Whether you're pitching a tent beneath towering pines or parking your RV beside a glacier-fed lake, camping is one of the best ways to experience Jasper National Park. S’mores around the campfire. Falling asleep under the stars. Waking to the sound of birdsong.
But your campsite is just the beginning.
Once the cowboy coffee’s been drunk and the breakfast dishes are washed, how should you make the most of your nature getaway?
What is there to do while camping in Jasper National Park
From paddling across turquoise lakes to flying to a mountain summit to the most incredible wildlife viewing of your life, there's no shortage of unforgettable adventures nearby.
- If you want to spend even more time in nature (going inside? Never heard of her.)
- Hiking, biking/e-biking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, golfing at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge,
- If you just want to relax and enjoy the journey (you handled all the logistics involved with camping and you'd like to now turn your brain off please and thank you.)
- Maligne Lake Cruise, sightseeing tours, wildlife viewing tour, Jasper Raft Tours, Wild Current Outfitters canoe experience.
- If you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience (you saved all the money by camping, after all)
- Helicopter tour, Tread Lightly Glacier Tour, Jasper SkyTram, private photography tour, Glacial Plunge & Sauna.
- If you want a taste of the local culture (emphasis on the word taste)
- Jasper Food Tours, Jasper Social Cycle, Jasper Theater Productions, Jasper Art Gallery, Jasper Planetarium, museum, Fireside Chat with Indigenous Knowledge Keeper.
Further reading
- If you want the best family-friendly activities
- If the weather forecast is rainy: Things to do on a rainy day
Get more details on the best things to do while camping and start planning your ultimate Rocky Mountain getaway below.
1. Hiking
With thousands upon thousands of kilometres of trail, Jasper National Park is THE place to lace up your hiking boots and venture beyond. Amp up the adventure (and get local insights!) by going with one of Jasper’s excellent hiking guides.
2. Biking
See more in less time on two wheels. Both Whistlers Campground or Wapiti Campground are within biking distance from the town of Jasper. If you didn't bring your own bike and want to see how fun an e-bike can be, rent a comfortable Electra e-bike for independent exploration or go on an interpretive e-bike safari eco-tour, which leads guests along Jasper's scenic backroads, through old-growth and new-growth forest. Mountain bike rentals are also available at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
3. Rock climbing
See the national park from a new angle! Rockaboo Mountain Adventures will provide all the necessary gear, excellent expert guidance and a safe way to experience this unforgettable and addicting sport.
4. Tours & sightseeing
As the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper boasts a plethora of iconic sights. See as much as possible with the help of a guided sightseeing tour and driver. SunDog Tours Co. and Maligne Adventures both have plenty of options.
Jasper Raft Tours
5. Rafting
Get up close and personal with Jasper’s rapids, while also enjoying amazing scenery. Jasper's Class II and Class III whitewater offers adventures that show you the park from a whole new perspective, as well as plenty of stories from great guides. For a fun float trip that’s a bit more calm, Jasper Raft Tours is great for all ages.
6. Canoeing
Find peace with a paddle via this classic Canadian watersport! From the middle of a turquoise glacial lake, there’s nothing to block your view of the mountains. Kayakers and SUPers also have plenty of options in the park.
7. Wildlife viewing
Part of the reason Jasper was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site was due to all the animals that call this place home. You’re likely to see some without even specifically looking for wildlife, but a guided wildlife tour will increase your chance of spotting a furry friend. Remember: always maintain distance from animals, never feed them, and stay in your car if that’s an option.
8. Glaciers
There are multiple glaciers within Jasper National Park. One of the most famous (and accessible) is the Athabasca Glacier, viewable from the Icefields Parkway. Get up close and personal with these massive and unique landscapes features with a tour from Rockaboo Mountain Adventures.
Jasper SkyTram
9. SkyTram
Want the alpine experience without the alpine time commitment or sweat tax? The Jasper SkyTram whisks you to the summit of Whistlers Mountain for panoramic views of the Jasper townsite and multiple surrounding mountain ranges. You can even bring your dog!
10. Golfing
The 18-hole course at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is regularly rated one of the best places to golf in the world. Designed by the famous Stanley Thompson, these greens feature perfectly framed mountain views, elevated tee boxes, deals for Alberta residents and much more.
11. Fairmont Spa
Relax and revitalize your body, mind and spirit with a trip to the Spa at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Professional massage, organic products, and a variety of wellness services are available at this Rocky Mountain refuge, as well as the new and invigorating Glacial Plunge & Sauna experience.
12. Planetarium
Take-part in a fun, funny, inspiring 'audience-participation' guided tour of Jasper Dark Sky Preserve in the Jasper Planetarium’s 50-seat domed theatre. Then, go outside with astronomy staff to gaze through telescopes at the world’s second largest dark sky preserve.
13. Art Gallery
See Jasper through the eyes of artists that love it. Located in the Jasper Library and Cultural Centre, the Jasper Art Gallery is renowned for its rotating exhibits, art workshops and musical performances. The collections feature both landscape and abstract artworks, as well as prints, cards and a small selection of crafts.
14. Museum
Dig into the history of the Jasper region by exploring the Jasper Yellowhead Museum & Archives. The permanent Historical Gallery includes exhibits on the fur trade, the railway, and early exploration and tourism in Jasper National Park.
Tekarra Restaurant
15. Indigenous culture
Hear stories of the land, feel the heartbeat of the drum and meet a local Indigenous Knowledge Keeper. The unique and personal Fireside Chat experience offered by Warrior Women features drumming, singing and interactive story telling through the eyes of the Cree.
16. Eat & drink
Savour the local flavour and explore Jasper's culinary scene. From hearty mountain breakfasts to an elegant alpine dinner for two, from friendly pubs to charming cafés, this is creative Rocky Mountain cuisine at its finest. Explore your options here. For a tour of multiple restaurants, try the Downtown Foodie Tour from Jasper Food Tours.
17. Jasper Social Cycle
Gather your group of campers for a pedal-powered social experience you won't soon forget. Music, drinks, connection, and mountain views combine on this 16-passenger social ride through downtown Jasper. Electric assist makes for easy riding, and campers can choose between just booking a seat or booking the entire bike.
18. Maligne Lake Cruise
Spirit Island is arguably one of the most famous landmarks in Jasper National Park, if not the entire Rocky Mountains. So some people are surprised that the only way to reach it is by boat. If you don't want to spend a full day paddling, hop aboard Pursuit's comfortable and convenient boat cruise, which gets you there and back (with a break in the middle) in an hour and half.
19. Photography tour
Capture your memories and hone a skill at the same time with a photography tour. Local professional photographers will take you to the best spots, teach tricks of the trade and guide you through different photography types from waterfalls to dark sky to camera phones. Book a variety of tour options with Jasper Photo Tours.
20. Shopping
Forget some gear at home or just looking for the perfect souvenir? Jasper's unique local shops have everything from specialized mountain gear to one-of-a-kind decor. the Jasper Yellowhead Museum & Archives has one of the best book selections in town.
Tips for camping in Jasper
- Bring bear spray
- Reserve in advance
- Have a campsite but no gear (or just want to up your game with a glamping-type experience)? Try Peas in a Pod trailer rentals.
