Jasper tourist attractions at a glance
Jasper National Park lies in Alberta and is run by Parks Canada. The town of Jasper is the base for almost every visit. Most Jasper National Park attractions lie along a few roads out of town: a long lake with a famous island view, two waterfalls, a mountain tram, a lake at the edge of town and a glacier on the Icefields Parkway.
This page gives you the short version of each one. Every attraction has its own page with more detail. If you would rather have a guide handle the driving, see our overview of Jasper National Park tours.
Lakes: Maligne Lake and Pyramid Lake
Maligne Lake is 22 km long. Spirit Island lies about 14 km up the lake from the northern starting point. There is no road or trail to it, so you reach the view by boat or by unmotorised private craft. Visitors do not walk on the island. The boat trip goes to a viewpoint near it. The classic trip takes about 1.5 hours, and you should allow at least 90 minutes of driving time from town plus arrival about an hour before departure. Boats usually run from late May to mid October, weather permitting, so check the current dates before you go. Read more on our Maligne Lake page.
Pyramid Lake is the easy one. It sits just outside town, with Pyramid Mountain behind it. A wooden bridge leads to Pyramid Island, and the island loop is about 300 m. Patricia Lake is next door. Both are open. More on Pyramid Lake.
Our pick: the lake cruise
Maligne Lake is the classic first stop, and the boat gives you Spirit Island from the water.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours and day trips in Jasper
Boat trips, glacier tours, rafting and wildlife outings, with live prices and availability.
Glaciers, waterfalls and the Icefields Parkway
The big sights lie south of town on Highway 93 North.
Columbia Icefield
The Athabasca Glacier flows from the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies. The glacier tour and the Skywalk ran from 1 May to 12 October in 2026. Never step onto the ice without a certified guide.
Columbia Icefield →Athabasca Falls
The falls are about 23 m high and drop into a short gorge. Spray makes the rock slippery, so stay behind the railings. The day-use area and trailhead are open.
Athabasca Falls →Sunwapta Falls
A waterfall beside a limestone gorge, with a footbridge. The picnic site and trailhead are open.
Both waterfalls →Icefields Parkway
The road itself is an attraction, and you need a park pass even when you only drive it. A Discovery Pass covers Jasper and Banff. From 1 November winter tires or chains are required, and mobile reception is poor, so download maps first.
Icefields Parkway →Skytram and Miette Hot Springs
The Jasper Skytram lifts you to an upper station at 2,263 m, up from 1,315 m in the valley. The Whistlers summit is at 2,463 m, and reaching it takes a further walk of 1.4 km that is not wheelchair accessible. Plan about 90 minutes between the ride up and the ride down, more if you hike. The ride is sold in time slots, and you can also buy on the spot if there is space. It runs from spring to autumn, weather permitting, so check the current dates. See the Skytram page.
Miette Hot Springs are 61 km from town: about 44 km on Highway 16, then 17 km on a winding road. They run seasonally, and the 2026 season ended on 12 October. Single entry from 8 September 2026 cost CA$19.75 for adults, and the park pass does not cover it. Details on Miette Hot Springs.
Maligne Canyon is closed in 2026
The paths in Maligne Canyon and the area around them are closed, from the First Bridge parking lot to the turnoff for the Fifth Bridge. The closure covers winter activities too, so there are no canyon ice walks this season. The reason is unstable slopes and a higher risk of mudslides after the fire. A guided group does not lift the closure. The Fifth Bridge picnic area and the path between the Fifth and Sixth Bridge are open, but they do not lead into the closed canyon. See Maligne Canyon for the current situation.
Wildlife, hikes and dark skies
No guarantees, but good odds of seeing something.
Wildlife
Elk, black bears and grizzlies live in the park. Keep 100 m from bears, cougars and wolves and 30 m from elk, moose, caribou, sheep and goats. Never feed animals. The park rules allow fines of up to CA$25,000 in serious cases.
Wildlife in Jasper →Hiking
The Valley of the Five Lakes, Wabasso Lake and the Curator Trail have reopened. Sulphur Skyline, Old Fort Point, Bald Hills and Wilcox Pass are open. The Edith Cavell road and the Cavell Meadows trail are closed, and Opal Hills is closed because of a grizzly with cubs.
Hiking in Jasper →Stargazing
Jasper has been a Dark-Sky Preserve since 26 March 2011. Clear nights away from town lights are best. A planetarium in town offers dome shows and telescope sessions. Northern lights are never guaranteed.
The main sights compared
2026 seasons and rough time needs.
| Sight | Time to plan | 2026 season | Fee on top of the park pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maligne Lake boat trip | About 1.5 hours on the water | Late May to mid October, check dates | Yes, boat ticket |
| Columbia Icefield glacier tour | 2–3 hours | 1 May to 12 October | Yes, tour ticket |
| Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls | Short stops | Open | – |
| Jasper Skytram | About 90 minutes, more with the summit walk | Spring to autumn, check dates | Yes, ticket |
| Pyramid Lake and Island | Short visit | Open | – |
| Miette Hot Springs | Half a day with the drive | Ended 12 October | Yes, CA$19.75 adults |
For a first visit with two or three days, take the Maligne Lake boat trip, the Icefields Parkway with the glacier and the falls, and an evening at Pyramid Lake. Add the Skytram if the sky is clear.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where to go next.
Maligne Lake and Spirit Island
The boat trip, the viewpoint and the season.
Columbia Icefield
Glacier tour, Skywalk and safety on the ice.
Weather and best time
Monthly averages and what each season suits.
Planning to continue south? Banff has its own guide.
Things to do in Jasper: frequently asked questions
What is the best thing to do in Jasper?
Most visitors pick the Maligne Lake boat trip and the Icefields Parkway with the Columbia Icefield. Pyramid Lake and the Skytram suit a shorter day.
Do I need a park pass?
Yes. Adults aged 18 to 64 pay CA$12.25 per day in 2026, seniors CA$10.75, and a family or group of up to seven people in one vehicle CA$24.50. Youth up to 17 enter free. A Discovery Pass costs CA$83.50 for adults and covers Jasper and Banff.
Can I walk in Maligne Canyon?
No. The canyon paths are closed in 2026, including in winter. Choose Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls or Pyramid Lake instead.
Can I land on Spirit Island?
No. Visitors do not walk on the island because of its meaning for the Stoney Nakoda First Nation. The boat trip stops at a nearby viewpoint.
How many days do I need in Jasper?
Two days cover the lake, the glacier and the falls. Three days leave room for the Skytram, a hike and an evening at the lake.