5 Places to Visit in Jasper That You Cannot Miss

There are so many things to do in Jasper that making a list is nearly impossible. Jasper is endlessly charming, and the park’s spectacular beauty has long rewarded those who make the journey.

As the exploration of the area has a longer history and sees far fewer visitors than neighbouring Banff, most find it to have more character and soul. The highlights are instantly recognizable, and even the most seasoned locals have enjoyed these experiences at one point or another.

From a scenic cruise across Maligne Lake, a soak in the Miette Hot Springs, or a paddle along Pyramid Lake, these are our picks for what to do in Jasper. It’s what we consider must do for any visitor in the summer, no matter how long the trip.

Best Places to Visit in Jasper

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Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is a glacial lake just a 45-minute drive from the town of Jasper at the end of the stunning Maligne Lake Road. It’s easily one of the best places to visit in Jasper, and the number one thing we recommend visitors do.

Maligne Lake stands out as the grandest lake in all the Canadian Rockies, even amongst a crowded field of gorgeous lakes. While Moraine Lake usually takes the title of most beautiful lake in the world, Maligne Lake does give it a run for its money.

You can canoe, paddleboard, kayak, or even take a motorboat out on the lake in the summer. However, the most popular thing to do is to take a cruise out to Spirit Island. It is revered for its natural beauty and is a sacred place for indigenous people.

Due to its sacredness, the island is off-limits, but you can still visit the opposing bank on a scenic cruise. The tour should be booked in advance, as it is a very popular activity in the summer.

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Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake is such a peaceful spot in Jasper. It’s a beautiful lake to enjoy all year round, but we especially love it in the summer. We love to recommend it for watersports as it’s easy to bring a paddleboard, canoe, and kayak. Or you can rent watercraft from the Pyramid Lake Lodge onsite.

While there, don’t miss Pyramid Island, which is a small island with a bridge to it. Many photographers head here as it’s quite photogenic, but even if you’re not taking photos, it’s still a serene spot. If you’re up for an early morning, Pyramid Island is one of the best sunrise spots in the Rockies!

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Miette Hot Springs

About 60 km east of Jasper, Miette Hot Springs may not be the closest of all Jasper’s attractions. It’s the perfect spot to soothe those weary muscles after a long day of hiking. Fed from natural geothermal waters that bubble up from the earth at a piping 130°F, the water cools to about 100°F before making its way into the pool.

Not only will the water relax you, but the dissolved minerals within have long been thought to have curative powers for those with skin, bone, and muscle ailments. Though initially built in the ’30s, the facilities have been upgraded, and there’s a swimming pool and restaurant on-site if you’d like to make a day of it.

Open from May to October – depending on the weather – the entrance fee is $17.50 for adults, making it a relatively cheap way to pamper yourself in one of Alberta’s best hot springs.

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Athabasca Falls

A great stop along the Icefields Parkway and close to town are the Athabasca Falls. While the falls are a modest 32m drop by standards of waterfalls, they are wild geological sight.

The volume of water that rushes over the edge is very high, making the upper Athabasca River really roar. We particularly love visiting, especially during the height of the thaw in late spring (May and early June).

There are ample walking trails to get you to viewing areas, allowing you to ogle the river and fall in all its glory. Please stick to the trails and don’t try to hop the fence for a better photo!

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Beauvert Lake

Out of all the beautiful lakes in Jasper, Beauvert Lake is easily my favorite. It’s freezing cold, even on the warmest summer days, but it boasts some of the clearest water I’ve ever seen. Seriously, you’ll be able to see straight to the bottom!

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge surrounds much of the lake, meaning if you can score a stay here, you’ll have amazing access to Beauvert at all times. The Jasper Park Lodge rents out all the fun toys to be able to enjoy the lake and Mount Edith Cavell views.

However, you don’t have to be a guest of the Park Lodge to enjoy the lake; anyone is welcome to bring their own paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks on Beauvert Lake via the public day use area.

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