Experience The Most Beautiful Places in Jasper National Park

Starting with one of Jasper’s most popular attractions, the Jasper SkyTram is one of the most accessible ways to reach high alpine terrain.

Climb aboard the SkyTram at the base of Whistlers Mountain for a smooth ride through the clouds to an upper station at 2,300 metres (7,546 feet), nearly 2.5 kilometres above the town of Jasper.  During the 7.5-minute journey up, you can look around as a knowledgeable guide shares insights into Jasper’s geology, wildlife, and history. 

The air will feel thinner when you step off the tram. Jasper National Park’s valleys, ridges, and six mountain ranges extend out in every direction on the summit boardwalk. Take your time here and consider stopping for a drink or snack with a view. Even if you’ve taken the Jasper SkyTram before, going early in the morning or late in the evening can change everything. Low light softens the landscape, and the crowds tend to thin. 

If heights aren’t for you, Jasper also has an abundance of picturesque lakes to explore on foot or by water.

Start with the iconic Pyramid Lake, just 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) from town, named after the peak that rises behind it. A small footbridge connects the mainland to Pyramid Island, a quiet spot with shoreline paths and benches perfect for birdwatching or simply soaking in the view. One visitor described it as “an oasis and view to remember.” Early risers might catch the mist lifting off the lake, while photographers often return in the evening for still reflections. 

Another popular spot is Lake Annette. It has a 2.4 kilometre (1.49 miles) accessible, paved walking loop with frequent benches, making it a comfortable option for a gentle afternoon stroll or dip. If you’re looking for a slightly less busy spot to walk, swim, or relax, try Patricia Lake nearby.

Another Jasper gem is Lac Beauvert, French for “beautiful green lake,” which lives up to its name. It’s clear, emerald waters reflect the surrounding forest and peaks. Instead of a hike, we recommend renting a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard from The Boathouse at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge to experience the serenity for yourself.

Whether you’re walking, paddling, or watching elk graze from afar, the Jasper townsite offers countless ways to experience the landscape up close without venturing far.

Condé Nast Traveler named the Icefields Parkway one of the top 10 drives in the world, and it’s no wonder why. Along this corridor, glacial valleys and snowy peaks come into view, offering frequent opportunities for spontaneous exploration.

Just off the Icefields Parkway are the Athabasca Falls, a must-see destination and force of nature that will amaze and energise you. Even from the parking lot, you can hear the water thundering through the canyon. The viewing platforms offer multiple angles to take it in, but it’s the sound and spray that make it unforgettable.

Sunwapta Falls offers two different experiences in one. The upper falls are mighty, but the lower falls trail leads to a quieter spot that often goes unnoticed. 

Further south along the Icefields Parkway, keep an eye out for Tangle Creek Falls, an underrated highlight that’s easy to miss but is worth slowing down for. This graceful, multi-tiered waterfall tumbles right beside the highway and is one of the most accessible falls in the Canadian Rockies. 

You might even spot mountain goats along the Parkway, especially near Goats & Glaciers (known by locals as Goat Lick), a roadside pull-off where they gather to lick the mineral-rich rocks. Look for them in the early morning or late afternoon, often perched on cliffs most travelers wouldn’t dare to climb.

Read our complete list of what to see along the Icefields Parkway for more inspiration

East of town, Maligne Valley is home to some of Jasper’s most iconic and photogenic locations.

Nestled within Maligne Lake, Spirit Island is only accessible by boat tour or kayak, adding to its sense of isolation. Set against glacier-fed waters and towering peaks, Spirit Island is one of the most stirring landscapes in Jasper National Park.

This remote location became popular in the 1960s when a photograph of Spirit Island appeared in Kodak's Colorama showcase at New York's Grand Central Station. Ever since, it’s been one of the most recognised locations in Jasper National Park. If you’re hoping to capture your own iconic photo, late afternoon offers the best light for photography.

Just before you reach Maligne Lake, you’ll pass Medicine Lake, a body of water with a seasonal cycle. Its levels fluctuate dramatically throughout the year, and the lake vanishes in the fall as water drains into underground channels. But in the spring and summer, it’s a tranquil place to fish, paddle, or sit by the shore.

For those looking to stay moving, Maligne Lake has a few gentle forest hikes around 3 kilometres (1.8 miles) in length. The Mary Schäffer Loop, named after the pioneering botanist and explorer, features interpretive signage and lake viewpoints along the loop. If spotting wildlife is on your list, the Moose Lake Trail is a quiet, wooded path known for its moose sightings.

If you’d like to see the landmarks above as part of a luxury tour with one of our trusted partners, add Explore Maligne or Explore Jasper to your Rocky Mountaineer itinerary.

Often quieter than the park’s central regions, Jasper East offers a peaceful escape with lesser-traveled trails that reveal a different side of the park. It’s an ideal region for visitors looking to explore at a gentler pace and connect with the landscape away from the crowds.

It's worth noting that Jasper East is not currently served by transit or tours, and you cannot get to this area without a vehicle. But if you’re planning to rent a car to explore, this region has a lot to offer.

The Lower Mine Trail is an easy loop through a quiet forest, leading to the site of the former Pocahontas coal mine. Along the way, interpretive signs share the story of Jasper’s mining era, and you’ll spot remnants of the industrial structures that once stood here. 

Walk the short Jasper House Viewpoint Trail for a sweeping view of the Athabasca River and a glimpse into the region’s early history. The viewpoint is a peaceful place to reflect on the people who moved through this landscape long before the railway arrived.

End your visit to Jasper East with a soak at Miette Hot Springs, the hottest naturally occurring mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day on the trail, especially since it gives you the chance to spot bighorn sheep, which often graze on the surrounding slopes in the summer.

Rocky Mountaineer’s Journey through the Clouds and Rainforest to Gold Rush rail routes will show you the Canadian Rockies from a new perspective. Our all-daylight train journeys from Vancouver to Jasper offer panoramic views from the comfort of our custom glass-dome coaches. After a day of breathtaking views and gourmet meals, you will stay in a hotel overnight before the journey continues.

Marvel at remote waterfalls, canyons, and peaks you can only see from onboard Rocky Mountaineer. Pyramid Falls, for example, can’t be seen from the highway, only from the rail line, where it appears suddenly, cascading down a rock face beside the tracks. Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, can also be seen at a different angle from the train. With access to the outdoor viewing platform and the insight of our onboard Hosts, you can fully immerse yourself in the scenery.

Rocky Mountaineer is slow travel in the best sense: it’s gratifying and gives you a greater appreciation for the landscapes you pass through.

• Always check this list of open trails in Jasper National Park before you go to a trailhead or destination.
• Keep in mind that the major landmarks and viewpoints mentioned above will be busy from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the summer, so it’s best to go earlier or later in the day for a more peaceful experience.
• Follow closures and notices and stick to the trails.
• Keep a safe distance from any animals you come across. Stay at least 30 metres (100 feet), or about three bus lengths, from animals such as deer, moose, goats, and elk and at least 100 metres (330 feet), or approximately 10 bus lengths, from predators like bears, coyotes, wolves, and cougars.
• Parking lots fill quickly at popular destinations like Maligne Lake. If you’re a Rocky Mountaineer guest, consider adding on a sightseeing tour with one of our trusted local partners before, during, or after your time onboard to eliminate stress around parking and planning.

In Jasper, beauty takes many forms. It can be a sweeping view with a 200-metre drop, a quiet moment watching elk move by the water, or the feeling of fresh mountain air when you step onto Rocky Mountaineer’s open-air train platform.

Whether you’re coming for the first time or returning to a favourite place, this is a year to see Jasper with fresh eyes. Come with an open heart and mind, and leave with a renewed sense of wonder. 
 

Are You Ready to Discover Jasper?  

Make 2025 your year to experience the magic and wonder of Jasper for yourself. Click here to explore our carefully curated packages and book your journey of discovery.