderately difficult 8km (5 miles) roundtrip hike with an elevation gain around 650-700m (plan 4-6 hours if adding on this hike).
Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake in Jasper National Park is a stunning mountain lake at the base of Pyramid Mountain, only a short drive from Jasper town. In summer you can canoe, kayak, hike the shoreline, or relax on Pyramid Island, while winter brings ice skating, snowshoeing, and cozy stargazing under Jasper’s famous Dark Sky Preserve.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
The property at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is stunning and is worth stopping by for a look around. You might also catch a peak at Bear 222 and her cubs which are known to hang out on the golf course here.
Jasper Wildlife
Most of the wildlife we saw was on the stretch of road from Jasper to Hinton (hwy 16) around sunset. In just one evening alone, we saw a majestic elk, an entire family of bighorn sheep, and a black bear on this drive.
Jasper Town
The town of Jasper is the perfect base for exploring Jasper National Park, offering plenty to see and do right in town. Stroll through charming shops and cafés, learn about local wildlife at the Jasper Yellowhead Museum, or unwind at cozy restaurants serving everything from Canadian comfort food to international cuisine. Outdoor lovers can walk or bike the town’s scenic trails, paddle at nearby Patricia and Pyramid Lakes, or take the Jasper SkyTram for sweeping views of the Rockies. With its mix of adventure, culture, and small-town mountain charm, Jasper town is more than just a stopover-it’s a destination worth exploring.
WHERE TO STAY
Now we stayed in Hinton because that is where Craig lives and it’s only an hour from Jasper town. Hinton is a great budget friendly option - perfect if you'd rather spend your money on adventures and BeaverTails instead of selling a kidney to afford a hotel room in Jasper. Craig gave me a list of hotels he recommends in Jasper, as well as in Hinton.
POST 2024 WILDFIRES
In the wake of the devastating July 2024 wildfires, three of Jasper National Park’s most beloved spots remain closed indefinitely while the landscape heals and safety assessments continue. Maligne Canyon, one of the park’s most iconic attractions, is off-limits from the First Bridge through to the Fifth, as the burned slopes pose serious risks of landslides and unstable ground. Similarly, Cavell Road, the scenic route accessing Mount Edith Cavell and Angel Glacier, remains closed due to hazardous trees, slope instability, and road safety concerns. The Valley of the Five Lakes trail also remains blocked; damaged vegetation, trail infrastructure, and shifting water patterns demand careful reconstruction and erosion control before reopening. With no firm timelines provided, Parks Canada continues hazard cleanup, geotechnical evaluations, and infrastructure repairs ahead of a safe future reopening.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Jasper National Park is more than just a stop on your Canadian Rockies road trip, it’s a destination that blends jaw-dropping scenery, endless outdoor adventure, and authentic small-town charm. From exploring iconic spots like Maligne Lake and Pyramid Lake to hiking trails, stargazing in the world’s second-largest Dark Sky Preserve, and relaxing in the welcoming town of Jasper, there’s something here for every type of traveler. Whether you visit in summer for canoeing and hiking, or in winter for skiing and ice walks, Jasper offers unforgettable experiences year-round. Plan your trip now and discover why Jasper National Park is one of Canada’s must-visit travel destinations.
For more inspiration, check out our other Canadian Rockies travel guides:
The Ultimate Guide to Driving the Icefields Parkway
Ultimate 1-Day Lake Adventure in Banff (+Yoho)
Hinton, Alberta: The Affordable Gateway to the Canadian Rockies
Don’t forget to follow along with our Alberta adventures over on our YouTube channel ↓
If you got this far, thanks for reading and remember to STAY CLASSLESS 😉
Amazing information about Jasper Thank You 😊
You’re very welcome Edna! Hopefully it helps planning your Jasper trip 🙂
Came across your youtube video of this travel and just wanted to say Hi!
You guys got a boatload of amazing photos from your trip, it’s amazing!
Thank you so much! We appreciate the support 🙂