Alberta, Canada
Best Things To Do in Jasper
Jasper National Park is Canada's largest Rocky Mountain park — a UNESCO Dark Sky Preserve with northern lights, wildlife, glaciers and fewer crowds than Banff.
Top Experiences in Jasper
Northern Lights
UNESCO Dark Sky Preserve — best aurora viewing in the Rockies
Wildlife Safari
Black bears, elk, caribou, wolves and bighorn sheep
Maligne Lake
Spirit Island — one of Canada's most photographed spots
Columbia Icefield
Walk on the Athabasca Glacier — a remnant of the last ice age
Miette Hot Springs
Hottest natural springs in the Canadian Rockies
Maligne Canyon
Dramatic limestone gorge with waterfalls and wildlife
Frequently Asked Questions — Jasper
Is Jasper better than Banff for tourists? +
Jasper and Banff are both exceptional but offer different experiences. Jasper has fewer crowds, better northern lights (UNESCO Dark Sky Preserve), more authentic wilderness feel, and similar wildlife. Banff has more infrastructure, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake. Many visitors combine both — they're 290km apart on the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most scenic drives.
How much do tours in Jasper cost? +
Jasper tour prices: wildlife safari (CAD $95–$150/person), Maligne Lake cruise (CAD $65–$85/person), northern lights photography tour (CAD $95–$145/person), Columbia Icefield Skywalk (CAD $32–$44/person). Most tours last 3–4 hours. Park entry: CAD $10.50/adult/day.
When is the best time to see northern lights in Jasper? +
The northern lights season in Jasper runs August to April, with peak activity in January and February when nights are longest. Jasper's UNESCO Dark Sky Preserve designation means minimal light pollution throughout the 11,000 km² park. The KP index app (free) predicts aurora activity — a KP of 3+ is sufficient for visible aurora in Jasper.
How do I get from Calgary or Edmonton to Jasper? +
From Calgary: 4 hours via the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) — arguably the world's most scenic drive. From Edmonton: 3.5 hours via Highway 16. Via Rail train (the Canadian) stops in Jasper from Vancouver (18h) and Toronto (3 days). Sundog Tours runs shuttles from Calgary and Edmonton airports.
What wildlife can I see in Jasper? +
Jasper has exceptional wildlife viewing: elk are seen daily in the townsite especially in fall rut. Black bears and grizzlies are active spring–fall. Mountain caribou (rare), wolves, coyotes, and bighorn sheep are regularly spotted along Highway 93 and Maligne Lake Road. Guided wildlife safaris (CAD $95–$150) with expert naturalists maximize sighting chances.
Best time to visit Jasper
📅 Jan–Feb (northern lights) or July–Sept (hiking & wildlife)
Tours from CAD $65–$150 · Hotels from CAD $120–$400/night