Attractions and Places To See in Jasper National Park - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, span 10,878 square kilometers in the Canadian Rockies. The park features towering peaks, clear lakes, glaciers, and diverse wildlife. It offers a range of natural features, notable landmarks, and cultural sites for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see in Jasper National Park
- The most popular attractions is Maligne Canyon trailhead, a canyon that is a deep limestone gorge, carved by rushing glacial water, reaching depths of up to 50 meters. Visitors can explore it via a series of trails and bridges offering different perspectives of the steep walls and cascading waterfalls.
- Another must-see spot is Fifth Lake, Valley of the Five Lakes, one of five beautiful lakes with distinct emerald green and turquoise hues. A scenic trail showcases these lakes, offering an easy to moderate hike through forests.
- Visitors also love Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, known for its turquoise waters. Its main attraction, Spirit Island, is accessible by boat and is one of the most photographed locations in Canada.
- Jasper National Park is known for its waterfalls, lakes, and canyons. The park offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from powerful falls to unique geological features.
- The attractions in Jasper National Park are appreciated by the komoot community, with 45 upvotes and 182 photos shared across 77 highlights.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Athabasca Falls
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Maligne Canyon trailhead
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Fifth Lake, Valley of the Five Lakes
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Athabasca Glacier
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Maligne Lake
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Hiking in Jasper National Park
MTB Trails in Jasper National Park
Running Trails in Jasper National Park
Cycling in Jasper National Park
Road Cycling Routes in Jasper National Park
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Tips from the Community
It's so incredibly beautiful here! You can truly disappear into nature.
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The guides also call the lake Elchsee 🫎… so moose encounters are not uncommon there.
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The Maligne River, about 80 km long, flows into the Athabasca River near Jasper at 1,000 meters elevation. Its main reservoir is Maligne Lake, with Medicine Lake located 16 km from its mouth at 1,392 meters. Much of the river’s water disappears into an underground drainage system, re-emerging downstream through springs and underground channels. Below Medicine Lake, the river gains volume from surface runoff and springs. At Maligne Canyon, it carves a deep gorge through erosion, forming potholes and curved surfaces. The canyon drops 120 meters over 1.5 km, with underground water sources significantly increasing the river's volume at the bottom. (Visit June 1. 2018) https://www.worldwaterfalldatabase.com/waterfall/Maligne-Canyon-Falls-2626 Some information on geology of Maligne Canyon at page 53 of: http://parkscanadahistory.com/geology/misc-report-6-1963.pdf
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At the turquoise Fourth Lake you have a wonderful view of the Trident Range mountains. In the Tonquin Valley with the Portal Creek, Peveril Peak catches the eye. When the water level is high, the Third and Fourth Lakes are connected.
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When the great Athabasca and Miette Glaciers retreated after the Ice Age, the valley was covered by a long, deep lake. The Jasper region is now dotted with lakes, remnants of this great lake that once filled the entire Athabasca River valley. The Valley of the Five Lakes hike passes some of these lakes. Because of the large number, most of them are nameless; these have been given numbers.
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Athabasca Falls is located on the Icefields Parkway, Alberta's Highway 93, at km 203 (towards Lake Louise to Jasper) at the junction with Highway 93A (which is normally closed from November to April). The mighty Athabasca River originates from the glaciers of the Columbia Icefield. At the foot of Mount Kerkeslin, the Athabasca River plunges over a jagged cliff of Precambrian quartzites into a narrow canyon of its own making. https://www.worldwaterfalldatabase.com/waterfall/Athabasca-Falls-2576 Some information on geology at page 102 of: http://parkscanadahistory.com/geology/misc-report-6-1963.pdf
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The Columbia Icefield is located on a plateau in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and is the remnant of the ice mass that once covered the high peaks. The Athabasca Glacier flows over three enormous rock steps from the Columbia Icefield in the Sunwapta Valley. It is one of the six principal 'toes' of the Columbia Icefield. The glacier has been receding more than 1.5 km in the past 125 years, leaving behind a vegetation-free moraine landscape. (Visit May 31, 2018) Information at: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/itineraires-itineraries/glacier-athabasca A photo of the Athabasca Glacier in around 1963 can be seen in the publication ‘Jasper National Park - Behind the mountains and glaciers’ at page 61: http://parkscanadahistory.com/geology/misc-report-6-1963.pdf
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly attractions in Jasper National Park?
Jasper National Park offers several family-friendly attractions. The Valley of the Five Lakes provides an easy to moderate hike with beautiful emerald and turquoise lakes. Maligne Lake is perfect for boat tours to Spirit Island or canoeing. Additionally, the powerful Athabasca Falls and picturesque Upper Sunwapta Falls are easily accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
Are there easy hiking trails in Jasper National Park?
Yes, Jasper National Park has many easy hiking options. The trail around the Valley of the Five Lakes is considered easy to moderate. The paths around Athabasca Falls are short and easy walks. For more waterfall hikes, you can explore options in the Waterfall hikes in Jasper National Park guide, which includes easy routes like Lower Sunwapta Falls.
What natural features are a must-see in Jasper National Park?
Jasper National Park is renowned for its stunning natural features. Don't miss the deep limestone gorge of Maligne Canyon, the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Maligne Lake and its iconic Spirit Island, and the powerful Athabasca Falls. Other notable features include the unique 'disappearing' Medicine Lake, the majestic Athabasca Glacier, and the scenic Valley of the Five Lakes.
What are some popular cycling routes near Jasper's attractions?
There are several popular cycling routes in Jasper National Park. For road cycling, you can find routes like the 'Jasper's city center – Maligne Canyon trailhead loop' or the 'Pyramid Island Bridge – Jasper's city center loop' in the Road Cycling Routes in Jasper National Park guide. For touring bicycles, options include the 'Jasper's city center – Edith Lake loop' or the 'Jasper's city center – Lake Annette loop' from the Cycling in Jasper National Park guide.
What is the best time of year to visit Jasper National Park attractions?
The best time to visit Jasper National Park generally depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to September) offers warm weather, full access to all trails and attractions, and opportunities for hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. Spring and Fall provide fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, with Fall being particularly stunning for autumn colors. Winter offers unique experiences like ice walks in Maligne Canyon and skiing, though some roads and attractions may be closed.
What cultural and historical sites can I explore in Jasper National Park?
Jasper National Park is rich in history and culture. You can visit the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum & Archives to learn about Indigenous heritage, the fur trade, and pioneer developments. The Jasper Information Centre, a National Historic Site, showcases rustic design. The park also contains several other National Historic Sites, including Athabasca Pass, Jasper House, Maligne Lake Chalet and Guest House, and Yellowhead Pass, which highlight significant historical routes and settlements.
What do visitors enjoy most about Maligne Canyon?
Visitors are consistently captivated by Maligne Canyon's breathtaking beauty. They appreciate the deep limestone gorge with its swirls, waterfalls, and ice formations. The series of bridges allow for stunning views down into the 50-meter deep chasm. Many describe it as an absolutely breathtaking experience, especially with the beautiful slot canyon nestled in a forest landscape.
Can I see glaciers in Jasper National Park?
Yes, Jasper National Park is home to impressive glaciers. The Athabasca Glacier, part of the vast Columbia Icefield, is the most visited glacier in North America due to its accessibility. You can explore it on foot or via specially designed Ice Explorer buses. The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre provides further information about the glacier and the icefield.
Are there any unique natural phenomena in Jasper National Park?
One of Jasper National Park's most unique natural phenomena is Medicine Lake, often called the 'disappearing lake.' During certain times of the year, its waters drain into an underground cave system, making it appear to vanish. This geological marvel is a fascinating sight for visitors.
What are the best viewpoints for panoramic scenery in Jasper National Park?
For breathtaking panoramic views, consider taking the Jasper SkyTram to Whistlers Mountain, which offers 360-degree vistas of mountain ranges and glacial lakes. On clear days, you might even spot Mount Robson. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk also provides an exhilarating elevated view of the park's ice-hatted peaks and glacial valleys. Additionally, Pyramid Lake and Pyramid Mountain offer serene views, especially at sunrise and sunset.
What is the Icefields Parkway and what can I see along it?
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is a 232-kilometer scenic route connecting Jasper and Banff National Parks, widely considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Along this panoramic route, you can see numerous glaciers, powerful waterfalls like Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls, and stunning mountain scenery. It's also the gateway to the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier.
Are there hot springs available for visitors in Jasper National Park?
Yes, Jasper National Park features the Miette Hot Springs, which are the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies. Visitors can relax in the hot pools. There are also opportunities for short walks to the springs' source or more challenging hikes to Sulphur Skyline for panoramic views.
Most popular routes in Jasper National Park
Most popular attractions in Jasper National Park
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