Jasper

The Rocky Mountains are absolutely spectacular.  It’s hard to establish my favourite place in the mountains.  However, Jasper in my opinion has the most to offer and is less busy compared Banff.  The Town of Jasper is in the National Park.  A national park pass is required to visit/stay.  Below are recommendations of things to do and accommodations.  Most of the things to do are free. There are additional advanced hiking trails available that not listed below.  Please keep in mind some actives and roads are open seasonally.  

Things to Do

Day #1

The Town of Jasper

• Walk around town
• There are cute boutique stores to shop
• Stop for a bite to eat. My top three places to eat are the Olive Bistro and Lounge, Jasper Pizza Place, and the Raven Bistro.
• The best raspberry, white chocolate scone I have ever had is at the “Bear Paw”

Miette Hot Springs

• Man made hot spring with beautiful views of the mountains. Fees apply
• Advance hiking trails
• Approx 1hr from Jasper

Day #2

Athabasca Glacier

• Glaciers
• Ice hiking
• Ice Explorers bus tour. Fees apply.
• 1hr from Jasper
• There is a restaurant on site

Athabasca Waterfall

• Quick stop to see the waterfall

Sunwapta Waterfall

• Quick stop to see the waterfall
• There is restaurant near by for food

Day #3 (This is an ambitious day if hiking at Edith Cavell)

Mount Edith Cavell

• My favourite place in the Rocky Mountains because every time I go it looks different.
• Angel Glacier. First place in the world where I have seen a snow falls.  It is amazing watching the snow trickle down the glacier.  Viewing times are in the fall.  
• Small cave. Viewing is based on low water levels.
• Advance hiking trail
• Powder blue lake
• Cavell Rd is a no exit road and is closed during the off season.

Valley of the Five Lakes

• Moderate to easy hiking trail
• Five lakes that are brilliant green, blue, and emerald lake colours
• Swimming for the adventurous types

Horseshoe Lake

• Literally in the shape of a horseshoe
• One side of the lake has picturesque cliffs. People do cliff jump, but it is not permitted by the National Park.
• Nice spot for a picnic lunch

Day #4

Maligne Lake

• Picturesque drive and wildlife sittings are common
• The Maligne Lake Rd is a no exit road and is closed during the off season.
• The lake is at the end of the road
• Boat cruises are available depending on the season. Fees apply.
• Maligne Canyon has a waterfall and hiking trails

Annette Lake

• Lake with beach
• Quick sand. The quick sand, I have to admit, is a little underwhelming.
• Easy walking trail

Sky tram

• Recommend for people who have never summitted a mountain before.

Day #5

Mount Robson

• Located in British Columbia approx. 1hr from Jasper.
• Easy to moderate 7km hiking trail to picturesque Kinney Lake

Overlander Waterfall

• Quick stop to see the waterfalls

Other Attractions

• Dark sky preserve
• Golfing
• Helicopter tour
• Horseback riding
• Ice climbing and walking
• Ice skating at Pyramid Lake and Mildred Lake
• Jasper Food Tour https://jasperfoodtours.com/
• Rent a bicycle
• Skiing and snowboarding at Marmot Basin
• Snow shoeing
• White water rafting on the Athabasca River

Accommodations

• Alpine Village Jasper
• Fairmount Jasper Park Lodge
• Mount Robson Inn
• Pyramid Lake Hotel
• Wapiti Campground