Jasper walking tour & city guide
A wild mountain town in the heart of the Rockies.
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Jasper is a small mountain town inside Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. It is quieter and wilder than Banff, surrounded by glaciers, turquoise lakes and peaks, and elk often wander right through town. At night, the park is one of the largest dark-sky preserves in the world.
The town of Jasper
Jasper's main street, Connaught Drive, faces the railway station, a stop on the famous transcontinental train route. The town has outdoor shops, cafés and lodges, and the historic Jasper Park Information Centre, a stone building from 1914.
In July 2024, a large wildfire destroyed around a third of the town's buildings. The national park and most businesses have reopened and the town is rebuilding, so it is worth checking current information before visiting.
Lakes, canyons and glaciers
Maligne Canyon is a deep limestone gorge crossed by footbridges, a short drive from town. Further on, Maligne Lake is famous for boat trips to tiny Spirit Island. The Jasper SkyTram climbs Whistlers Mountain for views over the valley, and the Icefields Parkway runs south past the Columbia Icefield and its Athabasca Glacier.
A classic walk in and around town
Start at the railway station and walk along Connaught Drive and Patricia Street, the two main streets. From the north end of town, trails lead up to Pyramid Bench for views over the valley, or you can follow the easy path to Lac Beauvert and the shore of the Jasper Park Lodge.
For a longer outing, drive to Maligne Canyon and walk the trail past its six bridges. Walking in the park, carry bear spray and keep your distance from wildlife.
Visiting tips
Summer is the main season, while autumn brings golden larches and the elk rut. Winter offers skiing at Marmot Basin and ice walks in Maligne Canyon. Jasper is about four hours from Edmonton and three hours from Banff along the Icefields Parkway.
Top sights in Jasper
- 1
Maligne Canyon
A deep gorge crossed by bridges.
- 2
Maligne Lake and Spirit Island
A famous boat trip.
- 3
Jasper SkyTram
An aerial tram up Whistlers Mountain.
- 4
Athabasca Glacier
A glacier on the Icefields Parkway.
- 5
Athabasca Falls
A powerful waterfall near town.
- 6
Pyramid Lake
A lake beneath Pyramid Mountain.
Food markets & where to eat in Jasper
Connaught Drive
Cafés and casual eateries.
Patricia Street
Pubs and local restaurants.
Jasper Park Lodge area
Lakeside dining.
Food to try in Jasper
Alberta beef burger
A hearty mountain meal.
Bison
A lean local meat.
Nanaimo bar
A classic Canadian no-bake treat.
Maple treats
Fudge, cookies and syrup.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Jasper
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in JasperCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Jasper.
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