Best Family Vacation in Jasper National Park: Things to Do With Kids

Who loves a family trip to Jasper more: the kids, high on stoke for new outdoor adventures, or the parents, who've discovered the hack to fuss-free bedtimes is fresh mountain air?

Jasper National Park is one of the best Canadian Rockies destinations for families thanks to: 1) the sheer amount of kid-friendly things to do, but also 2) the town's overall low-stress, easy-to-navigate vibe. And with Jasper's strong cabin culture there's lots of accommodation options to fit your group. Whether you're visiting with toddlers, teens, or grandparents, this guide covers the best family-friendly things to do in Jasper, plus travel tips for visiting the Rockies with kids.

Family-friendly activities in Jasper

• The basics: get active outside
  • Hiking (new for 2026: Valley of the Five Lakes reopens)
  • Jasper SkyTram
  • Biking
• Try a unique Jasper specialty
  • Whitewater rafting
  • Rock climbing
  • Horseback riding
  • Canoeing
• Learning and entertainment
  • Planetarium show and telescope tour
  • Wildlife viewing tour
  • Museum
  • Eco-quest
• Made just for kids
  • Cubz Play Cafe
  • Hotel family programming (Pursuit's Rockies Rangers and Fairmont's kids club)
  • Scavenger hunt

Tips for travelling in the Rockies with kids

• Lots of activity = lots of snacks needed
• Plan the drive/flight around nap times.
• Make a "busy bag" the kids can't open until the trip starts
• Did we mention the bottomless supply of snacks?
• Encourage older children to keep a travel diary
• Store spare clothes in a plastic Ziplock bag.
• Know your (and your child's) limits and plan for downtime.
• Snacks but with exclamation marks!!

The Jasper basics (for kids!)

Easily adaptable for different energy levels. Low barrier to entry.

Hiking

Jasper National Park is filled with family-friendly hiking trails that range from short lakeside walks to longer adventures with sweeping mountain views. Explore independently or make logistics a breeze andgo with a great local guide.

New for 2026: Valley of the Five Lakes Reopens

One of the most adaptable and rewarding Jasper trails is the Valley of the Five Lakes hike, located a ten-minute drive from town. Following the 2024 wildfire, Parks Canada reimagined and improved this affected area with better accessibility (the shorter loop is stroller-friendly), new viewpoints, and more places to rest and picnic along the way.

• Distance: 1.8 km to 8.9 km
• Time: 30 minutes to half day
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

What can you expect from the new Valley of the Five Lakes? In addition the five gorgeous small lakes in various otherworldly shades of blue and green, there's a scenic wetland bridge, brand new ridgeline walk, great wildlife viewing, a new hand-crafted stone staircase, scenic picnic areas, iconic red chair photo opportunities, mountain views, and wildflowers. There is a lot of variety along the trail to keep kids motivated, but three different routes create options depending on your time and energy levels.

Note: while the landscape recovers it's extra important to not wander off-trail; keep children close.

Jasper SkyTram

For families who want incredible mountain views without a long uphill hike, the Jasper SkyTram is a must. The aerial tramway climbs high above town to the upper station atop Whistlers Mountain, where panoramic views, easy alpine trails and educational signage awaits. It’s one of the easiest ways for kids to feel on top of the world (and experience the alpine environment in the Canadian Rockies).

• Further reading: 7 Best Things to Do at the Jasper SkyTram

Biking

Whether you're using it as a fun way to get from A to B, or as an activity in is own right, biking is one of the best ways to experience Jasper as a family. Cruise scenic paved pathways around town or venture onto beginner-friendly trails surrounded by mountain scenery (trails also connect the town to multiple nearby campgrounds).

Want to try e-biking? TheEco-Safari E-Bike Tour is an emission-free guided experience through Jasper's scenic backroads. Travel through old-growth and new-growth forests, visit real quicksand, and observe wildlife from a distance, including elk, black bears, grizzly bears, and bighorn sheep. Along the way you will learn about the benefits of wildfires, the ecology and geology of the region, walk on white-sand beaches, and if the weather is right, dip your feet in one of Jasper’s turquoise glacial lakes. 

Try a Unique Jasper Specialty

Ultra memorable and exciting experiences that kids LOVE.

Whitewater Rafting

Kids are like plants; give them water and they're happy. And on a classic Jasper rafting tour, they get plenty of water. With multiple rivers (each with its own various levels of rapids) Jasper is a hub for whitewater rafting. Most outfitters offer guided trips for a range of comfort levels.

Some, like Jasper Raft Tours , specialize in easy-going tours suitable for kids as young as 3 years old. With the guide doing all the rowing, this tour travels along a smoother section of the Athabasca River in a raft designed to maximize stability. For a bit more splash, try these river runs which most outfitters offer:

Athabasca River — this designated Canadian Heritage River is the most accessible from Jasper and has both class I and II rapids in different sections. Furthest from town, the class II section travels 12 kilometres from the base of Athabasca Falls (suitable from ages 6 and up). Meanwhile, the Mile 5 route meanders through a slightly tamer section until you drift in shore at Old Fort Point just outside town (suitable for ages 5 and up).

Sunwapta River — Tight canyon with large waves and continuous swift moving whitewater. Jasper's only class III. Rafters must be at least 12 years old.

Fraser River — Only one company is licensed to raft this mighty class III river! With the biggest waves in the Jasper area (you actually dip across the border into British Columbia for the put-in) the Fraser River will get your adrenaline racing and your face wet. Rafters must be at least 12 years old and weigh at least 90 lbs.

Rock Climbing

Got a spider-monkey on your hands? Let the kids climb off some of that energy with beginner-friendly rock climbing. Rockaboo Mountain Adventures handles all the gear and logistics for families looking to try something new and learn basic climbing skills, all while building confidence outdoors. Bonus: their main climbing location is gorgeous with views over the Athabasca River.

Canoeing

Canoeing on Jasper’s turquoise lakes is a relaxing way to spend time together outdoors. Paddle across Pyramid Lake, Patricia Lake, or Maligne Lake while surrounded by mountain views and wildlife sightings. Calm waters and rental options make canoeing accessible for many families, even first-time paddlers.

Wild Current Outfitters' signature family canoe adventure is a private tour in the company's handcrafted extra-large canoes. With space for four to seven passengers and master-crafted stability, these special vessels can fit the whole family. You can choose to paddle, or just sit back, relax and enjoy the home-baked goodies and steaming drinks provided.

• Further reading: This tour is the perfect Canadian canoe experience.

Horseback Riding

Time to play cowboy/cowgirl! Horseback riding is a classic Western experience and a peaceful way for families to explore Jasper’s wilderness. Guided trail rides travel through forests, open meadows, and along scenic ridges. Jasper Stables staff match each gentle and well-trained horse to its rider's experience level.

Learning and Entertainment

Perfect for curious minds. Also great options on rainy days.

Planetarium Show and Telescope Tour

Jasper is home to one of the world’s largest accessible dark sky preserves, making stargazing an unforgettable family experience. At the Jasper Planetarium, families can enjoy immersive astronomy presentations in the 50-seat domed planetarium theatre before heading outside to view planets, stars, and galaxies through the most powerful telescopes in the Rockies. It’s an especially great rainy-day or early evening activity for curious kids.

Wildlife Viewing Tours

Jasper’s wildlife is one of the biggest reasons families visit the park. Guided wildlife tours help visitors safely spot animals like elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears, and occasionally grizzly bears while learning about conservation and animal behaviour from knowledgeable local guides.

• Further reading: Complete spring guide to wildlife viewing in Jasper

Museum

The Jasper Yellowhead Museum & Archives offers a fascinating look into the region’s Indigenous history, railway heritage, mountaineering culture, and early park development. Interactive exhibits and local stories make it an engaging stop for families wanting to learn more about the area.

Eco-Quest

Eco-Quest programs combines citizen science with hands-on learning about wildlife, geology, forests, and ecosystems. The park is full of new growth, but it’s also more vulnerable to invasive plant species than ever before. Kids can help. Join the mission to track invasive plants and support Parks Canada in protecting Jasper National Park. More information here.

Made Just for Kids

Cubz Play Cafe

Need a little indoor downtime? Cubz Play Cafe offers a welcoming space for younger children to play while parents relax with coffee and snacks. It’s a great option for rainy afternoons, rest breaks, or younger travellers who need some free play time. Every great family vacation needs a little balance — time for the kids to play and space for parents to relax. Cubz Play Café offers just that. With interactive play zones, healthy snacks, and flexible drop-in hours, it’s the perfect spot for families looking to unwind without the hassle.

Hotel Family Programming

Many Jasper accommodations offer family-focused programming that makes travel even easier for parents.

At Pursuit properties, the Rockies Rangers program introduces kids to the natural wonders of Jasper through hands-on activities, games, and outdoor learning experiences.

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge also offers aseasonal kids club with supervised activities, crafts, outdoor adventures, and family programming designed specifically for younger guests.

Jasper the Bear Scavenger Hunt

On this scavenger hunt, you’ll find hidden spots, fantastic views, and even meet our local mascot Jasper the Bear! Have fun, learn our history, and navigate the streets like a local. Visit 15 locations to win an Explorer’s Pack. Visit all 20 and win a prize!