Best things to do in Jasper this summer

In a mountain wonderland like Jasper National Park, having a great vacation is easy. But how do you take a trip from simply great to best time ever?

The key is finding the activities suited to the type of vacation you want. Luckily, Jasper has a bit of everything. Scroll on to find the best things to do for every type of summer traveler, from thrill-seekers to relaxers, from foodies to families, and everything in-between.

9 Best things to do for adrenaline

So you thrive on heart-thumping, pulse-pounding, thrilling fun. You've come to the right place. The mountains have adventures waiting in every hidden valley, far-off trail and remote lake. Some of these adventures are quite technical, and are best navigated with expert guides who will keep you safe and focused on soaking up the experience.

1. Rock climbing — Experience rock climbing in Jasper National Park! Local experts at Rockaboo Mountain Adventures or Jasper Hikes & Tours will ensure your private outing is safe and fun.
2. Whitewater rafting — Hit the rapids on the Athabasca, Sunwapta or Fraser rivers with Maligne Rafting Adventures, Rocky Mountain River Guides, Jasper Rafting Adventures or Jasper White Water Rafting. Rapids range from class II and Ill+.
3. Multi-day hiking — Take your day hike to the next level with a unique multiday backcountry experience with Canadian Skyline Adventures or High Sights Guiding.
4. Mountain biking — See more in less time. Pedal the trails on a mountain bike tour with Journey Bike Guides. Trails range from easy to difficult.
5. Motorcycle tour — Feel the wind in your hair while Jasper Motorcycle Tours takes you on the adventure of a lifetime. Get fitted into leathers and explore the national park on a classic Harley-Davidson.
6. Glacier tour — Get up close and personal with a glacier. Under the guidance of Rockaboo Mountain Adventures venture out onto the breathtaking Athabasca Glacier, an experience only available to visitors accompanied by a guide.
7. Helicopter tour — Get high with the 6 Glacier Helicopter Tour from Rockies Heli Canada. See glaciers, waterfalls, and mountains from a bird's eye view on this once
8. Running tour — Trail running is a different way to experience the wilderness, and having Christian from Canadian Skyline Adventures show you the different trails in the area can help you get the most out of the time you are in the park.
9. Peak-nic — Cook and dine al fresco on a Peak-Nic tour with Jasper Food Tours. The journey includes a short but steep hike to a local lookout, a backcountry cooking lesson, and a meal with a view.

9 Best things to do for relaxation

Find peace and tranquility in nature with these slower paced activities. Just because you're not sweating up peaks doesn't mean you can't enjoy panoramic views.

1. Golf — Tee up at Canada's #1 Golf Resort. The 18-hole public course at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers elevated tee boxes, dramatic bunkering, and fairways that look out on distant mountain vistas.
2. Spa — Pamper your body and soul with a tranquil spa service at the Spa at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
3. SUP — Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to enjoy the tranquil Lac Beauvert. The Boathouse at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge rents gear, as well as canoes, kayak, etc. If you'd like to be on the water but prefer someone else to do all the paddling, check out the gentle float trip from Jasper Raft Tours.
4. Yoga hike — Combine a hike with an hour-long guided yoga practice, followed by tea with Sarah from Canadian Skyline Adventures.
5. Fireside Chat — Chat fireside with an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper; learn stories of the land and feel the heartbeat of traditional drumming and singing with Warrior Women.
6. Patio dining — Fuel up on Jasper's hearty cuisine and sample its locally-made brews on one of the many patios that look out on charming mountain views.
7. Mountain Galleries — Dive into Canadian Rockies arts & culture at Jasper's Mountain Galleries. Or, shop 'til you drop at Jasper's great local shops and stores for rugged mountain gear, adventure-ready attire, perfect souvenirs and more!
8. Train Tour — Combine two of Jasper's top travel methods, while seeing some of our top sights with SunDog Transportation and Tours' train experiences.
9. Photo Tour — Join a professional photographer and capture Jasper's jaw-dropping landscapes with the golden light available at the day's edges. Multiple different themed excursions are available with Jasper Photo Tours or Wildland Photo Tours.

9 Best things to do for families

With a group of all ages, these are the activities we return to again and again to make long-lasting memories.

1. Scavenger hunt — Explore Jasper's downtown with this fun and interactive hunt, which will be launching in July. Visit enough spots and you'll win a prize!
2. Museum — Experience the history of the region by exploring the Jasper Yellowhead Museum & Archives, You can also wander through town to see historical landmarks such as the Mystery Rock, the Two Brothers Totem Pole and Locomotive 6015
3. Spirit Island — Visit Jasper's famous Spirit Island. The interpretive Maligne Lake Cruise is the most comfortable and educational way to see and learn about this world-renowned landmark with Pursuit Collection.
4. Canoe tour — Experience a classic Canadian watersport on a stunning glacial lake with a guided canoe adventure from Wild Current Outfitters. Paddle beneath a mountain in a family-size handcrafted Voyageur canoe and finish with home-baked treats.
5. Jasper SkyTram — Enjoy the seven-minute flight up Whistlers Mountain to reach an altitude of 2,263 metres and 360-degree breathtaking views
6. Planetarium — Tour the world's second largest dark sky preserve in Jasper Planetarium's 50-seated dome theatre and peer through the largest telescope in the Rocky Mountains after the show
7. Wildlife Tour — Take a wildlife tour to learn about Jasper's varied fauna and how they fit into the national park's rich ecosystem with Maligne Adventures, SunDog Tour Co. or Jasper Hikes & Tours.
8. Horseback riding — Horseback ride through beautiful woodlands and witness stunning views with Jasper Riding Stables
9. Plant walk — Learn about local flora and their significance to Indigenous medicine in an interactive Wapakwanis Plant Walk with Warrior Women.