This 4 day Jasper National Park adventure guide covers some of the best hiking trails, where to stay, and all the adventures you must do. Jasper is one of the largest National Parks in the Canadian Rockies, offering over 4,000 mi² of gorgeous pristine wilderness to explore. From mountain peaks over 11,000 square kilometers, to glacier rivers weaving along the base there are endless adventurous activities for everyone in Jasper.
Here’s your 4 Day Adventure Guide to Jasper National Park!

Time Needed: 4 days
Adventure Guide Includes
- How to get to Jasper
Directions & transportation
- Canada’s Discovery Pass
Park admission prices
- Where to camp
Campgrounds throughout the park
- Things to do
– White water rafting
– SkyTram
– Hiking Trails
– Rock climbing
– Wildlife
– Tours - Know before you go
Inportant park information


How to Get There Guide
Fly into Edmonton National Airport (YEG) and rent a car. The drive from the airport to the Jasper National Park entrance is around 3.5 hours. We were ending our adventure in Banff so we flew home from Calgary International Airport (YYC).
Jasper is a GIANT park with 1 main road. Highway 93 goes straight through the park into the icefields parkway, with plenty of adventures waiting for you. Explore Banff, and Kootenay National Park, taking 93 all the way down to Craters of the Moon National Monument in southern Idaho in the United States (14 hour drive).

Parks Canada Discovery Pass
Daily
Prices in CAD
- Adult $ 10.OO
- Senior $ 8.40
- Youth FREE
- Family/Group $ 20.00
Annual
- Adult $ 69.19
- Senior $ 59.17
- Family/Group $ 139.40


Camping in Jasper
Typically I don’t book campgrounds ahead of camping trips. Instead we just show up to see what is available. So far that has worked out fine for me! As we explore different areas of the park, we change campsites. Depending on availability and what activities are planned for that day.
Campgrounds full?
When we arrived there were no reservations available, so we took our chances and ended up camping in the overflow lot of Snaring Campground. There aren’t any facilities except a dumpster to throw your trash away. The overflow lot doesn’t have any designated campsites so it’s a first come first serve find your own space haha So find a cool unique spot to pitch your tent! Rustic style. Don’t know what to pack when camping? Check out my Packing Guide: Camping National Parks .
The next day we were able to get into Whistlers Campground and use the showers at Wapiti. All the campgrounds are family-friendly with quiet hours from 11 pm to 7 am, this includes a liquor, cannabis and fire curfew.
Note: The busy season runs from June through September, with July and August being the busiest. I recommend making a reservation before your arrival if you can. If there are none available, don’t let that stop you! Just arrive early to a campground and ask the park ranger if there are any sites open. Some walk-in sites may be available as well as any cancelled reservable sites.
Firewood is included in the cost of your camping site at each campground along with a bear proof locker for safe food storage. The campgrounds also include cookhouses that are available in case of bad weather.
Effective July 2, 2021: Fire ban in all day-use areas and backcountry campgrounds in Jasper National Park.
There are currently no active wildfires in Jasper National Park.



White Water Rafting Adventure Guide
White water rafting was the perfect mid afternoon adventure. Cool off in the refreshing glacier waters as you navigate your way along the Lower Athabasca River.

I sat front and center, unbeknownst to me- that was the danger zone. I found out when we hit the first rapid and a wall of ice cold water came up over my head, it was so hot that I welcomed the cool down. We took the Athabasca River 5 Mile tour through Jasper Rafting Adventures. We had a great first time experience. However the two hour trip seemed a bit short for us- so if you’re up for it, I would recommend doing the longer river run if you have the time.

Select Your Ride
- Athabasca River Easy Scenic Raft Trip: 2 hour cruise; family friendly; river float
- Athabasca River Mile 5: 2 hours roundtrip (1 hour in water), Introductory, Class II
- Athabasca Falls Run: 3 hours; all skill levels, Class II rapids
- Sunwapta Challenge Whitewater Rafting: 4 hours with 1.5 hour drive time (1.5 hours in water) advanced; Class III Rapids

What to Bring Rafting


Jasper SkyTram
Jasper SkyTram is the highest and longest aerial tramway in all of Canada. If you’re looking for the best views of Jasper without climbing a mountain, this ride is for you. You’ll see Jasper’s turquoise-coloured lakes, & expansive mountain ranges from 2,263 meters (7,425 feet) in the air . This is a perfect adventure for all ages. On your 10 minute ride you’ll have a guide to share the history of the park and what type of wildlife live in park. Before your ride grab some food from the Summit Restaurant to fuel up.
Take a walk along the boardwalk or hike Whistlers Summit Trail which starts at the upper station of the tram. The hike is 1.4 km and takes you 2,463 meters (8,081 feet) up to the peak of Whistlers Mountain where you’ll get panoramic views of 6 different mountain ranges.
- Take highway 93 7 km south of Jasper; the tram is at the end of Whistlers road
- Jasper SkyTram operates from March through end of October.
- Get your SkyTram lift tickets HERE


Best Hiking Trails
Sulphur Skyline
Sulphur Skyline is a 7.7 kilometer moderate out and back trail in Jasper National Park. The park hot springs are located at the trailhead. I recommend bringing your bathing suit to relax after your hike. PS: The trailhead also has an ice-cream shop, need I say more?

If you only do one hike while you’re in Jasper- this should be it. The Sulphur Skyline hiking trail has some of the most spectacular panoramas that Jasper has to offer. The hike is moderate with a consistent incline, dress appropriately (hiking shoes recommended), take lots of water, and break along the trail.

The 8.0 km to the summit will take around 1.5-3 hours to reach (one way). It was hot and rainy at the trailhead, and cold and windy by the time we reached the summit- pack a jacket and a lunch! Have a picnic at the summit and enjoy those pano views!


Valley of Five Lakes Loop Trail
- Rated as Moderate
- Length – 2.9 miles
- Estimated 1.10 hours
- Elevation Gain – 531 ft
- Route Type: Loop


Maligne Canyon Hiking Trail
- Rated as Easy
- Length – 2.7 miles
- Estimated 1.24 hours
- Elevation Gain – 465 ft
- Route Type: Loop
See all my favorite trails at Jasper National Park below!
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Rock Climbing
I’m not going to lie- this one pushed me out of my comfort zone. See the little pink blob at the bottom? That’s me, and this rock was nothing like the rock wall I practiced on at home. The rock climbing scene at Jasper is legendary. People flock from all over the world to climb the incredible Canadian rockies.

We went through Rockaboo Mountain Adventure for our tour, and had an incredible experience! We did the 4 hour tour which began at the office in Jasper. Our certified ACMG guide was so knowledgeable and friendly- which helped with the nerves. All the climbing gear you need for the adventure is provided- including shoes.


Wildlife in Jasper National Park
The wildlife in Jasper National Park is abundant. We saw mountain goats, several black bears, and elk. Much to Grace’s dismay, we saw no moose. The park is home to both black and grizzly bears- carry bear spray if you plan on hiking. You never want to surprise a bear, make noise to alert them while you’re on the trail.

We didn’t see any bears while hiking, but as we drove around the park we were able to view a few from inside our car at a safe distance. DO NOT approach the bears, and please be mindful of your speed while driving through the park, as many animals are killed each year due to vehicles. To get a closer look and better chance of seeing animals, I recommend going on one of the wildlife tours offered.

Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is a great way to explore the park. There are several bike shops downtown that you can rent or you can bring your own! Jasper has miles of connector trails that start from Whistlers and Wapiti campgrounds plus the downtown area. The trails are family friendly and will take you to most of the popular destinations inside the park.
Take a bike tour around the park and see exclusive lakes, rivers mountains and viewpoints only accessible by bike. The tour will accommodate your ride through Jasper National parks trail system based on your skill level preference. The bike ride also provides you a chance see wildlife.
Duration: 3 hours

Summer Adventure Tours
Winter Adventure Tours

You May Also Like
Beautiful Lakes in Canada’s National Parks
Checkout my list of the BEST lakes in Canada’s other National Parks for some inspiration to extend your adventure.


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29 comments
Great Post ! I have read your other posts which are really informative for any traveler. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful informative information on the blog.
I’m so glad you enjoy my posts and find them helpful! Thanks for visiting, I hope you come again soon 🙂
I visited Jasper for the first time this summer, I fell in love! Such a nice place with so much to do. I will have to check out some of your recommendations next time I am there
What a fantastic way to connect with nature and wildlife! I would love to spend 3 or more days adventuring in Jasper National Park – the white water rafting and mountain biking are right up my alley. I haven’t tried rock climbing outdoors yet, but I would definitely do it with a local guiding company!
Rock climbing is certainly an adrenaline rush if you’re looking for one!
There are so many amazing things to do in Jasper National Park. The views look stunning and I would absolutely love to do the wildlife tour. Cant imagine just seeing a huge bear out in the open like that!
Okay this sounds like a dream trip, I literally want to do every activity. Quick question – how intense was the white water rafting? Did you feel like you might fly out or was there just a bit of water coming into the raft? Thanks 🙂
I love this itinerary! I haven’t been to this part of Canada before but it’s definitely on my list and I can’t wait to go hiking here.
So after spending my summer Rock Climbing all 867 feet of Devil’s Tower, I am going to politely decline rock climbing the Canadian Rockies in Jasper. But with that said, I LOVE all the different hiking trails you discovered there. What a beautiful place! I love the Maligne Canyon & the Lakes trail as well. Also, the 9 year old boy in me LOVES a good skytram or gondola so sign us up for that too! Lastly, who doesnt love the thrill of whitewater rafting! The Lower Athabasca River.looks like a blast.
Canada is blessed with natural beauty. Two parks I want to visit are Banff and Jasper. Among everything else, I prefer camping for a few days and enjoy the scenic views and fresh air. This is areat travel guide to Jasper.
Thank you! Don’t forget to check out Yoho when you’re in the Banff area!
After visiting Banff, Jasper has been on my list of places to visit. I can’t believe you sat up front for the water rafting adventure. I would be pretty scared 😅
When the water overtook the boat and I was knee deep in water THAT scared me lol ARE WE SINKING?!?!
This guide is seriously helpful. I’m going to follow it entirely when we take the van on that ferry up north!! Thank you!
I would love to take the road trip you recommended. Do you know if a rental car company will let you pick up in Edmonton and return in Oregon? I have returned to different places but near between countries.
I don’t think they let you cross borders, I just did a quick search and it wouldn’t let me – but that could also be because of COVID
I love Jasper, can’t wait to go back. I haven’t camped out there but would love to do some more hiking and camping in the area
Wow, this looks AMAZING and SO.MUCH.FUN!!! I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to do the rock climbing but I would like to think I would give it a go! Thank you for sharing this epic guide 🙂
White water rafting is one of those things we always do no matter where we go! Didn’t know you could do it in Jasper. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been to both Calgary and Banff… how did I miss Jasper National Park? If I’d have known how many spectacular hiking trails were there, I definitely would not have missed it! It’s time to do a Canuckian cross-country pet sitting road trip! Your river bank dance is a hoot, by the way.
hahaha thank you!! I was super into boomerangs that trip 😂
Your post makes me want to travel to Canada even more! Its beautiful 💖
Oooh this is super super helpful (I am heading to Jasper this summer – squeee) I love the look of your hammocks and I love the idea of the Sulphur skyline hike.
p.s. I had no idea you could use the showers at Whistlers if you are staying at Wapiti Campground! How did you find that out? I couldn’t find it on their website…
Looking back at this post brought back a lot of amazing memories. I been to Jasper National Park twice, once in the summer and once in the winter. I love bears and moose walking out in front of me. The scenery is truly amazing and there is so much to do around there. I loved doing the rafting down the river but havent done any rock climbing. My favourite thing has to be stargazing there….no light pollution and nobody around. Ah….memories. So want another trip out there right now 🙂
I would love to travel to Canada one day and see the amazing landscapes. So beautiful