The Ultimate Summer Bucket List Guide for Jasper National Park
Hiking Parker Ridge in late June
As a professional photographer based in Jasper National Park, I have been fortunate enough to witness and capture some of the most breathtaking scenes in the world. With endless opportunities for adventure and exploration, Jasper is a nature photographer's paradise. From hiking to canoeing, soaking in hot springs to camping, there is never a dull moment in Jasper.
Hiking the insanely gorgeous Opal Hills. Make sure to bring lots of water, this trail is one of the steepest in the park!
If you're looking to create your own Jasper adventure, here are 34 bucket list items to consider. (Click the links for more info!)
Hike to the top of Morro Peak: A strenuous hike, but the reward at the top is worth it. The 360-degree views from the summit are truly awe-inspiring.
Canoe on Pyramid Lake: One of the most iconic locations in Jasper, Pyramid Lake is surrounded by towering mountains and is an ideal spot for a peaceful paddle.
Soak in Miette Hot Springs: Relax and rejuvenate in the warm waters of the Hot Springs. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Jasper, this is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring.
Mountain bike the Overlander Trail: Explore Jasper's rugged terrain on two wheels by mountain biking the Overlander trail. This intermediate trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Hike to Edith Cavell Meadows: A moderate hike that leads to a stunning alpine meadow, this is a must-see for anyone visiting Jasper.
Go Rafting: Experience the thrill of white water rafting! With a variety of rapids that can accommodate everyone from the thrill seekers to the casual floaters, this is a fun way to explore the park's scenic waterways.
Camp at Wabasso, Wapiti or Whistlers campgrounds: Get back to nature and camp at one of Jasper's beautiful campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a rustic camping experience or something a bit more luxurious, there's a campground for you.
Take a horseback ride tour: Explore Jasper's stunning wilderness on horseback. With guided tours available, this is a great way to see the park's rugged beauty from a unique perspective.
Attend a concert at the Jasper Folk Fest: Experience the vibrant culture of Jasper by attending the annual Jasper Folk Fest. With live music, food, and activities for all ages, this is a great way to immerse yourself in the local community.
Hike the Opal Hills trail: A challenging hike, the Opal Hills trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys around Maligne Lake.
Take the Jasper SkyTram up to the top of Whistlers Mountain: Take in the panoramic views of Jasper from the top of Whistlers Mountain. This is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Jasper.
Fish in Maligne Lake: Fishing enthusiasts will love the crystal clear waters of Maligne Lake. With a parks license, you can cast your line and catch Brook and Rainbow trout.
Fly Fishing Maligne Lake
13. Explore Maligne Canyon and its waterfalls: Marvel at the beauty of this amazing Canyon and its cascading waterfalls. This is a great spot for photographers looking to capture the park's rugged beauty.
14. Learn about the area's history: Immerse yourself in Jasper's rich history by visiting the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives. With exhibits and artifacts from the area's past, this is a great way to learn more about the park's unique heritage.
15. Relax at a lakeside beach like Lake Annette or Lake Edith: Take a break from your adventures and relax at one of Jasper's picturesque lakeside beaches. With crystal clear water and stunning mountain views, these beaches are a great place to unwind.
16. Stargaze and spot the northern lights over the mountains: Jasper National Park is one of the best places in Canada to see the northern lights, and stargazing is a favorite activity among visitors and locals alike.
17. Play a round of golf at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club: With fantastic mountain views, this golf course is not just about the game, it’s an experience.
18. Discover the beauty of the Athabasca Glacier on a guided tour: This massive glacier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jasper National Park. With a guided tour, you can learn about the history and science behind this natural wonder.
19. Going for a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway: This 232-kilometer drive from Lake Louise to Jasper is a must-do for anyone visiting Jasper. The scenic beauty of this drive is unmatched, and you'll see some of the most spectacular views in Canada.
20. Visiting the stunning Medicine Lake: Medicine Lake is a beautiful turquoise lake that changes its size and depth throughout the year. This unique phenomenon is caused by the lake's underground drainage system, which is why it's also known as a "disappearing" lake.
21. Check out “From Jasper With Love” presented by Jasper Theatre Productions; it’s the perfect date night out on the town!
22. Have a cup of coffee/tea from one of the local cafes (Starbucks and Tim Hortons don't count!): Jasper has a vibrant local coffee scene, with several cafes offering locally roasted coffee and tea, as well as homemade baked goods and sandwiches.
23. Hike Parker Ridge: On the border of Jasper and Banff, this short but stunning hike offers panoramic views of the Saskatchewan Glacier and the surrounding mountains.
24. Stay at one of the cabin resorts: Jasper National Park has several cabin resorts, offering a rustic and cozy experience in the heart of the park.
Cozy cabins at Alpine Village in Jasper National Park
25. Take part in the annual Jasper Pride Festival: Held in April, this festival celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with a range of events and activities, including a parade, drag shows, and live music.
26. Go backpacking and stay at a campsite in Jasper's backcountry: Jasper National Park has over 1,000 kilometers of trails, and backpacking is a popular way to explore the park's remote wilderness areas. Just be sure to get a camping permit before you go!
27. Grab a bite and/or a beer at the Jasper Brewing Company: This local brewery offers a range of craft beers and pub-style food, with a cozy atmosphere and great views of the mountains.
28. Explore the Jasper town site on foot and shop at the local stores: Jasper's town site is full of unique shops selling local crafts, clothing, and souvenirs. Take a stroll through town and see what catches your eye.
29. Check out the Jasper Art Gallery: This small but impressive gallery showcases local artists and hosts regular exhibitions and events.
30. Going for a dip in the clear waters of Annette Lake: With its sandy beach and crystal-clear water, Annette Lake is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing on a hot summer day.
31. Spot a grizzly bear: Jasper National Park is home to a healthy population of grizzly bears, and spotting one of these majestic animals in the wild is a rare and unforgettable experience.
32. Paddleboard on Edith Lake: With its calm waters and stunning mountain views, Edith Lake is a great spot for stand-up paddleboarding and other water sports like Canoeing and Kayaking.
33. Snap a photo on the bridge to Pyramid Island: This iconic bridge offers stunning views of Pyramid Mountain and Pyramid Lake, and is a popular spot for taking photos.
34. Go Flying: Take a scenic helicopter tour over the park to see the stunning mountain views from above.
35. Book a photo session to capture your memories in Jasper: Jasper National Park is a natural paradise, and there's no better way to capture your memories of this amazing place than with a professional photo session.
A couple during their photo session in Jasper National Park, Photo by Megan Posein Photography
As you can see, Jasper National Park offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors, whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, an art lover, or a foodie. From hiking and camping to shopping and dining, there's something for everyone in Jasper. So come visit this beautiful park and see for yourself why it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada.
