What To Do In Jasper National Park
Take a drive on the Icefields Parkway (Hwy. 93) , one of the most beautiful highways in the world and one of the top things to see in the area. The winding road passes Peyto and Herbert lakes, where glacier silt turns the water a turquoise blue. With stops at the Columbia Icefields, the Bow and Crowfoot glaciers and the thundering rapids of Sunwapta and Athabasca falls, you may spend a whole day along this scenic mountain route.
For stellar wildlife photography, aim your lens at the Mt. Kerkeslin goat lick near kilometre 38 on the Icefields Parkway. Here, usually reclusive mountain goats leave the safety of nearby cliffs to gather by the roadside, nibbling salt deposits scattered on the ground like powdered sugar. On this stretch of road, you might get lucky and snap a shot of a grizzly or a herd of mountain caribou (from inside your vehicle, of course).
Tour the rustic opulence of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge . During summer's late sunsets, order a drink on the veranda and gaze at peaceful Lac Beauvert and majestic Mount Edith Cavell, where nature's light show—the alpenglow—illuminates the mountains in rose-colored light. If you're looking for romantic things for couples to do, this is it.
Take in 18 holes at the Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club. This challenging and pristine mountain course hugs the banks of Lac Beauvert, where loons swirl along the water's surface. Golfers might feel compelled to yell “fore” at the elk munching on the greens.
Soak it up—literally—at Miette Hot Springs Pool . Fed by hot sulfur springs, these warmest mineral pools in the Canadian Rockies offer some serious rejuvenation and are one of the fun things to do with friends.
Picnic at Edith and Annette lakes. As soft summer breezes ruffle through the trees, dip into the bracing water for a swim and then stretch out on a sandy beach in the sun. At dusk, meander along the easy trail that circumnavigates the lakes.
When snow is on the ground, shush downhill at Marmot Basin. With more than 80 marked trails, there's a downhill route for skiers of every level. These slopes aren't windy or crowded, and the lift lines are short.
Sit in a meadow and watch a live show under a twinkling night sky at the Whistlers Outdoor Theatre. South of the town of Jasper at Whistlers Campground, this free nightly show gives park interpreters a chance to ham it up.
Tie on your hiking shoes for a Full Moon Hike. These walks are organized monthly by the Friends of Jasper National Park and explore different trails during each full moon. You'll find information about the hikes at the Jasper Information Centre at 500 Connaught Drive.