Things to do in  Jasper

Carved out of the limestone bedrock by a rushing river, this narrow and steep canyon—which reaches depths of up to 160 feet (50 meters)—is one of the most striking geological features of Jasper National Park. In summer, hikers flock here to follow trails that span the gorge, while in winter, the canyon freezes into an icy wonderland.

An alpine lake surrounded by the rugged mountains of Jasper National Park, Medicine Lake is not only a wildlife watching and recreation destination, it is also a geological anomaly. In summer, the pristine lake is brimming with glacial water. Come fall, sinkholes at the bottom of the lake drain the water, leaving nothing but mudflats.

With its vivid aquamarine waters and impressive backdrop of jagged, glacier-studded peaks, Maligne Lake has visitors to the Canadian Rockies reaching for their cameras. The glacier-fed lake is the largest in Jasper National Park. Tiny tree-topped Spirit Island stands in the middle of the lake and is the subject of countless postcards.

Part of the vast Columbia Icefield that straddles the border between Alberta’s Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Athabasca Glacier—a huge swath of moving ice—is one of the most accessible and awe-inspiring glaciers in North America. Like most glaciers, Athabasca is shrinking, though the slowly moving ice mass is still impressively large: It covers an area of about 2.3 square miles (six square kilometers) and measures up to 980 feet (300 meters) at its thickest point.

Step onto the Athabasca Glacier in the Columbia Icefield and imagine what it was like during the last ice age. Located midway along the scenic Icefields Parkway connecting Canada’s Banff and Jasper national parks, the Columbia Icefield gives visitors a chance to experience how the landscape may have looked when glaciers covered the land.

This magnificent river flows 765 miles (1,231 kilometers from Jasper National Park’s Columbia Glacier to Lake Athabasca. Along the way, it passes boreal forest, rocky summits, and national parks. Fishing, white-water rafting, and riverside trails make the river a top destination for outdoor recreation in Alberta.

Jutting out from the side of a Jasper National Park cliff, the elevated, glass-bottomed Columbia Icefield Skywalk, also known as Glacier Skywalk, is an exhilarating—if somewhat unnerving—way to experience the epic, untouched landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. From this vantage point, the view of the park’s ice-hatted peaks and glacial valleys is nothing short of spectacular.

Originating from the Athabasca Glacier, this pair of waterfalls are among the most picturesque in Jasper National Park, with easy access for those driving along the Icefields Parkway. The falls’ icy glacial water sprays a fine white mist up in the air as it drops, while pine forests and mountain peaks serve as the backdrop.

Home to the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson Provincial Park and Protected Area draws in mountaineers, photographers, and sightseers. The 12,972-foot (3,954-meter) Mount Robson stands out both because of its size and dramatic geological rings that spiral up the mountain. Visitors frequently spot moose, elk, bear, and caribou.

Designated a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Jasper is a stargazing paradise. Come to the 40-seat Jasper Planetarium for a glimpse at the area’s star-studded skies, with interactive planetarium shows and powerful outdoor telescopes.

Situated in Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, Spirit Island is—for most of the year, at least—not actually an island at all, but rather a pint-sized peninsula connected to the mainland by a thin strip of land. A long-standing symbol of the Canadian Rockies, the tree-topped islet has featured on countless postcards and images of the park.

Travel up Whistlers Mountain on the Jasper SkyTram, Canada’s longest and highest aerial tramway, to see Jasper National Park from a brand-new perspective. The enclosed gondola takes you from 4,279 feet (1,304 meters) to 7,472 feet (2,277 meters) above sea level. From the top, enjoy stunning views of Jasper, the Rockies, and the Athabasca River.

Mt. Edith Cavell exemplifies the grandeur of the Rockies in Jasper National Park, Alberta. This prominent mountain, named after the heroic British nurse Edith Cavell, captivates visitors with its rugged beauty. On the north face of the mountain lies the Angel Glacier, a soft blue monolith that resembles an angel with outstretched wings.

Stretching from the Canadian Rockies to Vancouver, the Fraser River is the longest river in British Columbia and is known as one of the most productive salmon fisheries in the world. Throughout its vast basin, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a range of recreation activities such as white-water rafting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking.

Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park are a gorgeous spot to soak your bones after a hike in the Rocky Mountains. Known as the hottest springs in the Canadian Rockies, the mineral-rich water gushes out of the mountainside at a steamy 129°F (54°C) before being cooled to 104°F (40°C) for a comfortable dip in the pool.