The Best Adventure Activities in Jasper

Getting to Jasper is an adventure in itself. Driving the iconic Icefields Parkway is consistently rated one of the best drives in the entire world with it's dramatic elevation changes, striking glaciers and endless mountain ranges. But what about when you arrive? Jasper is one of the best destinations for alpine adventure in Canada!

From adrenaline inducing white water rafting, to skiing at Canada's highest base elevation, Jasper has so much on offer in summer and winter. See what to do with this guide to the best adventure activities in Jasper National Park!

Whitewater Rafting in Jasper National Park

The Best Summer Adventure Activities in Jasper National Park

With sunlight until 10pm, wildflowers and sunny days, a summer in Jasper is sure to be memorable. Especially with these exciting activities on offer during the summer months!

White Water Rafting in Jasper

Forget about a cold dip, what about a full glacial facial on a raft on the scenic Athabasca River or mighty Sunwapta River? Jasper offers multiple options for white water rafting in the rockies.

Try the scenic and family friendly Mile 5 run or up the stakes on the exciting Athabasca Falls run, both class II white water trips. Those seeking more adrenaline can take on the mighty Sunwapta class III rapids in the heart of the park. No matter what kind of expedition you're chasing, Jasper Rafting Adventures has various trips available in the park. Just to be clear, you will get wet! Trips start from C$94 per person.

Kayaking in Jasper

Visit one of the most iconic and photographed lakes in the Canadian rockies, Maligne Lake. Better yet, kayak across it!

Adventure seekers can rent a kayak from the boat house at Maligne Lake. Use it for the day to explore or take it on a multi-day excursion to see if you can make it all the way to the famous Spirit Island. Kayak rental starts at C$72.

Hiking in Jasper

Naturally, one can expect there to be plenty of hiking trails in a National Park, and there are plenty of hikes to choose from in Jasper to suit all abilities.

Some more adventurous trails include the Skyline Trail, the Overlander Trail and the Wilcox Pass. Note: some of these are multi-day treks which require pre-booking. Visit Parks Canada for the most up to date information and prepare accordingly!

Mountaineering in Jasper

A trip to the mountains wouldn't be complete without actually heading into the alpine, right? And there are plenty of alpine adventures to be had in Jasper National Park!

Try rock climbing with a licensed guide and experience the thrill of dangling off a cliff for yourself (haha)! Or go trekking on a glacier and become one of the very few people with bragging rights for having stepped foot on a big slab of ice. Local outfitters Rockaboo Mountain Adventures will get you set up for adventure on one of their exciting tours. Trips start at C$145 per person.

The Best Winter Adventure Activities in Jasper National Park

Skiing in Jasper

Ski at one of the most picturesque ski resorts in all of Canada at Marmot Basin. With the highest base elevation of any resort in Canada, enjoy high-alpine conditions and terrain for all abilities.

Beginners can enjoy plenty of green terrain across the resort and get a lesson from a highly trained instructor while adventurous advanced skiers can enjoy free-ride terrain and the terrain park. You won't be bored at this fun resort! Lift tickets start at C$124.80.

Snowshoeing in Jasper

Don't let the winter blues stop you from exploring! In winter, there's plenty to explore by foot in Jasper National Park. Try snowshoeing and access places in the park that can only be reached by snowshoe (walking on.a frozen lake anyone?).

Local tour operator Sundog Tours offer snowshoeing trips in the winter which will show you the wonders of the park covered in snow. Trips start at C$79 per person.

Where To Stay in Jasper

There are plenty of accommodations in Jasper, suitable to all budgets and needs. Here are our recommendations based on the time of year to help you experience the very best of the park! For more accommodation recommendations, check out our guide on budget accommodation in Jasper under $150 per night.

Summer Accommodation

In summer, embrace the cabin lifestyle at one of Jasper's most iconic log cabin accommodations, Beckers Chalets. Located along the Athabasca River and only a five-minute drive from town, watch white water rafters pass by and enjoy the serenity of the mountains with plenty of epic hikes only a stone's throw away. Plus, parking is available on-site for those road tripping through the park. Rates start at C$200 per night.

Winter Accommodation

Think cosy chalet vibes and après ski at the Whistler's Inn, located right in the heart of downtown Jasper. This is a great option for those coming to ski with the ski shuttle stop, restaurants and shops within a 5-minute radius. Plus, this hotel boasts a rooftop hot tub, a great pub with deals and steals for skiers and the upmarket Italian restaurant Casio's. Rates start at C$180 per night.

Getting To Jasper

There are a couple of options when it comes to travelling to Jasper and the park is accessible via Edmonton and Calgary.

By Car

Jasper is approximately a 4 hour drive (392km) from Edmonton or 5 hour drive (429km) from Calgary via the Icefields Parkway with majority of visitors opting to travel via the Parkway.

Important note: in summer the road can become very busy with traffic so allow extra time to accommodate, and in winter, a proper winter vehicle is required as the road contains high alpine passes which are subject to extreme weather.

By Bus

SunDog Tours offer transport options by bus from Calgary via the Icefields Parkway and Banff and from Edmonton.

Guests will need to take two buses from Calgary and allow a day for travel each way. The bus from Edmonton takes approximately 5 hours. Both routes have multiple pick-up options in both Calgary and Edmonton.

The bus from Calgary is C$169 and from Edmonton C$99.

Here is your complete guide to the best adventure activities in Jasper National Park. For more Canada travel planning, visit thedeparturedesk.com to see guides and itineraries. Don't forget to follow us on social media to stay up with the latest travel news and tips.