Tucked away in the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, Jasper exudes a rugged wilderness charm with backcountry skiing, native wildlife and mountainous hiking. This alpine town also features museums and brewpubs and restaurants serving local game.

Things to do

The town of Jasper is on the doorstep of Jasper National Park, a natural splendour of icy glaciers, dominating peaks and tranquil alpine lakes. Whether you want to hike, camp or ski your way through, Jasper National Park accommodates with stunning backcountry filled with elk, moose, bighorn sheep and bears. Don’t miss seeing the impressive 3,362-metre-high Mt Edith Cavell or kayaking across the crystalline Maligne Lake, famous for its icy-blue water and surrounding glaciers.

Do you want to take in the views without exhausting much energy? Hop aboard the Jasper Skytram, which transports you up 2,277 metres for incredible countryside vistas. You can chill at the viewpoint or embark down the immersive hiking trail. For more stunning views, head to the Columbia Icefield, the largest in the Rocky Mountains. It features eight major glaciers and some of the highest mountains in Canada.

If you’re hanging around town, head to the Den Wildlife Museum, home to over 100 taxidermy displays of native animals with fascinating information on living habits. It’s a short walk from the Two Brothers Totem Pole, a beautifully carved landmark showcasing the native Haida nation’s culture and history.

Satisfy your hunger cravings at a range of welcoming restaurants in the centre of town, such as Karouzos Steakhouse for local meats, Evil Dave’s Grill for international fare and Fiddle River Restaurant for seafood. Stop by Jasper Brewing Company to wash it down with handcrafted beers.

Getting around

Jasper is serviced by a railway station with regular trains to surrounding cities. You can drive to Jasper via the Gothic Icefields Parkway route. The town centre is easily explored on foot, but you’ll need a private car or tour to venture further.