one day trip to jasper

1-Day Jasper Itinerary

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• Jasper in 1 day
• 2-Day Jasper Itinerary
• 3-Day Jasper Itinerary
• 4-Day Jasper Itinerary
• 5-Day Jasper Itinerary

Table of contents

1-day itinerary, maligne canyon.

Jasper Park Information Center

Pyramid Lake

Mount robson inn, jasper skytram, marmot basin, athabasca falls, where to eat, the raven bistro, cassios italian restaurant, top searches in jasper, popular road trips from jasper, what's the weather like in jasper.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Jasper for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Jasper in January
• Weather in Jasper in February
• Weather in Jasper in March
• Weather in Jasper in April
• Weather in Jasper in May
• Weather in Jasper in June
• Weather in Jasper in July
• Weather in Jasper in August
• Weather in Jasper in September
• Weather in Jasper in October
• Weather in Jasper in November
• Weather in Jasper in December

All road trips from Jasper

• Jasper to Banff National Park drive
• Jasper to Las Vegas drive
• Jasper to Vancouver drive
• Jasper to Seattle drive
• Jasper to San Francisco drive
• Jasper to Banff drive
• Jasper to Los Angeles drive
• Jasper to Jasper National Park drive
• Jasper to Calgary drive
• Jasper to San Diego drive
• Jasper to Victoria drive
• Jasper to Portland drive
• Jasper to Yellowstone National Park drive
• Jasper to Denver drive
• Jasper to Lake Louise drive
• Jasper to Sedona drive
• Jasper to Colorado Springs drive
• Jasper to Whistler drive
• Jasper to Grand Canyon National Park drive
• Jasper to Drumheller drive
• Jasper to Monterey drive
• Jasper to Glacier National Park drive
• Jasper to Yosemite National Park drive
• Jasper to Santa Fe drive
• Jasper to Page drive
• Jasper to Kelowna drive
• Jasper to Phoenix drive
• Jasper to Edmonton drive
• Jasper to Salt Lake City drive
• Jasper to Greater Palm Springs drive

Explore nearby places

• Mount Robson
• Tete Jaune Cache
• Grande Cache
• Wells Gray Provincal Park
• Beavermouth
• Rogers Pass
• Glacier National Park of Canada
• Crescent Spur
• Seymour Arm
• Yoho National Park
• Lake Louise
• the Drayton Valley
• Alder Flats

All related maps of Jasper

• Map of Jasper
• Map of Brule
• Map of Cadomin
• Map of Hinton
• Map of Mount Robson
• Map of Valemount
• Map of Tete Jaune Cache
• Map of Blue River
• Map of Grande Cache
• Map of Edson
• Map of Nordegg
• Map of McBride
• Map of Avola
• Map of Wells Gray Provincal Park
• Map of Beavermouth
• Map of Rogers Pass
• Map of Vavenby
• Map of Glacier National Park of Canada
• Map of Crescent Spur
• Map of Clearwater
• Map of Seymour Arm
• Map of Golden
• Map of Field
• Map of Yoho National Park
• Map of Wildwood
• Map of Lake Louise
• Map of Revelstoke
• Map of the Drayton Valley
• Map of Alder Flats
• Map of Whitecourt

Jasper throughout the year

• Jasper in January
• Jasper in February
• Jasper in March
• Jasper in April
• Jasper in May
• Jasper in June
• Jasper in July
• Jasper in August
• Jasper in September
• Jasper in October
• Jasper in November
• Jasper in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Jasper?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 1-Day Revelstoke Itinerary
• 1-Day Lake Louise Itinerary
• 1-Day Clearwater Itinerary
• 1-Day Hinton Itinerary
• 1-Day Valemount Itinerary
• 1-Day Blue River Itinerary
• 1-Day Field Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

The ULTIMATE Jasper Itinerary You Should Follow

Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, and embodies the essence of an untouched alpine wilderness that is often hard to find. The park is over 11,000 square kilometers, and has some of the most stunning lakes, canyons, waterfalls, and hikes in all of Canada. We try and visit Jasper every year to uncover everything it has to offer, though truthfully, we would need a whole lifetime to explore!

If it were my first time visiting Jasper, this would be the exact itinerary I would follow to make the most of my time there. I’ve put together activities that stack together nicely so that no time is wasted, and I’ve included a few of my favorite places to eat and stay!

How Many Days Are Enough for Jasper?

Each time we visit Jasper, we stay anywhere for three to five days. Three days is adequate time to stay in Jasper, although many visitors just stay one night and try to see what they can. It’s up to you and your schedule to determine how long you can spare in Jasper. We recommend staying at least two nights and three days in Jasper. This itinerary will focus on three full days in Jasper with a focus on summer travel.

The Icefields Parkway

If you’re traveling from Banff, you’ll drive from Banff to Jasper along the famed Icefields Parkway. Hailed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world, you’ll want to spend a full day on the Parkway alone – trust me! There are sights along the Icefields Parkway, like Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls that I have not included in this Jasper itinerary, as we think it’s best to see those when you are already driving the Icefields Parkway. You can see all the best stops along the Icefields Parkway here .

Arrive in Jasper

Whether you have arrived from Banff, Calgary, or Edmonton, the most important thing is that you made it to beautiful Jasper. The first thing we recommend is getting acquainted with the town. If you’ve already visited Banff, you’ll likely notice that the city has a much more laid-back, less touristy, and less commercial vibe.

There’s no grand Main Street that looks up to a goliath mountain like in Banff; however, in Jasper, you get a much more down-to-earth community small Alberta mountain town feel, so do your best to soak it all up! One of the best things to do in Downtown Jasper is visit the historic Train Station. It has plenty of history inside, with some interesting photos from the early days in Jasper. The Canadian National Railway constructed the station in 1926 and declared it a heritage railway station in 1992.

Just outside the station is the Two Brothers Totem Pole, which replaced the famous Raven Totem Pole in 2011 and tells the story of the two brothers historically. You can’t miss these landmarks, and both are quick sites to see in town. If it’s early in the morning, pop into Bear’s Paw Bakery for a baked treat and coffee before moving on to your daily adventures.

Head to the Jasper Skytram

Built in 1964, the Jasper Skytram is Canada’s highest and longest tram. With a starting elevation of over 4,000 feet, the 10-minute trip to the top in the enclosed gondola will take you to over 7,500 feet, where you’ll be surrounded by magnificent views of the largely undisturbed Canadian Rockies, the town of Jasper, and the Athabasca River below.

During the 10-minute ride up, your tram conductor will point out landmarks and tell you all about the area’s geology, history, and wildlife helping you forget the fact that you are sardined in with 20 other people! Don’t worry, the tight squeeze is more than worth it, which you’ll see when you get to the top. The Jasper SkyTram is open from March to October and is a great way to get acquainted with the area from up above!

Book Jasper Skytram tickets

Walk to Whistler’s Peak

From the top of the Skytram, you can simply enjoy the views and restaurant, but you can also hike up the path to Whistler’s Mountain, one of Alberta’s best hikes.

If you walked from the valley floor, the hike up Whistlers Summit would be a long grueling day, but in this case, the Jasper Skytram assists you for most of the way. After unloading, another 20-30 minute walk will get you to the summit. It’s an easy and well-designated path that almost every able-bodied visitor can hike, and it’s well worth planning for and incorporating this into your Jasper itinerary. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies!

Late Lunch at Patricia Street Deli

The whole Jasper Skytram experience takes about 2-3 hours to complete. After your time up in the sky, you’ll likely be hungry. Head back to town and look for the tiny Patricia Street Deli Deli on Patricia Street. It’s unassuming, but we promise they make the best sandwiches and wraps in Jasper.

The owners here have been running this shop for years, and you’ll likely meet them. Every time we pop in, we are greeted by the same owners who opened the shop 18 years ago. Bonus that it’s one of the most affordable places you can eat in Jasper!

Stand Up Paddleboard/Canoe at Lac Beauvert

After lunch, head to one of the most beautiful lakes in Jasper. Edith, Annette, and Beauvert Lakes are all very close together, and you can easily enjoy all three in one day. My absolute favorite lake in Jasper is Lake Beauvert, which has some of the most transparent water I’ve ever seen and is insanely blue.

If you have your own, I highly recommend bringing your canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard to Jasper! If you don’t have a watercraft, you can rent one at Lake Beauvert or from Lake Edith.

Head to Pyramid Lake for Sunset

We hope you are not laked out yet (though you’re in the Rockies, you must get used to beautiful lakes every 10 minutes). After paddleboarding on Lac Beauvert, drive up to Pyramid Lake, which is about a 10-minute drive outside town.

Here, you can simply enjoy the views or rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard and get out on the water. We find Pyramid Lake warmer than the other alpine lakes in the area, so if you’ve wanted to jump into the water, now is your chance!

Walk to Pyramid Island

While you’re at Pyramid Lake, you cannot miss Pyramid Island. This small island has a bridge connecting visitors from the mainland. Our top tip is to try to catch it at sunrise or sunset for a wicked view.

Dinner Reservations at Aalto

While at Pyramid Lake, you will likely notice a beautiful wooden building. This is Pyramid Lake Lodge, and although it’s a hotel and one of the best places to stay in Jasper , there is also a fantastic restaurant here called Aalto. In the summertime, you’ll need to make reservations here and be happy you did. Enjoy cocktails and a meal here while watching the sun set over Pyramid Lake.

End the Night at the Jasper Planetarium

Due to its remoteness and overall lack of development, Jasper boasts impressive views of the stars, galaxies, and constellations, which are often tricky to see in more urban areas. If you’re an amateur stargazer or just prefer comfortable reclining seats to craning your neck or lying on the cold ground, the Jasper Planetarium is a great way to end your day in the park.

The planetarium’s trained guides will lead you on a virtual galaxy tour and explain a few of the mysteries of modern science, like seeing the northern lights in Alberta (note that it’s not likely you’ll see them in the summer in Jasper). The Planetarium also houses one of the largest telescopes in North America. After the planetarium show, you’ll get to peer through its massive lenses and gaze into impossibly distant worlds. You can book a Planetarium and Telescope combination tour here.

Early Breakfast at Sunhouse Cafe

Trust me, get up early, and go to Patricia Street again. This time for breakfast at Sunhouse Cafe. Sunhouse Cafe gets our nod for the best breakfast in Jasper . The bright, airy cafe with modern decor serves mouth-watering coffee and food. It’s located on the second floor of a small mall, and the outdoor patio provides a pleasant view over Patricia Street.

Coffee is a strong focus here, and they serve some great espresso-based drinks along with single-origin pour-overs. The drinks don’t stop there, either; there are several organic teas, kombucha drinks, and smoothies.

The food here is excellent and original, with fresh ingredients and healthy options. This is the kind of place you’ll find fancy avocado toast—and I mean that nicely. All drinks can be made with milk alternatives, like oat milk, for vegans.

Drive Maligne Lake Road

Get in the car and get ready to tackle the most beautiful drive in Jasper. Maligne Lake Road is a scenic 46-kilometer drive that starts near the town of Jasper and ends right at Maligne Lake. Along the way, you’ll stop at some of the most beautiful sights in the park. You’ll want to allocate at least 6 hours for this entire drive with all the stops, but honestly, you could spend the whole day on this road. You didn’t plan on resting much in Jasper, did you?

Stop at Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is the first major site you’ll come across. Carved slowly out of limestone over the years by the rushing waters within, the deep canyon walls reach nearly 200 feet in places, making it one of the most dramatic sights in Jasper National Park.

The canyon area is a hot hiking spot when the ice thaws in late spring and summer due to its natural beauty and the sheer number of amazing and unique geological features you’ll find. Guided tours are available, but you can also easily visit and hike around Maligne Canyon. We recommend “carving out” at least one hour to stop at Maligne Canyon.

Continue to Medicine Lake

Medicine Lake is a fantastic sight in Jasper and is your next major stop along Maligne Lake Road. It’s an easy pull-off stop where you can enjoy the views for 10-15 minutes. Though technically part of the Maligne River, it looks like a lake to the untrained eye, especially when it swells with water from the big thaw, which occurs in late spring and summer.

Fun fact – Medicine Lake is actually called the “disappearing lake” amongst Jasper locals as the water drains out through sinkholes at the bottom, travels through a cave system, and resurfaces downstream in the winter. We couldn’t believe it when we visited in the winter and saw it either, but it’s truly a unique phenomenon.

Continue to Maligne Lake

After Medicine Lake, continue driving, and keep your eyes open for wildlife. This area is teeming with it. Every time we travel Maligne Lake Road, we see moose, bears, and sheep. Eventually, you’ll come to a dead end, which is Maligne Lake. Maligne Lake is a premier destination in Jasper and is renowned worldwide for its scenic natural beauty. It’s the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies and a must for any visitor to Jasper National Park.

The lake’s grandeur, as countless glaciers run off into the lake below from the Hall of Gods, is beyond compare. On a sunny day, the waters of Maligne Lake sparkle a dazzling cerulean blue. You can enjoy the lake from the lakeshore, but you need to book a cruise to Spirit Island to see the area in all its splendor.

Book a Cruise to Spirit Island

The Maligne Lake Cruise is something nearly every visitor has on their Jasper bucket list. It’s one of the most popular things to do in the Rockies, so booking in advance is imperative. The classic cruise lasts 1.5 hours and will take you to Spirit Island, where you can get out on the shore and enjoy the famous view for 15 minutes. Along the way, a knowledgeable guide will share information about the area’s past, including its importance to the Stoney Nakoda people, all while you take in the glacial views.

If you think you’ll want more time at Spirit Island, make sure to book the Premium Cruise, which costs about $30 more and gives you an extra 15 minutes at the Spirit Island viewpoint.

Book the Cruise Beforehand

Have Lunch on Maligne Lake

After the cruise, you’re likely going to be hungry. Thankfully, there are a few restaurants right on the shores of Maligne Lake. The Lake House Café has both grab-and-go food and hot food service. There’s also the Waffle Hut, which is self-explanatory for the type of food they serve, and The View Restaurant, a sit-down experience. These dining options only operate from June to October, so it’s best to pack your own food if you’re visiting in the winter.

Optional Canoe

If you want to spend even more time in this beautiful setting, there’s a boathouse at Maligne Lake. Here, you can rent a canoe or kayak and get out on the water yourself!

Spot Wildlife on your Drive Back to Jasper

Once you’ve finished at Maligne Lake, it’s time to head back to the Town of Jasper. Take it easy and enjoy the beautiful road trip slowly. Again, keep your eye out for wildlife, which is most active early in the morning and evening before dark.

Downtime at Hotel

You’ve had a long day, and it’s not quite over. It’s time to relax at your hotel so you don’t burn yourself completely out. We highly recommend staying at the Jasper Park Lodge if you have the budget for it. It’s easily the best place to stay in Jasper and sits right along Lac Beauvert. There are plenty of places to relax here, and their patio is the best place to have a cocktail overlooking Mount Edith Cavell.

Dinner at Jasper Brewing

Hands down, our favorite place to eat when in Jasper is the Jasper Brewing Company. Jasper Brewing Company was the first National Park Brewery in Canada. It opened in 2005, and after that, they were even responsible for opening Banff Ave Brewing in Downtown Banff.

Three founders here were born and raised by Jasper locals and created the space as a great community hub. Their beers are delicious, but I love their food and the overall laid back vibe of the place. Everything here has been delicious. I highly recommend trying their Halloumi Bowl.

Whitewater Raft the Athabasca River

You might guess what I’m going to say – wake up early – you have another fun-filled day in Jasper! If you want to get your heart pumping, one of the best things you can do in Jasper in the summer is hop on a raft and enjoy a thrilling excursion on the Athabasca River. These guided multi-rapid run tours that seat 8 people and are perfect for all visitors. When we rafted the Athabasca, young and old were on our raft.

Whitewater Raft in Jasper

Book a Jasper Food Tour for Lunch

Now is your time to do a tour if you haven’t explored much of Jasper’s food scene. You could tackle them all independently, but I recommend joining Estelle with Jasper Food Tours instead. You’ll have a much more local experience, complete with a walking history tour of Jasper.

I love doing food tours, as you can sample many different restaurants in just a few short hours instead of having dinner at just one. The samplings with Jasper Food Tours are all paired with beer, wine, or a cocktail to make it even more fun. Come hungry—there is a lot of food on this one.

If you want a more active experience that allows you to burn off the calories you consume, you must book an e-bike and bite tour , also run by Estelle. Along this route, you’ll bike to all the beautiful destinations you’ll be dining at.

Book a Jasper Food Experience

Get Out on a Hike

The days are long in the summer, meaning after all the previous suggestions, you still have plenty of time to enjoy a hike in Jasper. Two very famous hikes in the area are relatively easy and can be accomplished in just a few hours.

Valley of the Five Lakes

The Valley of Five Lakes is a classic Jasper hike that’s the most popular in the park. It takes visitors to FIVE stunning Jasper lakes. The trail is pretty flat, well-developed, and easy to follow, so it’s easy for everyone to enjoy the lakes and their varying colors of blue and green.

It’s a great trail for those who visit the park but don’t want the challenge of climbing a mountain or steep pass. You’ll be hard-pressed to find many trails that cover the distance and don’t require large amounts of elevation gain. Since it’s a busy and easy trail, we recommend ending your day with this hike to avoid huge crowds. We suggest allocating 2-3 hours for this hike. Keep your eyes open for the famous Parks Canada red Adirondack chairs overlooking one of the lakes!

Edith Cavell Meadows

Edith Cavell Meadows is the most raved-about hike in Jasper. It offers hikers alpine meadows, glacial lakes, a huge hanging glacier, sweeping views, and the towering Mount Edith Cavell.

The hike starts with a paved trail called the Path of the Glacier, which brings hikers to a viewpoint of the Cavell Pond and a view of the Cavell Glacier. All while the north face of Mount Edith Cavell towers over the trail. After the first lookout point, the trail continues through the forest and into the meadows. The views of the Angel Glacier, a hanging glacier, are striking as you climb.

Catch From Jasper With Love

Once you’ve had all your outdoor adventure fun for the day, we have the perfect evening suggestion for you. Head to the Lobstick Lodge to enjoy the theatre for something to do at night.

Joost and Pieter are two enthusiastic Jasper locals who put on this entire show nearly every night, and they have a very fun story to share. Crafted from the ground up and infused with playful wit, “ From Jasper, With Love ” stands apart from conventional theatrical productions. Instead of adhering to a traditional linear narrative, the play takes the form of a collection of sketches featuring an ever-changing ensemble of endearing and comical characters, including our favorite, Eddie the Elk!

The flagship performance, ‘ From Jasper with Love ,’ is designed for visitors and residents, is one hour long, and runs during summer. You can book your tickets here!

Where We Recommend Staying in Jasper

As mentioned, we highly recommend booking the Jasper Park Lodge if your budget allows. Be forewarned, it’s the most expensive place to stay in Jasper, but we don’t think you’ll regret it! Our other favorite places to stay are Pyramid Lake Lodge, which sits right on Pyramid Lake , and we also love the Forest Park Hotel close to Downtown Jasper. If you are looking for a cabin experience, Patricia Lake Bungalows has some of the best lakeside cabins in Jasper.

If we had an unlimited budget, we would spend all our nights at the Jasper Park Lodge . They have stunning grounds and sit right on one of the most beautiful lakes.

Pyramid Lake Lodge is another fantastic property on Pyramid Lake. It operates more like a rustic cabin with modern amenities. If you want direct access to Pyramid Lake, this is a winner.

If you want a hotel just a short walk away from Downtown Jasper we highly recommend the Forest Park Lodge.

You’ll Likely Want a Rental Car

As you can probably tell, this is a pretty extensive, jam-packed Jasper itinerary. To get to all these places mentioned, you’re going to want your own set of wheels. Jasper does not have great public transportation (yet!), and you’ll find it hard to do all these things on a schedule without a vehicle. We recommend picking one up in either Calgary or Edmonton.

If you don’t have a rental car, a few tours offer pick-up and drop-off services from Downtown Jasper. If you don’t have a rental car, you will definitely want to base yourself in Downtown Jasper. We recommend checking Expedia to compare rental car prices.

Tips for Visiting Jasper

• You Need a Parks Pass : Jasper is a national park, you’ll need a Parks Canada pass to visit. This is the same pass you need to visit Banff.
• You’ll Want Bear Spray for Hiking : Jasper has more bears than Banff. If you are doing any hiking it’s recommended to always carry bear spray.
• Prepare to Pay for Parking : It’s not free to park in Downtown Jasper anymore and paid parking is in effect from May 1 until October 31. If you’re staying in Downtown Jasper it’s best to leave the car parked and walk around town. Parking isn’t cheap either, expect to pay $4.50 per hour for on-street parking, and $2.50 to $3.50 per hour for off-street parking.
• It’s Expensive : It’s pretty apparent that Banff is expensive, and sometimes we find Jasper even more expensive. A smaller town that doesn’t have quite as much tourism dollars flowing in means fewer hotels. There are also strict laws around Airbnbs in Jasper . Fewer accommodation options and high demand in the summer means even basic hotel rooms can go for $400+ a night. Book in advance to help save on costs.
• This itinerary focuses on summer travel. Activities like the Maligne Lake Cruise, white water raft tours,and theatre show all ramp up in the summer months. Though outside of paid attractions mentioned, many of these sights are accessible year-round. If you are visiting in the winter, you can see our Jasper winter guide.
• Still in debate between spending time in Banff or Jasper? We have an entire article as it gets asked often!

Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies

• Tours (New in 2024): The Banff Blog is partnering with one of the leading tour companies in Western Canada so readers can experience the magic of the Rockies with other travelers – without having to think about a thing. See all our 2024 tour offerings here!
• Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
• Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car : The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service connecting you from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff or Canmore.
• Get Around : We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. Or embark on an epic campervan trip. We like to compare prices on Motorhome Republic and Outdoorsy .
• Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going to watch for cheap airfare deals!
• Hop On, Hop Off : This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus bound for all the best attractions at your own pace!

About Natasha

Natasha calls Canmore, Alberta home. After traveling across seven continents and 90 countries with Cameron, she settled down in the stunning Canadian Rockies. She loves to help others travel and make their planning easier. She is a winter enthusiast and loves to snowboard, ice skate, and snowshoe and enjoy all the fantastic summer opportunities in Banff like hiking, scrambling, and biking. You can find her in the mountains or enjoying a coffee by the river. Learn more on the about us page! If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. You can say thanks directly by buying us a coffee . All support is much appreciated!

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Jasper in a Day: Breathtaking Sights at your Leisure

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park? We've got plenty of tips and itinerary suggestions to help you make the most of your visit. Here's one of our favourite ways to experience Jasper in one day.

Explore the park’s hallmark natural attractions at your own pace. There’s no need to rush — you’re on mountain time now!

Maligne Lake Road

50 to 60 minutes (48.1 km) drive from Jasper

Take a drive along Maligne Lake Road, for picturesque scenery and some of the best wildlife sighting opportunities in the park. The winding corridor is top with locals and visitors hoping to spot the plethora of bears, elk, moose and bighorn sheep that frequent the area. Go slow and steady and have your camera ready.

Maligne Lake Boat Cruise

Discover the postcard-perfect turquoise alpine water at the longest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies on a Maligne Lake Cruise . Highlights of the tranquil bucket-list experience include show-stopping snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks and the world-famous Spirit Island .

Enjoy post-cruise patio bites at The View , for internationally inspired dishes created with locally sourced ingredients and sweeping views of Maligne Lake.

Maligne Canyon

35 to 45 minutes (37.5 km) drive from Maligne Lake

Head back along Maligne Lake Road to Maligne Canyon . Explore the gentle trail to discover six bridges, tumbling waterfalls and epic viewpoints showcasing the Rockies’ deepest canyon.

Pyramid Lake Lodge

25 to 30 minutes (15.7 km) drive

Complete your day at Pyramid Lake Lodge . If you arrive early enough, why not wander the lakeside trail or rent a canoe or kayak from the boathouse. After, dine on delicious mountain-fresh lake food at Aalto , overlooking the iconic Pyramid Lake.

How's that for a day to remember? For more itinerary suggestions and planning tips, see here .

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Banff and Jasper itinerary: exploring the Canadian Rockies

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: February 22, 2024

Are you looking for the perfect Banff and Jasper itinerary for your upcoming adventure in the Canadian Rockies? You came to the right place.

Here we share everything you need to know to spend a great vacation in this lush green mountainous paradise.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Best tips for your Banff and Jasper trip

Here is an overview of the most important things to know before traveling to Banff and Jasper.

Where to stay: Depending on where you are starting your trip we would advise you to stay in Jasper or the Banff area.

• Jasper: Fairmont Jasper park lodge (luxury hotel), Jasper Inn & Suites ( comfortable hotel), Hi Jasper hostel ( basic hotel), Bear’s Den ( vacation home).
• Banff: Fairmont Banff Springs ( luxury hotel), Fox hotel and suites ( comfortable hotel), Blue Mountain lodge B&B
• Lake Louise: Fairmont chateau ( luxury hotel).
• Canmore: Malcolm hotel by CLIQUE ( luxury hotel ), Silver Creek lodge ( comfortable hotel), Days Inn by Wyndham Canmore ( basic hotel), luxurious 2 bedroom with spa, steam room & hot tub ( vacation home).

Renting a car? Check out Rentalscars.com and Discover cars Edmonton and Discover Cars Calgary.

Need insurance for your Banff and Jasper road trip? Be sure to check out quotes and coverage with our recommended partner HeyMondo.

In a hurry? This is the summary of the complete Jasper and Banff itinerary

If you don’t have time to read through the full Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise itinerary,  use this overview to get an idea of the things to do each day and save it for later.

• Day 1: Arriving in Banff, explore downtown Banff and its surroundings
• Day 2: Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Vermilion Lake, Cave and Basin, Banff Upper hot springs

Day 3: Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Johnston Canyon

• Day 4: Icefields Parkway
• Day 5: Patricia Lake, Pyramid Lake, and Jasper Skytram
• Day 6: Maligne Lake, Medicine lake, Maligne Canyon, and Valley of the Five Lakes
• Day 7: Sulphur Skyline and Miette hot springs

Planning a trip to Banff and Jasper: Read this first

Let’s start this itinerary for Banff and Jasper by answering some general questions you may have about Banff and Jasper.

What’s the best time of the year to visit Banff and Jasper?

Banff and Jasper can be visited all year round.

Choosing when to visit will depend on the time you can go and the activities you want to do.

Summer ( June-August)

Summer is a great season if you love outdoor activities such as rafting, kayaking, or hiking.

It is also by far the most popular season to visit Jasper and Banff. This means it can get very busy.

Prices of accommodation go through the roof and you need to book well in advance if you have specific hotels or Airbnbs in mind. Some hotels sell out months in advance.

If possible try to avoid the summer months. The crowds start building up in June and July and August are super busy. Certainly in Banff.

Fall ( September- November)

Autumn is a great season to visit Banff and Jasper.

Not only will there be fewer crowds but it is also a great time for hiking and wildlife spotting.

Winter ( December-March)

We visited Banff and Jasper in winter and absolutely loved it.

Although it can get very cold and not everything is open, this is compensated by the wide amount of thrilling winter activities you can do such as skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling dog sledding, etc.

These are some winter activities you can do in Banff. For a list of fun winter activities in Jasper, click here. 

If you love hiking, check out these posts about the best winter hikes near Banff  , Canmore , and Jasper.

For more tips about visiting the Rocky Mountains in winter, click here.

Spring ( March-June)

Winter in the mountains is long.

This means that in April and even May you still can have snow. The famous lakes such as Lake Louise can still be frozen, some roads are still closed and the weather is unpredictable.

However, visiting Banf and Jasper in Spring means also low season with fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation prices.

Late spring is also one of the best times to see bears.

How many days do you need in Banff and Jasper?

You could spend weeks exploring Banff and Jasper without getting bored, at least we could, but unfortunately, most of us don’t have that many days off and will need to make choices.

6 days in Banff and Jasper gives you enough time to see the highlights, make some great hikes, and soak up the Canadian Rockies atmosphere.

It’s best to add 1 extra day for the iconic Icefields Parkway.

You can just drive across the parkway but if you have an extra day it will allow you to stop more often, do some small hikes and really take in the beauty of this scenic highway.

How far apart are Banff and Jasper?

Banff and Jasper are 288 km apart.

You should count at least 4 hours for driving along the Icefields Parkway with minimal stops.

How to get to Banff and Jasper

Although we describe this itinerary as starting from Banff you could easily make this itinerary the other way around depending on where you are coming from.

We, therefore, describe the quickest, easiest, and most comfortable ways to get to both Banff and Jasper.

How to get to Banff?

If you are flying, Calgary is the closest airport to Banff.

From there it’s a quick 90-minute drive along the Trans Canada Highway ( Highway 1 ) to downtown Banff.

The road can get congested in peak season, mostly around the weekends.

It’s best to rent a car at the airport.  Having a car will make it much easier to visit all the places we mention in this itinerary.

Rentalcars.com is a great site where you can easily compare the prices of different rental companies.  The site is one of the biggest of its kind, works with all large household names as well as most small niche rental car companies, and, therefore, has a global offering.

A good and often cheaper alternative is Discover cars. The booking process with Discover Cars is just as intuitive as it is with Rentalcars.  All rates include the CDW and I like that the deductible is already clearly shown on the comparison page. The fuel policy included mileage and the cancelation policy is also clearly stated.  Most cars are cancellable up to 2 days in advance without any fees.  In some cases, a fully refundable deposit is taken at the time of booking.

How to get to Jasper?

The closest airport to Jasper is Edmonton.

From Edmonton International Airport it’s a 4-hour drive along the Trans Canada Highway 16 also known as the Yellowhead to Jasper.

If you are looking to rent a car from Edmonton, click here.

How to get around Banff and Jasper?

The easiest way to get around Banff and Jasper is by rental car. Jasper does not have a bus transit system.

Although you cannot miss the Roam transit busses when you walk along Banff’s main avenue they are not as efficient as your rental car to reach sights located outside of the city.

When relying on these buses you will also not be able to reach all places we mention in this itinerary

Entrance to Banff and Jasper national park

Banff and Jasper are both National Parks which means you need a Park Pass to enjoy their beauty.

The Discovery Pass will be your best option since you’re visiting two National Parks with this itinerary. This pass gives you unlimited access for a full year to both parks and almost 80 other locations managed by parks Canada.

Where to stay in Banff

We get a lot of questions about the best place to stay in Banff.

Banff has plenty of amazing places to stay. From luxury hotels to charming boutique hotels and Airbnbs.

Here is an overview of amazing hotels.

For a friend’s trip or when you’re traveling with your family, and Airbnb might be the better choice. We found some charming properties with luxurious amenities such as a hot tub and sauna.

Here we’ve made a selection of the best Airbnbs in Banff .

Banff is a popular destination all year round but certainly in summer. Accommodation tends to be fully booked a long time in advance and prices in peak season are sky-high.

Whether you will be staying in an Airbnb or a hotel, make sure to book well in advance.

Canmore used to be the spillover option when hotels in Banff were fully booked. However, the village deserves better than that.

The town is located just outside the national park’s borders and is just a 15-20 minute drive from Banff.

Downtown Canmore counts numerous restaurants, grocery stores, and outdoor and sporting establishments. You will also find all kinds of souvenirs and boutique shops.

The pros of staying in Canmore are that it is less touristy.

Banff might be slightly more charming but the crowds in summer ruin the whole experience for many visitors.

Accommodation and food are also cheaper in Canmore, although both towns can be considered expensive.

You don’t even need to go to Banff to find excellent hikes.  Try some of the superb winter hikes in Canmore .

The cons of staying in Canmore is that the town is a little more stretched-out and therefore cannot be easily explored on foot.

Here is an overview of the best hotels in Canmore. If you prefer staying in an Airbnb, take a look at our selection of the best Airbnbs in Canmore.

Where to stay in Jasper

Jasper also has plenty of accommodation options. There are B&B’s, boutique hotels, Airbnb’s, and luxury hotels.

If you are looking for the best place to stay in Jasper, take a look here . For Airbnbs and vacation homes, take a look at our Jasper Airbnb selection.

The complete Banff Jasper itinerary

Map of Banff

Day 1 Arriving in Banff, explore downtown Banff and its surroundings

There is plenty to do in Banff and its surroundings and 3 days is too short to discover it all.

Therefore we share some day-to-day suggestions and the average time you need for every activity.

This allows you to make your own selection based on your personal preferences.

Since this is your first day in Banff, and chances are you arrived relatively late, this is a great day to discover downtown Banff and its surroundings.

Wander around downtown Banff

Once you’ve checked into your hotel and left your bags head to Banff Avenue. Banff is very picturesque and its main avenue is very lively and atmospheric all year round.

The avenue is lined with bars, boutiques, and restaurants and a great place to soak up the atmosphere of this mountain town.

It’s also here that you can take the famous picture of Banff with Cascade mountain in the background.

Average time needed: discovering downtown Banff shouldn’t take longer than 2 hours, including a rest stop in one of the quaint bars.

Hike to the Bow falls viewpoint

If you are looking to stretch your legs after this long drive why not hike to the Bow falls Viewpoint.

This is an easy 2.4 km hike, completely flat except for a few stairs. It starts close to downtown Banff at the pedestrian bridge across the Bow River.

The Bow Falls are a teaser of all the beauty you will witness in the coming days and this perfect short hike will get you in the mood for more hikes in the upcoming days.

In winter the actual viewpoint may be closed because of icy conditions but you will still be able to see the frozen waterfall.

Average time needed: +-1 hour

Does this taste like more? Here are more easy hikes in Banff and these are some great winter hikes in Banff.

Take a picture at Surprise Corner

Next, we head to the Banff Gondola but before we board the cable car to ride to the top of Sulphur mountain we make one quick stop.

On our way to the cable car’s base station, we make a small detour to the Suprise Corner Viewpoint.

This is the best spot for a picture of the iconic Banff Fairmont hotel together with the Bow river.

Time needed: +_15 minutes

Ride the Banff Gondola

Although the Banff Gondola is considered by many locals as a tourist trap our experience is different.

We do agree the price tag is quite steep but also think that you get a lot in return for this price.

The modern top station houses a large interpretive center where you can also watch a beautiful short movie about the region. The boardwalk offers impressive views in all directions and is a nice place to catch the sunset.

The restaurants, there are three of them, offer food in all price classes. Sky Bistro is a great place for a romantic dinner. This place gets raving reviews for the quality of the food, the drinks, and the service.

The Banff Gondola is the most convenient way to get unparalleled views of the Canadian Rockies but it is certainly not the only way.

For one, you can hike to the top station and enjoy the same view, but there are also two other lesser-known sightseeing gondolas.

Read this complete guide about the Banff gondola and the alternatives if you’re not 100% sure whether you want to spend your hard-earned money on them for a ride to the top.

We based this article on our visit to the Banff Gondola during winter, but the post will give you an idea of what there is to do and what you can expect from your visit.

The switchback trail to the top follows a steady grade up and will absolutely get your heart rate up as well.

It is a good alternative if you don’t want to spend your money on the Gondola but as it is somewhat challenging and rated as moderate it might be a little too much for your first day in town.

We hiked this trail during winter and loved it. In winter, the path is icy in places, we’ve heard it can be quite muddy at other times of the year, especially when the snow just starts to melt after winter.  You can read more about our experience here. 

Time needed: On average you need two hours but of course, this depends on what you want to see and to do. If you want to explore all areas of the station, hike to Samson’s peak and have dinner in one of the restaurants you may want to preserve a little more time.

Even with these steep prices the Banff Gondola remains one of the town’s more popular attractions, we would advise you to buy your tickets well in advance. Especially if will be in Banff in the busy summer season.

Check prices and availability: Banff Gondola Tickets

Drive to Mount Norquay Lookout

A visit to the Mount Norquay lookout can serve as an alternative to the Banff gondola but nothing stops you from doing both.

The lookout is located 10 minutes by car from Banff.

On sunny days it offers splendid views of Banff with Mount Rundle and Sulphur mountain with the Vermilion lakes in the foreground.

And if you are lucky you might even see some wildlife roaming around the viewpoint and on the meadows right behind it.

Time needed: 15-20 minutes

If you are traveling during winter in Banff, Mount Norquay is a great place for skiing. If you don’t ski, tubbing is a great alternative. We went tubbing one afternoon and had loads of fun.

I think the above-mentioned activities are enough to make a great first day in Banff. If you still have some time you can continue a little further along this road to the Norquay sightseeing chairlift and soar to an elevation of nearly 7,000ft for more amazing views.

Now let’s take a look at what we will be doing during your second day.

Day 2: Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake,

Start your day in Banff early and head to Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake.

Watch the sunrise at Two Jack Lake

Two Jack Lake is the small brother of Lake Minnewanka. It’s a great place to watch the sunrise light up Rundle Mountain and see it reflected in the lake.

It’s true that Two Jack lake is not as often mentioned as Lake Moraine when one is talking about sunrise but the advantage of going to Two Jack Lake is that you don’t need to be here 2 hours in advance in the summer months. The experience is much more peaceful.

This is also a great spot to put on your hiking shoes since some of the best short and longer trails start on the shores of Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake.

These are hikes that we recommend. Click on their names to find out more about the trails:

• Bankside of Bankhead trail ( easy 1.1 km loop )
• Stewart Canyon hike ( easy 6.6 km out & back )
• Two Jack Lake ( easy 3.2 km out & back )
• Aylmer Pass and Lookout Trail ( moderate 23.2 km out & back )

Don’t forget that you are in grizzly territory. Even though many of these trails are heavily trafficked it is still recommended to take bear spray in summer.

If you aren’t an avid hiker these 2 lakes offer plenty of other possibilities to enjoy their beauty.

Go kayaking or paddleboarding

Both lakes a great places to jump in a kayak and discover the beauty of the lake from the water. If you love to go paddleboarding, then Two Jack Lake is more suited since it’s calmer than Lake Minnewanka.

How to reach? Two Jack Lake is the little brother of Minnewanka Lake. It is located right next to it.

Coming from downtown Banff head north on Banff Ave and then continue onto the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive.

Time needed: The time you spend here will of course depend on the activities you will be doing. Unless you do a day-long hike you should still have time to explore a few other things in Banff.

Make a scenic drive along Vermilion Lake

Bird lovers and just about everybody that wants to soak up nature will love driving along the Vermillion Lakes .

The 4.3 km scenic road offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching including Osprey and Bald Eagles and to gaze at Mount Rundle, one of Banff’s most recognizable mountains.

Take your time to drive along the lake and make sure to stop from time to time to take pictures.

This is also a great place for watching the sunset.

Since this place is quite popular for sunset viewing, we advise you to come 30-60 minutes before the sun sets.

Time needed: +_ 1 hour

Cave and Basin National Historic site

If you want to add some culture to your Banff itinerary we recommend that you visit the Cave and Basin Natural Historic site.

This place, which started the entire national parks system, lies a little outside town, across the Bow River. It’s a 25-minute walk from Banff but since we’re underway with our car we recommend driving there. There is a large parking lot.

Here you can learn more about the natural and cultural history of the mountains. The historic site consists of an artificial cave that leads to a natural hot spring, a replica of a boathouse, and a restored 1916 swimming pool. The visitor center also constantly hosts seasonal exhibitions.

You could explore this site on your own or take a guided tour.

Opening hours:  from 9:00 am or 11:00 am, season depending, until 5:00 pm daily. There is a small fee of approximately $4 CAD for adults to enter but if you have a National Park Pass the entrance is free.

Time needed: Depending on your interests, we recommend spending 45 minutes- 2 hours.

Go hiking around the Cave and Basin National Historic site

The Cave and Basin site is also the starting point of several hiking trails such as the Marsh Loop and the Sundance Trail. These trails can be done all year round.

The first offers excellent opportunities to see moose and is also very popular among birders. Here you can find more info:

• Marsh Loop ( easy 2.8 km loop )
• Sundance Trail ( 9 km out & back )

Time needed: 1 hour for the Marsh loop, 2 to 3 hours for the Sundance trail.

Go bathing in the Banff Upper hot springs

There is no better way to end a sporty day outside than with a dip in the Banff hot springs.

With a water temperature between 98 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit ( 36-40 degrees Celsius ), it is a great place to rest your sore muscles after this active day.

Note that the water is 100% natural. Because of that, it has a strong sulfur smell. However, don’t let this put you off. We had a great time splashing in the hot water.

How to reach: These hot springs are located at the foot of Sulphur Mountain, 2 miles south of Banff.

Note that the hot springs can get busy and there is limited parking for cars. A good alternative is to take the Roam public transit bus which conveniently drops you off at the same parking lot.

We will organize day 3 differently depending on whether you want to see the sunrise at Moraine Lake.

Sunrise at Lake Moraine is very popular which means that the parking lot is often completely filled up 2 hours before the actual sunrise. The road is closed once the parking lot is full which means you will need to wake up in the middle of the night. It would take an additional hour to drive from Banff to Lake Moraine.

Therefore we really advise staying in Lake Louise if you want to witness the sunrise at Lake Moraine.

Wondering where to stay in Lake Louise? Lake Louise is really just a tiny hamlet but because it is flooded with tourists each summer it offers plenty of accommodations for every budget. From luxurious hotels such as the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to homey B&B’s.

Here you can find an overview of the different accommodations.

If you start your day at Lake Moraine you will visit Lake Louise next and then stop at Johnston Canyon on your way back to Banff.

If you love your bed too much to get up at 3 am we will start this day with a visit to Johnston Canyon instead.

In that case, it’s also not necessary to look for a hotel in Lake Louise. From Johnston Canyon, continue to Lake Louise and then Lake Moraine before driving back to Banff.

Experience the sunrise at Moraine Lake

If you want to enjoy the sunrise at Moraine Lake, you will be off for an early start of the day.

In summer the parking lot is always full before dawn and once the parking space is packed, you will be turned away.

Although the lake is at its most beautiful in the morning we do want to warn you that it may not be the peaceful and romantic experience you have in mind.

The viewpoint is flooded with photographers that in a combative way stand their ground to take the perfect picture.

How to reach Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake can be reached from Lake Louise village by driving uphill on Lake Louise road until you reach the crossroad with Moraine Lake Drive. The journey takes about 18 minutes.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise, named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta ( 1848-1939), is one of the most famous lakes in the Canadian Rockies.

The view of the lake is stunning but it has much more to offer than just its incredible turquoise water.

Here are some suggestions to do around Lake Louise.

Lake Louise during summer

The Lake Louise area is a hikers walhalla with trails suited for all levels.

The Fairview Lookout, Lake Agnes trail, and plain of the Six Glaciers trail are just some of the popular day hikes. There are plenty of other great trails. For a complete overview, click here.

Go paddling

Canoeing or kayaking is a great way to see the turquoise waters and to enjoy the scenery.

Don’t expect it to be a cheap activity but, if you are traveling during the high season, it is a good way to escape the crowds.

Note that if you are a guest of the Fairmont Chateau , you get priority and a discount.

Ride the Lake Louise summer Gondola

If you are visiting Lake Louise during summer, you should definitely ride the Lake Louise Gondola.

The 14 minutes gondola ride offers stunning views, especially on the way down as you get to see Lake Louise. If you are lucky, you might also spot a grizzly bear.

Besides enjoying the view, there are plenty of other things to do.

It is the starting point for several hikes and you can visit the Wildlife Interpretative Center where you will learn more about Banff Park.

If you are hungry, you can have lunch at the Whitehorn Bistro while enjoying the views ( make a reservation if you don’t want to wait too long ).

Insider tip: Check out the local guides for a small discount for the Gondola ride.  Usually they contain $5 off coupons.

If you plan on having lunch at the Whitehorn Bistro, you can save a few dollars by buying a combo-ticket that includes the gondola ride and $25 food and beverage credit.

Visiting Lake Louise in winter

In winter Lake Louise turns into a winter wonderland.

Besides hiking you can go skiing, snowshoeing or ice skating on the frozen lake.

Romantic souls can make a sleigh ride and dog lovers should consider making a dog sledding tour.

Here you can read more about the best things to do in Lake Louise in winter.

How to reach Lake Louise

Lake Louise is 58 km (36 miles) from Banff.  It takes 40 minutes by car via the Trans- Canada Highway (Highway-1).  For a more scenic route, you can opt to follow the Bow Valley Parkway which will take 30 minutes longer.

Explore the Johnston Canyon

If you are only to make one hike while in Banff, it should be the Johnston Canyon.

This 2.7 km easy hike along smooth trails and footbridges is a must-do while you are in Banff. Here you can find more info.

The upper and lower falls are breathtaking especially during winter when they are frozen.

If you are looking for a longer hike, you could hike the trail beyond the upper falls to the Ink Pots which are 7 stunning pools of green-colored mineral springs.

They are placed in an open meadow about 3 km from the Upper Falls.

How to reach the Johnston Canyon

The Johnston Canyon can be found 25 kilometers from Banff and 33 km from Lake Louise on the Bow Valley Highway. It’s a quick 30 minutes drive from Banff or 36 minutes from Lake Louise.

Day 4: Drive the Icefields Parkway to Jasper

Map of the Icefields Parkway:

The 232 kilometers long Icefields Parkway ( Highway 93 North ) connects Lake Louise with Jasper. You will see this highway featured in many ‘top scenic road’ lists.

For a good reason. It truly deserves its status as one of the most scenic roads in the world.

Whatever the season you’re in. Driving this highway is like driving from one amazing postcard view to another.

Fill up your car before you leave for Jasper.  There is only one gas station along the Icefields Parkway and it is closed during the winter.

Read these additional safety tips if you will be driving the parkway in winter.

Time needed

You will need at least 3,5 hours to drive from Banff to Jasper. That is without stopping and when you’re here you really have to make at least a few stops to take in the amazing beauty of this place.

In this itinerary, we have provided a full day so that you have enough time to explore the highlights of the Icefields Parkway.

These are the not-to-be-missed spots.

Stopping at all these places guarantees an exciting but jam-packed day. It is best is to start your day early, especially if you also plan on doing some of the recommended hikes or if you want to spend some extra time at the Columbia Icefield.

Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake

The Crowfoot Glacier is our first quick stop on the Icefields Parkway since it can be seen really well from the roadside stop.

Bow Lake is just a few kilometers further. It’s a breathtaking sight to see the beautiful lake surrounded by the majestic mountains and it makes a great photo stop.

The Bow Lake stop also offers an amazing view of both the Bow and Crowfoot Glacier. If you don’t want to stop at Crowfoot Glacier you can head directly to Bow Lake and see the glacier from there.

Time needed: 15 minutes at Crowfoot Glacier, 30 minutes at Bow Lake

Distance to the Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake

• Distance from Lake Louise: Crowgoot Glacier 37 km and Bow Lake 39 km
• Distance from Jasper: Crowfoot Glacier 196 km and Bow Lake 175 km

Peyto Lake and Peyto Lookout

Our next stop is at the world-renowned Peyto Lake.

The amazing turquoise blue water you always see in pictures looks unreal and may have you think that it is photoshopped. Now you have the opportunity to see it for real, it really is as beautiful as the pictures.

The beautiful turquoise blue color comes from glacial dust that is taken down from the mountains by the glacier and mixes with the water.

The first viewpoint attracts large crowds. For a more peaceful experience, it is better to continue a little further along a 2.6 km trail to the upper viewpoint. It is not exactly hiking, it’s more of an easy walk.

Here you can find more info about these easy trails.

Time needed: 20 minutes if you only go to the first viewpoint, 30 minutes to an hour if you continue to the upper viewpoint

Distance to Peyto Lake and the Peyto Lookout:

• Distance from Lake Louise: 46 km
• Distance from Jasper: 188 km

Water Fowl Lakes

Our next stop is at the Water Fowl Lakes which is a 10-minute drive from Peyto Lake. The Water Fowl lakes are accessible from June to early September.

Both the lower and upper waterfowl lakes are beautiful but if you are an avid photographer we advise you to head to the Upper Waterfowl lakes since they are slightly more pretty and photogenic.

These lakes make a great spot for a short break if by now you’re already a little hungry.

If you plan on hiking it’s time to strap on your hiking shoes since the Waterfowl Lakes are the starting point of the Chephren Lake Hike. This 7.7 km out and back trail offers amazing views on the lakeside, and the Howse and Chephren peaks.

Time needed: 20 minutes for lower waterfowl lake, 40 minutes if you want to go to upper waterfowl lake, add 2 hours if you want to hike the Chephren Lake trail.

Distance to Water Fowl Lakes

• Distance from Lake Louise: 66 km
• Distance from Jasper: 171 km

Mistaya Canyon

This canyon is located alongside the Icefields Parkway but unlike our previous stops, you won’t find a viewpoint right next to the parking lot.

To witness the beauty of this distinctive curvy canyon you will have to hike the 2km short and easy loop trail.

The trail leads to a wooden bridge that offers an open view of the canyon. and several small waterfalls.

Time needed: 30 minutes

Distance to Mistaya Canyon

• Distance from Lake Louise: 75 km
• Distance from Jasper: 158 km

Saskatchewan River Crossing

Saskatchewan River Crossing was an important settlement in the early days when fur traders and explorers first traveled through the Rocky Mountains.

Nowadays, it is the only place on the Icefields Parkway that has a shop, a restaurant, and lodging.

Note that these facilities are all closed during winter.

At Saskatchewan, you can witness the meeting of the North Saskatchewan, the Mistaya, and the Howse rivers.

This is also the only gas station along the parkway. Make sure to check your fuel meter to see if you can make it until Jasper before you continue your way and refuel if necessary.

The gas station is also closed in the Winter!

• Distance from Lake Louise: 79 km
• Distance from Jasper: 153 km

The Columbia Icefields

The Columbia Icefield is definitely one of the highlights of the Icefields Parkway. It is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world, the Athabasca Glacier.

The glacier is visible from the parkway but what you’re seeing is just a tiny fraction. There is also a path leading from the parking lot to the base of the glacier, but you cannot walk on it.

Here is how you can see the whole of this giant pack of ice and snow and set foot on it.

Columbia Discovery center

Start your visit by heading to the Columbia Discovery center where you will learn more about glaciers and how they are formed.

Here you can also buy your tickets for the Columbia Icefield Adventure tour and the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.

Columbia Icefield Adventure tour

The Columbia Icefield Adventure tour takes you to the Athabasca Glacier on a giant Ice explorer, a specialized bus outfitted with impressive tires.

Once arrived at the impressive glacier you can walk around freely for about 20 minutes.

Dress in layers and wear appropriate shoes with grippy soles.

Columbia Icefield Skywalk

The Columbia Skywalk is a 400-meter long glass-floor walkway that’s hanging approximately 280 meters above the valley.

Ironically, and despite being so close to the Athabasca Glacier, you won’t be able to see the glacier from the Skywalk.

It offers a bird’s eye view over the neighboring Sunwapta Valley. A beautiful view but nothing you can’t see in other areas of the park where you don’t need to pay.

The big difference of course is that here you experience the thrill of standing on a glass-floored lookout.

Tickets used to be separate, but have since been combined in a package with both the Icefield adventure and the Icefield Skywalk.

Time needed: 2-3 hours

Note that both these activities are closed in winter.

Distance to the Columbia Icefields

• Distance from Lake Louise: 179 km
• Distance from Jasper: 56 km

Stutfield Glacier

A few hundred meters from the Columbia Icefields you can find the stunning Stutfield Glacier.

This glacier might not be as widely known as its neighbor but it is certainly worth a stop.

Some even think it is more impressive than the Athabasca Glacier.

This glacier can be seen from the parking lot alongside the Parkway. No hiking is necessary.

Time needed: 15 minutes

Sunwapta Falls

Our next stop brings us to the Sunwapta Falls which consists of upper and lower falls.

The upper falls are just a short walk from the parking lot. If you also want to see the lower falls, you need to hike 2km on a well-marked trail through the forest.

Although the Sunwapta Falls are less impressive than the nearby Athabasca falls they are still worth a stop.

Time needed: 20 minutes for the upper falls, add one hour if you want to hike to the lower falls

Distance to the Sunwapta Falls

Athabasca Falls

As we reach Jasper, we make a final stop at the Athabasca Falls.

This impressive fall is another must-see spot on the Icefields Parkway.

This is not one of the highest waterfalls in Jasper national park but certainly one of the most powerful.

To see this waterfall you just follow the trail which will lead to several different viewpoints.

Besides gazing at the waterfall, the area has plenty of other fun things to offer. During summer you can hike or wild water raft and during winter it’s a great place for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

We visited these impressive falls during winter. The trail gets very slippery in winter, on the steep sections, and on stairs, we recommend wearing ice cleats.

You can read more about hiking these falls here.

Time needed: 30-45 minutes

• Distance from Lake Louise: 202 km
• Distance from Jasper: 33 km

This concludes our beautiful journey along the Icefields Parkway. It’s time to continue to Jasper where more adventures await.

If you are driving the Icefields Parkway in winter, check out this post.

Day 5 Jasper: Patricia Lake, Pyramid Lake, Jasper sky tram

Although 3 days in Jasper isn’t a lot, it is enough to cover the highlights. Today we start by visiting 2 stunning lakes.

Jasper map:

Watch the sunrise at Patricia Lake and take a picture at Pyramid Lake

Start your first day in Jasper early by heading to Patricia lake to see the sunrise.

If you’re not an early bird you can also catch the sunset at Patricia lake, it’s an equally mesmerizing experience.

Pay a quick visit to the nearby iconic Pyramid lake to take a picture with the Pyramid Mountain in the background.

If you want to explore the lake from a different perspective you can also rent a kano or kayak.

How to get there: Patricia lake and Pyramid lake are only a 10-minute drive from Jasper.

Take the Jasper SkyTram to Whistlers Mountain

Our next stop is the Jasper SkyTram. In just a few minutes this tram travels nearly 2300 meters up to the top of Whistlers mountain.

If you are riding the Jasper SkyTram during peak season, we would advise you to buy your tickets in advance.

Once at the top station, it is only 1200 meters more to the mountain ridge.

Although it’s a short hike, it’s quite steep, so definitely wear proper hiking shoes, and hiking leggings, and dress in layers. You should count around 30-45 minutes to reach the top.

Once arrived at the top of Whistler’s mountain, you will be rewarded with an amazing overview of Jasper and the surroundings.

Where to find it: The Jasper Sky tram lies 8 km South of Jasper. You can park at the Whistlers mountain tramway parking lot.

Time needed: Allow 2-3 hours to make the most of the Sky tram experience.

Hike to the summit of Whistlers Mountain

If you’re an avid hiker you will probably rather hike to the top than pay for the tramway.

Be warned that this is a tough climb, it becomes steeper as you progress and it will definitely wear you out.

It is 6,8 km to the top station and an additional 1,2km to the mountain ridge. Be sure to provide plenty of water and some snacks. The first part leads through a forest but once you pass the tree line there is no more shade.

Time needed: Between 3-6 hours depending on your fitness level

Where to find it: If you plan on hiking to the summit you can start the hike, at the West end of the Jasper Sky Tram parking lot.

Explore downtown Jasper

Although tiny, Jasper is a charming town to explore. You can easily spend a couple of hours strolling through the main street and exploring the boutiques.

The Jasper museum shows a wide collection of local historic artifacts.

Attention beer lovers, be sure to stop at the Jasper Brewing Company for their happy hour.

Watch the sunset at Edith and Annette lake

End your day by watching the sunset at Annette and Edith lake.

With some luck, you can even spot wildlife.

Day 6: Maligne Lake, Medicine lake, Maligne Canyon

Today we will explore the sights around Maligne Lake Rd.

We start at the eponymous lake located all the way at the end of the road and then gradually make our way back to Jasper.

Maligne Lake

We start our day by driving to Maligne Lake, stretching approximately 22 km, this is the largest natural lake in Jasper National Park.

There are plenty of fun things to do around Maligne Lake.

If you love hiking you can choose from many different trails.

If you are looking to spend a relaxing morning, you can take a scenic cruise on the lake or rent a canoe or kayak.

If you are visiting Maligne Lake during winter it’s a great place for snowshoeing.

Time needed: 20 minutes to see the lake, 2 to 6 hours if you want to go hiking or do any of the other activities

How to get there :

Maligne Lake lies around 45 km from Jasper along Maligne Lake Road. It takes about an hour to reach it.

Medicine lake

From Maligne Lake, we will return to Jasper the same way we came.

Our next stop is Medicine lake.

This lake, which is formed by the Maligne River, is a very special lake since it disappears in autumn when all the water drains out.

It’s a great spot to have lunch while enjoying the impressive scenery.

There is a good chance you may see some wildlife such as sheep, bears, and moose.

If you are looking for more beautiful lakes in Canada, click here.

Time needed: 20 minutes

Maligne Canyon

Our next and last stop for today is at the Maligne Canyon which is one of the highlights of Jasper. The canyon is impressive in every season.

The Maligne Canyon is with a depth of more than 50 meters the deepest canyon in the Rocky Mounties and is a great place to spend a couple of hours.

Things to do at Maligne Canyon in summer

Maligne Canyon in summer is gorgeous.

If you love hiking, there are different trails of varying distances to choose from.

One of the best is the Maligne Canyon Loop Trail. This easy 3,4 km loop takes you past all the 6 canyon bridges and offers countless scenic views of the gorge.

You can start and end this hike at the first bridge where you will also find the Maligne Canyon Wilderness kitchen. A place that serves excellent food for a reasonable price. Here you can quell your hunger or thirst before you start your hike.

Maligne Canyon in winter

We visited the Canyon in winter and took a guided Maligne Canyon Ice walk tour.

I can truly say this was one of the highlights of our trip.

Find more info about the Maligne canyon and read our full review of the Maligne Ice walk here.

Hike The Valley of the Five lakes

The Valley of the Five lakes is an amazing 4,6 km moderate loop that brings you around 5 beautifully colored lakes that range from bright blue to emerald green.

At one of the lakes, you will also see the famous red chairs.

Count around 2 hours to hike the loop.

If you are traveling during high season, we advise you to start early to avoid the crowds. 

When hiking during summer, bring bugs spray since there are lots of mosquitos.

How to reach the starting point

To find the trailhead, proceed along the Icefields Parkway, south of Jasper.

The parking lot is along the road.

Jasper Dark Sky Preserve

Jasper was designated a Dark Sky Preserve in 2011. It’s one of the few places that is easily accessible and has limited light pollution.

This offers excellent opportunities for stargazing.

The Jasper Planetarium offers tours where weather permitting, you can look at the sky through the largest and most powerful telescope in the North American Rockies.

Day 7: Sulphur Skyline hike and Miette hot springs

Hike the sulphur skyline.

The Sulphur Skyline hike is a challenging 8 km out and back uphill hike to the Sulphur Skyline summit.

The trail starts on a paved path and then transitions to gravel leading through the forest for most of the time.

When continuing the path it will change into steep switchbacks once you get closer to the top.

At the summit, you will be rewarded with 360-degree views.

Bears are often seen during this hike. We therefore recommend that you bring bear spray and bells.

Goats and other wildlife can also be seen.

From Jasper drive North East on highway AB-16 towards Edmonton for 44 km to the Pocahontas and the Miette Road Junction. Drive for 15-20 minutes on the Miette RD. Then you will reach the Miette hot springs.

Where to start the Sulphur Skyline hike

The hike starts above and right of the Miette hot springs.

Miette hot springs

The hot springs will be a real treat for your sore muscles after this demanding hike.

The complex features 4 outdoor pools of different temperatures.

It’s a great place to unwind before driving further to Edmonton or back to Calgary.

Here you can find more info about hot springs.

Note that they close for the winter season.

Banff and Jasper are 2 amazing destinations in the Rocky Mountains. There is so much to see and to do that you need to prioritize.

In this post, we shared a sample Banff-Jasper itinerary for 7 days.

Feel free to adapt this itinerary to your own preferences.

We hope you have an amazing holiday in the Canadian Rockies.

Here is an overview of more amazing national parks in Canada.

See the web Stories that accompany this post.

Web Story 1

Web Story 2

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Day Trip from Canmore to Jasper

Located only 24 km from Banff and sitting on the doorstep of Kananaskis Country and several spectacular national parks, the beautiful town of Canmore is an ideal “home base” for a Rocky Mountain getaway. From Canmore, enjoy an extraordinary and unforgettable day trip to the stunning Athabasca Glacier and the charming mountain town of Jasper!

Located only 24km from Banff and sitting on the doorstep of Kananaskis Country and several spectacular national parks, the beautiful town of Canmore is an ideal “home base” for a Rocky Mountain getaway. From Canmore, enjoy an extraordinary and unforgettable day trip to the stunning Athabasca Glacier and the charming mountain town of Jasper!  

Driving from Canmore to Jasper

The drive from Canmore to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is an awe-inspiring journey that is guaranteed to be one of the most amazing trips of your lifetime. The beauty here is unparalleled! Spanning 232km (141 miles), the Icefields Parkway boasts an awesome landscape consisting of untouched mountain lakes, expansive wilderness, alpine meadows and brilliant glaciers, as it leads you through Banff and Jasper National Parks. Expect a breathtaking vista of endless Rocky Mountain peaks! Stop at Athabasca Falls to admire this impressive, powerful waterfall. There is also a good chance that you will spot wildlife during your drive. Keep your eyes open for bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears, grizzly bears, elk and moose!

  Ended up on Icefields Parkway at sunset by accident since all the campsites in Banff were full, and I had to keep driving north. Had I been in a car with a tent to set up, I'd probably be freaking out with nowhere to stay. Instead, I enjoyed the solitude on this otherwise very busy highway and eventually found a little pullout to hide at for the night. I don't usually prefer sleeping where I'm not supposed to, especially when I'm solo. I'm always so worried about getting busted and paranoid about creeps. But this night it was going to have to do, and happy to say I survived ?? A post shared by Kristen • Bearfoot Theory (@bearfoottheory) on Jul 9, 2017 at 8:38am PDT

The drive from Canmore along the Icefields Parkway to the Athabasca Glacier takes about 2.5 hours. From the Columbia Icefields, you can reach Jasper  in 90 minutes . The total distance from Canmore to Jasper is 311 km (one way), which takes approximately four hours (one way). We recommend departing Canmore early in the morning and watching the sun rise, bathing the dynamic Rockies with a marvellous pink light. Return “home” to Canmore in the evening while watching the sun set behind majestic mountain peaks.  

Columbia Icefield

Tour the ancient Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield on board a jumbo “Ice Explorer” — an over-sized bus with gigantic tires and powerful treads. Learn about glaciers and icefields from an experienced guide. Surround yourself in the magic of nature by stepping out of the Ice Explorer and putting your feet on the glacier. Details about Columbia Icefield Glacier Tours:

• Ice Explorers depart every 15 to 30 minutes (weather permitting);
• Tours depart from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre on the Icefields Parkway;
• For individuals, reservations are not required; and
• Excursions last about 1.5 hours.

For more information, please visit  www.explorerockies.com/columbia-icefield .

  At every famous location, i try to find new angles. . #athabascafalls . . #explorecanada #entdeckekanada #travelalberta #jaspernationalpark #icefieldsparkway @explorecanada @travelalberta A post shared by Oliver O. (@double_o_photo) on Jul 9, 2017 at 7:03am PDT

Jasper as a Destination

With a population of about 5,200 residents, Jasper has a laid-back small town vibe. This charismatic and quiet town is circled by magnificent mountains — the Victoria Cross Ranges (northwest), Pyramid Mountain (north), Maligne Range (southeast) and Indian Range (southwest). For a privileged bird’s eye view of these breathtaking mountain ranges, the Jasper Tramway escorts guests up Whistler’s Mountain (2,277 meters; 7,472 feet). A hiking trail leads you to the summit. Jasper is a popular destination for biking , hiking , horseback riding and more.   Our top places to visit in Jasper while there for a day trip:   Jasper Park Lodge  — Enjoy a drink or lunch on the lakeside patio while breathing in the fabulous view of Edith Cavell Mountain. After lunch, take a walk around the beautiful, green-tinged lake.

  Happy National Caesar Day! Join us today on Jasper's best patio for a delicious Mountain Caesar! #nationalcaesarday A post shared by Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (@fairmontjpl) on May 18, 2017 at 9:17am PDT

  Lake Annette  — Relax on the beach and soak in the serene setting.

  Tranquility at the Rockies. #family #kids #fun #outdoors #beach #mountains #hiking #camping #lake #sand #snow #nature #rockymountains #lakeannette #annettelake @tourismjasper @alberta_parks #awesome #yeg #explorealberta @travelalberta @alberta_parks #awesome #yeg @explorecanada #tranquility A post shared by Tal Toubiana (@taltoubiana) on Jun 26, 2017 at 11:07am PDT

  Maligne Canyon  —  On this walk, six bridges lead you across this beautiful, narrow canyon, offering you a breathtaking view of a deep gorge that extends several hundred feet beneath below you. In the winter, watch ice climbers scale the stunning frozen waterfalls.

  Maligne Canyon in Canada's Jasper National Park measures over 160ft deep. #prettycool || photo by @shortstache || #theoffroader #exploremore A post shared by The Offroader (@theoffroaderofficial) on Jun 18, 2017 at 6:39am PDT

  Pyramid Lake  — Located at the base of magnificent Pyramid Mountain and only a 10-minute drive from Jasper, this pristine lake is perfect for a picnic or exploring via kayak.

  Moody island. Photo by @bokehm0n | #explorealberta A post shared by Travel Alberta (@travelalberta) on May 12, 2017 at 4:05pm PDT

  Also, check out the best restaurants in Jasper to enjoy while you’re there.  

• Distance from Canmore to Jasper: 311 km (one way)
• Approximate driving time from Canmore to Jasper: 4 hours (one way)

PLANNING A TRIP TO CANMORE?

We have a variety of Canmore vacation rentals to suit a variety of needs. Call our highly knowledgeable Destination Experts who can answer any questions you may have about a day trip from Canmore to Jasper, or our selection of Canmore accommodations. You can also browse our selection of Canmore vacation rentals online, or our Jasper accommodations .

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1 Day in Jasper: Icefields & Canyon Wonders

May 8, 2024 · 1 min read

Embark on a one-day journey through the heart of Jasper's natural wonders. Your adventure begins with the awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway, a stretch of road that boasts some of the most stunning mountainous scenery in Alberta, Canada. Set aside a full day to soak in the panoramic views of towering peaks and glaciers. Next, delve into the depths of Maligne Canyon, where you'll spend approximately three hours exploring the limestone walls carved by water over thousands of years. This itinerary promises a day filled with majestic landscapes and geological marvels that will leave you with lasting memories.

• 1 Day in Jasper Itinerary: Day 1

Icefields Parkway

Starting your Jasper adventure, the Icefields Parkway beckons as the first breathtaking experience of the day. Known as one of the most scenic drives in the world, this stretch of road runs through the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. Offering more than just a drive, the Icefields Parkway is a journey through a landscape of towering peaks, ancient glaciers, and pristine mountain lakes. Allocate a full day to truly immerse yourself in the vistas and the various stopovers, such as the Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Falls, where nature's power and beauty are on full display.

Attraction Info

• Icefields Pkwy, Alberta, Canada
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
• Open 24 hours

Maligne Canyon

After the expansive beauty of the Icefields Parkway, your next destination is the awe-inspiring Maligne Canyon. Carved into the Palliser Formation, this deep limestone gorge is a testament to the power of water. Spend about three hours wandering through the canyon's network of walking trails and bridges, each offering unique views of the cascading waterfalls and mysterious potholes that speak to the area's geological history. The Maligne Canyon is a marvel in both summer and winter, with frozen waterfalls and ice climbers adding to the dramatic scenery during the colder months.

• Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
• Suggested tour duration: 3-4 hour

Where to Stay Tonight

Fairmont jasper park lodge, pine bungalows, top things to do in jasper-2024.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Edmonton to Jasper Itinerary with things to do in Jasper

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The province of Alberta is FULL of amazing natural and historical sites. Of course, the world knows the beautiful Banff National Park . But there are also other national and provincial parks that are equally stunning and deserves a visit. In this post, we will be highlighting the capital city of Alberta, Edmonton to Jasper Itinerary trip, with travel tips and amazing things to do in Jasper National Park.

Edmonton to Jasper Itinerary + Things to do in Jasper

Jasper National Park is the LARGEST national park in the Canadian Rockies. The nearest airport to Jasper is Edmonton. You can arrive in Edmonton and use this post to spend 1-2 days in Edmonton, followed by one full day of road tripping and exploring smaller towns in Alberta, before arriving in Jasper National Park. You can easily cover Jasper in 2 to 5 days. 

If you wish to complete the entire list of things to do in Edmonton and Jasper, here is how your itinerary would look like

• Day 1 Edmonton to Jasper Itinerary : Arrive in Edmonton. Pick up a rental car, explore downtown Edmonton
• Day 2 Edmonton to Jasper Itinerary:  Explore more of Edmonton culinary scene, shopping or museum visit
• Day 3 Edmonton to Jasper Itinerary:  Start bright and early to explore towns of Entwistle, Edson, and Hinton. Arrive at Jasper National Park in the evening.
• Day 4 Jasper Itinerary: Breakfast in Jasper downtown. Head to Pyramid and Patricia lakes, canoe or snowshoe (depending on the season), Jasper SkyTram
• Day 5 Jasper Itinerary: Athabasca Falls, Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lakes, Edith Cavell Meadows Trail 
• Day 6 Jasper Itinerary: Athabasca Glacier / Columbia Icefield exploration, Sunwapta Falls
• Day 7 Jasper Itinerary: Sulphur Skyline Trail hike – 6 hours, Miette Hot Springs (evening) 
• Optional Day 7 Itinerary (non-hikers and winter): Bike on Lake Edith Shoreline Loop or go on ice walk in winter.  

Let’s start with Alberta’s Capital City – Edmonton.

Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta. It is, therefore very well connected via air and roadways. Edmonton city is served by the YEG – Edmonton International Airport, located in Leduc. Leduc is about 35 minutes from the city of Edmonton.

Edmonton is the world’s northernmost metro capital city. Visit this city for a day before heading to the mountains.

Here are some sightseeing options for your Edmonton trip

• Alberta Legislature – Head to the city center and spend some time at the provincial legislature – Alberta Legislature, affectionately called the Ledge. You will get tons of photo spots in and around the area. Also, consider taking a guided tour
• Royal Alberta Museum – Spend 1-2 hours exploring and learning about Alberta’s past at the Royal Alberta Museum.
• Take the High-Level Bridge cable car to enjoy a scenic ride over the North Saskatchewan River and the stunning river valley
• Head to Strathcona for lunch and admire the quaint and quirky neighborhood
• Muttart Conservatory – Enjoy a late afternoon stroll at the Muttart Conservatory. Visit the beautiful pyramid style botanical gardens and learn about various flora and fauna.
• West Edmonton Mall – End the day with some shopping at the West Edmonton Mall – one of the largest malls in Canada. Follow that, with a lavish dinner and drinks at one of the restaurants at the Bourbon Street in WEM (West Edmonton Mall)
• Visiting Edmonton in Winter? find all the activities the city has to offer here

You will find tons of hotels in Edmonton to stay for a night or two. West Edmonton mall (west side), Leduc airport area or Downtown has tons of hotels to choose from for all budget levels.

We recommend using   HotelsCombined.com  to find accommodation. It is our favorite hotel’s website for quickly comparing the prices of multiple hotel booking sites at once.

Road Trip Stops from Edmonton to Jasper Itinerary:  Entwistle, Edson & Hinton

The journey from Edmonton to Jasper Itinerary is about 4 hours one way (3 hours and 50 minutes to be exact).

Ways to travel from Edmonton to Jasper National Park

• Drive – You can rent a car from the Edmonton International Airport or any car rental agencies from across the city to drive to Jasper from Edmonton
• Shuttle Services (Edmonton Edson Hinton) –  Shuttle services are available to take you from Edmonton to Jasper National Park. Cold Shot Bus schedules per day from Edmonton to Jasper. Sun Dog tours operate shuttle services to Jasper. Bus tickets can be reserved all year round, including pick up and drop off options available from Edmonton Downtown, West Edmonton Mall and Edmonton International Airport. 607 Connaught Dr is the main bus station in Jasper. Choose shuttle from Edmonton to Jasper here 

If you start early, say 07:00 or 08:00 am for Jasper National Park from Edmonton, you will arrive in time in Jasper for some outdoor activities.

Starting from Edmonton you will cross small towns in Alberta, after every hour. They are perfect for a rest stop. These small towns have service towns with food, gas stations, and small museums.

The first stop after an hour’s drive from Edmonton is Entwistle , followed by Edson (in another hour) and then finally Hinton . Hinton is one hour away from Jasper and its a great option for accommodation during busy summer months.

Entwistle Alberta

Entwistle is a small hamlet in Alberta, with a population of little over 500. It is about 95 kilometers west of Edmonton on the Yellowhead Highway. The exact location for Entwistle at the Yellowhead Highway intersection with Highway 22/Highway 16A.

Edson Alberta

Edson is bigger then Entwistle. It is a town with close to 8500 population, with full-service facilities like restaurants, gas stations, downtown area, and convenience stores. It is located in Yellowhead County, 192 kilometers west of Edmonton along the Yellowhead Highway and 10 kilometers east of the intersection with Highway 47.

Edson is located at an elevation of 920 meters and it experiences subarctic climate conditions.

Hinton Alberta

Hinton is a popular rest stop on your way from Edmonton to Jasper National Park. This town in west-central Alberta offers a great accommodation option during peak seasons, as a backup option for Jasper hotels. It is located in Yellowhead County, 81 kilometers northeast of Jasper and about 284 kilometers west of Edmonton.

Find hotels and accommodation options in Hinton Alberta Canada

Because it is located at the intersection of Yellowhead and Bighorn Highway, in the Athabasca River valley, you can explore Hinton’s natural parks and sites before heading to Jasper.

Things to do in Hinton Alberta

Here are some of the things to do in Hinton Alberta

Athabasca River Front Park

Beautiful river park by Athabasca. Go for a stroll or nature photography here

Beaver Broad Walk

Beaver Boardwalk is a forest & waterways Broadwalk in Hinton, offering views of beavers, other wildlife & natural scenery.

Northern Rockies Museum of Culture & Heritage

Northern Rockies Museum of Culture & Heritage is a Hinton local and natural history museum in a railway station. It is open from 09:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Saturday. The entry fee is $5 CAD for adults.  

Places to visit in Jasper Itinerary+ Things to do in Jasper National Park

There are TONS of things to do in Jasper National Park. If you are arriving in the afternoon or in broad daylight, rest assured you will meet some wildlife on your way. The road to Jasper National Park is lined with wildlife corridors and it is a real treat to watch them.

Note: Entry fee for Jasper (car pass or family) is 19.60 CAD/day

Here are some of the places to visit in Jasper Itinerary

These places below are perfect for half the day of your Jasper Itinerary. 

Pyramid Lake Jasper National Park 

Pyramid Lake is a kidney-shaped lake in Jasper Alberta. It is located 5-7 minutes drive from the downtown area. There is a resort in the vicinity as well. This is the prettiest area in Jasper to unwind and admire the natural beauty of the Rockies.

The Pyramid Lake lies at the foothills of Pyramid Mountain, hence the name. The Pyramid Mountains are a natural landmark of Jasper – it is stunning and mighty and overlooks the town of Jasper. The lake is located at an elevation of 1,180 meters.

Patricia Lake Jasper National Park – Fishing, Hike, Relax and Unwind

Patricia Lake is located very close to the Pyramid mountains as well. During summer months, you can swim, canoe or picnic here at Lake Patricia and be mesmerized by the stunning mountain drops. The lake has a resort as well with boating facilities (Patricia Lake Bungalows).

During winters, lake Patricia is snowshoeing heaven!

Stroll and Dine at Jasper Downtown

Downtown Jasper is a small city center filled with street-side cafes and bars and restaurants. Head there for lunch and dinner or to pick up any groceries for your road trip the next day.

Some of the popular places for dinner include – Evil Dave’s Grill ($$$) for drinks and international cuisine, Jasper Curry House ($$) for East Indian food, Earl’s Kitchen ($$) for drinks and food.

You will also see amazing mountain views from Downtown Jasper lanes.

Get breakfast at Jasper Downtown Bakery

The next morning, head to Jasper downtown for breakfast. We did tea and baked goods for breakfast at the – The Other Paw Bakery Cafe, Downtown Jasper. This bakery had seating areas outside, where we could soak the morning sun. It was fall, when we visited Jasper National Park, so a perfect way to start the day and get all the Vitamin D, before sightseeing.

Use the activities below to draft and plan your full day Jasper National Park Itinerary

Jasper SkyTram – See stunning views from the Jasper SkyTram

Jasper Skytram is the highest and longest tramway in Canada. It is located about 6 kilometers from Jasper National Park, at a height of 2,277 meters above sea level. You can take the Jasper Skytram, reach the summit lookout area for viewing some stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.

The Jasper Sky Tram has dining options as well, to celebrate your stay in the mountains. There is so much to do and learn in the SkyTram area, it is recommended that you allow 2-3 hours for your visit.

During peak summer months, the SkyTram opens at 08:00 am. And in the fall and winter seasons, the Jasper Skytram opens its doors at 09:00 and 10:00 am. More on Jasper Skytram hours here

There are entry fees for accessing the Jasper SkyTram and it is $50 CAD for an adult.

Athabasca Falls  – Hike or take an admiring look at the Athabasca Falls 

Athabasca Falls is located about 15-20 minutes from downtown Jasper. The Athabasca falls is about 23 meters high and is stunningly located in the Jasper National Park.

The waterfalls cutting through quartzite and limestone mountains, creates a beautiful canyon and potholes, with a misty glow.

The Athabasca Falls is located on the west side of the icefields parkway – Columbia Icefield. It receives waters from the glaciers of the Icefield parkway making it the largest river system in Jasper National Park.

The Athabasca River is a designated Canadian heritage river (status granted in 1989). There is a national university of the same name in Canada (Athabasca University).

Athabasca falls is a great place to hike and capture some of the stunning mountains and waterfalls.

While hiking in and around the Athabasca falls be mindful of slippery surfaces – Broadwalk, rocks, and trail in general. During winters the trail access is closed for safety reasons.

Maligne Canyon Ice Walk and Hike

Maligne Canyon is located about 12-15 minutes away from Downtown Jasper. The Maligne Canyon is very scenic and an interesting area. The lake’s waves beat the rocks and walls of the hills to create beautiful craters over the years – it is truly breathtaking.

The Maligne Canyon is created due to the Palliser Formation. The canyon measures over 50 meters deep.

During winters, you can take an Ice walk tour to the Maligne Canyon. Book your tour here

Popular activities at the Maligne Canyon include sightseeing and exploration. The canyon area contains waterfalls, underground stream outlets, birds and flora, and fauna. There are hiking trails for all levels.

There is a beautiful Maligne Canyon Loop Trail, which is a 3.4-kilometer trail, where you can see waterfalls and do some bird watching. It is great for walking and hiking and is rated at a moderate level. (Dogs on leash are allowed at the trail).

Maligne Lake Exploration

One of the most picturesque locations in Jasper National Park is that of the Maligne Lake. The lake is beautiful with its rare turquoise waters, and a small islet – called the Spirit Island.

The Maligne lake is surrounded by stunning mountain peaks and there are three glaciers visible from the lake.

The drive to the Maligne Lake is also one of the most scenic routes in the Canadian Rockies. The drive starts near the town of Jasper and ends at Maligne Lake. Along the way, you can stop at the Maligne Canyon and the popular Hanging Valley viewpoint.

The Hanging Valley Viewpoint offers a stunning view of the Athabasca Valley and the Pyramid Mountain in the backdrop. You can locate the lookout point at 6 kilometers into Maligne Lake Road from Highway 16.

The scenic road to Maligne lake is built along the glacier valley running between the Maligne and Elizabeth mountain ranges, hence why you will see stunning mountain peaks, glacier lakes and tons of wildlife on your way.

A river cruise on the Maligne Lake and onto the Spirit River is said to be ONE of the finest.

Explore Medicine Lake Jasper 

Medicine Lake is a 7-kilometer lake located within Jasper National Park. It is a picturesque lake site, situated approximately 20 kilometer southeast of  Jasper downtown. Medicine lake is a shallow lake and forms a part of the Maligne Valley watershed. And is glacial fed.

Admire the mighty Mount Edith Cavell

Probably the MOST prominent peak within the Jasper National Park is Mount Edith Cavell. It is a mountain located in the Athabasca River and Astoria River valleys of Jasper.

There is an Edith Cavell Meadows Trail – a 6.1-kilometer loop trail in Jasper. It is a moderate level loop trail and it offers a number of activities like hiking, bird and nature watching.

After an eventful day in Jasper, head back to the downtown area for dinner.

Keep one day of your Jasper Itinerary to explore the Athabasca Glacier.

Spend a day exploring Athabasca Glacier 

Probably BEST to reserve a FULL day to enjoy the Athabasca Glacier. The Athabasca Glacier is best explored as a tour to the Columbia Icefields Parkway for a day, located in the Canadian Rockies. Although the glacier is currently receding at a high rate, it is still worth to view and experience the glaciers for yourself.

As you might already know the Columbia Icefields are the largest glaciers in Canada. There are guided tours, with glacier walks and skywalk services offered to visitors all year round.

The Athabasca glacier is one of the distributions of the Columbia Icefields.

The Banff Jasper Collection tour collective offers Athabasca Glacier tours. These guided tours include a trip to Athabasca Glacier and Skywalk. You will be taken to the glacier in a special vehicle and are allowed time on the glacier surface. Take pictures, walk the surface and live the experience.

Note: While on the glacier, to avoid slipping on ice, wear crampons, which are steel spikes attached to the bottoms of your boots.

Take the Columbia Icefield Skywalk

Part of your Athabasca Glacier tour also includes Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a glass floor, a cliff-edge walkway of 1 kilometer in length. It is a perfect way to see the raw nature, come alive right in front of you.

You can see the stunning Sunwapta Valley below the skywalk glass and experience waterfalls, wildlife, fossils, and valleys. The walk is presented in an interpretive storytelling format.

You can also book a trip and get access to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk as a standalone option without the glacier adventure tour. Tickets start at $ 32 CAD. Book a Columbia Icefield Skywalk tour here

Sunwapta River and Sunwapta Falls

The Sunwapta River is a tributary of the Athabasca River. And the Sunwapta Falls is a pair of waterfalls of the same river. The Sunwapta Falls are accessible via Icefields Parkway road, which connects Jasper and Banff National Parks.

Hike the Sulphur Skyline Trail

Sulphur Skyline Trail offers some of the stunning views of Jasper National Park. The Sulphur Skyline trail road is closed for winter and usually opens in May as the temperatures are warmer. 

Although we have not completed the entire trail ourselves, our friends suggest going on this hike in June, and to wear proper hiking shoes. Parks Canada rates this hiking trail as moderate to high difficulty rating. The first part of the trail is easier, and you will find children enjoying the hike as well. After 2-2.5 kilometers it starts to get steep.

To complete the entire trail, it takes 4-6 hours. It is recommended that you carry food and water with you, and take enough breaks. 

Soak in Miette Hot Springs

After an eventful day at the Sulphur Skyline trail, head to the Miette Hot Springs. Miette Hot Springs is located right at the trailhead of the Sulphur Skyline hike, which is about 61 kilometers northeast of Jasper.

But hiking or not, you must head there to soak in some amazing views and the warm waters of the Rockies. Miette Hot Springs is an outdoor pool, offering a great view of the Fiddle River Valley. 

Hot springs are open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Entry fee of $6 CAD for an adult for a single visit.

Jasper to Banff or Lake Louise as a day trip

You can also head to Banff or Lake Louise from Jasper National Park.

• Jasper to Banff is 3.50 hours by road. One way tour to Banff from Jasper is available
• Jasper to Lake Louise is 3 hours by road. One way tour to Lake Louise from Jasper 

Jasper Hotels for your visit – Places to visit in Jasper Itinerary

There are different budget level hotels available in Jasper National Park for your stay.  We stayed in Jasper once, at other times we traveled to Jasper from Edmonton and then stayed in Banff for the night.

Here are our TOP 3 recommendations –

• Location –  Beauvert Lake in Jasper National Park
• Luxurious hotel stay, with Italian dining and spa
• Book your stay at – Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
• Great location, quick access to Jasper Skytram and other scenic spots
• Has a heated indoor pool and a restaurant on site
• Book your stay at –  Chateau Jasper Hotel
• This is where we stayed in our first trip to Jasper National Park
• Good location, near Pyramid Lake and train station/downtown
• On-site restaurant and a pub-style bar – grill
• Book your stay at Astoria Hotel

Travel Tips – Places to visit in Jasper Attractions

We have a comprehensive guide to the Canadian Rockies. Read all about it here . We have included some quick details for Jasper National Park below.

Travel Documents for Jasper Itinerary

All travelers to Jasper Canada from non-exempt visa countries are required to apply for a tourist visa ahead of time. It must be applied from the country of residence and should provide 2 weeks to 1 month of processing times.

Visa-exempt countries like citizens of the USA are required to apply for an eTA – electronic Travel Authorization, prior to arriving in Canada. eTA can be applied the day before you arrive in Canada. And the processing time takes a few minutes only.

Travel Insurance to Canada

All visitors to Canada should have travel medical insurance. Travel medical insurance will cover trip cancellations, accidents, and medical emergencies while traveling in Canada. Get travel insurance quotes below

Get travel insurance quotes for your trip here

Jasper Entry fee and Jasper Train Service

To access and use the Jasper National Park, there is an entry fee (car pass or family) – 19.60 CAD/day

Jasper Train Service – An amazing VIA Rail (via rail) service is available, which starts at the Jasper Train Station (located at 607 Connaught Dr, Jasper) and culminates in Dunster, British Columbia.

Best Time to Visit Jasper National Park

Jasper is an all-year destination. However, a lot of the activities in Jasper are seasonal. So visiting Jasper National Park should be planned in advance and you should visit during warm and tourist seasons to make the MOST of your trip.

April to the end of August are the BEST months to visit Jasper National Park. The weather is warm and the days are longer. The Jasper Tramway is open during these months. It closes near the end of October and opens in late March or early April. The Maligne Lake boat cruise also shuts down in early to mid-October and opens again in late May or early June.

Sulphur Skyline Trail is closed for winter. It opens in May. 

Visiting Jasper in Winter

The winter season in Jasper is perfect for snowshoeing and skiing activities. You will not find tons of holiday season festivities like you will in Banff or Lake Louise, but nevertheless you can experience winter activities.

A skier’s paradise is the Marmot Basin. It is an alpine ski area, with a huge capacity – close to 12,000 skiers can be served per hour on seven lifts. The season runs from mid-November to early May.

Snowshoeing activities are popular at Lake Patricia.

Learn more about Canadian winters clothing here

All in all, if you like nature and all activities around nature like hiking, climbing, camping, etc. then Jasper National Park is a great place. Not to mention this place has a calming effect due to the natural surroundings.

Additional Canada Resources

• Winter guide to Banff National Park –  Banff – Guide to Winter
• Photography Spots – Guide to photography spots in the Canadian Rockies 
• Guide to Calgary –  Calgary quick guide
• Guide to Canmore
• Downtown Calgary Activities and guide

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Pin: Edmonton to Jasper Itinerary +  Places to visit in Jasper National Park

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 40+ countries.

She has lived in Portugal, Canada and India.

Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world particularly Europe, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. 

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3rd time's the charm: Finally taking a Canadian dream trip to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper

Like many travelers, we had epic plans for the summer of 2020. We had mapped out a highly anticipated multigenerational family trip to Canada with my parents and kids for June 2020. It was a big trip that would let us tick off several bucket-list destinations while simultaneously giving us the chance to escape Texas' summer heat.

But then, we all know what happened: The coronavirus pandemic swept the globe. Suffice it to say, the trip couldn't happen.

So, we rebooked the trip for June 2021 hoping, like many, that the Canadian border would reopen by then. Much to our disappointment, though, it remained closed to U.S. tourists, prompting us to cancel the trip once again.

Fast forward to June 2022, and luck was on our side. The third time was indeed the charm, as restrictions lifted and we were finally able to use our flight vouchers that had collected dust for two years to head across the border.

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Our merry band of travelers (which now included a range of ages, from my 6-year-old daughter to my 73-year-old father) took off for points north, bound for Alberta and all it had in store. We may have all aged by two years by the time the trip became a reality, but it was just as grand as we had hoped — and well worth the years of planning, waiting and replanning.

Here's how we booked our trip to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, Alberta, including what we did, where we stayed and what we ate.

How to plan an epic Alberta adventure

Since we had a week to work with, we wanted to enjoy Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper on the same trip.

Adding Jasper definitely makes the trip longer and more involved, so if you're pressed for time or just want to move at a slower pace, know that there's plenty to see and do in Banff and Lake Louise.

With prices at their peak from July through August (the region's busy season), we decided to plan our trip for June to save money. From our experience, visiting a month before the peak travel season didn't lead to any major sacrifices on our part, so the cost-cutting move proved worthwhile.

We knew we'd need a rental car (and, specifically, a harder-to-book minivan to accommodate our large group), so we immediately started looking for a reservation. Luckily, we began planning our trip far enough out to snag a rental car without any trouble. Had we waited until we arrived at Calgary International Airport (YYC) in June, we would've discovered they were sold out.

With our dates and the rental car settled, we began to plan our trip. We started our adventure in Banff before moving on to Lake Louise and briefly checking out Jasper. We rounded out our Alberta visit with a one-night stay at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge in Kananaskis Country, a region located about an hour west of the Calgary airport.

Assuming you visit in the summer, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper are where you head to look at pretty lakes, streams and waterfalls and enjoy a number of outdoor pursuits, including hiking, canoeing and horseback riding.

There are plenty of options for all of these activities, but here are the ones we recommend:

Explore Cave and Basin National Historic Site

This destination in the heart of Banff was not only instrumental in the creation of Canada's first national park but is also a place that's held special meaning for thousands of years for people tied to Canada's First Nations community. Cave and Basin National Historic Site's rich history makes it a must-visit destination in Banff.

The actual cave is very short and small, with the pungent smell of sulfur. It is still cool though — both literally and figuratively.

While you'll likely only be inside for no more than five minutes, you can also look around outside, view the historic site's movie and peruse the site's exhibits to extend your visit to about 30 minutes.

Children 17 and younger can visit for free, but adults are required to pay 8.50 Canadian dollars (or about $6.50) each to enter. Travelers ages 65 and older are eligible for the reduced senior rate of CA$7 (less than $5.50).

Ride the Banff Gondola

Experiencing the Banff Gondola was a lot of fun, but we had sticker shock when we strolled up to the ticket office and found out that adult gondola tickets cost a whopping CA$70 (about $54) each during the warmer months.

Fortunately, the kids were free, as admission is waived for each child 15 and younger who is with an adult and rides before 10 a.m.

To save yourself from being stunned upon arrival, try to reserve your tickets online in advance, as you may have luck snagging a lower rate.

Despite the high price, the views were exceptional and worth the hit to our budget. We loved taking in the stunning scenery while strolling along the extensive boardwalk at the top.

In total, we spent about 90 minutes here, which felt like the right amount of time for most families.

Take a dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs

Our stop at the Banff Upper Hot Springs was also a little different than what I imagined. These historic natural hot springs looked like a pretty basic swimming pool.

Still, at only CA$29 (roughly $22) — which is what a family pass for two adults and two children costs — we found the springs to be a fun spot to enjoy a dip.

Try to arrive first thing in the morning to beat the crowds, as your experience will be much more enjoyable if you're not rubbing elbows with hordes of visitors.

To dial up the nostalgia and avoid hauling around a wet bathing suit all day, I opted to rent the "old-timey classic" swimsuit. A clean and well-appointed locker room was available on site, so we could comfortably change and safely store our belongings while in the springs.

Go for a hike in Johnston Canyon

A popular Banff destination for hiking is Johnston Canyon, a stunning natural wonder in Banff National Park.

Our hike through this impressive canyon, which was carved into the limestone bedrock by water over thousands of years, was easy enough for everyone in our crew to complete. We did the 1.1-kilometer (a little more than a half-mile) hike to the lower falls, which took no more than an hour to complete.

More challenging trails are available as well, should you find yourself wanting to break a sweat.

Sign up for an Open Top tour

While we didn't actually go on an Open Top tour, we found ourselves wishing we had, as the classically styled vehicles we kept spotting at our hotel caught our eyes.

Priced at CA$42 (about $32) for adults and CA$24 (approximately $18.50) for kids, these tours help you see some of the area's top sights in just 90 minutes without having to do any driving or planning. Based on recent reviews, you'll also get some great stories along the way.

Hit the trails on horseback

Another activity we didn't have time to do in Banff was horseback riding. If we had stayed more than one night at the Fairmont Banff Springs, we would have found a way to fit in this activity, as there are trails conveniently located next to the hotel.

You can choose a one- or four-hour ride, which cost CA$89 (a little more than $68) and CA$249 (nearly $191), respectively. The minimum age is 8 years old for the shorter ride, while every member of your party will need to be at least 10 years old for the four-hour ride. If you're traveling with a younger kid, note that there are trail rides with lower age minimums in Jasper.

To save money, book in advance online to get the 10% discount. There's also a package discount available, should you find yourself also visiting places like local hot springs and the gondola.

Get an eyeful of Peyto Lake

Several lakes in varying shades of hard-to-believe colors are worth visiting while in Alberta, but Banff's Peyto Lake is one of the most breathtaking.

To get to this beautiful lake, which is free to visit, you need to embark on an easy 10-minute hike. We thoroughly enjoyed the brief hike thanks to the snow that was still on the ground during our mid-June visit. We found ourselves having an impromptu snowball fight before arriving at the lake.

Once Peyto Lake came into view, we were floored by the color. It was, without question, the richest hue of blue I've ever seen.

Rumor has it that, on sunny days, the lake takes on a brighter, turquoise appearance, so know that the color may vary slightly depending on when you visit. It gets its color from suspended rock flour in the water.

Related: Planning the perfect Banff summer vacation

Lake Louise

Marvel at moraine lake.

One of the absolute highlights of our trip was unquestionably our time in the Lake Louise area at Moraine Lake.

While Peyto Lake wowed us, the mesmerizing blue-green color of Moraine Lake's glacier-fed water was equally as impressive. Photos simply don't do this lake justice.

The lake is free to visit, though you'll need a bit of luck (or lots of strategizing) to avoid paying for transportation.

If you arrive early (or late) or just happen to time your visit perfectly, you can park right at Moraine Lake. We pulled up late in the morning just as the "parking is full" sign was being put out, so we had to head to the parking lot near Lake Louise Ski Resort's gondola and pay to take a bus back to the lake.

For what it's worth, Lake Louise's Fairmont also had a shuttle to Moraine Lake, but it was very expensive compared to the bus option, which only cost CA$8 (about $6) for adults and less for kids and seniors. We read that you needed advance reservations to use the bus, but we had no problem getting walk-up tickets during our visit.

No matter how you get to the lake, don't miss it. We walked around and admired it for about an hour. Be sure to wear hiking boots, as the trail can be slick.

Hop on the gondola

Lake Louise's gondola is said to be the best way to spot wildlife in the area from a safe distance.

However, the weather was rainy, overcast and generally not good the day we tried to ride, so we ultimately passed on this attraction.

If you don't want to do multiple gondola rides during your Alberta vacation, consider prioritizing this one, as it's much more affordable than the Banff gondola. Tickets cost CA$54.99 (approximately $42) for adults, with CA$10 (less than $8) discount cards easy to find everywhere there's a stand with tourist brochures.

Paddle around Lake Louise

While the weather was also not cooperative for this activity, we powered through the less-than-ideal conditions. That decision ended up being the right call, as our canoeing adventure was one of the highlights of our trip.

Renting canoes from the Fairmont's dock is an expensive activity at CA$95 (about $73) for an hour or CA$85 (a little more than $65) for 30 minutes. Prices are even higher for non-hotel guests.

Still, nothing beats watching those iconic red canoes out on the blue water except being in one with a paddle in your arms. The wind put our canoe skills to the test, so we didn't make it more than 20 minutes before heading back to shore, but had the water been calmer, we would have loved exploring for a full hour.

Saddle up at the Jasper Riding Stables

Next to canoeing and seeing some of the gorgeous lakes, my favorite activity was riding through the forest on the back of a horse.

While we didn't have time to go horseback riding in Banff, we made sure to go riding in Jasper at the Jasper Riding Stables. Because it was less expensive — CA$79 (about $60.50) for a one-hour ride — and had a lower minimum age of 6 years, this stable was the perfect place for our crew to spend some time with horses.

Unlike other parts of our trip when I found myself worrying about bear encounters (despite carrying bear spray with us at all times), I found myself able to truly relax while on horseback. The guides seemed more than comfortable handling the possibility of coming across bears, which helped put my mind at ease.

With one less thing for me to worry about, I was able to focus on the lovely scenery. On this particular day, our ride included no one but our party of four and our two guides, which was an absolute dream scenario.

Take a scenic drive full of impromptu stops

Like Banff and Lake Louise, Jasper had lots of lakes featuring an array of blue and green colors, but I'll give a special shoutout to a particularly green body of water we stopped at on the way to the Jasper East Cabins. I don't know its name, but we discovered it while driving around the area.

Besides pulling over for the lake, we made frequent stops to watch wildlife. We saw bears, moose and more on the side of the road as we drove through Jasper.

Roadways here offer enough space to safely slow down and pull over to enjoy the view, so we took full advantage of this free show. You'd be remiss if you didn't do the same when you visit.

Explore Maligne Canyon and the bridges in Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a must-see destination on its own, but its bridges and Maligne Canyon, the park's deepest canyon, can't be missed.

From the bridges, you'll enjoy phenomenal views of the park. You're almost guaranteed to spot wildlife, too, while exploring the area around the canyon.

Check out the Columbia Icefield

For around CA$90 ($69) for adults and CA$60 ($46) for children, you can explore the Columbia Icefield.

With the tour fee, you get the chance to walk out onto the Athabasca Glacier and enjoy a skywalk experience. Know, though, that this isn't the only way to see the glacier.

If you're looking to save money (like we were) or the tour option sells out (as is often the case), you can instead park farther away and walk toward the glacier to see it up close. Don't attempt to walk onto the glacier on your own, though, as access to the actual icefield is only for those who pay for a tour.

Where to stay

Fairmont banff springs.

For most first-time visitors to the area, the Fairmont Banff Springs is probably at least in the conversation when debating where to stay in Banff. The 100-year-old, UNESCO World Heritage-listed "Castle in the Canadian Rockies," as it's lovingly called by many, is a bucket-list destination in and of itself.

We only stayed at the 745-room property one night due to the high room rates, but we enjoyed our visit overall and wholeheartedly recommend hanging your hat here — or, at the very least, visiting for a drink, a meal or maybe a spa treatment.

That said, if you only have the time and budget to pick one iconic Fairmont while in Alberta, this shouldn't be the one.

The views were phenomenal, and the convenience of being by the lake and having an array of amenities available at your fingertips was great. However, these highlights weren't enough to justify the close-to-$1,000 a night price tag for a room.

The room itself looked more like a $125-per-night budget-brand option desperately in need of renovation than what you expect to find at a high-end hotel.

Still, I'm glad we tried it for a night.

The Dorothy Motel

For less than a third of the price of the Fairmont, you could instead stay at a fresh take on the traditional motel concept.

My parents decided to stay at The Dorothy Motel (also in Banff) using their Capital One miles from their Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (which is currently offering a 75,000-point welcome bonus after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of opening your account). This meant that rather than pay more than $200 for a one-night stay, they had zero out-of-pocket costs for their room.

It was far from a full-service resort, but if you want to try something a little different and conserve your cash a bit, it was a more-than-suitable option.

Canmore accommodations

If nothing in Banff proper is meeting your needs, you can stay in nearby Canmore, Alberta, and drive the 20 minutes into Banff. In Canmore, you'll find more abundant vacation home rentals, cheaper hotel rates and some traditional hotel points properties from brands such as IHG and Choice Hotels .

To balance out our Fairmont extravaganza, we spent a night at the Quality Resort Chateau Canmore using Choice Privileges points we purchased during a Daily Getaways sale . While our points got us some larger room types that sounded cool on paper, one night was the right length of time to spend at the property.

Go in with modest expectations, and you'll probably be OK for a short stay.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

You don't need to splurge on your lodging in Banff if you don't want to, but if there is one hotel worth paying up for, it's the Fairmont in Lake Louise.

Granted, we got a suite to share with my parents, so that helped keep us away from the very small entry-level rooms (some of which don't have air conditioning), but we all quickly agreed that the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise was worth the big price tag.

Staying right on the blue-green lake was not only a dream come true, it was a reality that lived up to (and exceeded) our expectations.

The views from our suite were awe-inspiring, and the decor was much more elevated than what we found at the Banff location.

If you are on the fence about which of the two Fairmonts to pick, know that you'll have access to fewer amenities at the Lake Louise property if you're not staying the night, so you shouldn't show up and expect to enjoy the same perks as paying guests.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

There is also a Fairmont in Jasper, if you want to hit the trifecta of the three luxury resorts.

But remember, this location is often sold-out for long periods of time due to passengers from the Canadian Rocky Mountaineer train staying here while in the area, so you'll want to look into making reservations as far in advance as possible. We weren't able to snag a coveted room during our visit, so we only had a chance to walk around the grounds.

It was a cute property that I would have loved to try for a night, though it didn't seem like a property that would overtake the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for the top Fairmont in Alberta, so I quickly got over my disappointment.

Jasper East Cabins

Because we weren't able to stay at the Fairmont, we instead chose to book a more affordable cabin. There are a few options more centrally located, but we reserved a cabin at Jasper East Cabins , a spot a little east of town. It was by no means the Fairmont, but it had a classic look we enjoyed. Not to mention, availability wasn't an issue.

A three-bedroom cabin set us back about $500 per night, with smaller cabins costing less. You're a bit removed from civilization here, but you will find a brewery within walking distance, should you crave something to do outside your cabin. There's also a well-stocked general store on site that had a great selection of basics and even some organic, higher-end options.

Related: TPG's guide to the Canadian provinces

What to eat

A fancy meal at the fairmont.

Even if you don't stay at a Fairmont while in town, you'll want to try a fancy meal at one (or more) of the Fairmont properties — if you can swing it.

At the Fairmont Banff Springs, we dined at 1888 Chop House one night for dinner and loved everything we tried.

It wasn't cheap, but the classic steakhouse offered excellent service and divine dishes. And don't discount it if you're not a huge meat eater, as even the vegetable plates and sides were outstanding. It's probably no surprise the Wagyu and the scallops were fantastics, but the sides (a flavorful beet salad, sautéed mushrooms and Brussels sprouts), seriously stood apart.

Appetizers here start at CA$20 to CA$30 (about $15 to $23), while entrees generally cost anywhere between CA$50 and CA$80 (or roughly $38 to $61).

If 1888 Chop House isn't in your budget, don't fret: You can enjoy an equally memorable bite while grabbing a drink at the Rundle Bar. Most happy hour drinks (think: wine, beer and select cocktails) cost around CA$10 (less than $8) while offered from 3 to 5 p.m. There is a short menu of appetizers and small bites, too.

At the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, we failed a little bit in the dinner reservation-making department, so we weren't able to eat at any of the higher-end sit-down spots, but we were able to order drinks and snacks in the Lakeview Lounge, which showcased jaw-dropping views of the lake from its windows. Since there was still snow on the ground, I warmed up with a mulled wine made of red wine, brandy with hints of honey, cinnamon and cloves.

If I had to do it all again, I'd be better about planning and make dinner reservations for the adjacent restaurant. There is also a spot for fondue and a lively restaurant called Alpine Social, should you find yourself feeling more adventurous.

A pastry and a slice of pizza

In our experience, Alberta excelled at bakery items and pizzas.

The Bear's Paw Bakery in Jasper was a sublime spot for morning pastries and all things baked and delicious. (If you're going to Bear Paw Bakery, don't be creative, get the bear paw. Trust me.)

We also really enjoyed Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. in nearby Canmore, which had both indoor and outdoor seating and a variety of great pizzas for about CA$20 (approximately $15) each. I loved my fig, bison and brie pizza that also had caramelized onions, mushrooms and arugula scattered on top.

Casual pub grub paired with a cold brew

Next to our cabins in Jasper was the Folding Mountain Brewing Taproom and Kitchen, which had a not-to-be-missed kitchen to go along with its taproom.

We were pleasantly surprised by our meal here, as there's not a lot available in this part of Alberta, so the venue could easily get away with being mediocre due to the lack of options. But the food was solid, and it was great to have a selection of beers on tap to enjoy with dinner.

At this point, I'd had enough "on-the-go" food and ordered the Hikers Veggie Bowl which contained couscous, spiraled beets, arugula and yams. It might not sound great, but after days of basics, it tasted like (vegetable) heaven. Plus, you can add meat for a few extra dollars, if that's your thing.

A picnic lunch

No visit to Alberta would be complete without enjoying a meal outdoors.

There's no need to eat every meal in a restaurant when you're surrounded by stunning natural wonders, so we found ourselves preparing at least one picnic a day (often lunch) to set up on a random rock, picnic table or chair.

If you stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs and are feeling extra bougie about your picnic lunch, you can order one with your breakfast via room service to save for later. We did this during our stay and found the meal to be incredibly convenient and tasty. The cost was on the higher end at CA$40 (nearly $31), but there was enough food for two to enjoy — including a ham-and-cheese sandwich on a baguette and a gooey chocolate chip cookie — making the price easier to stomach.

Bottom line

When I look back through our collection of lake, stream, mountain, wildlife and waterfall images stashed away in our trip photo album, I admittedly find everything blending together in my mind.

But that's the beauty of travel, isn't it? You often don't have just one thing you are planning a whole trip around. Instead, you typically have an abundance of can't-miss activities and sights to experience throughout your vacation to create countless memories you'll cherish forever.

Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper more than delivered in terms of things to see and do. Although some of what we did involved preplanned routes and stops, many of our favorite memories from the trip happened organically while exploring this beautiful part of Canada.

This may have been my first trip to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, but it most certainly won't be my last.

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Jasper National Park Itinerary

Last Updated on February 12, 2024

by Audrey Webster

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Just north of Banff National Park sits Jasper—a less-visited but no less beautiful national park in the Canadian Rockies. Planning a 2 to 3 days in Jasper National Park itinerary is one of the best ways to see this incredible natural area in the mountains of Alberta.

While you could spend an endless amount of time exploring the park and all the natural wonders it has to offer, spending a few days in Jasper is enough to get a feel for the park and the splendors it contains. Whether you’re looking for plenty of hikes or simply want to take in incredible lake and mountain views, visiting Jasper is never a bad idea.

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How Many Days in Jasper National Park?

After a quick search to get a sense of all the things to do in Jasper, you’re probably left wondering how many days to spend in the national park to catch the highlights without overextending yourself. If you only have a few days, here’s what you can expect.

If you have 2 days in Jasper, you can catch the park’s most famous highlights. Plan to be met with crowds and spend much of your day driving, but you will see most of the landmarks that make this park spectacular.

With 3 days, you can either see the sights at your leisure or spend the extra day hiking and lounging. There are a number of comfortable mountain lakes and relaxing hot springs to spend a nice afternoon and round out your visit to Jasper.

Getting To & Around Jasper National Park 

The two airports nearest Jasper National Park are Calgary International Airport and Edmonton International Airport. Calgary is about a five-hour drive away from the park while Edmonton is four hours away by car.

You can book a shuttle bus from Edmonton to Jasper, but it tends to be expensive and limits your ability to get around the park. Many visitors see Banff National Park in tandem with Jasper, so flying into Calgary and driving through Banff to Jasper makes the most sense.

Keep in mind that you will need to purchase a Park Pass in order to enter Jasper. There are a few different options available that can suit lots of different travel styles and preferences, so make sure to choose which is best for you.

That said, the best way to get around Jasper is with a car. You can rent one at whichever airport you fly into by browsing Rentalcars.com to compare prices. Alternatively, you can consider renting from Outdoorsy if you prefer an RV or campervan. This grants you the most flexibility to see the park.

You can sign up for tours such as this full-day tour but they usually won’t take you everywhere you might want to go. We highly recommend you rent a car to see through your Jasper itinerary. 

2 to 3-Day Jasper Itinerary

For your itinerary to feel complete, add some of these highlights to your travel plans. You can adjust the order based on where you’re staying in the park, but the list below contains some of the park’s most impressive landmarks.

Day 1 – Jasper SkyTram, Columbia Icefields & Athabasca Glacier and Falls

Ride the jasper skytram.

Welcome yourself to Jasper by taking a ride on the Jasper SkyTram. It’s a quick way to get an early sense of everything Jasper has to offer and you can pre-book tickets here.

From the top, you’ll get panoramic views of the Rockies. You can see the town of Jasper, the Athabasca River, surrounding mountain ranges, and much more.

Take your time walking along the boardwalk with several options for viewpoints or relax in the restaurant. You can go on a short hike to the top of Whistlers Mountain. Bear in mind that the SkyTram is usually only operational from March to October, weather permitting. 

Columbia Icefields 

The Columbia Icefields never fail to impress their visitors. It sits along the Icefields Parkway, the highway that runs through Banff and Jasper, connecting the two parks. The icefields include several major glaciers with a few ways to get excellent views.

First, is from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center. If you want to hike to a viewpoint, consider the Toe of the Glacier trail for a close-up view of Wilcox Pass for a bird’s-eye view.

You can also stop by the Columbia Icefield Skywalk—a glass-floored lookout that gives viewers a look over Sunwapta Valley and nearby glaciers.

Athabasca Glacier

It’s worth it to call out one glacier in particular: Athabasca Glacier. It’s one of the most-visited glaciers in North America and it’s the lowest tip of the Columbia Icefields. During peak travel seasons, Athabasca Glacier sees a lot of tourists.

You can walk right up to the base of the glacier or you can hop on a trail nearby to get away from the crowds for a broader view. During the hikes we recommended viewing the Columbia Icefields, you’ll also get good views of Athabasca Glacier. 

Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls is located on the upper Athabasca River, just south of the town of Jasper. There are various viewing platforms and walking trails so you can experience the falls from several angles.

The waterfall was created when the Athabasca Valley Glacier receded, revealing a cavernous landscape that pushed tons of water through.

In total, the falls are about 79 feet, with several tiers of drops. By far the best time to visit is in the early spring when snowmelt sends water pummeling over the falls. 

Day 2 – Maligne Lake and Canyon, Pyramid Lake & Medicine Lake

Maligne lake and spirit island.

If you want to start your second day on a slower note, head over the Maligne Lake. This is the largest lake in the Canadian Rockies, with stunning views of forests, mountains, and the crystal clear lake all around. The drive to this lake along the Maligne Lake Road is one of the most scenic in the entire park, with incredible views and jaw-dropping overlooks to see along the way.

One of the most popular ways to explore the lake is by boat. The boat tour takes you around the lake to point out unique geographical features and the history of the area. You’ll also make a short stop at Spirit Island. You can take a walk along the short trail around the island before heading back to the boat.

The photo of Spirit Island surrounded by the lake and mountains is one of the most iconic images of Jasper. 

For those after an easy and beautiful hike in the area, also consider the Moose Lake Loop, which is a family-friendly circular route. The trailhead is located close to the boat launch area, so this is something you can easily combine with a cruise on the lake.

Medicine Lake

Medicine Lake is a popular and easy stop along the route to Maligne Lake. Its smooth waters reflect the mountains and trees surrounding it. The lake is fed by glacial water, filling it with crystal clear water. Medicine Lake has earned the nickname “disappearing lake” because of an underground drainage system.

There are sinkholes at the bottom of the lake that drain the water through caves before resurfacing about ten miles downriver. It’s a natural wonder, beautiful site to behold, and an excellent spot for looking for wildlife.

The best time to spot wildlife is early in the morning or at dusk. Elk, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bears, and moose are all common sightings throughout the park. You can also choose to go on a wildlife tour to explore with a guide.

Maligne Canyon

Here is one of Jasper National Park’s most unique features. This narrow gorge stretches more than 160 feet in some places. Its limestone walls have been carved by the powerful Maligne River. It’s a scenic area to go on a hike along the interpretive trail.

It’s a fenced path that runs along the cliffside. You’ll cross bridges that span the canyon creating excellent vantage points over the fast-flowing river below. The canyon is especially impressive during winter.

The water freezes over to cover the gorge in ice. You can take an ice walk to see it up close and personal. But the canyon is beautiful all year round.

Pyramid Lake and Island

The little island on Pyramid Lake is an unexpected favorite for many Jasper visitors. It also happens to be one of the most iconic photo ops in the entire park.

Pyramid Lake is a calm, kidney bean-shaped lake at the base of Pyramid Mountain. Its smooth waters create a mirror reflection of the surrounding landscape. This makes it a great spot to swim on a warm day or pause for an afternoon picnic.

To reach Pyramid Island, you’ll cross a narrow wooden bridge over a shallow section of the lake. 

And if you haven’t had enough lakes for the day, then consider heading a little bit away from Pyramid Lake to the beautiful Lake Edith and Lake Annette, two more incredible bodies of water nestled in the Rockies.

Day 3 – Sunwapta Falls and Valley, Cavell Meadows, Miette Hot Springs & Lac Beauvert

Sunwapta falls and valley.

You’ll see a lot of Sunwapta Valley as you’re making your way through Jasper National Park, but Sunwapta Falls is another beautiful waterfall you’ll find in Jasper. It was created by a hanging valley.

This is a place where two valleys, one deeper than the other, collided to create a sharp drop in the landscape. At Athabasca Falls, Chaba Valley and Athabasca Valley met.

You can visit Sunwapta Falls alone or head out on the trail to visit the lesser-trafficked Lower Sunwapta Falls or hike into the backcountry. Like all waterfalls in the park, the most impressive time to visit is during the spring.

Cavell Meadows

The hike through Cavell Meadows is a perfect mash-up of everything Jasper has to offer over a few-mile hike. Before you go, know that because it’s a hike of moderate difficulty and offers beautiful scenery, it does tend to be popular.

Try to be on the trail earlier in the day. That said, along this hike, you pass by alpine meadows, wildflowers, Angel Glacier, and Cavell Pond, with stunning views of Mt. Edith Cavell. You can expect to run into some wildlife here as well. Marmots and pikas are common. 

Miette Hot Springs

What better way to conclude seeing Jasper in 3 days by relaxing in hot springs? After you’ve walked many miles and taken in all the park’s stunning beauty, head over to Fiddle Valley where you’ll find Miette Hot Springs.

These outdoor pools are located high in the hills, granting visitors exceptional views while they enjoy the warmest natural hot springs in the Rockies. The water emerges from the ground at 54°C (129°F) and is cooled to 40°C (104°F) before being funnelled into the pool.

The pools are generally open from May to October but double-check before your visit. 

Lac Beauvert

If you have time to spare on your last day in Jasper, visit Lac Beauvert. It’s convenient to reach if you’re staying in the town of Jasper as it’s located near the Jasper Park Lodge. You can explore the lake in multiple ways.

First, you have the option of hiking around the lake on the Lac Beauvert Trail. This entirely forested trail circles the lake and stretches just over two miles long. Alternatively, you can rent a kayak, paddle board, or pedal boat to see the lake and surrounding landscape from the water.

It’s quiet, serene, and relaxing. The Jasper Planetarium is also located on the lakeshore. 

Have More Time?

Spend an afternoon or morning wandering around the townsite of Jasper. It was formerly a railroad hub, but Jasper is now a charming town filled with bakeries, restaurants, and cafes.

If you’re interested in taking a deeper dive into the local cuisine, you can sign up for a food tour to taste some of the highlights. You also could opt to visit nearby Patricia Lake if you haven’t had enough of gorgeous lakes on your trip.

Mount Robson is the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies and just a short day trip from Jasper. Mount Robson Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers guests an exceptional visitor’s center where you can enjoy nice views of the mountain and surrounding landscape.

There are several options throughout the park to see it from the water as well. You can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle board to explore one of the lakes. Another option is taking a rafting tour on the Athabasca River, with a few exciting rapids and tons of stunning viewpoints.

Where to Stay in Jasper

Mount Robson Inn – This 3-star hotel in downtown Jasper is a great option for mid-range visitors to the national park. They have a number of great rooms to choose from, a perfect location for exploring all the area has to offer and gorgeous mountain views from all rooms.

Miette Hot Springs Bungalows – These cosy bungalows are an excellent choice for those looking for a private yet luxe place to stay when visiting Jasper. Located outside the town of Jasper, there are a range of bungalows to choose from and plenty of wonderful amenities available to guests.

Private Rental – Those looking for their own space while they visit Jasper National Park will find an array of private rentals available in the area. There are properties to suit all kinds of visitors – such as this two-bedroom apartment in the town of Jasper.

HI Jasper – Budget travelers will love this hostel located in the center of the town of Jasper. Offering both dorms and private rooms, they have great common areas with a cosy fireplace and chalet-style feel.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Jasper hotels!

It goes without saying, but Jasper is full of beautiful lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and canyons to explore. Just a short time in Jasper couldn’t possibly capture everything the park has to offer. We hope this Jasper itinerary gives you plenty of options for what to do on your trip to Jasper National Park. Enjoy your trip!

Are you planning to visit Jasper? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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The Ultimate 3, 4 or 5 Days in Banff National Park Itinerary

Banff vs Jasper: Which National Park to Visit?

About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

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One Girl With One Day in Jasper National Park

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here .

Once I stepped out of the train after 19 hours on board – about 18.5 of them in my chair – I felt like a fisherman coming to shore after days at sea. My body was relieved to feel the crisp breeze of the Canadian Rockies . Thanks for the perfect welcome, Jasper National Park. I only had a day in the town as I was heading onto Banff , and Jasper is not exactly renowned for its budget-anything options. This is what I got up to in 24 hours and tips for you to get the most out of your time in Jasper. It doesn’t matter if your stay is short and sweet or long and luscious.

Jasper National Park accommodation

There are hostels in Jasper but they are not located within walking distance of the town. This is obviously difficult for people, a.k.a me, who didn’t have a car. So I splurged on a room at one of the many bed and breakfasts in town. I stayed at Accommodations Jasper , which had everything I needed after my train journey: a big fluffy bed and a shower. I even watched the So You Think You Can Dance finale on TV, what a score.

Here is how I spend two days in Banff

An evening walk through jasper.

On my first evening, I strolled into town and was surprised I didn’t need a jacket. The breeze was cool but refreshing. I read signs that told me more about Jasper National Park, including the need to reside   rule. This means everyone who owns property in the town must live there for eight months of the year. I walked down Patricia Street and marvelled at the cute shop fittings and signs. I loved the wooden and rock facades, which were so rustic and charming.

Honestly, I couldn’t believe there were so many souvenir shops and wondered how they all made enough money to profit in what seemed to be a competitive industry in the town. I bought a postcard from one and a keyring for a family member in another, to spread the love and cash-ola. Next, I walked passed a few convenience stores for the necessary groceries, and restaurants with pricing a bit out of my budget. I turned the corner when I saw the sign for KFC. Yeah, I’m awful.

Kindness of strangers

As I sat down for dinner, an older gentleman sat down in the table beside mine about fifteen minutes later. Sensing I was alone he began making conversation, asking the usual question of where I was from. His guesses were Australia or England before I had even spoken, that is how much we are taking over the world. I think I might miss being asked that when I go back home, but alas it is inevitable, unless I stay overseas forever.

Anyway, my new dinner companion tells me he grew up in Jasper but is now retired. He lives here in the summer but journeys down to Arizona with his boat and motorbike for the winter. He seems to have it alright, I think to myself. As I bid him farewell he wishes me a safe ongoing trip. As an introverted person, I am not the kind to start a conversation with someone at a fast-food restaurant. But he wasn’t, and he allowed me to walk away from dinner with a content smile. Maybe I need to start doing this.

On my walk home I watched as the clouds changed colour over the mountains: they turned from golden to a cotton candy pink as the sun set.

Tip: watch the sunset

The next day I walked down Geikie Street, which was where my accommodation was located. I walked past the cute country church overshadowed by the rocky mountain behind it. I saw the children playing at lunchtime at the elementary school, probably totally unaware of how special the little town is where they are fortunate to be growing up. A mother rides off from the schoolyard and her daughter inside, no older than seven, runs along the fence parallel to her. They continuously wave at each other and when the mother reaches the end of the road she blows her daughter a kiss and turns right. Jasper is very bike-friendly and seeing as the town is so compact it’s the perfect way to get around. The town even has a turn the key, we’re idle-free   policy. I hope this helps preserve the national park for generations to come.

Tip: bike it

I found as I was walking around, I was able to get different angles and perspectives of the mountains, which resulted in some great photographs (in my humble opinion, of course). You can walk beside the railway to get a clear view of the Rockies. And as you walk along one of the main streets, Connaught Drive, everywhere you turn there is a mountain hovering in the distance. Have fun photographing this World Heritage Site and the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies.

Tip: wander and snap

If I had longer in the park I would have chosen to do a tour to see more of the sights out of the town centre, include Maligne Lake, Miette Hot Springs and Skytram .  Yes, it is not the cheapest option, but it really is the only way to view more of what makes Jasper National Park special. The other alternative is renting a vehicle, which is a good idea but really only cost-effective if there is more than just one girl.

Here is my comprehensive solo and budget travel guide to the Canadian Rockies

Tip: find a friend and hire a car or tour time.

A lot of people, myself included, usually do both Jasper and Banff National Parks. It doesn’t matter which order you do them in, just do it. The Icefields Parkway (or Highway 93), which links the parks, is probably the most scenic highway you will ever travel. It parallels the continental divide, which means you have the Rockies on both sides and turquoise rivers flowing beside you. The best part is when you pass Columbia Icefield and see Athabasca Glacier. The blue colour of the ice and its vastness is incredible. It stretches upwards to meet the snowy mountain behind. It is truly something special. If you desire, there is the opportunity to walk on the glacier, too. Visit the Discovery Centre on the side of the road opposite the feat for all the details.

Tip: marvel at the Icefields Parkway

I was unsure about visiting Jasper National Park. I thought it was too difficult to get to and costly. But now I am thankful I listened to my friends and went there. Not only to see the beautiful mountain town but to have the chance to see the parkway too. That glacier is not something I will forget soon.

Do you have any extra tips for a visit to Jasper National Park?

Follow along:  Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin’ | Instagram | Pinterest

Don’t forget to check out my guide to the Canadian Rockies , as well as how to spend two days in beautiful Banff .

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The ultimate guide to a very vancouver christmas, reader interactions.

September 21, 2014 at 3:08 am

Nice read Hales, sounds like my sort of town :)

September 27, 2014 at 10:15 am

Thanks parents!

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The Best Banff Itinerary: A 1 Week Road Trip from Banff to Jasper National Park

Post summary: A  complete  travel guide for Banff National Park and the perfect Banff itinerary for a 1 week Banff to Jasper road trip 

This post contains affiliate links, which means that I will make a small commission of the purchase you make using my links – at absolutely no cost to you! 

Maybe you’re planning your trip to Banff or you’re already there and trying to find the best things to do. Either way – you’re in the right place!

Banff is a truly jaw dropping travel destination with so many things to do that it can be hard to decide what to include in your itinerary. To help you narrow it down, we put together the best things to do in Banff National Park and the best itinerary for a Banff to Jasper National Park road trip. While 1 week is hardly enough time to scratch the surface of all the incredible things to see here, this 1 week Banff itinerary does the best job at squeezing in all the highlights – and then some!

This 1 week Banff to Jasper road trip has it all: towering ice-capped peaks, icy-blue glacial lakes, castles, hot springs, glacier hikes and more.

In this post, we’re covering the best way to spend a week in Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada on an epic 7 day Banff to Jasper road trip.

Here’s what  you’ll find in this post:

• A day-by-day road trip itinerary from Banff National Park to Jasper National Park
• Tips for how to save money
• A full budget breakdown for this Banff itinerary
• What to pack for a Banff road trip

Table of Contents

Posts to help you prepare for your Banff to Jasper road trip!

How to Travel Banff on a Budget

How to Use Google Maps to Plan Your Next Road Trip (Step-By-Step Tutorial With Examples)

15 Useful Apps to Download Before Your Next Road Trip (for Free!)

What to Pack for a Day Hike: Essential Gear and Complete Packing List

Banff to Jasper: The 1 Week Road Trip Overview

The Canadian Rockies are mesmerizing and encompassed within the westward provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. Much of the range is protected within National and Provincial parks, which just so happen to make the perfect escape for anyone in need of some inspiration, soul searching, or just a serious reset.

This itinerary gives you a total of 3 days in Banff, 1 day exploring the Icefields Parkway and 2 days in Jasper National Park. It’s based on several of my own road trips through Banff and Jasper National Parks over the years, places I know you’ll love, and things I wish I would have done differently.

This itinerary starts and ends at Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Calgary, Alberta Canada. From Calgary, head north to explore Banff National Park and then drive the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park, before heading back for one more day in Banff.

The best way to get around on this Banff to Jasper itinerary is with a rental car or a camper van. You can rent a car when you land at the Calgary airport. If you prefer to live the #vanlife , you can browse a huge selection of camper vans for rent through RVezy .

Here’s a quick overview: Click here to view the interactive map in Google Maps.

Day 1: Arrive in Canmore near Banff National Park

Day 2-3: Banff National Park

Day 4: Drive the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park

Day 5: Jasper National Park

Day 6: Athabasca Glacier and drive back to Banff National Park

Day 7: Johnston Canyon via Bow Valley Parkway

Estimated total drive time:  17 hours

Estimated total miles for this route:  569 miles (915 km)

Banff Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Canmore

This 1 week Banff itinerary starts in Canmore, a small town about 20 minutes south of Banff National Park.

Some people prefer to be close to the action and stay directly inside Banff National Park. However, Canmore is actually the perfect home base to explore Banff on this Banff itinerary because it’s a lot more affordable and much less touristy than downtown Banff. By staying in Canmore, you will have a much more authentic experience without the hustle and bustle of staying in Banff.

Another thing that’s super convenient is that you can leave your car parked at your hotel in Canmore while you explore Banff. Simply take the  Canmore-Banff Regional Service , which provides quick and convenient transport between Canmore and Banff town. That way you don’t have to worry about finding parking in Banff town, which can be a serious nightmare sometimes.

If you arrive early and want to stretch your legs, pick from this list of the best things to do in Canmore:

• Stop by Lake Minnewanka
• Hike the Grassi Lakes Trail
• Drive the Smmith Dorrien Trail
• Walk Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk
• Drive the Three Sisters Parkway for amazing views of the Three Sisters

Where to stay in Canmore

There are tons of hotels, lodges, and Airbnb’s clustered around the town. A night at a hotel in Canmore during the high season typically costs around $200 – $300 per night and goes up from there. If you book ahead of time, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a place to stay in and around Canmore.

Lodging prices skyrocket the closer you get to Banff National Park. If you do prefer to stay in the town of Banff instead, book your accommodation well in advance. I’m talking like 6-8 months out. Even for hostels, like Samesun Banff and Banff International Hostel !

View all stays in Canmore here.

• Splurge ($$$): The Malcom Hotel ; Fairmont Banff Springs
• Moderate ($$): Basecamp Resorts Canmore ; Tamarack Lodge ; Stoneridge Mountain Resort
• Budget ($): HI Canmore Hostel

Budget travel tip: For ultra-budget travel, check out Airbnbs in the town of Cochrane, Alberta. It’s about an hour south of Banff, which adds a bit of a drive. But if you are on a really tight budget, it might be worth it because you can find cozy Airbnbs for about $100 per night in the high season.

Camping in Banff National Park

Camping is the most affordable option for lodging in Banff National Park. If you don’t mind roughing it, camping is the best way to save money, surround yourself with nature, and enjoy incredible views of the Canadian Rockies.

There are 13 campgrounds in Banff National Park. Most of them are first-come-first-serve but it’s possible to reserve some sites online on the Parks Canada website .

Most of the campgrounds are only open mid-June to October. The campgrounds fill up incredibly fast, especially between June – September, so make any reservations well in advance. If you don’t have a reservation, make sure to show up early to find a spot as people are leaving.

View all Banff campsites here.

Day 2: Lake Louise in Banff National Park

Banff National Park was established in 1885, making it Canada’s oldest national park. Its home to almost 3000 square miles of breathtaking, pristine mountainous wilderness, teeming with wildlife.

Day 2 of your Banff itinerary brings you to Lake Louise.

If you’ve ever seen pictures of Lake Louise, you’ve probably seen the view looking out from shore. The water rippling over white rocks, fading seamlessly from the palest blue to a deep turquoise at the foot of the surrounding mountains.

What you probably didn’t see were the crowds of tourists and the massive luxury hotel situated on the shore. It’s the textbook example of Instagram vs. Reality – so be prepared! But the lake is breathtaking and an absolute must-see, nonetheless.

Parking for Lake Louise is available in the lot by the resort. While the lot is large, it usually completely fills up by 7:30AM, so get there as early as you possibly can.

Stop 1: Little Beehive via the Lake Agnes Tea House

No Banff itinerary is complete without a hike up Little Beehive. Little Beehive is one of the best hikes in Banff and leads to jaw dropping views of Lake Louise.

Little Beehive Hike details:

• Distance: 5.7 miles RT (out and back)
• Elevation gain:   1,955 ft
• Difficulty: moderate
• Time to hike:  3.5-4 hours
• This hike is recommended between mid-October and mid-June due to risk of avalanches. Tea house is closed from October – June.

The trail to Little Beehive is well maintained through dense coniferous forest. It’s a pretty steady climb the entire way up, but there are several scenic stops where you can take a break, like Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes.

Frequent breaks in the treeline give you small glimpses of the lake below as you climb in altitude.

At the summit, you’re rewarded with unspoiled views of Lake Louise and the surrounding peaks in Banff National Park. From above, the color of the lake turns a brilliant opaque turquoise, appearing as though someone colored it with a crayon.

On the way back down, stop for a light lunch at the Lake Agnes Teahouse. The line to the teahouse starts getting long around 11AM, so if you get there around lunch time, prepare to wait.

Here are some other amazing hikes around Lake Louise:

• Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail
• Big Beehive
• The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
• Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass

Tip:  Up for a challenge? Combine Lake Agnes Tea House, Big Beehive, The Plain of Six Glaciers (via the Highline trail), and the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail for one epic full day hike that has a little bit of everything! This route clocks in at roughly 22km with 1,030m (ft) elevation gain.

Stop 2: Canoeing on Lake Louise

A visit to Banff National Park is hardly complete without a paddle across Lake Louise!

When you’re done exploring Lake Louise from above, head down to the dock at the lake shore to explore it from down below. The view from the water is absolutely magnificent as you paddle across the turquoise water with views of Victoria Peak and the Victoria Glacier out in front of you.

The dock is run by Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and is open daily (in-season) from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. The price to rent a canoe on Lake Louise in 2023 is $145 per hour / $135 per half hour (+tax).

Budget Tip: While Lake Louise is the quintessential place to rent a canoe in Banff. But there’s no denying that its super pricey. If you’re on a budget, rent a canoe or kayak at Vermillion Lakes or Lake Minnewanka for about $50 per hour.

Day 3: Moraine Lake and Downtown Banff in Banff National Park

There are new restrictions for getting to Moraine Lake in 2023. Read below for more details.

Stop 1: Breakfast at Trailhead Cafe

Grab breakfast and lunch-to-go at the Trailhead Cafe .

It opens at 7am, which is the earliest you’ll find in the area. It’s a place we just so happened to stumble in on, and we ended up loving it so much that we stopped two days in a row!

I highly recommend their breakfast sandwiches and wraps, which are hearty and perfect for fueling up for a full day of hiking.

Stop 2: Moraine Lake in Banff National Park

Moraine Lake is one of the most photographed lakes in the world and one of the best stops on your Banff itinerary. The water is a brilliant blue and surrounded by the mountains of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Its rocky shoreline is bordered with dense stands of conifers and colorful canoes.

There are several hiking trails that start right from Moraine Lake and lead to jaw dropping views of glaciers, turquoise lakes and dramatic mountains.

First, an elevated view of the scenery from atop the Moraine Lake Rock Pile and then take your pick from this list of the best hikes at Moraine Lake:

• Moraine Lake Shore Trail
• Consolation Lakes Trail
• Larch Valley
• Eiffel Lake Trail
• Paradise Valley Trail (connects moraine Lake to Lake Louise)

How to get to Moraine Lake in 2023

Although half the size of neighboring Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is arguably even more beautiful (if you can believe it!). For this reason, tourism has gotten out of control in recent years. And, as of 2023, you can no longer drive yourself to Moraine Lake. In 2023, Parks Canada decided to close the road to Moraine Lake to personal vehicles in an attempt to protect the environment amid the growing number of visitors.

Here’s how you can visit Moraine Lake in 2023:

• The easiest way to get to Moraine Lake is by taking the Parks Canada shuttle bus. Moraine Lake Shuttle Tickets must be booked online in advance. Reservations open on April 14 for June 1 – October 9, 2023 or you can book 48 hours before you visit. 40% of tickets for the entire season will be released at 8AM Mountain Time on April 14, and 60% will be released on a rolling 48 hour window so that you can book 2 days ahead of time. Tickets cost $8/adult, $4/senior, $2/children 7-17 years old, and free for kids 6 & under. . The Moraine Lake Shuttle leaves from the Park & Ride at the  Lake Louise Ski Resort every 20 minutes between 6:30AM – 6PM. However, your outbound shuttle ticket assigns you a 1 hour departure window, so you can only take the shuttle between the times assigned to you. You don’t need to schedule your return trip. Return shuttles run every 20 minutes on a first-come-first-serve basis until 7:30PM. . The Lake Connector Shuttle from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake is also included with your Moraine Lake Shuttle ticket. So you can hop off the Moraine Lake Shuttle to visit Lake Louise on your way to Moraine Lake if you want to and then take the Lake Connector Shuttle Fromm Lake Louise to Moraine Lake. .
• Use Roam Transit’s Super Pass to go from Banff to Lake Louise via Lake Louise Express Route 8X and then transfer to the Lake Connector Shuttle to Moraine Lake. Book your pass online or visit Roam Transit for more information. .
• Book a guided tour, take a taxi from Banff, or book a shuttle via Mountain Park Transportation . This is also the only way you’ll be able to get to Moraine Lake for sunrise or sunset. .
• Bikes and e-bikes are allowed on Moraine Lake Road, but the trip is 25km round trip with 385m elevation gain. .
• The most expensive option is to shell out upwards of $1000 per night to stay at Moraine Lake Lodge , which is right on the shore of Moraine Lake.

Visit Parks Canada for the latest information on visiting Moraine Lake

Stop 3: Downtown Banff

The town of Banff is a charming little tourist town right at the foot of the mountains in Banff National Park. It’s essentially a very small collection of quaint little shops, lodges, and rustic restaurants. The town is alive with people window shopping, admiring the scenery, meeting for coffee, and browsing the farmers market, which attracts local artisans and live music.

While you’re there, I recommend taking a stroll down Banff Avenue around and grab something to eat.

If you worked up a big appetite after your hike at Moraine Lake, check out The Eddie Burger + Bar, Farm & Fire or The Bison Restaurant for hearty fare like steaks, seafood, burgers, and pizza. Make your reservations online.

For smaller plates and an eclectic Asian-inspired menu, head straight for Block Kitchen + Bar. They don’t take reservations, so try to get here before the dinner rush.

Day 4 of the best Banff itinerary: Drive the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park

Day 4 of your Banff itinerary takes you for a drive down the Icefields Parkway. The Icefields Parkway is the only highway that connects Banff to Jasper National Park, 230km to the north.

This highway twists and turns along the Continental Divide, through valleys of dramatic rocky peaks, thick coniferous forest, aspen stands, expansive ice fields, and lakes the color of blue Gatorade. It’s also been rated one of the Most Beautiful Drives in the World and one of the Top 20 Drives of a Lifetime (you’ll quickly see why!).

The drive from Banff to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway takes about 3.5 hours. But it’s undoubtedly an all day affair because you’ll make several tops to take pictures, explore roadside lakes, and pick your jaw up off the ground.

Budget travel tip:  Gas stations are few and far between once you leave Banff, so make sure you fill up in Lake Louise. Halfway between Banff and Jasper, you’ll find gas at the Saskatchewan River Crossing. Stop here if you need to fill up and grab coffee or a snack, but be warned that the gas station is full-service only and everything inside is very expensive.

Stop 1: Peyto Lake

If you thought Moraine Lake and Lake Louise were breathtaking…just wait until you see Peyto Lake.

Peyto Lake is a brilliantly blue, fox-shaped lake that’s fed by the Peyto Glacier. Peyto Lake is best viewed from one of the popular viewpoints, where you can get a birds-eye view of Peyto Lake and part of the Wapta Icefield. The view of Peyto Lake is quite possibly the most magnificent in all of Banff National Park.

To get there, follow the Icefields Parkway about 44km northeast of Lake Louise to the Bow Summit and Peyto Lake Lookout parking lot.

The hike to the Peyto Lake Lookout starts at the parking lot. It’s a short but steady uphill walk that takes about 10-15 minutes. The trail leads to a wooden viewing platform overlooking the lake. This is the most popular lookout and gets CROWDED during the day, especially in peak season. To avoid the crowds, try to get here as early as possible or continue past the platform into the rocky clearing.

Find alternate views of Peyto Lake by hiking the Bow Lookout Trail, Observation Point, Caldron Peak and the Peyto Glacier.

Stop 2: Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls is a powerful waterfall that’s formed by an enormous volume of strikingly blue water rushing through a narrow limestone canyon. The canyon was carved out by the mighty Athabasca River, which begins at the Columbia Glacier in Jasper National Park.

It’s definitely one of my all time favorite stops along the Icefields Parkway. It’s also a great addition to any packed Banff National Park itinerary (like this one) because it doesn’t take too long to see. Allow yourself about 30 minutes to explore the different viewpoints and take photos of the gorge.

Stop 3: Sunwapta Falls

Sunwapta Falls is a series of several waterfalls that are fed by the Athabasca Glacier. They are easily accessed and make a great quick stop along the Icefields Parkway.

You can see the upper falls from a viewpoint that is only a short distance from the parking lot. The upper falls are most recognized because they encircle a small island in the Sunwapta River before crashing 18m (59 ft) into the water below.

You can stop here or follow the path 0.8 miles (1.3km) through the pine forest to reach the lower falls.

Where to stay in Jasper National Park

The biggest thing to consider when choosing a place to stay in Jasper is how much driving you’re willing to do to get to the shops and restaurants in downtown Jasper.

There are hotels right in the heart of town if you like the convenience of being able to walk to the shops, bars, and local restaurants. There are also some serene lodges and rustic hostels further out if you prefer to be surrounded by nature. Some hotels are just on the outskirts of town, while more secluded wilderness lodges are located up to an hour away.  Keep in mind that if you choose a more secluded lodge, you’ll have to do a bit of driving if you want to check out a restaurant or head to the bars in town.

View all stays in Jasper National Park here.

• Splurge ($$$): Pyramid Lake Resort ; Glacier View Lodge
• Moderate ($$): The Crimson Jasper ; Mount Robson Inn
• Budget ($): HI Jasper Hostel ; Jasper Downtown Hostel ; HI Athabasca Falls

Last time we were in Banff, we stayed at Jasper Downtown Hostel and it was honestly one of the nicest hostel experiences I’ve had so far. If you’re just looking for somewhere cheap and close to town, I definitely recommend checking it out.

Camping in Jasper National Park

Camping is permitted at designated campsites in Jasper National Park.

There are 14 campsites in Jasper National Park and 9 of them are on a first-come-first-serve basis. Most sites are only open May or June through September.

The majority of campsites in Jasper National Park are unserviced, so if you need electric hookups for an RV, you will want to reserve a spot well ahead of time because they fill up fast.

View all campgrounds in Jasper here.

At the northern end of the Icefields Parkway lies Jasper National Park. More wild, isolated, much less populated than Banff, Jasper is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the “wildest” and largest of the Rocky Mountain parks.

Jasper National Park park is filled with expansive glaciers, tons of wildlife, and impressive waterfalls. Its also home to the world-famous Columbia Icefields, one of the world’s only Icefields accessible by road. Grizzly bears, moose, caribou, elk, and wolves roam freely. Its truly a backcountry paradise.

Stop 1: Half day hike in Jasper National Park

You only have one full day in Jasper National Park on your Banff to Jasper road trip – and you’ll want to make the most of it! So wake up for sunrise and lace up your hiking boots.

Before you hit the trails, fuel up at WickedCup in downtown Jasper. They open at 7:30AM, which is the earliest you’ll find in the area.

Choose one of these scenic hikes in Jasper National Park (open July – early Oct): 

Lake Annette Loop : Easy, 1.7 mile loop, 285ft elevation gain

Mt Edith Cavell Meadows Trail : Moderate, 5.1 mile loop, 1870 ft elevation gain

Sulfur Skyline Trail : Difficult, 4.9 miles RT, 2142 ft elevation gain

Stop 2: Lunch in downtown Jasper

If you got an early start on your morning hike, you should be done by lunch time – and likely starving!

Head into downtown Jasper for a wood fired pizza at Jasper Pizza Place. I love this place because most of their ingredients are locally sourced and they have a roof-top patio with great views of Jasper. If you’re in the mood for something a bit fancier than pizza, the Fiddle River Restaurant never disappoints.

I highly recommend walking down the street after to grab a local craft brew at Jasper Brewing Co.

After lunch, continue to Maligne Lake, which is about a 45 minute drive southeast of downtown Jasper.

The road to the lake is long and winding, guiding you past Medicine Lake and through thick forests that showcase the scars of previous prescribed burnings. Sections of forest in the park are selected year-round to be set ablaze, with the goal of restoring and improving the park’s biodiversity and keeping mountain pine beetles at bay.

Stop 3: Spirit Island, Maligne Lake (accessible June – October)

You’ve probably seen this iconic spot somewhere before, thanks to Kodak and Apple skyrocketing it to international fame. Spirit Island is now the most photographed island in all of Canada and one of the most photographed islands in the world.

But, if you can even believe it, all of those photos don’t even do this place justice. It’s even MORE magical in person, which is why taking a Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park.

Boat cruises to Spirit Island depart from the dock at Maligne Lake, which is about a 1 hour drive north of Jasper town. 

There are two options for a Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island :

• 1.5 hour Classic Cruise; 15 minutes at Spirit Island
• 2 hour Premium Cruise; 30 minutes at Spirit Island and a stop at Pincushion Bay

If you want to take a sunset walk around Maligne Lake after your cruise, book a tour that leaves about 3-4 hours before sunset .

If you’re ultra adventurous, a strong paddler, and have two days to spare, it’s possible to canoe or kayak out to Spirit Island. Visit this post for more information.

No one is certain where the name “Spirit Island” came from, but one theory is that it’s so named because it embodies the spirit of the Canadian Rockies. I’d say that’s pretty accurate, would you?

Stop 4: Sunset at Maligne Lake 

After your visit to Spirit Island, I suggest meandering along the shore of Maligne lake for sunset.

Follow the Mary Shäffer Loop Trail through moss-covered forest and along pebble beaches to an open viewpoint of Mt. Edith Cavell.

Our visit there was one of my favorites. The setting sun cast a pink glow on the mountains surrounding us while the moon rose overhead. I took a deep breath and couldn’t help but feel so lucky to be there. We sat on the shore in silence for awhile while we admired our surroundings, but I could have easily sat there all night.

Here’s an overview of all the hiking trails at Maligne Lake .

DAY 6 of 1 Week Banff to Jasper Road Trip: Drive back to Banff National Park

It’s Day 6 of your Banff to Jasper road trip and its time to head back down the Icefields Parkway toward Banff National Park.

On your way out of Jasper, take a few hours to explore the Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Glacier.

The Athabasca Glacier is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park. It’s definitely a must-see on your Banff to Jasper road trip because it won’t be around for much longer. Due to global warming, the Athabasca Glacier has shrunk by almost 50% in the last 125 years and continues to shrink by another 16 feet every year.

Stop 1: Athabasca Glacier

The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six main ‘toes’ of the Columbia Icefield, which sits on the border of British Columbia and Alberta, Canada. This enormous Icefield was formed over 240,000 years ago and was only discovered in the 1800’s.

The Athabasca Glacier is just one of six major glaciers in the Columbia Icefield and is flanked by two mountains: Mount Columbia to the west and Mount Athabasca on the east. This glacier is unique because it’s the most accessible glacier in North America. In fact, you can almost drive right up to the base of it!

Located at the southern end of Jasper National Park, there are two ways to see the glacier on you own:

• Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trail: Easy 0.8 mile walk to the base of the Athabasca Glacier on a well marked trail
• Wilcox Pass Hike: Moderate 5.8 mile hike; 1712 ft elevation gain

You can’t actually walk on the glacier without a guide. The best way to explore the Icefield and see the glacier up close is to plan well ahead of time and book a tour.

The Athabasca Glacier tours only operate from May until October and start at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. Some tours also include the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, which is a glass walkway that hangs out over the Sunwapta Valley.

Stop 2: Banff Upper Hot Springs

Relax at the end of the day by treating yourself to a relaxing soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs . The hot springs are the only springs in Banff National Park and are a favorite among both locals and visitors. Click here for all the details.

One of the most iconic places to visit on a Banff National Park itinerary is Johnston Canyon and the Bow Valley Parkway.

The Bow Valley Parkway (Route 1A) is another scenic route to add to your Banff itinerary. The parkway is 50km long and connects the town of Banff and Lake Louise. The drive takes you by meadows of wildflowers, meandering streams, dramatic cliff faces, and scenic views of the Bow River.

Best roadside viewpoints (from Banff town to Lake Louise):

• Backswamp pull off
• Hillsdale Meadows
• Castle Mountain Lookout
• Storm Mountain Lookout
• Morant’s Curve

In 2022, Parks Canada approved a 3 year pilot project that closes off the eastern 17km section of the Bow Valley Parkway to vehicle traffic every day between May 1 – June 25 and again from September 1 – 30 each year. The road is closed between the Fireside Day Use Area and Johnston Canyon to allow for vehicle free cycling. If you want to go to Johnston Canyon during this time, you can cycle in or drive to Johnston Canyon via the Castle Junction exit.

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is one of the most famous stops on the Bow Valley Parkway and one of the best easy hikes on this Banff itinerary.

The views through the canyon are magnificent – emerald green pools, roaring waterfalls and the peaceful sound of the creek running through it all make it an incredible experience. What’s more, the hike is shorter than many other hikes in Banff while still offering plenty of stunning scenery along the way. Because it’s so accessible, Johnston Canyon tends to be pretty touristy. Parking is limited, so get here before 8AM to avoid the crowds or take the public shuttle.

The hike through Johnston Canyon is short, easy, and one of the most beautiful places to explore in Banff. The trail is well-maintained and leads you through lush forest and over catwalks suspended along the side of the river canyon.

The walk from the parking lot to Johnston Canyon Lower Falls is about 1.2km. The hike to Johnston Canyon Upper Falls is an additional 1.3km, one way. It takes most people about 1-2 hours to complete the Johnston Canyon hike.

Extend your Banff itinerary

Extend your Banff itinerary to include Yoho National Park.

Yoho is a small national park located about 2 hours west of Banff in the neighboring province of British Columbia. This place is truly a hidden treasure. Far less crowded than Banff, and even Jasper, but equally as beautiful.

You only need 1 day to see the highlights in Yoho. I put together this guide on exactly how to spend 1 day in Yoho National Park .

Have even more time? Tack on an extra week to explore the beautiful pacific coast of British Columbia with a   5-day Vancouver to Whistler road trip.

Getting to Banff National Park

The closest international airport to Banff National Park is Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is about a two-hour drive from the park.

To save money on your flight, you should try to book at least three months in advance – and avoid the peak season and any major holidays.

Flights are generally most expensive around Christmas and New Years, as well as between June and August due to summer vacation.

Here are the best ways to get to Banff National Park if you don’t have a car:

• From Calgary International Airport: There are a few different shuttle options, but The Banff Airporter offers cheap and flexible service from Calgary International Airport to the town of Banff.
• From Canmore: If you’re already in Canmore, you can just park there and take Route 3 on Roam Transit for a few dollars.

Parks Canada Entrance Fees

A National Park Pass is required to enter national parks in Canada, including Banff and Jasper National Park. It’s good for entry into all of Canada’s national parks.

You can purchase a Day Pass or an annual Discovery Pass. Here’s the price for adults:

• Day Pass: $10.50 per day
• Discovery Pass: $72.25 per year

You can buy a park pass online , at the park gate when you enter Banff National Park, or at the visitor Centers in Banff and Lake Louise.

The Park Pass doesn’t cover camping fees, backcountry permits, Banff shuttle fees, or day parking fees at Lake Louise.

The Best Time for a Banff to Jasper National Park Road Trip

The best time to take a Banff to Jasper road trip is June – September. These months have the nicest weather, longest days, and the most sunshine.

But be warned: this is the ultra-high season. Everything is super expensive and crowds around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are absolutely insane after about 8AM. However, this is my favorite time to visit Banff and we never really have a problem with the crowds on longer hikes or at lesser known spots.

Shoulder season in September and October is a great alternative with lower prices, fewer crowds, but still a fair chance of decent weather. Late September – early October is the best time to see the larches turn gold. However, many places in Jasper National Park are inaccessible between October – June, so do your research ahead of time.

The best time for winter activities is December – February.

Just be aware that many facilities close October – May, so double check before you go if there’s something specific on your to-do list.

The worst time for a Banff to Jasper road trip is early spring because attractions are mostly closed and the weather is still cold and unpredictable.

Tips for avoiding the crowds in Banff National Park

Be warned that with pretty views and striking alpine lakes come the crowds. Lots and lots of them.

So, mentally prepare yourself to share popular the most popular spots on this Banff itinerary – like Peyto Lake, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise – with literal hordes of tourists flooding off tour buses, wielding selfie sticks. Sometimes the crowds get so bad that it can be hard to enjoy the views.

The best advice I can give is to arrive early in the morning or wait until around sunset to visit these attractions.

If you’re more of an early riser, arriving before 8AM will definitely give you a head start on crowds and tour buses. Don’t forget that even in midsummer, the sun sets at 10PM so that’s also a good time to go explore the park without as many people.

Another great option is to visit in the shoulder season (late September – November), when there are far fewer crowds.

If all else fails, try venturing off the beaten path and opt for longer hikes instead – this will definitely help you escape the worst of the crowds.

You might like:  How to Find Secret Spots and Hidden Gems (9 Resources to Help You Find Adventure Off The Beaten Path)

What makes the water in Banff so blue?

One of the biggest draws to the Canadian Rockies is the unique color of the lakes and rivers. In Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Park, many of the lakes turn a brilliant opaque turquoise, appearing as though someone colored it with a crayon.

The color of the lake is surreal, but the explanation lies in the geology of the Rockies. Long ago, the Rockies were shaped by glacial activity. As they moved, the glaciers eroded rock underneath them, creating fine rock silt, which remains suspended in the water column. And it’s the sunlight reflecting off the rock silt in the water that creates the iconic water of the alpine lakes.

The water is at its bluest in the summer months, as the snow melting off the glaciers carries the glacial sediment into the lakes.

How much does a 1-week trip to Banff cost?

Banff National Park tops the list as Canada’s most expensive vacation destination. So, how much money will you need for 1 week in Banff?

On average, you should plan to spend about $170 per day in Banff National Park, which totals $1190 per person for a 7 Banff National Park itinerary. This does not include the price of flights and travel insurance.

The most expensive part of your Banff itinerary is going to be lodging and your rental car.

If you want the convenience of staying at a hotel in the middle of Banff, expect to pay for it. Hotels in Banff cost between $200 – 500 per night in the low season, while hostels run a little bit cheaper at about $100 per night. However, those same hotels skyrocket in price to $350-$800+ per night in the high season.

You can save a ton of money on lodging if you stay outside of Banff, even if it’s for a few days during your Banff itinerary. Check for lodging in Canmore for a mix of affordability and convenience.

The price of rental cars average roughly $80 per day in the low season and $160 per day in the high season. Save money by booking your car about 6 months in advance.

You can expect to spend about $20-$50 on a typical meal in Banff, with food prices being the highest in Banff town.

How much I spent on a 1 week Banff to Jasper road trip in early October

• Round trip flights to YYC: $262.44
• Travel insurance: $94
• Rental car: $57.32*
• Airbnb and hostels: $113.50*
• 1 night of car camping: $0
• Activities: $0
• Parks Canada Discovery Pass: $72.25
• Food: $187.89

GRAND TOTAL: $887.40 USD

*This total was for one person . It’s worth noting that the price of the rental car, gas, and Airbnb was split in half because there were two of us on the trip.

I’ve been to Banff several times and we chose to do this particular trip on an ultra shoe-string budget. To save as much money as possible, we didn’t treat ourselves to any splurge stays, fancy meals, or paid tours.

To keep the cost of lodging down, we stayed in hostel dorms and booked a very small Airbnb in Cochrane, which was about an hour from Banff. We also spent 1 night car camping for free at the Saskatchewan Border Crossing on the Icefields Parkway.

For food, we stocked up on groceries at Save-On-Foods before we got to Banff, which included everything we needed to make lunch almost every day – plus snacks, fruit, and protein bars. We signed up for the grocery story club card which gave us a pretty good discount.

Did you find this 1 Week Banff Itinerary and Travel Guide helpful? Let me know in the comments!

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Jasper National Park

Planning a trip to Jasper National Park

Planning a Trip to Jasper National Park? I can’t wait to help you create an itinerary!

I live in Banff (Jasper’s southern neighbour) and make fairly frequent trips to Jasper. In this guide I’ll point out all my favourite things to do in Jasper, the best places to stay, the best Jasper eats, and I’ll give you a whole bunch of tips for planning the perfect itinerary.

Don’t forget to check out these incredible places in the Rockies too:

• Banff National Park
• Waterton Lakes National Park
• Yoho National Park
• Kananaskis Country

How to Get to Jasper

Jasper National Park is located in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. The Park is situated 4 hours from the closest major city, which really gives the town that “wilderness” vibe.

As you plan your trip to Jasper, it’s important to factor in how you’ll get there. If you’re flying into Alberta, your best options are to:

• Fly into Edmonton (EIA), rent a car , and drive the 4 hours to Jasper.
• Fly into Calgary (YYC), spend a day or two in Banff , rent a car and drive the 3.5 hour Icefields Parkway to the town of Jasper.

If you have the time I’d totally recommend flying into Calgary and driving the Icefields Parkway to Jasper. The Parkway is actually rated as one of the most beautiful drives in the world! Along the way you’ll discover the bluest alpine lakes, countless glaciers, waterfalls, and so many mountains and hiking trails.

Rather than driving the Parkway from Banff, you could instead take a guided one-way tour from Banff to Jasper . These tours are led by a guide who will point out key stops and landmarks along the way. Plus, you can focus on the mountains rather than the road!

Make sure you grab a National Park Pass if you plan on driving. You’ll need a pass for each day you’re in the Park.

Best Time to Visit Jasper

The most popular time of year to visit Jasper is undoubtedly summer, however each season in Jasper offers something a little different. I was fortunate enough to experience each season when I lived in the Rockies and I can confirm – there are incredible activities year round in Jasper you’ll love!

There are a million factors that influence weather and temperature in Jasper, however here’s generally what you can expect month-by-month:

Summer Months in Jasper

• June  – snowcapped peaks, warming up in town, ice starts melting on lakes, hiking season begins for lower elevation trails.
• July/August  – most of the snow up in the mountains melts late July/early August. This is the best time of year for hiking, backpacking, and any type of water-based activity in Jasper. You can also find wildflowers in Jasper during these months; more on wildflowers  here . The only downfall to visiting Jasper during the summer are the huge crowds of tourists. Things can get prettyyyy crowded; but nothing like how crowded Banff gets in the summer.

Fall in Jasper

• September  – September is typically still great for hiking (maybe not for big summits), and backpacking; although you’ll want to plan your trips earlier in September before temperatures drop at night. September is also Larch season (fall colours).
• October  – October is a bit of a mixed bag. If the Rockies experience a warm(er) season, you can expect lots of outdoor activities to still be “do-able.” However if the Rockies experience a cold(er) season, October sucks  huge . It’s cold, grey, and semi-snowy. All you can do is wait for ski season to start.

Winter in Jasper

• November/December  – the start of Jasper’s 6 month ski season (yes 6 months)! Snow conditions are variable during the beginning of ski season, however Marmot Basin is typically suitable for riding at this time. December is also the best month to skate on Jasper’s frozen lakes before they’re covered in snow. 
• January/February  – These are the 2 coldest months in Jasper, but they feature the most pow (ideal for skiers) and the most whiteout days (not ideal for skiers). There’s also normally a 1-2 week cold snap in January where temperatures consistently drop to -30 and lower.
• March/April/May  – spring skiing! You can expect variable temperatures/conditions, however closer to May you’ll have consistent icy mornings and slushy afternoons up on the slopes. May marks the beginning of early hiking season. If you want to experience Jasper in winter but aren’t a skier or snowboarder, visit in March. Temperatures will be a bit warmer, but you’ll still see the sparkly snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

Things to do in Jasper

Jasper is a little more off-the-beaten path than the world famous Banff National Park . If you’re planning a trip to Jasper you can expect to find glaciers, vibrant alpine lakes, lots of trails, and beautiful places to explore. I’ve created this detailed guide outlining everything to do in Jasper, but here are my favourite things:

Best Things to do

• Hiking (more about this next)
• Cliff jumping at Horseshoe Lake
• Rent kayaks on Maligne Lake or Pyramid Lake
• Multi-day canoe trip (my FAV jasper adventure)
• Go on a wildlife watching tour
• Watch sunset from Maligne Lookout point

My Favourite Places to Eat

• Bear Paw Bakery (they make the BEST raspberry cheesecake scones)
• Scoops & Loops ice cream
• Jasper Pizza (great sangria)
• Jasper Brew co (craft beer/pub food)
• Maligne Lake and Spirit Island boat cruise
• Edith Cavell and Angel Glacier
• These 7 alpine lakes
• Mountaintop views from the Jasper Skytram

Winter Activities

• Maligne Canyon ice walk
• Skate on Jasper’s wild ice – you can rent skates at Pyramid Lake
• Ski at Marmot Basin (see my list for the top 6 ski resorts in Alberta here ).

More: 9 Best Things to do in Jasper National Park

Drive the Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is the highway that connects Banff and Jasper. This stretch of road is an absolute mecca for outdoor adventurers looking for hiking trails, alpine lakes, wildlife, and beautiful views. If you’re visiting the Canadian Rockies, the Icefields Parkway is a bucket-list MUST!

Chances are if you’re visiting Jasper you’re also visiting Banff , SO you might as well plan to take a day (or two or three) exploring all the sights, hiking trails, glaciers, and beauty that exists between these two National Parks. After all, this drive is rated as one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

In this guide I go over literally everything you can do along the Parkway. This post is 7000+ words of recommendations, driving tips, must-see pitstops, accommodation recommendations, and so much more.

Explore Tours in Jasper

Tour companies in Jasper offer some pretty incredible adventures. You can walk on glaciers, raft down gushing alpine rivers, bike through the mountains or spot elusive Rocky Mountain wildlife.

Hiking in Jasper

Jasper offers plenty of world class hiking from big summits to relaxing nature walks. Here are my 3 favourite hikes in Jasper National Park:

More: Hiking in Jasper National Park

1. Maligne Canyon

If you’re planning a trip to Jasper, make sure Maligne Canyon is on your bucket list. This is the most popular hike in Jasper that features gushing rapids during the summer and massive frozen waterfalls in the winter. The hike itself is short and is suitable for all ability levels.

More: Maligne Canyon Trail Guide

2. Sulphur Skyline

Sulphur Skyline is my favourite hike in Jasper. It’s a moderate hike that features dramatic views of the surrounding mountain peaks and valleys. It’s definitely a bit of a challenge, but worth the effort and then some!

More: Sulphur Skyline Trail Guide

3. Valley of the Five Lakes

Valley of the Five Lakes is located just off the Icefields Parkway right before the town of Jasper. This is an easy hike suitable for all ability levels and families that features 5 sparkling blue alpine lakes.

More: Valley of the Five Lakes

Where to Stay in Jasper

If you’re planning a trip to Jasper, you have lots of accommodations to choose from. Ranging from luxury cabins to campgrounds, here are the best accommodations in Jasper for every budget:

• Budget hotels in Jasper  – Jasper Gates Resort , Overlander Mountain Lodge
• Mid-range   hotels in Jasper : Tonquin Inn , Whistler’s Inn , Lobstick Lodge , Astoria Hotel , Sawridge Inn
• Luxury   hotels in Jasper : Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge , Pyramid Lake Resort , Mount Robson Inn
• Cheapest accommodation options : camp at Wapiti or Whistler’s campground ( camping info ). Alternatively stay at one of Jasper’s hostels; Jasper Downtown hostel or HI Jasper .
• Best cabins in Jasper : Miette Mountain cabins , Tekarra Lodge , Patricia Lake Bungalows , Jasper East Cabins
• See all Jasper lodging options here

Packing Guide for Jasper

Jasper is located in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. If you’ve been to the mountains before, you know mountain weather can change on a dime. For this reason, it’s imperative that you’re prepared for the elements. This is especially true if you’re planning to hike.

The best piece of advice I can give you is to pack layers: always. bring. a. jacket.

I’m going to break down what to pack for Jasper into 3 categories: hiking, summer and winter. Honestly the seasons you get in between summer and winter are so short, I’m not even considering them seasons.

Jasper Packing List: Hiking 

I’ve created a few guides that outline everything you need to know for hiking in The Rockies. The following posts outline the best clothes for hiking, the best gear for hiking, and allllll the gear you need for a multi-night backcountry camping trip:

• What to Wear Hiking in the Rockies 
• Hiking Gear Guide 
• Backcountry Gear Guide 

A few of my favourite items for hiking in the Rockies are:

• Waterproof jacket  ( men’s version )
• Puffer jacket  ( men’s version )
• Trekking poles 
• Hydration reservoir 
• Smartwool socks 

Jasper Packing List: Summer

Packing for summer in Jasper can be a tricky one. I spent 2 summers in Banff (Jasper’s southern neighbour); one summer was  freezing  and I wore shorts maybe twice. The second summer I spent in Banff was HOT. I wore shorts and tank tops for months.

I’d recommend packing:

• A (one) cute summery outfit, maybe 2. Leave the heels and fancy clothes at home! This is an outdoor destination, after all.
• Versatile summer clothing you can layer with;  ie . cardigans or a zip fleece (I like  this one  for travel/ men’s version )
• A jacket; I have my top picks for jackets  here
• Pants; either hiking pants (my  favourite pants / men’s version ), durable leggings, or jeans 
• Hiking boots (I use  these / men’s version ) or  trail runners
• Thin gloves ( I use these / men’s version )
• A toque/baseball cap
• A good day-pack (I use  this one / men’s version )

Always check the weather before your trip and plan accordingly.

Jasper Packing List: Winter

Winter in Jasper is obviously cold (but dry cold). I’d recommend bringing a full winter set up (warm coat/snow pants), boots, as well as merino base layers and a warm toque. Additionally, a few of my favourite winter accessories and pieces of gear for Banff are:

• Ski mittens (I use  these / men’s version )
• Soft-shell pants  ( men’s version ); these are perfect for winter hiking, sightseeing, etc.
• Thermal socks 
• Ski socks 
• Winter hiking gear :  micro-spikes  and  gaiters

If you’re planning to ski in Jasper, make sure you bring extra clothes for layering as well as a  buff  or  balaclava .

Extend Your Trip to Jasper

Explore my trip planners for other destinations in the Canadian Rockies:

Banff National Park: A Step by Step Guide

1 Day in Yoho

Ultimate Guide to Waterton Lakes National Park

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About The Author

HI, I’m Taylor – the voice behind The Holistic Backpacker.

After moving to Banff National Park in 2020 I became an outdoor adventure enthusiast and vowed to never stop exploring.

I now spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, and spending nights under the stars in the Canadian Rockies backcountry.

I created The Holistic Backpacker so I could share my adventures and help connect people like you with the same amazing experiences.

GET TO KNOW ME | WORK WITH ME

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3 Days in Jasper: The Ultimate Jasper Itinerary

The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is an alpine wilderness. Spanning more than 11,000 square km, Jasper National park has a natural and untouched beauty. I first visited Jasper in May 2018 with my sister. We spent 3 days in Jasper exploring glaciers and canyons, canoeing on the alpine lakes, and hiking rugged backcountry trails.

Since then, I’ve been back twice and have been lucky enough to explore even more of this beautiful national park. I’ve put together this 3-day Jasper itinerary to give you a taste of what awaits in Jasper National Park.

At the end of the article you’ll find all the information you need to help you plan your own trip. This includes how to get to Jasper, where to stay, as well as practical information such as safety tips.

Please note: This post contains some affiliate links which means if you follow a link and end up making a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks in advance for supporting my blog – Steph

IN THIS GUIDE

3 days in jasper itinerary.

• Getting to Jasper
• The best time to visit Jasper
• Where to stay
• 3-Day Jasper itinerary
• Hiking Trails in Jasper

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAN YOUR TRIP

How to get to jasper.

If you’re flying to Canada, the two closest international airports to Jasper are Edmonton and Calgary. You could also fly in to Vancouver but it’s further away. Edmonton and Calgary airports are still 4 to 5 hours away from Jasper so you have two options:

The easiest way to get to Jasper is to hire a car and drive. The drive from Calgary International Airport (YYC) takes just under 5 hours and takes you along the Icefields Parkway. It’s a very scenic drive and there are lots of beautiful places to stop along the way. From Edmonton International Airport (YEG), the drive is just under 4 hours.

I personally use Auto Europe as they have great rates. You can compare all the major companies in a grid format that shows the prices for different car sizes by provider. If you need any help, their 24/7 customer service is very good. Click below to check prices in your home currency.

You’ll need to buy a Parks Pass which contributes to the upkeep of the parks. There are ticket booths along the highway and at the park entrance where you can purchase one so you don’t need to worry about buying it online in advance. You can find more information on the Parks Canada website.

If you’re travelling to Jasper between October and April, make sure you have winter tires and your car is prepared for the cold weather conditions.

Getting to Jasper from Edmonton : Sundog Tours  offers daily shuttle buses between Edmonton, Edson, Hinton and Jasper. Buses depart Edmonton International Airport at 3.15pm and arrive in Jasper at 8pm. You can also get picked up in downtown Edmonton. A one way ticket costs $99 for an adult and $49 for children.

Getting to Jasper from Banff : There isn’t any public transportation to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway but shuttle services are available.  Brewster Express  runs a daily service from 1st May to mid-October and then  Sundog Tours  takes over from mid-October to May. Sundog Tours operates on Mondays, Thursday and Saturdays. They can drop you off at most of the hotels in Jasper, including the  Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge ,  Chateau Jasper ,  Maligne Lodge ,  Marmot Lodge ,  Mount Robson Inn  and  The Crimson . A one way ticket from Banff to Jasper costs $79 for an adult and $39 for children.

Best time to do this Jasper itinerary

Jasper is a wonderful destination all year. In the summer months (July to September), the lakes are a brilliant turquoise colour, the meadows are filled with wild flowers, and most of the hiking trails are open. It’s a popular time to visit so accommodation can be more expensive and you’ll need to book certain attractions like the Maligne Lake Cruise and Jasper SkyTram in advance to guarantee a spot. That being said, Jasper never feels as busy as Banff and you’ll still be able to enjoy the trails peacefully.

From October to April, Jasper becomes a winter wonderland. Although many of the hiking trails and attractions shut in October, there is still plenty to do. From exploring the frozen lakes and waterfalls, to cross country skiing and snow shoeing. The Icefields Parkway is open year-round; however, all services (restaurants, accommodation and the only fuel station) are closed from November to April. There is also a lot of snow clearing and maintenance on the highway which sometimes results in temporary closures.

Where to stay in Jasper

Jasper has a variety of accommodation to suit different budgets and tastes. Here are the places I’ve stayed on my last 3 trips to Jasper which I would highly recommend.

BOOKING YOUR TRIP  / If you book your trip via my hotel links I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps me keep this blog running. Thank you – Steph.

Fairmont jasper park lodge.

Located on the shores of Lac Beauvert,  Jasper Park Lodge   promises a luxury mountain getaway. The resort is made up of cozy log cabins set over 700 acres, and is also home to an award-winning golf course and a luxurious spa. The hospitality is impeccable and the staff go out of their way to make your stay unforgettable.

CHATEAU JASPER

Located in the town just off Connaught Drive,  Chateau Jasper  is a short walk from the shops and restaurants. It’s an environmentally friendly hotel and has a modern gym, indoor pool, and a hot tub. Wifi is included and the rooms are very comfortable.

MALIGNE LODGE

Maligne Lodge  is located on the outskirts of the town and is a more affordable option if you plan to spend 3 days in Jasper during the peak summer months. It has good facilities in the room and also benefits from a sauna, indoor pool, and outdoor hot tub. 

THE ULTIMATE 3-DAY JASPER ITINERARY

With an abundance of alpine lakes, jagged peaks, rushing waterfalls, and local wildlife, it’s easy to see why Jasper National Park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I’ve been to Jasper three times over the past two years, both for leisure and for work, so I’ve created this guide to share my recommendations.

Whether you’re already planning a trip or are just curious to know what makes this national park so special, this Jasper itinerary will give you some ideas on how to spend 3 days in Jasper National Park.

At the end of the itinerary you’ll find a map with all of the places listed here. To save the map to “Your Places” in Google Maps, just click on the star on the right hand side of the title.

Day 1: Explore the town of Jasper and its neighbouring lakes

The rustic town of Jasper is nestled in the heart of the national park surrounded by soaring mountains. It’s less commercial than its neighbour Banff and you feel like more of a local than a tourist as you walk around the town. Take some time on your first day to stroll around the quaint streets and browse the shops, before leaving the town to explore Lake Annette and Lake Edith.

LAKE ANNETTE AND LAKE EDITH

These two lakes are located 8.1 km from the town centre. You can drive to the parking lot which sits between the two lakes in 11 minutes, or if you prefer, you can walk instead. It takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to walk to the lakes but it’s an incredibly picturesque walk through the woods and along the Athabasca River. My sister and I walked there and although it’s a long walk, it’s very peaceful walking along the river and is a lovely way to see more of Jasper National Park.

The trail is frequented by wildlife so be mindful as you walk along the river. Elk are often seen near the river banks and can be aggressive, especially in spring as they are protecting their new born calves, and also in autumn during the rut (mating) season. If you do encounter them, do not approach them, give them plenty of space, and change your path if need be. I’ve written more later in this guide and you can read more on the  Parks Canada  website.

Both lakes offer stunning panoramic views of the majestic snow-capped Rocky Mountains. On a still day the mountains are reflected perfectly in the turquoise water which is an incredible sight. 

PYRAMID LAKE AND PATRICIA LAKE

In the afternoon, drive up to Pyramid Lake. Situated just 5 km from the town of Jasper, Pyramid Lake is one of many small lakes which were left behind by the retreating glaciers in the Pyramid Bench area. It’s a very picturesque lake and is a popular spot for fishing and canoeing.

If your legs aren’t too tired after this morning’s long walk, take a gentle stroll around the lakeshore trail and you’ll find the wooden foot bridge that Pyramid Lake has become famous for. The footbridge leads to a small island and has become a popular spot for photos!

Patricia Lake is located right next to Pyramid Lake so you don’t have to venture far to see another of Jasper’s pretty lakes.

If you have time during your Jasper itinerary and the weather conditions are just right, both lakes are a great place for stargazing. Jasper National Park is actually the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world at 11,000 sq. km so there are plenty of opportunities for astrophotography during your 3 days in Jasper. On a clear night, you may even be lucky enough to see the aurora borealis!

Day 2: Take the Jasper SkyTram and relax at Lac Beauvert

Start your day by riding the Jasper SkyTram up Whistlers Mountain to explore one of Jasper’s most accessible alpine environments.

JASPER SKYTRAM

Located just 7 km from the town centre, Jasper SkyTram is the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada and offers easy access to some beautiful hiking trails.

The SkyTram climbs 2,263 metres in less than 10 minutes and gives you a brand new perspective of Jasper National Park. Depending on weather conditions, it usually operates from May until October when it closes for the season. Tickets cost $52 for adults and $27.50 for children aged 6 to 15 years old. 

The panoramic views from the top are staggering. The Summit Trail to the peak of Whistler’s Mountain offers unobstructed 360-degree views of the alpine ranges, including Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. It’s a sight that can’t be missed during your 3 days in Jasper.

Grab some lunch at the Summit Restaurant on the second floor of the upper station before taking the SkyTram back down and heading to Lac Beauvert.

LAC BEAUVERT AND JASPER PARK LODGE

Spend the afternoon relaxing at the picture-perfect Lac Beauvert which is located next to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. 

There is a scenic walking trail around the emerald green lake and through the wooded grounds. There are lots of viewing decks along the trail which offer a nice place to sit and soak up the rugged mountain vistas. If you have time explore some of the other trails around the resort which take you past Mildred Lake and along the Athabasca River.

No Jasper itinerary would be complete without at least one day of fun on Jasper’s crystal clear lakes. Canoeing at Lac Beauvert was a magical experience and of my favourite memories from my first trip to Jasper with my sister. You can rent kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, and stand-up paddle boards from the  boathouse  during the summer months which is a lovely way to explore this beautiful glacier-fed lake.

Day 3: Discover Maligne Lake, Spirit Island, and Maligne Canyon

If you have 3 days in Jasper, don’t miss the chance to visit Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon, two of the most beautiful places in Jasper National Park.   

Both the lake and the canyon are located down the picturesque Maligne Lake Road. The road cuts through quite a remote part of Jasper National Park so it’s a great place to spot local wildlife. Make sure you drive slowly and keep your camera nearby as it’s not uncommon to see elk, bears, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. On our Banff and Jasper road trip in October, I actually saw my first moose on Maligne Lake Road which was an amazing experience!  

MALIGNE LAKE

Stretching approximately 22 km, Maligne Lake is the longest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, and the second largest glacier-fed lake in the world. Set against a back-drop of snow-capped mountains, it’s a photographer’s paradise.

The water is too cold for swimming but you can hire canoes and kayaks from the Curly Philips boathouse and paddle on the lake’s gorgeous jade blue waters. There are also plenty of hiking trails along the lake and around the surrounding area. The easiest trail is the Mary Shaffer Loop (3.2 km) which follows the path along the lake shore and offers panoramic views of the mountain ranges.

Maligne Lake is also home to one of the most photographed spots in Jasper National Park: Spirit Island. The island is a spiritual place for the Stoney Nakoda First Nation and is only accessible by boat. You can canoe or kayak to Spirit Island which takes 5 – 8 hours, or you can book a 90-minute  Maligne Lake Cruise  which takes you directly to Spirit Island. Once you reach Spirit Island, you can disembark and follow the short nature trail which leads to some lovely viewpoints. 

The boat cruises run from June until early October. As it’s really the only way to get to Spirit Island, these tours do sell out quickly. Make sure you book in advance if you’re thinking of doing this during your 3 days in Jasper.

The great thing about buying them through  Get Your Guide  is that you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund. You can also reserve in advance and pay later.

MALIGNE CANYON

Once you’ve explored Maligne Lake, drive back down the road to Maligne Canyon and spend the afternoon walking around the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park. There is a network of self-guided interpretive trails which lead you through the canyon and explain the geological history.

It’s a beautiful trail which offers incredible views looking down into the canyon. It’s a fairly accessible trail which crosses over 6 bridges. The 6 th  bridge is quite a long hike and can be difficult in places. If you are looking for a gentle stroll, the first and second bridges are not too far and offer wonderful views of the canyon’s powerful waterfalls.

When I went in October, the weather was beginning to change and we even had a light dusting of snow. The canyon is impressive all year-round, but maybe even more so in winter when the water freezes, creating giant frozen waterfalls, icy caverns, and incredible ice formations.

If you have 3 days in Jasper in winter then this should definitely be on our Jasper itinerary. You can join a  guided Ice Walk tour . This 3-hour tour covers about 3.5 km of the canyon’s trails and is mainly downhill. Sundog Tours provides all of the gear you need and will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Jasper.

ATHABASCA FALLS

If you have time after exploring Maligne Canyon, I’d highly recommend driving to Athabasca Falls which is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies.

The falls are located 33 km from Jasper along the Icefields Parkway. This highway is one of the most scenic drives in the world and stretches 232km from Jasper to Lake Louise in Banff National Park. It passes through sweeping valleys, jagged mountain peaks, glaciers, and icefields. Depending on where you are coming from, you may end up driving the Icefields Parkway to get to Jasper. I’ve written a  detailed guide  about the Icefields Parkway, which includes all the best stops and attractions along the way.

When you arrive at Athabasca Falls, you can explore the interpretive trail along the boardwalks. There are lots of viewing platforms where you can witness the sheer power of the falls and get some incredible photos.

Hiking Trails in Jasper National Park

From lakeshore strolls to alpine hikes, Jasper National Park has a vast network of  hiking trails . If you want to extend your Jasper itinerary and spend longer exploring the national park, here are a few hikes you may want to try:

EDITH CAVELL (8.5 KM ROUNDTRIP)

This is a beautiful hike that takes you to a viewpoint overlooking the Angel Glacier and Cavell Pond. It continues to climb uphill over the rocky terrain through the subalpine forest before reaching the meadows. During the summer, these meadows are covered with colourful wildflowers. This trail is usually closed from October until mid-July until it dries out.

VALLEY OF THE 5 LAKES (4.5 KM LOOP)

This trail is a nice gradual walk with minimal elevation gain. You’ll pass by five different coloured lakes, all of which are a unique shade of blue and green. On a calm day, the surrounding mountains and pine trees are reflected perfectly on the water which makes for some beautiful photos.

WILCOX PASS (9.3 KM ROUNDTRIP)

This is one of the more moderate hiking trails in Jasper but it offers incredible views of the peaks and glaciers on the eastern side of the Columbia Icefield (see the photo below). The first kilometre is quite steep but it does level out. If you don’t fancy doing the whole trail you can just hike to the first viewpoint which is only a 2.4 km roundtrip. The area is frequented by bighorn sheep in the meadows so be alert.

JASPER ITINERARY LOCATIONS 

Here are the locations of the places listed above. You can save the map by clicking on the star next to the title so you can use it to plan your own Jasper itinerary.

3 Days in Jasper FRequently Asked Questions

Can you get around jasper without a car.

At 10,878 square kilometres, getting around Jasper without a car can be challenging but it’s not impossible. There are plenty of hiking trails which start close to the town, such as the Valley of the Five Lakes Loop and Pyramid Trail. You also have the option of hiring bikes and cycling around Jasper National Park which is a nice thing to do in the summer months.  

Although the town of Jasper is quite compact, many attractions are located further away from the town. Jasper doesn’t have a public transit system like Banff so if you want to visit some of the popular places like Maligne Lake or Jasper Skytram , you will need to book a tour or shuttle bus service. Fortunately, there are lots of great, affordable options and the guides are very knowledgeable so it’s actually a lovely way to explore Jasper without a car.  

I spent a lot of time researching how to visit many of the sights in Jasper without a car before my first trip. It wasn’t easy to find the information for some places so I’ve put together a complete guide with all the details to save you the time and hassle!

Can you hire bikes in Jasper?

You can hire bikes to explore Jasper and the surrounding area. Bike rentals are available in several shops located in the town, including  Source for Sports  and  Vicious Cycle .

What wildlife is there in Jasper National Park?

It is very likely that you will come across wildlife during your 3 days in Jasper. Many of the places on this Jasper itinerary are in the wild so you need to take certain precautions and make sure you are fully prepared.

Jasper has a large elk population and the river banks are a popular grazing ground. Whilst they are usually harmless, May to June is the spring calving season and female elk can be aggressive as they are defending their young. Look out for any lone females and avoid them as they may be guarding a young calf hidden in the trees.

During my first time in Jasper National Park we saw 5 black bears and one grizzly bear with 3 cubs. It was an incredible experience but fortunately it was from afar. Bears can be very dangerous so use common sense and make sure you know exactly  what to do if you come across a bear  to that you don’t endanger the bear or yourself. Make lots of noise when hiking to alert them to your presence and always carry bear spray and make sure you know how to use it safely.

Final Thoughts on this 3-day Jasper itinerary

Jasper has such a natural and rugged beauty and is one of my favourite places to explore. There is so much to see but even if you only have 3 days in Jasper, you can still cover a lot in a short space of time.

I hope you found this blog post helpful. If you’re looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Canadian Rockies, check out the following guides:

• A guide to Banff National Park
• Where to find the best photo spots in Banff National Park
• Driving the Icefields Parkway: Everything you need to know

Love from Steph

Save for later.

PLAN FOR THE CANADIAN ROCKIES WITH THESE GUIDES

The Best Photo Spots in Banff National Park

The most incredible things to do in Jasper in winter

The best things to do in Banff in winter

Everything you need to know about visiting Banff National Park in winter

15 stunning stops for your Icefields Parkway Itinerary

The ultimate Vancouver to Banff Road Trip Itinerary

2 thoughts on “3 days in jasper: the ultimate jasper itinerary”.

We are planning to visit Jasper and come down to the Icefields, Lake Louise, Banff and Calgary and returning to Vancouver. Your information is great, because I will be driving from a city call Chilliwack, BC directly to Jasper and return by Calgary. Thank you for your blog is one of the best one I have read so far. By the way love your name, same as my daughter’s name

Thanks so much for the kind words Eloisa! The drive from Chilliwack to Jasper will be lovely. I’m actually hoping to get back to Chilliwack soon to do some more of the gorgeous hikes there!

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One Day in Jasper National Park, AB – The Best Jasper Attractions

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (for which I am deeply grateful) at no additional cost to you.

Spending one day in Jasper is the perfect way to get a glimpse into the largest national park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Jasper National Park has a ton of amazing things to do: amazing hiking , beautiful alpine lakes, and stunning views, with smaller crowds than Banff National Park . 

If you want to see everything that it has to offer, consider spending more than 1 day in Jasper so you can see everything there is to do here.

But, if you only have one day to spend, you can still see some of the highlights of this beautiful place: Maligne Canyon, Maligne Lake, and even Spirit Island. In this article, we’ll explore the top things to do with 1 day in Jasper!

Where to Stay in Jasper 

Most hotels in Jasper are a short drive from Downtown, which means no matter what hotel you choose you’ll most likely be in the perfect place to explore! 

For a budget hotel, check out the Athabasca Hotel . It is located right in Downtown Jasper, with free parking and an onsite restaurant. 

If you’re looking for mid-range hotels, The Crimson is a modern hotel with an indoor hot tub and indoor pool, and it’s a 5 minute walk from the center of town. They also have on site dining and pet friendly rooms available.

Luxury hotels in Jasper are located a little farther from downtown, but are still only a short drive away. The Jasper Fairmont Park Lodge is the best luxury hotel in Jasper, located in its own little oasis on Lac Beauvert, with beautiful grounds to explore, an indoor/outdoor pool, and a restaurant on site. You are also able to rent canoes from their boathouse on Lac Beauvert, and there’s a golf course and a spa at this hotel as well. 

Jasper 1 Day Itinerary

This Jasper itinerary is focused on things to do in Jasper during the summertime (late June – early September). In summer, the sun rises earlier and sets later in the day, meaning there are more hours of daylight to explore and fit everything in that you want to see!

And although it is a beautiful place to visit year-round, some roads close down due to avalanche risk in the winter. 

Because there is no public transportation in Jasper National Park, you will need access to your own vehicle in order to get around.

Morning Hike

Hiking is a big reason visitors come to Jasper during the summertime. There are so many amazing hikes to do, but with 1 day in Jasper, spending your morning doing a smaller, half-day hike is best.

Best half day hikes in Jasper:

• Old Fort Point: The Old Fort Point trail will give you a great, bird’s eye view of the Town of Jasper, the Athabasca River, and the surrounding landscapes of the National Park. It is a loop style, 3.7km hike with 173m of elevation. The trailhead is located right near Downtown Jasper, making this the perfect place to start your day.
• Valley of the 5 Lakes: Hiking the Valley of the 5 Lakes is another great choice for a half-day hike in Jasper. On this hike, you’ll visit 5 different alpine lakes, each one a green-blue colour. This trail is also a loop-style, with 163m of elevation gain over 4.8km. Make sure to bring your swimsuit if you want to swim in Lake #5!

If you’re not interested in hiking but still want amazing views, the Jasper SkyTram is the perfect option. Take the gondola to the top of Whistler’s Mountain where you’ll find an incredible bird’s eye view of Jasper National Park, as well as a restaurant and interpretive boardwalks you can explore. 

One other option if you’re not wanting to hike, is to take a mini road trip and drive part of the Icefields Parkway. The two stops you cannot miss are Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls!

If you leave early in the day, you may also have time to stop at the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, although it is just over an hour drive from Downtown Jasper.

Maligne Canyon 

Next, head to Maligne Lake Road and stop at Maligne Canyon, the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park! Here, you’ll explore waterfalls and see the Maligne River running through and carving up the sides of the canyon.

As you explore, you’ll walk through the forest along the edge of Maligne Canyon, being able to peer down into it as you go. There are 6 different bridges you’ll cross for different views of the canyon below. 

Certain bird species live in the walls of the canyon as well – so make sure to keep an eye out and see if you can spot them. 

The parking lot here is quite large, complete with pit toilets and a restaurant, Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen, if you get hungry. 

Entry into Maligne Canyon is free, meaning you can park in the lot and set out on your adventure whenever you’re ready!

Medicine Lake

After exploring Maligne Canyon, continue down Maligne Lake Road. This road is known for wildlife, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled and respect the speed limit while driving. 

During your drive, you’ll start to notice the forest change into somewhat of a dead forest. A forest fire ran through the area around Medicine Lake back in 2015, burning the area and leaving it how it looks today.

You’ll start to notice some regrowth, with a green forest floor amongst the dead trees, and in the summer you’ll notice purple flowers as well. The purple flowers are called fireweed, and are some of the first flowers to grow in an area that has been affected by forest fires. 

Continue driving through the burnt forest until you see a large lake with a small parking lot you can turn into. This is Medicine Lake! Stop here to stretch your legs, take some photos, and explore the lakeshore for a bit before continuing further down the road to Maligne Lake. 

Maligne Lake

This lake cannot be missed during your 1 day in Jasper. It is one of the prettiest lakes in Jasper and is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies.

Maligne Lake is the perfect place to explore for amazing photos, great hikes, and even to go canoeing and kayaking. There is also a patio at the lakeshore where you can get drinks and food called The View, as well as the Lakehouse Cafe and the Waffle Hut!

To rent a canoe or kayak , head to the Maligne Lake Boathouse and spend some time on the water for an amazing experience. You can rent the canoe or kayak by the hour, or by the day.

For an awesome photo opportunity, whether or not you rent a canoe, make sure to head over to the boat launch where there are docks that look great in pictures and are a nice place to take in some of the views. 

Maligne Lake also has multiple day hikes you can do. Some are easy and are perfect for exploring more of the lakeshore, and some are more challenging, but will give you incredible bird’s eye views of the lake. 

Hikes at Maligne Lake:

• Mary Schaffer Loop: Rated easy, this loop is 3.2km long with 84m of elevation gain. On this hike you’ll explore the Eastern side of the lake, with the best part being the Mary Schaffer viewpoint about halfway through the hike. This viewpoint will give you another view of Maligne Lake with less crowds compared to the lakeshore. You’ll need just under an hour to complete the entire loop.
• Moose Lake Loop: To explore the Western side of Maligne Lake, take Moose Lake Loop: a moderate, 2.7km loop hike with 144m of elevation gain. This hike will take you through the forest to Moose Lake, and takes around 1 hour to complete.
• Opal Hills: If you have time for a longer, more difficult hike, Opal Hills is a great choice. It’s rated as hard, with 517m of elevation gain over 8 km. It usually takes just over 3 hours to complete and is quite steep! Once you get above the treeline you’ll come to a pretty meadow and have nice views of Maligne Lake and the Maligne Lake Road. 
• Bald Hills: One of the hardest hikes in the Maligne Lake area, Bald Hills is rated as hard, with 780m of elevation gain over 15 km. This hike typically takes just over 5 hours to complete, so with only 1 day in Jasper you most likely will not have time to fit this hike in. I still wanted to mention it though, as it does have incredible views and is a great hike to do if you ever return to Jasper!

Spirit Island Boat Cruise

One final thing to do in Jasper is to journey to Spirit Island – a popular photo spot on Maligne Lake that has important ties to the Indigenous Peoples of Alberta.

Spirit Island is only accessible by boat, meaning to get to Spirit Island , you’ll need to either paddle yourself there or take a Maligne Lake Cruise Tour to the island. 

Spirit Island is about 14 km away from the Maligne Lake lakeshore, so with limited time in Jasper, you can only really see it by booking the tour there. For the best lighting in photos, taking the cruise in the late afternoon/early evening is your best bet. 

The boat cruise is usually around a 1.5 hour journey, with 15 minutes at the Spirit Island viewpoint. Because Spirit Island has fragile alpine vegetation and is culturally significant, you are not allowed to walk on Spirit Island, and instead can only admire it from the viewpoint.

Other Must Visit Places in Jasper

If you have more time to explore Jasper National Park, here are some other spots you can visit:

• Pyramid Lake and Pyramid Island: This is a popular spot in Jasper to watch the sunrise, canoe, and ice skate in the wintertime. There is also a web of hiking trails in the forest around Pyramid Lake. Pyramid Island on the Lake is a popular spot for photographers, as the bridge connecting the Island to the mainland is stunning. It’s also a common spot to get married!
• Patricia Lake: For another easy hike, explore the Patricia Lake Loop that starts at this lake, or hang out at the water’s edge and go for a swim. You can also scuba dive and fish at this lake as well.
• Lake Annette and Lake Edith: These 2 lakes are side by side and are the perfect place to spend time swimming and stand up paddle boarding in Jasper.
• Jasper SkyTram: Take the SkyTram to the top of Whistler’s Mountain for the best views of Jasper National Park and to explore the top of a mountain!
• Canoeing at Jasper Park Lodge: Rent a canoe and spend some time on picturesque Lac Beauvert with one of the most beautiful hotels in the Rockies in the background.

One Day in Jasper Summary

One day in Jasper is just enough time to scratch the surface and explore the highlights of this stunning national park. If you’re able to though, I would highly recommend setting aside more time to really do this park justice and explore everything it has to offer! 

To make the most out of one day, start your day off with a hike to either Old Fort Point or the Valley of the 5 Lakes. Old Fort Point will give you a great bird’s eye view, but Valley of the 5 Lakes will give you amazing scenery of 5 stunning lakes in Jasper. 

After your hike, make your way to Maligne Canyon, where you’ll explore Jasper’s deepest canyon, complete with amazing waterfalls and beautiful views. Then, continue down Maligne Lake Road to drive through a burnt forest and visit the incredible Medicine Lake. 

Finish off your day at Maligne Lake where you can choose to hike, canoe, or take a boat tour to beautiful Spirit Island.

There are so many amazing activities in Jasper National Park, and even just 1 day to explore will leave you blown away!

This is a post by Guest Contributor Kat.

Author’s Bio: Kat is an avid traveler and outdoor adventurer based in Alberta, Canada, just a few hours from the Canadian Rockies. She spends most of her free-time outside exploring and hiking, and jet setting to new countries for exciting adventures whenever she has the chance. Kat is the founder of her own travel blog, endlesswonder.ca , where she writes about the Canadian Rockies and international destinations she visits.  

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Planning the Perfect Canadian Rockies Itinerary (7 or 10-days)

S tepping out of my car on the first day of our Canadian Rockies itinerary, I took a deep breath of the crisp mountain air and looked over at the rare smile on my teen daughter’s face. She gazed up at the towering mountains with wonder and awe, telling me this was the perfect choice for our annual mother-daughter trip.

Perhaps my childhood of family vacations to Vermont was deeply embedded in her DNA, but she is definitely a mountain girl. It can take a lot to impress a teen, but the stunning mountain landscapes and dreamy glacial blue water of the lakes of the Canadian Rockies sure did the trick.

Everyone has seen pictures of red canoes floating on the bright blue waters of Lake Louise, and images of hikers overlooking dramatic mountain vistas. These iconic sites draw over four million visitors to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada each year.

The Canadian Rockies, specifically Banff , Lake Louise, and Jasper , have been on my bucket list since first encountering these destinations while working at AAA in college. Yet planning a trip to this region took a good deal of research and coordination.

To help, I have put together both a 7-day and 10-day Canadian Rockies itinerary for you to use based on our trip and what we learned along the way. If you really want to squeeze in the highlights in five days in Banff , you can, but you will be pretty tired at the end! It is much better to spend at least a week in Alberta.

Canadian Rockies Itinerary Summary

If you only have a week to spend in the Canadian Rockies, I would recommend the classic big three — Banff (or nearby), Lake Louise, and Jasper. Depending on when your flights arrive and depart, you may want to drive straight to Lake Louise. You could then break your trip up as follows:

• Day 1: Fly into Calgary and drive to Lake Louise
• Day 2-4: Drive up the Icefields Parkway to Jasper for 3 nights
• Day 5-7: Drive down to Banff or Canmore for 3 nights and then depart early on the last day to fly home

If you can spend 10 days in the Canadian Rockies, you will have even more time to soak in the natural beauty. I’d recommend following the itinerary above and then adding on time in Kananaskis.

• Day 5-7: Drive down to Banff or Canmore for 3 nights
• Day 8-10: Pomeroy Mountain Lodge in Kananaskis then return to Calgary for your flight home

Getting to the Canadian Rockies

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.

The Canadian Rockies mountain range spreads over parts of Alberta and British Columbia in Western Canada. The most popular destinations within the Canadian Rockies are Banff National Park, Lake Louise, and Jasper National Park. Therefore, most itineraries are centered around these three main destinations.

However, if you have more time or you are interested in getting off the beaten path, you can also include visits to Kananaskis, Waterton Lakes National Park (which border’s the U.S.’s Glacier National Park in Montana ), Yoho National Park, or Kootenay National Park.

Unless you are driving or taking the Rocky Mountaineer train over from Vancouver, most visitors will fly into either Calgary or Edmonton. There isn’t a big difference in driving times if you are visiting both Banff and Jasper, but if you are visiting only Banff, Calgary is the easier option and if you are only visiting Jasper, it makes sense to fly into Edmonton.

We flew in and out of Calgary on Air Canada. Since we had to connect in Toronto (leave PLENTY of time for that connection), we arrived in the mid-afternoon and departed in the early morning. Therefore, we spent our last night at the Courtyard Marriott near the Calgary airport. Depending on your flight times, you can always shuffle your visit around.

7 Day Canadian Rockies Vacation Itinerary

I have designed this itinerary to minimize your driving times on arrival and departure days and assume you are flying into and out of Calgary. You can also fly into Calgary and out of Edmonton but you may find a round trip airfare from the same city more affordable.

Day One: Arrive and Drive to Lake Louise

Upon arrival in Calgary, hop into your rental car and head straight up the Trans Canadian Highway for the two-hour drive to Lake Louise. You should arrive in time to spend the late afternoon or evening exploring the Lake. Just be prepared for crazy traffic and parking challenges in Lake Louise. If you are not staying on Lake Louise, you will need to book a shuttle well in advance to access either Lake Louise or Lake Moraine.

Everyone is tempted to hire one of those iconic red canoes for an hour and paddle around the lake. Just keep in mind that they come with a hefty price tag (around $145 an hour!) so you may want to just take a picture and save your canoeing for later in the trip. You can still enjoy walking around the lake and taking in the view from the various vantage points.

If you have the budget, you can’t beat the location and views at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise . However, if you haven’t won the lottery recently, the Post Hotel & Spa , a Relais & Chateaux property, makes a lovely second choice. Just be warned that the “discount” side faces the train tracks and may be loud for light sleepers. We were kindly upgraded to a suite on the “preferred side” and slept like a rock.

We really enjoyed this charming property that offers the character of a Swiss Chalet and luxurious touches without feeling pretentious. The hotel is also renowned for its fine dining restaurant, although we were to tired from a busy day for a fancy meal, so we availed ourselves of the more casual Outpost restaurant.

It is easy to see why this hotel was named one of the top 10 resort hotels in Canada by Travel & Leisure. We would have happily stayed a few nights but if time is limited, you are better off moving on to Jasper were the crowds thin out and there is plenty to do. If you have some more time, follow my friend Brianna’s tips for seeing the best of Lake Louise .

Day Two: Icefields Parkway to Jasper

Before you head out of town the next morning, you will likely want to stop in at Lake Moraine. This is an extremely popular tourist attraction and you need to book a shuttle ride well in advance and get there very early to avoid crowds (like the crack of dawn.)

If you miss Lake Moraine, don’t fret, there are plenty of other beautiful lakes to see in the Canadian Rockies! Before you head out on the Icefields Parkway , one of the most scenic drives in the world, pick up breakfast at The Trailhead Cafe, fuel up on gas, and grab some snacks as there is only one service station and a handful of places to eat between Lake Louise and Jasper.

There are countless beautiful view points to stop and enjoy along the Icefields Parkway. I will tell you about some of the top “can’t miss” stops and you can decide if you want to fit them all in or save some for your drive back. About one hour from Lake Louise, you will come upon Bow Lake and the Crowfoot Glacier. There are a couple of nice pull outs that have paths down to the lake.

Just 10 minutes past Bow Lake you will come to the Bow Summit Trail overlooking the famous fox-shaped Peyto Lake. The Canadian Government recently made a major investment in the infrastructure and the Peyto Lake parking lot, walking path, and viewpoint have been reopened.

The lake is not visible from the parking lot, and if the parking lot is full, there is parking along the access road. I read that it is a 3.8 km round trip, although it felt shorter. Keep in mind though that a section is uphill so you need to be prepared for a bit of a climb. Altogether, this stop should take about an hour.

The viewing platform can be extremely crowded, but if you can get into the corner of the lower platform, you should be able to get an unobstructed view of the lake.

Mistaya Canyon

Another 25 minutes will bring you to Mistaya Canyon. The big busses seem to skip this stop so it is a little quieter and therefore, more enjoyable. It is about a one kilometer hike down to the canyon (which means back uphill on the return.)

Here you will cross over a bridge that spans the Mistaya River and be able to walk along the rim of the canyon and see how the water has carved its way through the stone. Take a few minutes to walk down on the rocks and observe the powerful water. I’m not sure why this spot wasn’t more crowded, but I’m glad it wasn’t as it made me love it even more!

The Crossing

A few minutes further up Icefields Parkway and you will come to The Crossing, which offers gas, a restaurant, cafe, gift shop, and most notably, bathrooms. Alberta Parks actually does a good job offering rest rooms at most of the major attractions and trailheads, but those aren’t always pristine and can have long lines so this is a good stop to make.

Bridal Veil Falls

After The Crossing, you will start to ascend into the mountains. The road winds up and around to the land of the big horn sheep. If you are lucky, you may see some grazing along the highway. There is an overlook that allows you to see the road and the valley below from a higher vantage point. Nearby you will find Bridal Veil Falls, although it can be easy to miss and the parking lot is small.

Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre

After you cross into Jasper National Park, you will come to one of the jewels of the Icefields Parkway, and that is the Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. This is the home base for exploring the glacier and the various related activities.

Inside the visitor center you can eat at the restaurant or cafe, explore the exhibits or take in the movie downstairs, hit the bathroom, and meet up with various tours. Pursuit Banff offers two types of experiences, the Glacier Ice Explorer and the Glacier Skywalk, which can be combined into a Glacier Adventure ticket.

If you are interested in either of these activities, I would highly recommend you book a timed-ticket in advance or you may arrive to find them sold out for the day, or that you need to wait two hours before the next availability.

We were hosted on the Glacier Adventure and we arrived early to have lunch in the cafe. At our appointed time, we joined the queue to load the bus out to the glacier. Once arriving at the foot of the glacier, we then loaded up into the Ice Explorer vehicle for a drive out onto the glacier.

Once we arrived, we were given 30 minutes to explore on the glacier within the noted boundaries. Unfortunately they didn’t do a good job warning people of the dangers of going onto the glacier and we saw many people taking risks by going onto the glacier on their own beyond the boundaries and even some wearing completely inappropriate clothing (sandals and skirts!) to walk on the ice.

If you have never been on a glacier before (we have done glacier hikes in Iceland), then it is a cool experience. However, the lack of safety enforcement and the negative environmental impact of these large glacier vehicles left a bad taste in our mouths and I have trouble recommending it.

Another alternative could be a glacier hike with a proper glacier guide or just hiking on your own from the parking lot to the foot of the glacier (but please, never go onto a glacier without a licensed guide!)

After our time on the glacier, we boarded another bus to the Glacier Skywalk. It is called the Glacier Skywalk but don’t be confused by thinking that this glass walkway is over the glacier. Instead, it juts out over the gorgeous Sunwapta Valley and has views of the glaciers in the distance.

If you don’t mind glass floors, this Skywalk offers beautiful views. The only downside is that it is only accessible via a bus from the glacier or the Icefields Discovery Centre. So waiting for your timed-ticket and then waiting for the next return bus can really eat into your day for a stop where you will likely only spend 15 minutes on site.

There are many more stops to make along the Icefields Parkway, but you may want to save these for your return journey because chances are you will be getting tired or it will be getting late. However, I will list them here just in case.

Tangle Creek Falls

If you choose not to continue straight on to Jasper, your next stop will be Tangle Creek Falls. When traveling north, the falls are on your right (northbound side) but the parking lot is across the street on the left (southbound side) so be careful crossing the street.

This tiered waterfall is quite close to the road but if you want to climb up to the upper falls, you will need to scramble over some rocks. Hannah loved getting close enough to stick her hand into the falls, even if it did get her sweatshirt soaked.

Sunwapta Falls

Another 35 minutes north will bring you to the turn off for Sunwapta Falls. The upper falls are just a short walk from the parking lot, but if you want to see the lower falls too, it is a little further (less than a mile.)

Even though the walk is short and it is a popular spot, I would suggest that you still carry your bear spray. I can’t remember if it was Sunwapta Falls or Athabasca Falls, but one of them recently had a bear walk right across the bridge over the falls, dodging tourists along the way. Having to decide whether to face down a bear or jump into the falls is not a choice you want to make.

Athabasca Falls

The last recommended stop before you get into Jasper is at Athabasca Falls, about 15-20 minutes further north. It can get really crowded when the busses arrive but there are different paths that you can take to get away from the crowds.

These powerful falls have carved through the rock, similar to what you find at Mistaya Canyon. There are different viewing platforms where you can capture some great pictures of the falls. You can also follow the signs to view the Lower Canyon, and get a great view of the Athabasca River.

When you arrive in Jasper, I would recommend grabbing dinner at Jasper Brewing Company if the line isn’t too long.

Where to Stay in Jasper

If you can afford to stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge , you likely will not be disappointed. We stopped in there before our visit to the Jasper Planetarium and it was beautiful. However, there are also plenty of other cute and affordable cabin resorts near town.

We stayed at the Jasper House Bungalows and really enjoyed our four night stay. The cabins are cute and some have beautiful views of the Athabasca River. There is also a restaurant on site and plenty of space to roam around. We shared a one-bedroom cabin with a pull out couch in the living room. It also had a small kitchen so you could prepare your own meals if you wanted.

Personally I liked staying outside of town and it was always easy to drive into town and we had no problem finding a place to park. Some of the other resorts that looked attractive were the Alpine Village Cabin Resort , Tekarra Lodge , and the Pyramid Lake Resort .

Day 3: Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon

On your third day in the Canadian Rockies you will get to see more of Jasper National Park.

Maligne Lake

On your first full day in Jasper , I would recommend heading down to Maligne Lake. Get there early before the parking lot fills up, but give yourself plenty of time to get there are there are often “animal jams” on the road. You can grab a delicious breakfast at the Waffle Hut at the lake.

You can rent canoes to paddle the lake, but you need to look out for boat wakes. Maligne Lake is huge and the water can get a little choppy. It would take something like 10 hours to paddle to the end of the lake. So if you want to see more of Maligne Lake than the area around the historic boat house, pre-book a scenic boat tour out to Spirit Island.

Spirit Island was made famous by Kodak in an advertising campaign in the 1960s. While the true meaning of the name is still unknown, First Nations people view this beautiful island as a sacred place. The 90-minute narrated cruise includes a 15 minute stop at a photo spot overlooking Spirit Island.

After the cruise, you can hike along the lake or have lunch at the Lake House Cafe. When we finished, we weren’t hungry yet (still full from those waffles), so we headed back to Maligne Canyon.

Maligne Canyon

From Maligne Lake, it is about a 40 minute drive to Maligne Canyon. At Maligne Canyon, you can have lunch at the Maligne Wilderness Kitchen . The food is delicious and the outdoor patio is perfect on a nice day. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait. It will give you time to rest up before hiking along the canyon.

Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park, with a depth of more than 50 metres at certain points. You can hike along the rim and criss cross the canyon over six bridges at various points of the canyon. The First and Second bridges are easy hikes, but if you head up to the Third Bridge, you can get a view of the waterfall.

If you want to do a longer hike, you can continue all the way to the Sixth Bridge, but keep in mind that it is going to be uphill on the way back. Round trip would take about three to four hours.

In the evening, you can head into Jasper for dinner at Earl’s Kitchen or Evil Dave’s (see other suggestions on where to eat in Jasper .) Keep your eyes peeled because elk love to graze along the side of the roads at the evening.

Day Four: Peak-Nic and Pyramid Lake

On your last day in Jasper, it is time for some truly unique experiences.

Jasper Food Tours

There are so many things to do in Jasper , but if you only have a few days, you should hit the highlights. One of our favorite activities of our trip was our hosted “Peak-Nic” experience with Jasper Food Tours . We met up with Estelle from Jasper Food Tours at the Old Fort Point trailhead.

Our tour started off with a hike up to the top of Old Fort Point, with beautiful views of Jasper and the Athabasca River. At the top, we commenced a back country cooking lesson. Estelle amazed us with how easy it was to prepare a gourmet meal with just what we carried in on our backs. Lunch consisted of dal, rice, chili, fry bread, and chai.

Even if we never camp and use what we learned, it was still a unique and fun experience (and a delicious lunch!) We worked off that food with a hike the long way back down.

Pyramid Lake

In the afternoon, I would recommend either splashing around at Annette Lake, a local favorite, or rent a canoe to paddle around Pyramid Lake. If you visit Pyramid Lake, be sure to also walk out to Pyramid Island. We spent a late night out there with Jasper Photo Tours learning about night sky photography and taking pictures of the stars.

Jasper is a Dark Sky Preserve so make sure you take some time to go star gazing! You can sign up for the night sky and telescope program at the Jasper Planetarium at the Jasper Park Lodge.

Day Five: Jasper to Banff

If you have more time, I would add in another day in Jasper. But if you only have a week, it is time to head back down the Icefields Parkway to Banff. If you already hit all the sights on the way up, you can always take a trip on the Jasper SkyTram or hike the Valley of Five Lakes.

Once you get to Lake Louise, take the Bow Valley Parkway down to Banff. Give yourself time because this is a great spot for wildlife spotting. Just please, please stay in your car. We saw two bears and at one sighting many people were out of their car and approaching the bear (with their kids!)

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular day hikes in Banff National Park. Expect the parking lot to be full and to have to park on the road, unless you get there very early or go late in the day. We arrived around 5:30 pm and there were plenty of parking spots.

The walk to the Lower Falls isn’t too long, but the walkway can be quite narrow so expect some pedestrian traffic jams. A bridge over the river gives a nice view of the falls, but you can get a better one if you want to wait in line to go through the tunnel to the other platform.

The hike to the Upper Falls is steeper but not as crowded. We visited after a very active and tiring day and therefore stopped once we got to the Lower Falls.

Banff Trail Riders

When you arrive in Banff, you may want to take an evening trail ride with Banff Trail Riders . We were hosted on a trail ride along the beautiful Bow River to a cowboy cookout. Once we arrived, we enjoyed a delicious steak dinner before saddling back up for the ride back. Just keep in mind that these go out rain or shine, so dress appropriately! We were quite soaked when it decided to rain on our ride back.

Where to Stay in Banff

If you really want to stay in Banff, the place to be is the Fairmont Banff Springs . Of course, it costs a small fortune. Even cute hotels in town, like the Elk + Avenue get pricey in the summer.

So I say, why stay in Banff ? Canmore is only 20 minutes away and it offers the same cute, mountain town vibe as Banff but without as many people (and a good deal cheaper.) Canmore has a lot of condos that are available on Airbnb, and offer tons of space for families.

We had a hosted stay at the conveniently located Basecamp Resorts . Our one-bedroom suite had a gorgeous full kitchen and a living space with a pull out sofa. There was even a rooftop hot tub we could use and with Rocky Mountain Bagels right next door, breakfast was a breeze before hopping onto the highway into Banff.

Day Six: Banff

There are so many things to do in Banff , from shopping to hiking to gondola rides and hot springs. However, if you are feeling more adventurous, we had a fabulous time doing the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata .

Via Ferrata

We were hosted on a four-hour Ridgewalker Via Ferrata course at Mt Norquay (one of Canada’s Big 3 ski resorts ). Even though the Via Ferrata is designed for beginners, it is still a quite a workout to scale the mountain, clipped onto cables and clinging to rungs while balancing on small holds. There was even a narrow plank bridge to cross. But we made it to the top and the beautiful views, sense of satisfaction, and major mom points made the effort worth it.

After climbing, we had a great lunch with a view at the Cliffhouse Bistro before taking the chairlift back down to the lodge. Try the gorditos or the bao buns, they are delicious!

After an exhausting morning on the Via Ferrata, you will probably want some down time in the afternoon. This is a good time to head into Banff and enjoy some shopping or take a walk along the Bow River. When you are ready for dinner, check out the Bear Street Tavern . The pizza is amazing and they serve it with this honey and oil dipping sauce. It sounds strange but it works and is delicious!

Get ideas for more things to do in Banff with kids!

Day Seven: Fly Home

If you have some time before heading home, take a drive over to Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka. Lake Minnewanka is huge (and there is the ruins of a town at the bottom) and you could spend a whole day there swimming, playing, or taking a boat cruise.

We really loved our time at Two Jack Lake. You can walk around a good portion of the lake and soak in the beautiful views. When you are there, keep an eye out for Alberta’s famous red Adirondack chairs.

10 day Canadian Rockies Itinerary

If you do have 10 days in the Canadian Rockies, you have time to get away from the crowds and experience some of the lesser-visited National Parks or Provincial Parks. We started our trip in Kananaskis, which is about 35 minutes from Banff, but in this itinerary it makes sense to end there if you are flying out of Calgary, since you will be even closer to the airport.

Day Seven: Kananaskis

If you are staying 10 days, use the seven day itinerary above and then, instead of flying home, continue down to Kananaskis. Spend your morning at Two Jack Lake in Banff or take a hike on the Tunnel Mountain hiking trail, and then head on down to the Pomeroy Mountain Lodge in Kananaskis.

On your way you could stop and enjoy some whitewater rafting or stop at Canoe Meadows and watch the kayakers braving the man-made rapids there.

The Pomeroy Mountain Lodge is a great mountain resort with a ski village vibe, making it a good home base for exploring the area. If you are over 18, there is also a beautiful Nordic Spa (for an additional fee).

Even if you can’t spend the afternoon soaking in the hot and cold tubs at the Nordic Spa, all hotel guests can enjoy the indoor waterpark (although best for the under 12 set), the indoor/outdoor hot tubs, and the sauna and steam rooms. There are also multiple restaurants on site, but you will want to make reservations in advance.

Day Eight: Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes

The thing to know about Kananaskis is that there is a LOT of wildlife in the area. We saw endless signs about bear alerts and warnings to expect bear encounters. We did end up seeing a grizzly bear momma with her two cubs, but luckily only from the safety of our car. Visitors are advised not to pull over or stop for wildlife on the side of the road and definitely do not get out of the car.

Before heading out on any hikes, it is good to check the Alberta Parks website for safety notices and bear warnings. Also, pop into the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park visitor center and they will let you know where wildlife has been spotted recently, as well as educate you on what to do in case of an animal encounter. Bear spray is highly, highly recommended!!

We really enjoyed exploring the shorelines around Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. There were enough people around that we didn’t worry too much about bears (although we carried our spray and tried to tag along behind groups.) The views were just lovely, especially when we cut through the woods to a less busy part of the lake.

Originally we were planning on hiking the Rawson Lake Trail, but that was closed due to a negative bear encounter. Instead, we finished up our day at the Highwood Pass picnic area. We took a short trail through the meadow to see the wildflowers, but skipped the Ptarmigan Cirque Interpretive Trail. If offers wildlife viewing and views of the Rockies from the highest paved pass in Canada, but we were tired and a bit scared about recent bear sightings up there.

Day Nine: Spray Valley & Chester Lake

If you have a good 4×4 rental car, I would recommend driving the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Trail highway through the Spray Lakes region. It is a gravel road that can be quite bumpy, so you will need to take it slow on the 65 km between Kananaskis and Canmore, but you don’t need to drive the whole length.

Just be sure to be fueled up and bring snacks and drinks because you won’t find much along the way except beautiful mountain views and maybe a grizzly bear or moose sighting. In the summer and winter months, you can stop in to Mount Engadine Lodge for tea in the afternoon.

If you are up for a good, rewarding hike, plan to spend a few hours hiking to Chester Lake. Be aware that the first two miles of this six-mile round trip hike is uphill. All the huffing and puffing was worth it as the trail levels out through an alpine meadow with beautiful views of the mountains.

Eventually we arrived at the stunning, emerald green Chester Lake. During our whole trip we only saw a dozen other people, and there were only three others fishing at the lake when we arrived. We circumnavigated the lake, taking in the view from every direction, scrambling over a rock pile at the base of the mountain at the far side of the lake.

Luckily the way back is mostly downhill. The workout will be satisfying and you won’t feel at all guilty at dinner that evening!

Day Ten: Fly Home

If you have time before your flight, there are plenty of other hikes and photo stops in Kananaskis Country before you make the 1.25 hour drive back to Calgary.

The Canadian Rockies makes a great vacation — whether it is a mother-daughter trip, family vacation, girls’ trip, or whatever. There is so much to see and do. Just be sure to follow my tips and plan early because it is an extremely popular destination.

PIN THIS FOR LATER

The post Planning the Perfect Canadian Rockies Itinerary (7 or 10-days) appeared first on We3Travel .

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How to get front-row seats to an active volcano in Guatemala

This challenging hike offers a rare opportunity to witness one of the world’s most active geologic wonders.

Frequent and dramatic eruptions make Guatemala’s 12,346-foot-tall Volcán de Fuego one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Adventurers seeking an up-close encounter with this pyroclastic marvel head to the summit of neighboring Acatenango Volcano—at 13,045 feet, the third highest in Guatemala—which provides an unparalleled vantage point. The strenuous hike goes from lush coffee plantations at the mountain’s base to the cloud forests on the mountainside, up to the otherworldly terrain near the peak. Here’s what to know about this awe-inspiring trek.

Acclimatize in Antigua

Before embarking on the journey to witness Fuego’s eruptions, acclimatize to the altitude in Antigua Guatemala . Just over an hour west from the country’s capital and sitting in the shadow of volcanoes Agua, Acatenango, and Fuego, the charming colonial town of Antigua has cobblestone streets, vibrant markets, and picturesque plazas.

While exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site, visitors can find local flavors at Café Condesa ; experience traditional barbecue and live music at Restaurante Las Antorchas ; and absorb the tranquility of the baroque La Merced Church, built in 1767. Accommodations range from the convenient Posada del Angel to the luxurious Casa Santo Domingo, located in a former late-17th-century convent.

Choose a one- or two-day hike

Hikes usually start at the village of La Soledad, where the path to Acatenango begins. From here, climbers can expect a challenging but rewarding ascent, passing through different ecosystems, from farmlands to coniferous forests. The hike to the top can take from 5 to 6 hours, depending on pace and weather conditions. There’s an option to go on horseback for the initial segment of the journey, as the final stretch to the top must be done by foot.

At Acatenango’s crater, amid the clouds and above the canopy, the explosive power of Fuego is on full display. Many adventurers opt for a two-day expedition to be able to overnight at the summit, experiencing the spectacular sights and sounds of glowing lava and pyroclastic material set against the starlit night skies.

Be prepared for a dramatic range in temperatures due to the high elevation, with daytime temperatures over 68°F and below freezing at night. Whereas the two-day hike allows for a paced journey, the Acatenango day trip packs the ascent and descent into a single, more strenuous day. Offered by Casa Santo Domingo and outfitters like Antigua Tours and OX Expeditions , this trip starts early at 5 a.m. to ensure hikers return by dusk, usually taking between 10 to 12 hours, including a shuttle to and from Antigua.

(What you’ll discover on a journey through Guatemala’s Western Highlands.)

What to know

Trekking to Acatenango is not for the faint-hearted. This adventure requires physical fitness, preparation, and a spirit of adventure. Pack warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, water, and snacks. The dry season, from November to April, typically offers clearer views of the volcano.

For safety, it is important to stay informed about the volcano’s activity through official sources, hiring a local guide for the trek, and following the guide’s instructions. Outfitters like OX Expeditions lead overnight hikes that include a bilingual guide, meals, tents, and shuttle to and from Antigua.

Trekkers are encouraged to leave-no-trace and preserve the beauty of this natural wonder.

For Hungry Minds

Related topics.

• ADVENTURE TRAVEL
• MOUNTAIN CLIMBING

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