8 Things You Have To Do In Jasper National Park
Tony & I visited Jasper National Park on the last leg of our Canadian adventure! We started out in Calgary, drove to Banff & Lake Louise, then took the Icefields Parkway all the way to Jasper National Park. We had such an amazing trip, we’re already planning our next one to British Columbia!
Jasper is straight out of one of those insane travel Pinterest boards. You know, the ones with beautiful lakes, wildlife, mountains & million dollar views? It’s also got a more rugged/remote vibe than Banff & Lake Louise. We only spent two nights there (in the winter), so I’d love to go back for at least a week in the summer to see more of it!
Since we’ve been traveling so much more lately, I’ve loved getting to come up with tour guides for you guys. Not just things to see and do, but my top recommendations on where to stay, what to eat & local hidden gems and hot spots.
Things to do in Jasper
SEE: A Jasper Wildlife Tour
I’m not much of a tour person, I get really bored normally and hate being on other people’s schedules. But our wildlife tour with SunDog Tours was legitimately amazing. Our tour guide picked us up and took us on their “Winter Wildlife Discovery Tour”, taking us on a mission to track down elk, deer, sheep, goats, coyotes, wolves, and moose. It was surprisingly informative, we got to learn all about the history, geology and ecology of the area. It was the perfect way to spend the morning and see tons of awesome wildlife.
SEE: Maligne Valley and Medicine Lake and
Ok so you’re probably thinking: what’s the point of seeing a lake in the winter? I think a lot of people dismiss the idea of driving up to Maligne Lake during the winter because they don’t think much of it, but it’s totally worth it. The views are insane, there are absolutely no other people and you can even go snowshoeing or cross country skiing! If you’re not a fan of crowds, it’s an awesome spot to check out.
While you’re driving, you’ll get to check out Medicine Lake too. It was named “Medicine Lake” because the early native people in the area thought it had magical powers because it vanishes and re-appears every year. It actually drains through a network of underground caves.
SEE: The Jasper SkyTram
If you visit Jasper during the winter, it’s consider their off season… which is amazing if you hate waiting in lines! During the summer, the Jasper SkyTram can get pretty busy. But if you visit during the winter, you don’t have to pre-book your tram ride! The ride up is beautiful and gives you the chance to see a little snow. If it’s a clear day, you’ll get to take in a view of the entire park. At the peak, you can also stop for some souvenirs and snacks. I recommend grabbing lunch if you plan it during the afternoon.
SEE: The Jasper Planetarium
Warm up with a quick trip to the Jasper Planetarium! I’m being 100% honest when I say this isn’t your typical dry, boring educational planetarium experience. Not to mention they have a fire pit and s’mores outside for viewing the sky. If it’s not too cloudy, you can use their telescope to check out the stars!
STAY: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
I think it’s safe to say that this is one of my favorite hotels I’ve ever visited. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge reminds me of what I dreamed summer camp should be like as a kid. It’s not a conventional hotel, but a bunch of cabins surrounding a lake. Some of the cabins were built in the 1920s and others in the 1960s and 70s. All have been completely refurbished, so you get that “glamping” vibe only attainable the the Fairmont hotels. They’re not over the top and opulent, but cozy and quintessentially Canadian.
I really liked it because it felt so relaxing and secluded. More than anything, the setting is beautiful. The wood campfires that line the lake in front of the main lodge, the ice skaters on the torch lit lake rink, the grand fireplace blazing in the center of the main lodge… literally amazing. Completely romantic, but also relaxed enough for a family vacation. The perfect spot to relax, enjoy an outdoor heated pool & take in views of the Canadian Rockies.
RELAX: Fairmont Spa
No vacation of mine would be complete without a trip to the spa. Let’s be honest, it’s kind of my thing. One of the best parts about being in Jasper is that it slows your pace down. It helps you breathe in the outdoors and separate from the hustle and bustle of every day life and technology. The spa is what some would call an “adult sanctuary”… meaning you have to be over 18 to use it. You’re also not allowed to bring cell phones, major plus if you’re trying to detox from technology. If you’re in the mood for a little pampering, I recommend the Glacial Massage. They use glacial shells to help calm and cool your body, perfect for reducing pain and inflammation.
SWEETS: Bear’s Paw Bakery
No trip of mine would be complete without a thorough investigation of dessert options. If you’re in Jasper, don’t forget to stop in at Bear’s Paw Bakery for some coffee and pastries. Their cinnamon rolls and scones are out of this world.
SIP: Jasper Brewing Company
Grab a seat at the bar and pick up a beer and sandwich from Jasper Brewing Company. If you’re looking for a casual lunch or dinner, it’s the perfect spot for some pretzels and cheese sauce with a sampler beer platter. If you’re feeling adventurous, try their elk meatloaf!
EAT: The Emerald Lounge
Ok so I’m not just saying this because we stayed at the Fairmont, but the restaurant in their lounge was totally worth not leaving the comfort of the hotel for. A lot of times hotel restaurants are pretty lame and lackluster. But the Emerald Lounge had amazing food, a roaring fire & live music every night. I also learned about one of Canada’s most popular cocktail: the Caesar. No, not the salad. But almost as filling. The Caesar is basically a Canadian Bloody Mary… but better. They add a little clam juice, which gives it an umami flavor & more depth than the BM. It also comes with some seriously over the top garnishes like picked, beans, olives, pepperoni sticks, bacon and fried chicken.
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