23 Best Things to Do in Jasper National Park in 2025 (Local Guide)

Jasper National Park sprawls across 11,000 square kilometers, making it the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s second-largest Dark Sky Preserve amazes visitors with countless activities throughout the year. My multiple visits to this natural wonderland have left me speechless.

The park’s attractions appeal to every type of adventurer. You can explore the 22-kilometer stretch of glacier-fed Maligne Lake or step onto the Columbia Icefield Skywalk’s glass floor, suspended 918 feet above ground. My adventures included watching the mighty Athabasca Falls and riding Canada’s longest aerial tramway.

I’ve visited the park many times and created this detailed guide to help you find what to see in Jasper National Park in 2025. Let’s look at 23 unforgettable activities that show why this park remains one of North America’s most spectacular destinations.

Maligne Lake & Spirit Island

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Maligne Lake, the longest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, stretches 22 kilometers through the heart of Jasper National Park.

Maligne Lake Cruise Experience

Visitors can enjoy a classic 90-minute cruise that covers 14 kilometers of crystal-clear waters to reach the iconic Spirit Island. Knowledgeable guides share stories about the lake’s earliest explorers, geology, and local wildlife throughout the trip. The premium cruise lasts two hours and gives guests extra stops with 30 minutes at Spirit Island.

Spirit Island Photography Tips

Early morning cruises give photographers the best chance to capture the lake’s mirror-calm waters and low-hanging mist. The perfect reflection shots of Spirit Island come from using a low ISO setting of 50 with the smallest aperture to smooth out water ripples. Spirit Island’s viewpoint faces slightly west, which creates ideal lighting conditions in the morning hours.

Maligne Lake Activities & Rentals

Donald “Curly” Phillips’s historic boathouse from 1928 offers several rental options:

• Canoes: USD 75/hour or USD 150/2 hours
• Single Kayaks: USD 60/hour or USD 120/2 hours
• Double Kayaks: USD 75/hour or USD 150/2 hours
• Pedal Boats: Available for on-site booking only

Renters must be over 18, and children under 16 need parent supervision. Each rental comes with safety equipment including paddles, life jackets, throw bags, and waterproof storage.

Jasper SkyTram Adventure

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The Jasper SkyTram climbs to 2,263 meters and gives passengers a spectacular seven-minute flight above the Canadian Rockies. Each trip includes a trained operator who shares stories about the area’s unique geology and cultural heritage.

SkyTram Ticket Information & Pricing

Adult tickets (16+ years) cost USD 67.00, while youth passes (6-15 years) are USD 38.00. Kids under 6 can ride free, and pets need a USD 10.00 ticket. Between June and September, you can save 20% with early bird and sunset rates from 8-10 am or 7-9 pm.

Best Time for SkyTram Views

The best views come during morning or late afternoon rides when crowds are smaller. The upper station stays about 12°C cooler than Jasper townsite. Visitors should pack layers and bring water bottles and sunscreen.

Summit Trail Hiking Guide

The Summit Trail starts at the upper station and takes you to Whistlers Peak at 2,463 meters. This 1.2-kilometer hike takes about 20-30 minutes each way. The trip rewards hikers with amazing 360-degree views of six mountain ranges, including Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak. Hikers often spot unique wildlife on the trail, like hoary marmots, white-tailed ptarmigans, and ground squirrels.

Athabasca Falls

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The thundering Athabasca Falls sits just 30 kilometers south of Jasper townsite and stands as one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. This Class 5 waterfall shows its might through sheer water volume rather than height, with its impressive 23-meter drop and 18-meter width.

Athabasca Falls Viewing Points

The water’s force has carved intricate features into the limestone beneath, which created fascinating potholes and a short canyon. You’ll find several fenced viewpoints that give you different angles of this natural wonder. The concrete bridge is especially impressive and gives you a spectacular view of the raging waters below. The viewing area has paved pathways that lead to various overlooks, making it available for families to explore.

Photography Tips & Best Times

The best shots come during early morning or late afternoon. Here are my favorite photography tips that work every time:

• The grassy verge next to the bridge gives you perfect dramatic canyon shots
• Night photography can yield unique aurora shots with the falls in the foreground
• Spring visits let you capture maximum water flow from glacier melts
• Early arrivals help you avoid crowds and get those mirror-like reflections

Hiking Trails Around the Falls

A quick 1-kilometer round trip takes about 15 minutes to complete. The path divides into two distinct areas – the falls at the canyon top and the river section below. The trail beneath Highway 93A catches your eye as it winds down through curved rock walls on a series of steps. Your journey ends at a rocky shoreline that shows off excellent views of the surrounding peaks.

Columbia Icefield Experience

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The Columbia Icefield stands as North America’s largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains. It spreads across 325 square kilometers and reaches depths between 100 to 365 meters.

Glacier Adventure Tour Details

The classic Columbia Icefield Adventure gives visitors two amazing experiences. You start by climbing aboard a huge Ice Explorer vehicle that takes you to the ancient Athabasca Glacier. The journey continues to the glass-floored Skywalk where you can see the stunning Sunwapta Valley below. The premium Ice Odyssey experience lets you get closer to the glacier and learn about its history and science.

Columbia Icefield History

This magnificent ice field’s story began during the Great Glaciation period (238,000 to 126,000 BCE). Scottish botanist David Douglas first documented its existence in 1827. The real breakthrough came in August 1898 when J. Norman Collie and his team found this massive ice field. The Athabasca Glacier reached its largest size around 1800 and we noticed it getting smaller since 1840.

Safety Tips & What to Bring

To stay safe and comfortable, bring these items with you:

• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with grippy soles
• Warm, layered clothing (temperature is 15°C cooler than at the Discovery Center)
• Empty water bottle to collect glacier water
• Camera to capture memories

Weather can change faster here, turning from sunshine to snow in minutes. The Columbia Icefield creates its own microclimate through the Katabatic Wind effect, so you need to come prepared. The experience is available to everyone – two Ice Explorers come equipped with wheelchair lifts.

Maligne Canyon Exploration

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Maligne Canyon cuts through ancient limestone and reaches depths of 50 meters. This natural wonder is the deepest canyon you can visit in Jasper National Park.

Canyon Trail Guide

A 2.2-kilometer trail connects First Bridge to Fourth Bridge with a 100-meter elevation gain. The path between First and Second Bridge is an easy 15-minute walk. The terrain gets more challenging beyond this point because of its uneven surface. You can take the complete loop to Sixth Bridge and see unique springs where water flows under limestone boulders.

Winter Ice Walk Experience

The winter ice walk takes about 3 hours as you explore the frozen canyon depths. Expert guides give you safety gear and lead you past massive ice waterfalls. These frozen cascades stretch up to 40 meters along the canyon walls. The underground cave system stays at 4°C year-round and creates stunning ice formations throughout winter.

Geological Features

The canyon shows off impressive karst topography within the Palliser Formation limestone. Ancient plankton created these deposits 365 million years ago. The Maligne River flows from Medicine Lake and vanishes underground for 9 miles. It then bursts back to the surface in the canyon. Scientists used red dye and found that water moves through this underground network in 12 to 24 hours during summer. This journey takes 5 to 9 days in winter.

Pyramid & Patricia Lakes

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Pyramid and Patricia Lakes sit just 8 kilometers from Jasper townsite. These subalpine gems mirror the magnificent Pyramid Mountain in their pristine waters. Visitors can enjoy activities here throughout the year.

Lake Activities & Rentals

Both lakes feature crystal-clear waters that create ideal conditions for paddling adventures. Pyramid Lake Resort rents various watercraft:

• Canoes: USD 80.00 per hour
• Single Kayak: USD 45.00 per hour
• Double Kayak: USD 80.00 per hour
• Stand Up Paddleboard: USD 45.00 per hour

The water stays calmest during early morning hours and creates stunning mountain reflections. Patricia Lake has its own rental facility with a flat rate of USD 35.00 per hour for all watercraft.

Scenic Walking Trails

The Patricia Lake North Loop stretches 3.4 kilometers along the shoreline through subalpine forests. Visitors love crossing the wooden footbridge to Pyramid Island. The island’s benches and picnic tables provide spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

The road leading to Pyramid Lake ranks among Jasper’s best spots to see wildlife. Elk, deer, and sometimes bears appear here, especially during dawn and dusk. Bird watchers will find these lakes particularly rewarding since they attract numerous bird species.

Miette Hot Springs

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Miette Hot Springs boasts the warmest mineral springs throughout the Canadian Rockies. The mountain releases water at 54°C (129°F). Fresh water continuously flows at 800 liters per minute.

Hot Springs Facilities & Pricing

The springs feature four pools with mountain views at different temperatures. Two hot pools reach 40°C (104°F) and 37°C (98°F), while two cold plunge pools stay at 20°C (68°F) and 10°C (50°F). Visitors can choose from these rates:

• Single Entry: Adults (18-64) USD 17.50, Youth/Seniors USD 15.25
• Day Pass: Adults USD 27.00, Youth/Seniors USD 23.75
• Season Pass: Adults USD 128.00, Youth/Seniors USD 110.00

Best Times to Visit

The springs welcome guests from May through mid-October. Visitors who arrive early in the morning can enjoy peaceful soaks and breathtaking mountain views. The pools open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and the last entry is at 7:30 PM.

Nearby Hiking Trails

The Source of the Springs trail lets hikers discover how hot springs form through an easy walk. The Sulfur Skyline trail challenges adventurers with an 8 km round trip and 700-meter climb. Snow usually clears from these trails by late May, making them some of the first hikeable paths in the park.

Marmot Basin Skiing

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Marmot Basin sits at 1,698 meters, making it the highest base elevation ski resort in Canada. The resort spans 696 hectares of terrain and gives skiers an unmatched experience.

Ski Run Difficulty Guide

The mountain features 91 runs that suit every skill level. These runs break down into 30% novice, 30% intermediate, 20% advanced, and 20% expert terrain. Seven modern lifts serve the mountain, including the impressive Canadian Rockies Express that covers 2.3 kilometers in just 8 minutes. The mountain’s clever design lets beginners enjoy high-elevation views from select green runs, which makes learning more exciting.

Lift Ticket Information

Single-day lift tickets for the 2024/25 season are priced as follows:

• Adult (18-64): USD 149.00
• Youth/Student (13-24): USD 120.00
• Junior (6-12): USD 52.00
• Senior (65-79): USD 120.00
• Super Senior (80+): Free

The Marmot Escape Card costs USD 99.00 and is a great way to get savings with half-price lift tickets throughout the season. The resort welcomes skiers from mid-November to early May, one of Canada’s longest ski seasons.

Winter Activities Beyond Skiing

The mountain’s charm goes beyond skiing. Visitors can enjoy fireside food service at individual warming huts on the Kokanee Deck. The Snow School’s certified instructors run specialized programs for all ages and abilities, including non-competitive spring ski clubs. The experience becomes even more special when elk, bighorn sheep, and woodland caribou make their occasional appearances on the slopes.

Valley of Five Lakes Hike

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The Valley of Five Lakes trail ranks among Jasper National Park’s most loved hikes. Hikers can discover five stunning lakes that show off different shades of jade and blue.

Trail Difficulty & Duration

This loop trail stretches 4.5 kilometers with a gentle 66-meter climb. We designed this family-friendly hike to take about 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail has a few spots with elevation changes and small boulders, so good hiking boots with ankle support are essential.

Best Photo Spots

The third and fourth lakes steal the show with their picture-perfect views. Here’s how to get amazing photos:

• Find a spot between the third and fourth lakes where the iconic red Parks Canada chairs make excellent frames
• Pick a sunny day to see the lakes’ colors at their brightest
• Show up before 9 AM to beat the crowds and catch mirror-like reflections
• Capture the crystal-clear waters with their stunning blue and green hues

Seasonal Highlights

The trail stays available from June through October. The lakes look their best around July with high water levels and brilliant colors. Winter brings a different experience as the trail becomes a snowshoer’s paradise, but you’ll need winter gear and spikes. Bears love this area in spring and late summer because of the rich berry patches.

Mount Edith Cavell Trail

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Mount Edith Cavell stands tall at 3,363 meters and welcomes hikers with two amazing trails – Path of the Glacier Trail and Cavell Meadows Trail.

Trail Guide & Difficulty

Path of the Glacier Trail covers 1.6 kilometers round trip with a 70-meter elevation gain. This paved path takes about an hour and works great for casual hikers. Cavell Meadows Trail gives you a tougher challenge at 6-7 kilometers with a 500-meter elevation gain. Most hikers take 3-5 hours to complete this trail.

Angel Glacier Viewpoints

You’ll find the main viewpoint just 0.25 miles from where you start. It shows off spectacular views of the hanging Angel Glacier and the turquoise Cavell Pond. The glacier still keeps its angel-like shape, though climate change has made it shrink substantially. Clear overlooks around the viewpoint area let you capture perfect shots of the glacier and surrounding peaks.

Safety Considerations

Falling rocks and ice make this terrain risky. Hikers must follow these safety rules:

• Keep to marked trails and obey closure signs
• Stay back from cliff edges and glacier areas
• Don’t go near Cavell Pond – house-sized ice blocks crash down regularly
• Your safest times to visit are early morning or evening when avalanche risks are lower

The Ghost Glacier collapsed in 2012 and altered the map, which led to access restrictions in some areas. The road to Mount Edith Cavell stays open from mid-June through mid-October, depending on snow conditions.

Wildlife Watching Tours

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Jasper National Park’s pristine wilderness is home to 53 species of mammals and gives visitors amazing chances to see wildlife up close.

Best Wildlife Viewing Locations

Maligne Lake Road is a natural wildlife corridor where you’ll spot bighorn sheep, bears, deer, and eagles. The benchlands behind town draw both black and grizzly bears that often forage near Pyramid Lake Road. You’ll find mountain sheep at Miette Hot Springs Road, and they love to lick salt off vehicles in the parking area.

Safari Tour Options

Wildlife tours run at the best times – early morning and evening – when animals are most active. These vehicle tours have an impressive 95% success rate in spotting wildlife. Photography tours take visitors to the perfect spots to capture amazing wildlife moments. Tour guides adjust their routes based on where animals move each season and give an explanation about park management and conservation.

Wildlife Photography Tips

Here are the key guidelines to capture amazing wildlife shots:

• Stay back: 30 meters from elk and 100 meters from bears
• Take photos from inside vehicles at roadside pull-offs
• Get telephoto lenses (550mm or longer) for safe wildlife shots
• Spring and fall offer peak wildlife activity

The park ended up being truly wild since only five percent is available by road, letting animals roam freely. Note that feeding wildlife is strictly forbidden and can result in fines up to USD 25,000.

Jasper Planetarium Visit

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Jasper National Park became a dark sky preserve in 2011 through the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and provides exceptional celestial viewing opportunities.

Star Gazing Programs

A 38-seat domed theater serves as home to live guided tours where we showcase local constellations and recent Northern Lights displays. Visitors can enjoy Aboriginal constellation stories and handle meteorites from the collection during this interactive experience.

Aurora Viewing Tips

Jasper’s skies light up with the Northern Lights about once every week. Best viewing results come from:

• Planning visits between September-November or February-March for peak aurora activity
• Watching during magnetic midnight (11 PM – 1 AM)
• Following AuroraWatch for immediate alerts and forecasts
• Finding spots away from town lights

Telescope Experience

North American Rockies’ largest and most powerful telescopes reside at this facility. Visitors can view through video and optical telescopes while participating in hands-on activities like aurora creation and meteorite examination. Programs run in all weather conditions, and 4K instant replays of telescope views appear when clouds block the sky. DSLR camera users can learn photography techniques to capture the Milky Way and Northern Lights.

A two-year raincheck policy lets visitors return if weather isn’t ideal. Educational programs combined with practical viewing make this activity one of Jasper National Park’s most engaging experiences.

Whitewater Rafting Adventures

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Crystal-clear waters cascade through ancient valleys, making whitewater rafting one of the most exciting activities in Jasper National Park. The park’s glacier-fed rivers give you adventures that range from gentle floats to heart-pumping rapids.

Rafting Tour Options

The Athabasca River has different experiences based on your skill level. The Mile 5 section is perfect to start rafting with Class II rapids. This section works great for families and first-time rafters. The Sunwapta River steps it up with Class III rapids that attract more adventurous spirits. Thrill-seekers will love the Fraser River’s turbulent Class III+ rapids that thunder beneath Mount Robson’s shadow.

Safety Guidelines

Expert guides follow detailed safety protocols. Each trip has:

• Properly fitted life jackets and helmets
• Pre-trip safety briefings
• Expert guides with extensive river knowledge
• Emergency equipment and first-aid supplies

The water stays quite cold throughout the year, so outfitters provide the right gear. The rafting season runs from early May through late September. Water levels peak during June and July.

Best Rapids Locations

The Athabasca Falls Canyon Run stretches 15 kilometers with many Class II rapids between towering canyon walls. The Sunwapta River’s name means “turbulent waters,” and it lives up to this name with its steep gradient and the famous ‘The Whopper’ rapid. Mount Robson’s Fraser River section delivers the area’s most challenging rapids.

Lac Beauvert Experience

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Majestic peaks surround the emerald waters of Lac Beauvert, a peaceful retreat in Jasper National Park. The glacier-fed lake’s name means “beautiful green” and it truly lives up to this description.

Lake Activities Guide

You can rent watercraft at The Boathouse from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. The current rental prices are:

• Single Kayaks: USD 45.00/hour
• Double Kayaks: USD 80.00/hour
• Canoes: USD 80.00/hour
• Stand Up Paddleboards: USD 45.00/hour

You can easily reach the lake from Old Fort Point Road, where a parking area welcomes visitors with personal watercraft. Clear waters reveal rocks and logs below the surface, making each paddle stroke an adventure.

Fairmont Lodge Amenities

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge sits along the shoreline and gives its guests a 10% discount on boat rentals. The property’s award-winning golf course features a challenging hole where players must hit their ball across the lake. Visitors can enjoy several walking paths, picnic spots, and barbecue decks with water views.

Photography Spots

The best afternoon light bathes the viewpoint opposite the lodge. Water colors shift dramatically – crystal clear at the edges before deepening into signature blue-green hues. The lake’s protected location creates perfect conditions for mountain reflection photos, especially in the quiet early morning hours.

Mountain Biking Trails

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Jasper National Park offers some of Canada’s best mountain biking experiences with hundreds of kilometers of pristine trails.

Trail Difficulty Ratings

The park’s trail system features two main areas: Across the River suits beginners while Pyramid Bench caters to advanced riders. The network has:

• White (beginner): 4 trails
• Green (intermediate): 48 trails
• Blue (advanced): 76 trails
• Black Diamond (expert): 48 trails

Bike Rental Options

You’ll find modern bikes and pedal-assist e-bikes at the Fairmont Boathouse. Rental rates are:

• 1 Hour: USD 39.00
• Half Day: USD 49.00
• Full Day: USD 59.00

Safety Guidelines

Wildlife Awareness is a vital concern since cyclists might encounter bears unexpectedly. Riders should give way to hikers and horses and stay 10 meters away when passing equestrians. The best time to ride starts in May and runs through October. The park’s official website updates trail conditions regularly.

Winter riders can explore snow-covered paths on fat bikes that use tires twice the size of regular mountain bikes. Pedal-assist e-bikes that generate 500W or less can use all bike-authorized trails as long as power assistance stops at 32km/h.

Ice Climbing Adventures

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Ice climbing in Jasper National Park will give you an exhilarating winter adventure as you scale frozen waterfalls and ice formations. The climbing season runs from December through March.

Climbing Tour Options

Local guides offer tours that fit different skill levels and focus on WI1 to WI3 routes for beginners. The Edge of the World, a 60-meter WI2 climb, makes a perfect first climb for newcomers. More experienced climbers can take on tougher challenges like Curtain Call, a 125-meter WI6 route.

Equipment Guide

The right gear will keep you safe and comfortable on the ice. You’ll need mountaineering boots with crampons, ice tools, a climbing harness, helmet, ropes, ice screws, and quickdraws.

Local outfitters have complete rental packages that ended up saving visitors from buying expensive specialized gear.

Best Ice Climbing Locations

Maligne Canyon stands as the top spot with multiple routes winding through its frozen walls. The largest number of ice routes sits along the Icefields Parkway. Climbing starts near the Columbia Icefield as early as October. Tangle Creek gives beginners a great place to practice top-roping in a safe setting.

Horseback Riding Tours

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Jasper National Park’s pristine wilderness comes alive through horseback riding, a journey that takes you back in time. The park’s stables are home to over 50 mountain horses, each trained and matched to fit the rider’s experience.

Trail Ride Options

Riders can choose from several trip durations based on their priorities and schedules. A one-hour Athabasca Outlook ride costs USD 45 per person and showcases views of three mountain ranges. The two-hour Ridgeline and Cottonwood Loop costs USD 65 and meanders along Cottonwood Creek. The three-hour Cowboy’s Way provides a complete wilderness adventure across 18km of varied terrain for USD 92.

Riding Experience Levels

Riders of all skill levels will feel at home at the stables, whether they’re first-timers or seasoned equestrians. Expert guides pair horses with guests based on age, size, and riding experience. Riders must be at least 6 years old, and a 300-pound weight limit applies to everyone.

Best Scenic Routes

The full-day ride takes 6 hours and leads riders past Cabin Lake with a picnic lunch stop at Saturday Night Lake. Riders enjoy fresh views throughout the journey thanks to the loop trail design. Higher elevation paths provide chances to capture photos of turquoise lakes and wildlife, including black bears. Rides run from May through October, depending on weather conditions.

Helicopter Tours

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Helicopter tours let you soar above the Canadian Rockies and experience Jasper National Park’s big wilderness from above. High Country Helicopter Tours has operated from their base just east of the park since 1996 and offers amazing aerial adventures.

Tour Package Options

You can choose from several flight experiences that range from quick trips to longer journeys:

• Rocky Mountain Odyssey: 18-minute eastern slope flight
• Peaks and Passes: 30-minute mountain pass views
• Explore Mount Robson: 90-minute detailed tour

These tours work best for small groups. The Bell Jet Ranger fits four guests while the Eurocopter A-Star accommodates five.

Best Photo Opportunities

You’ll fly over stunning landscapes with canyons, glaciers, and deep valleys. The most amazing photo chances come during early morning or late afternoon flights. The lighting at these times improves the mountain’s features. The company also offers custom flights that are a chance to capture special moments at weddings and family gatherings.

Weather Considerations

Weather is a vital part of flight operations. Dense fog, heavy rain, or storms can stop flights. The pilots watch conditions closely and get NOTAMs 36 hours ahead to keep flying safe. Flights run throughout the year, but safety comes first and weather can change plans. The team quickly reschedules flights if unexpected issues come up.

Canoeing & Kayaking

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Paddling adventures on crystal-clear alpine waters are one of the most peaceful activities you can enjoy in Jasper National Park. The park’s glacier-fed lakes create perfect conditions that both beginners and experienced paddlers will love.

Rental Locations & Prices

You can rent boats from Wild Current Outfitters and Pure Outdoors, the main providers in Jasper. Here are the current rates for watercraft at Maligne Lake:

Watercraft Type	1 Hour	2 Hours
Canoe	USD 75	USD 150
Single Kayak	USD 60	USD 120
Double Kayak	USD 75	USD 150

Backcountry adventurers can save 15-25% on multi-day rentals.

Best Paddling Routes

Maligne Lake is the star attraction for paddlers. It stretches 22 kilometers and features the stunning Spirit Island. Pyramid Lake offers a great alternative with its sheltered waters that new paddlers will appreciate. The best time to paddle is between late May and mid-September. You’ll find the calmest waters in the early morning hours.

Safety Guidelines

Parks Canada has strict safety rules all paddlers must follow. Your rental comes with safety gear: life jackets, paddles, throw bags, bailers, whistles, and waterproof storage. Every watercraft needs to go through the Clean, Drain, Dry process before entering park waters to stop invasive species. Kids under 16 need parent supervision, and you must be 18 or older to rent equipment.

Winter Snowshoeing

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Snowshoeing is one of the easiest winter activities to try in Jasper National Park. The park has over 11,000 square kilometers of protected land ready to explore.

Trail Recommendations

The Pyramid Bench area gives you spectacular views of the famous Pyramid Mountain and its trails work great for all skill levels. The Edge of the Bench loop runs 4.2 kilometers and shows off amazing views of the townsite and surrounding peaks. Maligne Lake area is known for some of the best snow conditions and has the beautiful Beaver Lake trail. This trail stretches 4 kilometers for beginners or 10 kilometers for experienced snowshoers.

Equipment Rental

You’ll find several outfitters in Jasper with competitive snowshoe rental rates:

• Daily rental: USD 15.00 for snowshoes, USD 20.00 with poles
• Damage deposit: USD 5.00 per day

Guided Tour Options

Professional guides take you through snowy forests and frozen lakes and adjust routes based on your group’s abilities. Tours come with all the gear you need and hand warmers. Guides share amazing stories about the park’s history, geology, and ecology. The guide-to-guest ratio stays at 1:12 to ensure your safety and personal attention. Kids need to be at least 6 years old to join.

The Friends of Jasper National Park use a special Snowdog machine to create flat-packed trails. These trails give smooth, supportive surfaces that work for all skill levels. The best time to visit is between December and March when snow conditions are usually perfect.

Rock Climbing Spots

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Jasper National Park features amazing climbing playgrounds with its limestone cliffs and quartzite walls. The Rock Gardens offers 44 routes in the shade of old-growth trees. Lost Boys is the most developed crag with over 70 routes stretching along its 500-meter wall.

Climbing Location Guide

Climbers can access Juno Wall’s 23 routes from May through October. Boulder Gardens is perfect for beginners with its sun-soaked climbs ranging from 7-10 meters high. The Love Den attracts climbers who want a quieter setting with its 21 boulder problems that need creative solutions.

Difficulty Levels

Routes cater to climbers of all skill levels:

• Beginner: White Rabbit Boulder offers 10 problems perfect for first-time climbers
• Intermediate: Tonquin Boulder presents 34 problems near town
• Advanced: Lost Boys delivers challenging routes requiring technical expertise

Equipment Rentals

Gravity Gear gives you these detailed rental options:

• Rock Shoes: USD 10.00 per day
• Harness: USD 5.00 per day
• Kids Harness: USD 5.00 per day
• Helmets: USD 5.00 per day
• Boulder Mat: USD 20.00 per day

Guided experiences cost USD 425.00 for groups of 1-4 people and include all equipment. The climbing season runs from May through October. Expert guides certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides make safety their top priority.

Fishing Adventures

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Fishing in Jasper National Park’s pristine alpine waters creates unforgettable experiences. You’ll need a national park fishing permit that costs USD 10.00 per day or USD 35.00 for a season pass. These permits are available at visitor centers and local retailers.

Best Fishing Locations

Maligne Lake features excellent trout fishing spots that you can reach by canoe or electric motor boats. Talbot Lake’s crystal-clear waters run just 4 feet deep and create the perfect setting to catch Northern Pike. The Upper Maligne River acts as a natural hatchery and gives anglers amazing dry fly-fishing opportunities.

License Requirements

Parks Canada maintains strict fishing rules. Anglers can catch and keep up to two game fish daily. The park recommends barbless hooks to release fish easily and has banned live bait completely. Many native species like bull trout have a zero possession limit.

Seasonal Fish Species

The park’s waters support several fish species. Maligne Lake teems with rainbow trout and brook trout, while Talbot Lake’s weedy waters host abundant Northern Pike. Women of reproductive age should limit their Patricia Lake trout consumption to four servings monthly due to mercury levels.

Parks Canada certified guides lead fishing adventures from May through October. These trips include equipment, transportation, and instruction that benefit both beginners and seasoned anglers.

Camping Experiences

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Camping in the wilderness stands out as one of the best ways to experience Jasper National Park. The park’s campgrounds network welcomes everyone from tent campers to RV travelers.

Campground Options

Whistlers, Miette, and Overflow campgrounds run at full capacity. Wapiti Campground has reduced its capacity to 362 summer sites and 93 winter spots. You’ll find seven self-registration campgrounds, including Snaring, Kerkeslin, and Jonas that give you a more rustic experience. Wabasso and Whirlpool Group campgrounds are closed because of fire damage.

Booking Information

Parks Canada’s Reservation Service starts taking frontcountry camping bookings on January 28, 2025, at 8:00 AM MT. You can also try several campgrounds that work on a first-come, first-served basis. A night’s stay costs between USD 17.50 to USD 53.50, based on the amenities. The camping season runs from early May through late September.

Essential Camping Tips

To camp safely:

• Store food properly in bear-proof containers
• Keep a ‘bare’ campsite to prevent wildlife encounters
• Follow the Clean, Drain, Dry process for all equipment
• Pack gear that suits the mountain’s changing weather

September and October ended up being the best months to camp with fewer crowds. The park’s temperature changes a lot, so campers should be ready for warm days and near-freezing nights.

Comparison Table

Activity	Location/Area	Season/Availability	Duration	Price Range (USD)	Difficulty Level	Special Requirements
Maligne Lake & Spirit Island	22km lake stretch	June-October	90-120 mins (cruise)	$75-150/hr (rentals)	Easy-Moderate	Adults 18+ for rentals, life jackets needed
Jasper SkyTram	2,263m elevation	Year-round	7 mins (ride)	$67 adult, $38 youth	Easy	Weather-suitable clothing
Athabasca Falls	30km south of Jasper	Year-round	15-30 mins	Free	Easy	None listed
Columbia Icefield	Largest Rocky Mountain ice field	May-October	Not listed	Not listed	Moderate	Strong footwear, warm clothes
Maligne Canyon	Deepest canyon you can visit	Year-round	2-3 hours	Not listed	Easy-Moderate	Good hiking boots
Pyramid & Patricia Lakes	8km from Jasper	Year-round	Varies	$45-80/hr (rentals)	Easy	None listed
Miette Hot Springs	Eastern park area	May-October	Not listed	$17.50-27/day	Easy	Swimwear
Marmot Basin	1,698m base elevation	Mid-Nov to early May	Varies	$149/day adult	Beginner to Expert	Ski gear
Valley of Five Lakes	Near Jasper townsite	June-October	1.5-2 hours	Not listed	Moderate	Good footwear
Mount Edith Cavell	3,363m elevation	Mid-June to Mid-October	1-5 hours	Not listed	Easy-Challenging	Hiking equipment
Wildlife Watching Tours	Various spots	Year-round	Not listed	Not listed	Easy	Camera, binoculars
Jasper Planetarium	Dark sky preserve	Year-round	Not listed	Not listed	Easy	None listed
Whitewater Rafting	Multiple rivers	May-September	Varies by route	Not listed	Class II-III+	Safety gear provided
Rock Climbing	Multiple spots	May-October	Varies	$425/day (guided)	Beginner to Advanced	Gear rentals offered
Fishing Adventures	Lakes of all types	May-October	Varies	$10/day permit	Varies	Fishing permit needed
Camping Experiences	Multiple grounds	May-September	Varies	$17.50-53.50/night	Easy	Camping permit, proper gear

Conclusion

Jasper National Park never fails to amaze me with its range of activities in every season. The peaceful paddles on Maligne Lake and heart-pumping adventures at Marmot Basin’s ski runs make this wilderness a perfect spot for anyone seeking outdoor fun.

My years of exploring the park have shown me countless ways to relax or seek adventure. Families love the gentle walks around Pyramid Lake, while seasoned mountaineers take on the challenging routes of Mount Edith Cavell. The park’s status as a Dark Sky Preserve makes evening activities special, and a night of stargazing at Jasper Planetarium will leave you speechless.

You’ll need to plan ahead to get the most out of this Rocky Mountain paradise. Early booking will give a better choice of places to stay during peak summer months – whether you want to camp under starlit skies or relax in comfortable lodges. It also helps to check when activities are available, since some spots like Miette Hot Springs only welcome visitors from May through October.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site ended up being evidence of Canada’s natural beauty. Even after so many visits, I still find new wonders at every turn, from hidden waterfalls to surprise encounters with wildlife. The park’s steadfast dedication to preservation while staying accessible makes it perfect for nature lovers of any skill level.