The Town of Jasper
A Small Town In The Canadian Rockies
Jasper is a breath of fresh air in comparison to the other towns and villages of the Canadian Rockies, which resemble resorts more than functioning towns. Its distance from any major city and location in a national park has allowed the town to resist the worst of commercialization. Jasper moves at a slower pace of life, and nature remains at the town’s doorstep.
The town’s origins date back to the first explorers of the Canadian western as a fur trading outpost. Since that time, it has remained an outpost in the Canadian wilderness. Wildlife frequently appears around the town’s edges with moose, elk, and bear sightings, and the park still has healthy caribou herds. It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that many consider it a highlight of their trip to the Canada.
In 2024, a wildfire tore through the valley and burned 30% of Jasper’s structures. It was a dark day in the town’s history, but with an outpouring of community support, the town is on the mend and looks forward to a bright new future. Check here for the lastest udpates.
Where Is Jasper?
It’s easy to confuse “Jasper” as it can refer to both the town and the national park. Jasper National Park gets its name from where it originated, the trading outpost of Jasper. It lies 315 kilometers west of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada.
Jasper National Park borders several other provincial and national parks. Most notable is Banff National Park, which lies to the South and is connected via the famed Icefields Parkway.
How To Get To Jasper
Jasper is a classic stop on many travelers’ itineraries to the Canadian Rockies. It’s often added on to a trip to the more grand and touristic Banff National Park. However, it’s just as enticing for travelers.
The drive between Jasper and Banff is 288 km (179 miles) and takes around 3:30 hrs. Most people take a full day due to all the amazing viewpoints and sights along the road.
If you’re not coming from Banff, here are other reference points:
Edmonton
A popular route is to fly in and out of Calgary and Edmonton. This allows travelers to visit both national parks and towns in one trip. Jasper lies 315 km west of Edmonton and is a four-hour drive.
Kamloops
If you’re making a cross-provincial road trip from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies, many make a stop at Kamloops out of convenience. The city is around 443 km southwest of Jasper and a five-hour drive. We recommend stopping in the small town of Clearwater and seeing Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Vancouver
It’s very popular for many visitors to plan extended trips across B.C. and Alberta. Vancouver is an amazing city, and the province has some fantastic mountain towns to explore on the way to the Canadian Rockies.
While it’s the next province over, distances are far, and drive times are long. To make it enjoyable, we suggest at least a few days between the two—granted, we’ve driven it in a day before.
Where To Stay In Jasper
What To Eat
Jasper offers a wide range of cuisines, restaurants, price points, and places to eat. It’s the perfect place to fill yourself up after a long day exploring the wild Canadian Rockies. From authentic Japanese ramen to Indian to Alberta beef, here is all the best Banff food you can get!
Aalto, Harvest, and Raven’s Bistro are a few of our favorite spots to eat. We have more suggestions, but we’re waiting for the latest post-fire. If you’re after a great coffee, head to Andromeda, and for a beer, hit Jasper Brewing, the first brewery in the Canadian Rockies.
The Best Things To Do in Jasper
Jasper has a lot to offer visitors, including restaurants, tour operators, rental shops, bars, hiking trails, museums, art galleries, and shops. The list could go on and on. There are so many activities in Jasper and the surrounding region that it’s hard to get bored.
Some highlights include the Maligne Lake Cruise, Columbia Icefield, star gazing, Jasper Skytram, Mount Edith Cavell meadows, and a whitewater ride down the Sunwapta River.
The Best Jasper Hikes
A wide swath of hiking trails provides visitors with expansive glaciated icefields, forested valleys, towering peaks, sparkling emerald lakes, and close encounters with wildlife. Jasper National Park has plenty of maintained hiking trails. For an easy hike, check out Mary Schäffer Loop or Lac Beauvert Loop.
More Awesome Things To Do In Jasper
Maligne Lake
The lake is spectacular and easily on the most grand in the world. No trip to the Rockies is complete without a visit to its shoreline.
Columbia Icefield
The most popular stop on the Icefields Parkway. It’s many visitors’ first and only chance to stand atop a glacier.
Mount Robson
While it’s not in Jasper National Park, the bordering provincial park is unmissable. The famous Berg Lake trail is one of greatest backcountry trips.
Winter Activities
Visiting in the winter? Great. Jasper is a winter wonderland with many amazing things to do.
Check Out These Tours
From Jasper With Love
A fabulous live show about why you shouldn’t fall in love with Jasper.
Maligne Lake Cruise
An iconic ride across the lake to the magical Spirit Island.
Jasper Food Tour
Have a local guide through town on this informative tour that takes you to local institutions.
Whitewater Rafting
Tackle the rivers around Jasper and choose between a thrilling whitewater ride or a scenic float.
