About the author: Linda Hoang is an Edmonton, Alberta-based blogger and social-media strategist.
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There’s so much to do in Jasper National Park—the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. If you’re not sure which experiences should make the cut when planning your visit, I suggest taking inspiration from my itinerary! You can copy it exactly, or just pick and choose the adventures that speak to you. I had an unforgettable time, but you really can’t go wrong with whatever you decide. Enjoy!
Day 1
Take a ride up the Jasper Skytram
The Jasper Skytram is like a gondola you ride 7.5 minutes up Whistlers Mountain. At 2,263 metres elevation you’re greeted by stunning, panoramic views without any of the hiking effort typically required to reach summits like this! The SkyTram is the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in all of Canada. It’s family and pet friendly, and there’s a restaurant at the top too (or pack food for a summit picnic).
Linda Hoang
Check into Alpine Village
Located in a secluded area just outside town is Alpine Village Cabin Resort. They have the cutest cabins with beautiful front porches just steps away from the Athabasca River; for warmer waters, seek out their outdoor hot pool. It was a cozy and comfortable base camp for our Jasper adventures.
Dinner at Tekarra Restaurant
Just down the road from Alpine Village is Tekarra Restaurant, which specializes in unique meat cuts like elk, bison and wild boar. “Fresh is best” here as they focus on seasonal and local ingredients. Their cocktails are colourful and delicious, and it’s common to order drinks and step over to the ridge to take in the river view while your main dishes are being prepared.
Linda Hoang
Day 2
Whitewater raft with Jasper Rafting Adventures
White water rafting is a great adventure for all ages—from kids to seniors and everyone in between. We went on the Class II Athabasca Falls experience with Jasper Rafting Adventures, which starts at the base of the Athabasca Falls, surrounded by towering canyon walls, mountains and forests of the Athabasca River Valley. Depending on current speed, there may be moments when your guide lets you jump into the water for a quick dip (safely, with life jackets on!)
Linda Hoang
Lunch at Jasper Pizza Place
Along the main road in town you’ll find an assortment of restaurants to choose from, including the family-friendly Jasper Pizza Place, which is also one of the few spots in town with a rooftop patio (it’s even covered)! The pizzas are the star here, made in wood burning and traditional ovens. I enjoyed the Build Your Own Pizza option and the housemade, non-alcoholic peach or blueberry sodas was so delicious, refreshing, and colourful!
Linda Hoang
Take a Backcountry Cooking Class with Jasper Food Tours
If you’re a food lover like me, but still want to experience some outdoor mountain adventure along with food, then the incredible Peak-Nic experience by Jasper Food Tours is a must! This is basically a backcountry cooking class, mountain meal and scenic hike all in one! This guided adventure starts with a 3.8 km Old Fort Point Trail, then the group cooks a delicious meal before enjoying it cliffside with an unbelievable view of the valley. Enthusiastic guide Estelle shares so many interesting facts, stories, and fun backcountry cooking tips on this tour, which was named one of the top things to do in Canada by TIME magazine! Our Peak-Nic was at dinnertime but there’s also a lunch option. We had so much fun, and the food was so good. I can’t recommend it enough.
Linda Hoang
Day 3
Breakfast at Coco’s Cafe
On our final day in Jasper, we grabbed breakfast from Coco’s, a popular spot in town known for their artisan breads, breakfast items and drinks. It’s common to grab a bagged lunch here for your day of adventure!
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10 women in Jasper who inspire us
Jasper has always been a place for trailblazers. In the early 20th century, explorer Mary Schäffer became the first European to visit Maligne Lake, and used her skills as a naturalist, illustrator, photographer, and writer to document the region. Today, women continue to leave their mark and bring life to the national park.
