15 Best Things to Do in Jasper National Park for First-Time Visitors
Discover the best things to do in Jasper National Park, from the Maligne Lake cruise and wildlife tours to Athabasca Falls, Pyramid Lake, and more.
Estimated reading time: 23 minutes
When most people start planning a Canadian Rockies vacation, Banff gets most of the attention.
The turquoise lakes. The luxury hotels. The famous photos that seem to appear all over Instagram.
And don’t get me wrong—Banff absolutely deserves its reputation.
But after spending several days exploring both parks, I found myself unexpectedly falling in love with Jasper.
Jasper feels quieter. More relaxed. More wild.
The mountains are every bit as dramatic. The wildlife is more abundant. The crowds are noticeably smaller. And while there are certainly plenty of challenging adventures available, Jasper is also incredibly rewarding for casual travelers who simply want to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies without spending every day on strenuous hikes.
That’s exactly the type of traveler I am.
I love national parks. I love scenic drives, wildlife viewing, waterfalls, boat tours, and easy-to-moderate walks. What I don’t love is carrying a backpack into the wilderness for three days or climbing a mountain before breakfast.
The good news?
You don’t have to.
During our visit, we cruised to Spirit Island, spotted multiple bears, visited stunning waterfalls, explored one of the most beautiful drives in North America, and spent time soaking in the incredible scenery that makes Jasper National Park so special.
If you’re planning your first visit, these are the experiences I would put at the top of your list.
And if you’re still planning your trip, start with my Canadian Rockies for First-Time Visitors Guide and 7-10 Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary to see how Jasper fits into a larger Canadian Rockies adventure.
Quick Snapshot: Best Things to Do in Jasper
If You Only Have One Day
Prioritize:
- Maligne Lake and Spirit Island
- Athabasca Falls
- Pyramid Lake
- Wildlife viewing
- Scenic drive through town and surrounding valleys
If You Have Two to Three Days
Add:
- Jasper Wildlife Tour
- Maligne Canyon
- Medicine Lake
- Jasper SkyTram
- Sunwapta Falls
My Personal Favorites
After our trip, these were the experiences I would recommend first:
- Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island
- Jasper Wildlife Tour
- Athabasca Falls
- Pyramid Lake
- Driving the Icefields Parkway
- Exploring the Town of Jasper
1. Take the Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island
If someone asked me to choose just one activity in Jasper, this would be it.
Spirit Island is one of the most photographed locations in all of Canada, and after seeing it in person, I completely understand why.
The experience starts with a scenic boat cruise across Maligne Lake, which is surrounded by towering mountains and dense forests. The lake itself is beautiful enough to justify the trip, but everyone is really waiting for the same thing: the arrival at Spirit Island.
And somehow it still exceeds expectations.
The water was unbelievably calm during our visit. The mountains seemed to rise straight out of the lake. The tiny island sat perfectly framed against the distant peaks.
It’s one of those rare places that actually looks like the postcards.
One thing I appreciated was that the cruise itself felt relaxing rather than rushed. The scenery during the ride is spectacular, and the short stop at Spirit Island gives you plenty of time to enjoy the viewpoint and take photos.
For casual travelers who don’t want to spend an entire day hiking to remote viewpoints, this is an easy and memorable way to experience one of Jasper’s most iconic locations.
Good to Know
- Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
- Cruises operate seasonally.
- Dress in layers, even during summer.
- Morning departures often provide calmer water and better photography conditions.
2. Join a Jasper Wildlife Tour
Of everything we did in Jasper, this was probably the biggest surprise.
I expected to see wildlife.
I did not expect to see as much wildlife as we actually did.
Our tour guide seemed to possess some sort of wildlife-finding superpower.
Over the course of a single evening, we spotted multiple black bears, including a beautiful cinnamon-colored black bear that became one of the highlights of our entire Canadian Rockies trip.
We also saw elk and several other animals while learning about the ecosystem and recovery efforts following the devastating Jasper wildfires.
Could you see wildlife on your own?
Absolutely.
But having an experienced guide dramatically increases your chances.
The guides know where animals have been recently spotted. They understand behavior patterns. They communicate with other guides. Most importantly, they know how to do it safely and responsibly.
For first-time visitors, I think this is one of the best tours available in Jasper.
Who Should Book It?
- First-time visitors
- Families
- Wildlife lovers
- Photographers
- Anyone hoping to see bears safely
3. Visit Athabasca Falls
I’ve visited a lot of waterfalls over the years.
Athabasca Falls may not be the tallest waterfall I’ve ever seen, but it is easily one of the most powerful.
The Athabasca River crashes through a narrow gorge with incredible force. What makes the falls so impressive isn’t the height—it’s the volume of water.
You can hear it long before you reach the viewpoint.
Several short walking paths and viewing platforms make it easy to experience the falls from multiple angles, and the entire visit can be completed in less than an hour.
This makes it perfect for families, older travelers, and anyone exploring the Icefields Parkway.
The paved paths are relatively easy, and the payoff is immediate.
I would consider Athabasca Falls an absolute must-see during any Jasper visit.
If you’re considering adding the glacier experience to your trip, read my detailed Athabasca Glacier Adventure Review and Columbia Icefield Skywalk Review to decide whether one—or both—are worth your time.
4. Spend Time at Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake ended up being one of my favorite surprises in Jasper.
After spending several busy days moving between attractions, this was the place that made me slow down.
The lake sits just outside town and offers beautiful mountain views, calm water, and a much more peaceful atmosphere than many of the famous locations farther south in Banff.
The iconic wooden bridge leading to Pyramid Island is the centerpiece of most visits, and it’s easy to see why.
The views are fantastic.
The walk is short.
And it feels like a place designed for simply enjoying the scenery.
We visited in the evening, and it quickly became one of those locations where I found myself saying, “I could stay here for hours.”
If you’re looking for a relaxing experience that doesn’t require much effort, Pyramid Lake deserves a spot near the top of your itinerary.
5. Drive the Icefields Parkway
Technically, the Icefields Parkway connects Jasper and Banff.
But if you’re staying in Jasper, this incredible drive becomes one of the best attractions in the park.
The scenery is nonstop.
Glaciers.
Mountains.
Waterfalls.
Turquoise lakes.
Wildlife.
Around nearly every corner, you’ll find another reason to pull over.
Even if you’ve already driven part of the parkway on your way into Jasper, I would still recommend setting aside time specifically for sightseeing.
Some of the most famous stops include:
- Athabasca Glacier
- Columbia Icefield
- Sunwapta Falls
- Tangle Falls
- Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint
- Beauty Creek
- Numerous overlooks and pullouts
This is one of those rare roads where the drive itself is the attraction.
The Icefields Parkway deserves far more than a quick drive. Before you go, check out my Ultimate Icefields Parkway Guide and Best Icefields Parkway Stops to help plan your route.
6. Explore the Town of Jasper
One thing that surprised me was how much I enjoyed the town itself.
Banff feels energetic and busy.
Jasper feels laid-back.
The downtown area is walkable, friendly, and significantly less crowded than Banff during peak season.
You’ll find:
- Restaurants
- Coffee shops
- Local stores
- Outfitters
- Tour companies
- Mountain views in nearly every direction
After the 2024 wildfire, it was also meaningful to visit and support local businesses that have worked incredibly hard to recover.
Don’t make the mistake of treating Jasper as simply a place to sleep between attractions.
Spend some time wandering around town.
It’s part of the experience.
7. Explore Maligne Canyon
Maligne Canyon is probably the attraction on this list that I was most disappointed to miss.
We had every intention of visiting. In fact, it was on my original itinerary before we even left home. Unfortunately, wildfire-related closures changed those plans.
The frustrating part is that the more I researched Jasper, the more often Maligne Canyon kept showing up. Every article seemed to mention it. Every “must-see” list included it. By the time we arrived, I was genuinely looking forward to seeing it for myself.
For good reason.
Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in the Canadian Rockies, with a series of bridges that cross above rushing water and dramatic limestone walls. Visitors can choose how much of the trail they want to explore, which makes it appealing for a wide range of fitness levels.
One thing I appreciate about Jasper is that many of its best attractions don’t require epic hikes. Maligne Canyon seems to fit that mold perfectly. You can enjoy some incredible scenery without committing to an all-day adventure.
It’s already on my list for our return trip, and based on how many people rave about it, I suspect it’ll stay there.
8. Ride the Jasper SkyTram
We skipped the SkyTram.
Looking back, I’m still not entirely sure whether that was the right decision.
Not because I think we made a mistake. More because Jasper has a way of making you realize you need another trip.
By the time we reached Jasper, we’d already ridden the Banff Gondola and visited the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. We only had three days in town, and eventually something had to get cut from the schedule.
The SkyTram lost.
If we’d had a fourth day, though? I think it probably would have made the cut.
Everything I’ve read suggests the views from the top are spectacular. The tram carries visitors high above the valley floor, offering the kind of mountain scenery that would normally require a fairly strenuous hike to reach.
That’s one of the reasons I like attractions like this. Not everybody wants to spend hours climbing a mountain. Not everybody can. The SkyTram gives visitors access to those incredible alpine views without turning it into a major physical challenge.
So while I can’t personally rank it among my favorite Jasper experiences, it’s one of the attractions I would seriously consider for a future visit.
And yes, I already have a future visit planned in my head.
9. Stop at Medicine Lake
I almost didn’t include Medicine Lake on this list.
Not because it isn’t worth seeing, but because I’m still not completely sure we stopped there intentionally.
I know that sounds ridiculous.
Here’s what happened.
We were driving the road toward Maligne Lake when we spotted a bald eagle near the water. Naturally, we pulled over. What started as a quick photo stop turned into several minutes of watching wildlife and taking pictures.
Looking back at the route and the photos, I strongly suspect that was Medicine Lake.
Either way, it’s a stop worth making.
Medicine Lake is famous for something most visitors never actually see. Much of its water drains through an underground cave system, causing the lake to change dramatically throughout the year. Some people even refer to it as the “disappearing lake.”
Geology aside, it’s simply a beautiful place to pause for a few minutes.
One of my favorite things about Jasper is that not every memorable experience requires a ticket, a reservation, or a long hike. Sometimes it’s just pulling over at a scenic viewpoint, watching an eagle, and enjoying the fact that you’re surrounded by mountains.
Medicine Lake feels like that kind of place.
10. Visit Patricia Lake
Patricia Lake is one of several places that ended up in my “next trip” folder.
The funny thing about Jasper is that you can build what feels like a packed itinerary and still leave with another dozen attractions you wish you’d had time to see.
Patricia Lake was one of those casualties.
Located just outside town, it’s often overshadowed by nearby Pyramid Lake. That’s understandable. Pyramid Lake tends to get most of the attention.
But the more I researched Jasper, the more I noticed Patricia Lake popping up in conversations among repeat visitors. Not because it’s the most famous lake in the park, but because it’s quieter.
Sometimes that’s exactly what you want.
You can rent a canoe, paddleboard, or kayak. You can swim during warmer months. Or you can simply sit by the shoreline and enjoy the mountain views.
Honestly, after spending time in Banff and seeing some of the crowds there, I found myself appreciating Jasper’s quieter corners more and more.
Patricia Lake seems like one of those places where you slow down and simply enjoy being there.
11. Experience the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve
I almost feel guilty including the Dark Sky Preserve because we visited in June.
If you’ve never traveled this far north during the summer, darkness becomes more of a suggestion than a guarantee.
We’d finish dinner, look at the clock, and realize it was nearly 10 PM while the sky still looked like it was debating whether sunset was really necessary.
So no, we didn’t get the full dark-sky experience.
That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth mentioning.
Jasper National Park is part of one of the world’s largest accessible Dark Sky Preserves, and for visitors traveling later in the year, it can be one of the most memorable experiences in the park.
During late summer, fall, and winter, visitors can often see incredible star-filled skies, meteor showers, and occasionally even the northern lights.
There’s also an annual Dark Sky Festival that draws astronomy enthusiasts from around the world.
Would I specifically visit Jasper in June for stargazing?
Probably not.
Would I love to come back in September or October and experience the park under truly dark skies?
Absolutely.
12. Visit Sunwapta Falls
Poor Sunwapta Falls.
It has the misfortune of being located in the same national park as Athabasca Falls.
That’s a tough act to follow.
Athabasca Falls tends to dominate the conversation because it’s one of Jasper’s most famous attractions. But if you’re driving the Icefields Parkway, Sunwapta Falls deserves a stop too.
The walk is short. The views are excellent. And unlike some attractions that require significant effort, this one delivers almost immediately.
Those are my favorite kinds of stops on a road trip.
You park the car, walk a few minutes, and suddenly you’re standing above a powerful waterfall rushing through a rocky canyon.
It’s easy. It’s scenic. And it’s a nice excuse to stretch your legs during one of the most beautiful drives in North America.
13. Relax at Miette Hot Springs
By the third day of our trip, the idea of soaking in hot springs sounded pretty amazing.
Unfortunately, we simply ran out of time.
That’s probably the biggest lesson I learned from Jasper. Three days is enough to see a lot. It’s not enough to see everything.
Miette Hot Springs remains firmly planted on my “next time” list.
Located in the northern part of the park, the springs are known for having the warmest mineral water in the Canadian Rockies. Visitors can soak in naturally heated pools while enjoying mountain views all around them.
Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
When I first started planning our Canadian Rockies trip, I thought I’d be focused entirely on lakes, waterfalls, and viewpoints. The longer I spent researching Jasper, though, the more I realized some of the most appealing experiences involve slowing down rather than constantly moving.
Miette Hot Springs seems like the perfect example of that.
14. Walk the Valley of the Five Lakes Trail
This is one of those hikes that kept showing up everywhere while I was researching Jasper.
Every blog, YouTube video, and “best hikes in Jasper” article.
Eventually you start thinking, “Okay, maybe I should pay attention.”
The Valley of the Five Lakes Trail takes visitors past a series of beautiful lakes, each with slightly different colors and views.
We didn’t end up doing it.
Not because I didn’t want to.
We simply ran out of time.
Which, honestly, might be the most common sentence in Jasper trip reports.
What appeals to me about this trail is that it seems to hit a sweet spot for casual travelers. It’s not a major backcountry adventure, but it’s also more immersive than simply pulling into a viewpoint parking lot.
If you’re looking for one hike to add to your Jasper itinerary, this would definitely be worth considering.
15. Take an Athabasca Glacier Adventure
How often do you get to walk on a glacier?
That question alone is probably enough to justify this experience.
We did the Athabasca Glacier Adventure during our trip and came away really impressed.
What I liked most was how accessible it felt.
Our previous glacier experience was in Alaska on the Matanuska Glacier. That involved a guide, special gear, and hiking directly on the ice. It was fantastic, but it was also much more physically demanding.
The Athabasca Glacier experience is completely different.
Visitors board enormous Ice Explorer vehicles that drive directly onto the glacier. Once there, you’re given time to get out, walk around, take photos, and enjoy the experience.
It’s one of those attractions that sounds a little touristy until you’re actually standing on ancient ice and realizing how incredible it is.
For casual travelers, families, and first-time visitors to the Canadian Rockies, I think it’s one of the most unique experiences you can have.
And if you’re already driving the Icefields Parkway, it’s an easy addition to your itinerary.
Jasper vs. Banff: Which One Should You Visit?
This is probably the question I get asked most often whenever I talk about our Canadian Rockies trip.
And honestly?
It’s not an easy answer.
Before our trip, I assumed Banff would be my favorite. It’s the place you see all over social media. It’s home to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Banff Gondola, and some of the most iconic scenery in Canada.
After visiting both parks, I still think Banff is the better choice for most first-time visitors.
But Jasper surprised me.
A lot.
Choose Banff If:
- You want to see the most famous Canadian Rockies attractions.
- Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are at the top of your bucket list.
- Lots of restaurant and hotel options are important to you.
- You want a larger selection of tours and organized activities.
- This Canadian Rockies vacation is only a few days long.
Banff is busy for a reason. The scenery is incredible, and many of the attractions truly live up to the hype.
Choose Jasper If:
- You prefer smaller crowds.
- Wildlife is a major priority.
- A quieter national park experience appeals to you.
- You want a slower pace.
- Banff has been checked off your list and are looking for something different.
One thing that stood out to me was how relaxed Jasper felt.
Even in summer, it never felt as crowded as Banff. Parking was easier. Walking around town was easier. Getting from one attraction to another was easier.
And the wildlife viewing wasn’t even close.
We saw more wildlife in a single evening wildlife tour in Jasper than we saw during several days in Banff.
My Honest Take
If you told me you only had three or four days in the Canadian Rockies and had never been before, I’d probably send you to Banff.
But if you told me I could return to one of the two parks next month?
I’d probably choose Jasper.
Not because it’s better.
Because I feel like I barely scratched the surface.
There are still hikes I want to do. Lakes I want to visit. Hot springs I want to soak in. A SkyTram ride I skipped. A canyon I never got to see.
Jasper left me wanting more.
And I think that’s one of the best compliments I can give any destination.
Pro Tips for Visiting Jasper
After spending several days exploring Jasper National Park, here are a few things I wish I’d known ahead of time.
Book Popular Tours Early
The Maligne Lake Cruise, wildlife tours, and glacier experiences are some of Jasper’s most popular activities.
If you’re visiting during summer, don’t wait until the last minute to reserve them.
Give Yourself More Time Than You Think You Need
We spent three days in Jasper and still left with a list of things we didn’t get to do.
If your schedule allows it, I’d recommend at least three full days.
Four would be even better.
Don’t Expect Jasper to Be Banff
This isn’t a criticism.
It’s actually one of Jasper’s strengths.
Jasper feels quieter, more relaxed, and less commercialized. If you’re expecting another Banff, you may initially be surprised.
Give it time.
The park has a personality all its own.
Keep Your Camera Ready
Some of our favorite wildlife sightings happened when we weren’t actively looking for them.
A bear alongside the road.
A bald eagle near the water.
Elk grazing near town.
You never know what might appear around the next corner.
Plan for Weather Changes
Even during summer, temperatures can change quickly.
We experienced everything from warm sunshine to cool mountain air during our trip.
Layers are your friend.
Consider Staying Longer Than Three Days
I know I already said this.
But it bears repeating.
Three days felt like enough time to fall in love with Jasper.
It did not feel like enough time to fully experience it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Jasper National Park?
I would recommend a minimum of three days.
That gives you enough time to visit Maligne Lake, explore the Icefields Parkway, enjoy some wildlife viewing, and experience a few of the park’s major attractions.
If you can spend four or five days, even better.
What is the number one thing to do in Jasper?
For most visitors, I would say the Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island.
It’s one of the most iconic experiences in the Canadian Rockies and combines beautiful scenery with relatively little physical effort.
Is Jasper worth visiting if you’re already going to Banff?
Absolutely.
The two parks complement each other incredibly well.
Banff offers some of the Canadian Rockies’ most famous attractions, while Jasper provides a quieter, more wildlife-focused experience.
I wouldn’t skip either if you have the time.
Is Jasper good for non-hikers?
Yes.
In fact, I think Jasper is one of the best national parks for casual travelers.
Many of the park’s highlights—including Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls, wildlife tours, scenic drives, and Pyramid Lake—require little or no hiking.
What is better, Jasper or Banff?
For first-time visitors, I’d generally recommend Banff.
For travelers seeking fewer crowds, more wildlife, and a quieter atmosphere, Jasper may actually be the better fit.
The good news is that you really can’t go wrong with either.
If you’re still planning your trip, be sure to read my Jasper for First-Time Visitors Guide, 3 Days in Jasper Itinerary, and Best Things to Do in the Canadian Rockies for even more ideas.
Final Thoughts
When I first started planning our Canadian Rockies trip, Jasper felt like the add-on destination.
Banff was the headliner.
Jasper was the place we’d visit afterward.
By the end of the trip, that had completely changed.
Yes, Banff delivered on every expectation I had.
But Jasper was the destination that surprised me.
The wildlife was better than I expected. The scenery was every bit as impressive. The town was charming. The crowds were smaller. And the overall pace felt a little more relaxed.
Most importantly, it left me wanting to come back.
There are very few places where I start planning a return trip before I’ve even finished writing about the first one.
Jasper is one of them.
Whether you’re cruising to Spirit Island, searching for bears on a wildlife tour, standing beside a roaring waterfall, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at Pyramid Lake, you’ll quickly understand why so many visitors fall in love with this corner of the Canadian Rockies.
I know we did.
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