10 Unmissable Things to Do in Jasper National Park in 2026
Jasper doesn't do subtle. Turquoise lakes ringed by glaciers, waterfalls thundering through slot canyons, a giant vehicle that drives out onto an actual glacier, and a night sky so dark the Milky Way looks fake — the subject of our full Jasper stargazing guide. This is the biggest national park in the Canadian Rockies, and it wears its wildness proudly.
Here's the thing about Jasper — it's spread out. So rent a car, skip the day-tour bus, and chase this list on your own schedule. Here are the ten experiences worth building your trip around.
1. Cruise Maligne Lake to Spirit Island
This is the postcard. A 22km glacial lake ringed by snow-dusted peaks, with the tiny, tree-topped Spirit Island sitting in the middle like it was placed there by a set designer.
Spirit Island is only reachable by boat. The classic scenic cruise runs about 1.5 hours (~$85–115 CAD / ~$62–84 USD) and stops at the island viewpoint for photos. Book ahead in summer — this one sells out.
Go on a calm morning for mirror reflections. The drive from town takes 45–50 minutes and passes Medicine Lake on the way, so budget the time. Prefer to earn it? Canoe or hike the shoreline trails instead.
2. Ride onto the Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefield
The Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Rockies, straddling the Jasper–Banff boundary about an hour south of town on the Icefields Parkway.
You've got options. Walk to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier for free (stay behind the safety markers — there are hidden crevasses). Or ride a giant Ice Explorer out onto the ice itself (~$90–115 CAD), often bundled with the glass-floored Skywalk.
Dress warmly. It is genuinely cold on the ice even in July — wind whipping off the glacier will find every gap in your layers. The Discovery Centre marks the spot, and the signs showing how far the ice has retreated are sobering.
3. Stand Beside the Roar of Athabasca Falls
Not tall. Thunderously forceful. Athabasca Falls is where the Athabasca River funnels through a narrow quartzite gorge, carving dramatic potholes and throwing spray everywhere.
A network of paved walkways and viewing platforms makes this an easy 20–30 minute stop, and it's free. It's about 30 minutes south of town on Hwy 93A — the perfect leg-stretch on the way to or from the parkway. Come during the early-summer snowmelt for maximum drama.
4. Fly Up Whistlers Mountain on the Jasper SkyTram
Canada's highest and longest guided aerial tramway climbs to 2,263m in about seven minutes, opening up a panorama over the town, six mountain ranges, and the whole Athabasca Valley.
Tickets run ~$50–60 CAD round trip. From the upper station, a steep 1.4km trail continues to the true summit for even bigger views — do it if your legs are willing. Book a timed slot in peak season, and bring a windproof layer. It's cool and gusty up top no matter what the town thermometer says.
5. Walk the Bridges of Maligne Canyon
One of the deepest accessible canyons in the Rockies — the Maligne River has cut a slot up to 50m deep, spanned by a series of footbridges. It's about 15 minutes from town, and it's free.
In summer, walk the self-guided trail past waterfalls (allow 1–2 hours; there are several bridge loops of different lengths — walk to at least the fourth bridge). In winter, the whole thing transforms into a guided icewalk across the frozen canyon floor beneath giant blue ice curtains (~$60–90 CAD). Wear grippy shoes either way.
6. Catch the Reflection at Pyramid & Patricia Lakes
A short drive north of town, Pyramid and Patricia Lakes deliver a classic Rockies moment. Walk out to Pyramid Island on its little footbridge and you'll get Pyramid Mountain doubled perfectly in the still water.
Free with your park pass. It's an easy, low-effort stop — and it doubles as one of the best dark-sky spots after nightfall (more on that below).
7. Soak in the Rockies' Hottest Springs at Miette
About an hour east of town off Hwy 16, Miette Hot Springs are the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies. There's nothing quite like sinking into steaming water with cold mountain air on your face.
Entry runs ~$9–16 CAD, and you can bring or rent a swimsuit. The access road (Miette Road) is seasonal, roughly May to October. Watch for bighorn sheep on the way up — they treat the road like their living room.
8. Stargaze in One of Earth's Largest Dark Sky Preserves
This is the one nobody expects to love as much as they do. Jasper is one of the largest accessible Dark Sky Preserves on the planet, and on a clear, moonless night the Milky Way spills across the whole sky.
Pyramid Island and Lake Annette are easy, dark, water-reflected spots — the stars mirror in the lake below the stars above. It's free. Autumn brings a real chance at the aurora. Pack warm layers, a red-light headlamp, and a thermos, and give your eyes 20 minutes to adjust.
9. Drive the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93)
Regularly rated one of the most scenic drives on Earth. This 232km route links Jasper and Lake Louise past glaciers, waterfalls, and turquoise lakes at nearly every turn.
Near the Jasper end, don't miss Sunwapta Falls and Tangle Creek Falls. A valid park pass is required to stop. Fuel up in Jasper first — services en route are essentially nonexistent — and allow a full day with stops. Watch for wildlife on the road throughout.
10. Chase Wildlife at Dawn on Highway 93A
The quiet old highway (93A) parallels the main parkway and is one of the most reliable spots in the park for elk, deer, and the occasional bear. First light is prime time.
Stay in your car, keep 100m from bears and 30m from elk, and just watch. A dawn wildlife drive up Maligne Lake Road works the same magic — grab a pastry from Bear's Paw Bakery to go and get out early.
Pro Tip
Cluster your days by geography so you're not backtracking — and skim our pre-trip Jasper tips so the pass, gas, and bear spray are sorted before you arrive. Give one full day to the Maligne Valley (canyon, Medicine Lake, then the Spirit Island cruise, worked outward from town). Give another to the Icefields Parkway south (Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, the Columbia Icefield). Keep a town-based day for the SkyTram and the local lakes. And save one clear night — check the forecast obsessively — for the Dark Sky Preserve. That's the night you'll be talking about long after you've flown home.
