10 incredible things to do in Jasper National Park

Now if you’ve read our post on incredible things to do in Banff, then you will have already seen this one. However, it is just that good and considering it runs between the two national parks, we just had to include it. Rated as one of the world’s best drives, this scenic stretch of road has over 100 glaciers, waterfalls, emerald lakes and thick larch forests. There is so much to see and do along this highway that you could spend a whole week just on this section. Whether you’re doing the trip by car or campervan you will be surprised at how long it can take you to drive the full length due to the fact that you will be stopping every 15 minutes to jump out and gaze at the view. Allow plenty of time for the journey, make sure you’ve got a full tank of gas and plenty of food as you won’t be passing any towns or petrol stations for a while.

Driving north on the Icefields Parkway you won’t be able to miss Athabasca Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Canada. Retreating at a rate of around 5 metres per year due to climate change, this is something you’ll want to see soon, before it’s too late. Here you’ll find the Columbia Icefields centre where you can book and arrange tours to actually get out onto the glacier itself. Alternatively, you can cross the road and hike up to the glacier by yourself, without a guide.

As mentioned above you can go on a tour which will take you out onto the glacier itself. The tour takes you onto the glacier via their ‘ice explorer’ which doesn’t look that dissimilar to a coach-turned-monster truck with snow tires. Bear in mind that these tours can be busy and if you’re against paying a lot of money to be hoarded around then maybe think twice before signing up. That being said, it is a truly unique experience that is well worth doing if you’re going all out. As part of the package you’ll also get access to the skywalk, the glass floored viewing deck that protrudes out over the edge with a 280m drop down below. As a guide, 2019 prices were $114 CAD (adult) for the ice explorer glacier tour and skywalk admission, or $37 CAD for the skywalk only. See their website for current prices and information.

Of all the hikes we did during our week in the Canadian Rockies, this one was the easiest and perhaps the least rugged. The 4km trail around Lac Beauvert is almost completely flat and offers incredible views from every point of the hike. It’s quite different to many of the other hikes we did in the sense that it is based around the luxurious hotel that sits on the lake, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. At one point in the hike you even pass through their golf course! From the base of the hotel you can also hire all of the usual suspects from mountain bikes to kayaks and paddleboards to enjoy the breathtaking lake. 

Just one of the many incredible waterfalls in the area, Sunwapta Falls is easily accessible from the Icefields Parkway. The pair of waterfalls have an 18m drop and as expected, a stunningly beautiful backdrop of the mountains. There are a few different viewing areas and it’s easy to get around, plus there are all of the usual facilities such as picnic benches and bathrooms.

From Sunwapta Falls it’s only a 20 minute drive further north to Athabasca Falls, the most powerful waterfall in the Canadian Rockies. Whilst it’s not the highest or widest waterfall in the national park, the power of the water flowing from the Athabasca river is undeniable. There are a series of small trails and bridges to guide you around the waterfall and offer numerous viewing points.

Pyramid lake is only a short 10 minute drive from the main town of Jasper along Pyramid Lake road. The 1.2km squared lake makes for a fantastic place to spend an afternoon with plenty of activities on offer from kayaking to mountain biking and hiking. Be sure to head out onto Pyramid Island, the tiny little island that can be reached by a footbridge. The views from here are truly incredible.

The valley of the 5 lakes trail is a popular 4.5km loop around you guessed it – 5 lakes. It is a moderate hike with some elevation gain and loss and rocky trails. The loop guides you to and around the beautiful blue/green lakes, offering stunning views that will force you to stop often to get those precious shots.

A drive down Maligne lake road from Jasper is a treat in itself. Drive the 48km route towards Maligne Lake whilst keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife – this road is known as a great place to spot everything from elk and mountain goats to bears. Before you reach Maligne lake you’ll find yourself at Medicine Lake, the 7km long shallow lake that is visible from the road. At the end of the road you’ll reach Maligne lake, the glacier-fed lake which is a fantastic spot for hiking and kayaking. You can even take a tour to the famous and frequently photographed Spirit island.

Last but not least, be sure to check out Maligne canyon at the beginning of Maligne lake road. This is the deepest canyon in the Canadian Rockies, with a depth of up to 50m at some points. Explore the area by hiking along the marked trails and bridges for incredible views across and down into the canyon. If you happen to be there in the winter then an ice walk on the canyon floor may be a great option to explore this beautiful area. You’ll also find the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen at the top of the car park, a restaurant and bar serving everything from coffee and cake to burgers and sharing platters.