9 Best Things to do in Jasper in the Summer 

Trying to plan the perfect vacation to Jasper this summer? You’ve come to the experts!

We’ve lived in Canada for years and taken more than a few trips to Jasper. It’s a wonderland of outdoor activities, and there is no shortage of options. But the problem is that your time is limited, and there is a lot to do.

That’s why we rounded up all of our favorite summer Jasper activities to make it easy for you to plan the perfect getaway. From white water rafting and glacier hikes to spotting wildlife and stargazing, it’s all here. So keep reading for the best Jasper summer activities!

Things to do in Jasper

1. See the best of Jasper National Park: Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake, and Spirit Island

Planning a full day out in Jasper can be overwhelming, especially when you factor in park fees, long drives, limited parking (if there’s any), and trying to figure out how to reach must-see spots like Spirit Island. That’s why we booked this tour and avoided all those hassles! It made exploring Jasper easy, fun, and totally stress-free.

We were picked up right in town and started our day at Maligne Canyon, where we took a short walk over the deep limestone gorge and saw several beautiful waterfalls crashing below. From there, we drove to Medicine Lake, which famously vanishes every summer. Locals actually tried to plug it up with old furniture at one point—true story!

Our guide was fantastic and full of fun facts and interesting stories. As a Jasper native, he knew exactly where to look for wildlife. We spotted a bear, a moose, and a whole lot of other critters along the way.

But Maligne Lake and the cruise to Spirit Island were hands down the highlight. It’s just as amazing in person as it is in the pictures! Floating across the turquoise water with the mountains all around was such a surreal experience.

2. Spot wildlife on a guided evening tour

Spotting wildlife in Jasper can feel like a bit of a gamble, especially if you’re not sure where (or when) to look. That’s why we booked this evening wildlife tour, it gave us our best chance of seeing animals without relying on luck or aimless driving. And spoiler alert—we saw a lot of wildlife!

We were picked up in the early evening and set out during the prime time for animal activity. Our guide knew exactly where to go and what signs to watch for. Within minutes, we were spotting Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, and even a black bear! It felt like we were on a real-life safari, but with the Rockies as our backdrop.

What we really appreciated was how informative and respectful the experience was. Our guide made sure we never got too close and always put the animals’ safety first. By the end of the tour, we’d learned so much more about the area’s ecosystems and seen way more wildlife than we ever would have on our own.

It’s one thing to see an animal in the wild, but understanding its behavior and environment made the memory so much more meaningful.

3. Relax on a scenic Maligne Lake cruise

Let’s face it, you only have so much time in Jasper, and you want to make the most of it. So if you want to see Spirit Island, but don’t want to do it as part of a full-day tour (we get it, they can take up a lot of time!), book this cruise in advance. Since it’s the only way to get there, it’s not uncommon for it to sell out a day or two in advance.

As for the experience, it’s absolutely worth it (yes, we’ve done it several times!). We cruised across the length of Maligne Lake, surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in Canada. Our guide shared stories about the area’s geology, wildlife, and even how Spirit Island got its name, from a romantic legend of love passed down through the Stoney Nakoda people.

When we arrived after a great 90-minute cruise, we had time to step off the boat and walk to the viewpoint. We snapped some photos, enjoyed the silence for a while, and then boarded for another scenic ride back.

Spirit Island is one of the most iconic sights in the Rockies, and this cruise is the easiest way to see it without losing your whole day. It’s a quick trip that still leaves you feeling like you’ve experienced something special!

4. Taste your way around Jasper

Jasper has a surprisingly great food scene, but if you don’t know where to go, you’ll likely spend way too much at a tourist trap restaurant promoted by Google. That’s why we booked this food tour—it took us straight to the best local spots, with no guesswork and no regrets.

We tried a lot of great food along the way, but the standouts were the slow-braised ribs, the incredible tacos, and the cheesecake for dessert. And we don’t say “incredible” lightly—we’ve travelled Mexico extensively, so we know a good taco when we taste one! These were packed with bold flavor, perfectly seasoned, and topped with fresh ingredients that made every bite a winner.

The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender with a sticky glaze that hit all the right notes. And the cheesecake? Let’s just say I might have gone back for more the next day when I didn’t have to share with Daniel. The tour also included craft cocktails that paired perfectly with each dish.

The best part? No waiting to be seated, no deciding where or what to eat, and no overpriced food that didn’t deliver.

It was the easiest (and tastiest) way to experience Jasper’s food scene without the stress of planning. We left full, happy, and with a list of spots we actually wanted to return to—this tour nailed it.

5. Go whitewater rafting on the Athabasca River

Jasper has a lot of popular activities, and let’s be honest, some of them can feel a little too busy or commercial. That’s why we loved this white water rafting tour. It was a more peaceful (but still exciting!), active way to experience the national park, and it’s great for all ages and experience levels.

The Athabasca River Canyon run features Class II rapids, which means it’s exciting enough to be fun, but calm enough that no one felt overwhelmed. It was the perfect balance. We had a mix of ages in our raft, and everyone was having a great time from start to finish. There was even a chance to jump out and swim at a few points!

The scenery was a show-stealer with towering canyon walls, lush trees, answer even got to see an eagle. Best of all, the group size was just right, so we got top-notch care from our seasoned guide. Speaking of our guide, Ellie was fantastic, full of local knowledge and bad jokes (the good kind), and she made sure everyone felt included and safe.

This was hands-down one of the most fun ways we explored Jasper—active, scenic, and surprisingly relaxing. If you’re looking for something a little less crowded but still packed with adventure, this rafting trip is it!

6. Visit the Columbia Icefield and Glacier Skywalk

Most people don’t realize that you can’t walk on the Columbia Icefield on your own. There’s no trail or casual access since you need a special Ice Explorer and a guide to get you safely onto the ice. We took this full-day tour and can’t recommend it enough, it was such an epic day!

We started at Athabasca Falls, a scenic waterfall with easy access and gorgeous views of Mt. Edith Cavell. It’s a quick stop, but a great place to stretch your legs and take in the dramatic canyon setting.

From there, we headed to the Columbia Icefield, where we boarded one of the massive Ice Explorers and drove right onto the glacier. Standing on ancient ice, surrounded by jagged peaks and wide-open sky, we felt small in the best way. The views were absolutely breathtaking, and knowing how few people actually get to experience this made it feel even more special. Especially since, sadly, the glacier is melting faster every year.

We ended the day at the Glacier Skywalk, a glass platform that let us walk high above the Sunwapta Valley. If you’re not a fan of heights, it’s a little spooky at first, but the views are more than worth it. And the best part? After a full day of adventure, we didn’t have to face the long drive back. We just kicked back, relaxed, and enjoyed the ride!

7. Ride the Jasper SkyTram

If there’s one thing you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Jasper, it’s the Jasper SkyTram. Whether you’re traveling as a family, couple, solo adventurer, or with older relatives, this experience really has something for everyone, and the views alone make it 100% worth it.

The ride up is smooth and scenic, taking you almost to the top of Whistler Mountain in just seven minutes. As the tram climbs higher, the landscape opens up dramatically, and you’ll get sweeping views of Jasper National Park, the Athabasca River, and even distant peaks on a clear day. We were glued to the windows the entire way up!

At the top, there’s plenty to do. There’s a short, optional hike to the summit if you’re up for it (nothing too technical), where the 360 views are even more jaw-dropping. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll want to linger a little longer, especially with benches and lookout points perfectly placed for soaking it all up.

If hiking’s not your thing, no worries! You can take your time walking around the upper station, spotting wildlife, or simply enjoying the scenery from the comfort of the observation area.

We also grabbed lunch at the restaurant, and it totally exceeded expectations, good food with even better views. A nice treat before heading back down!

Related Read: Wondering what to pack for your Jasper trip? Our Canada Packing List is full of 23 items you won’t want to leave at home!

8. Go glacier hiking on the Athabasca Glacier

Taking the big diesel bus onto the Athabasca Glacier is tons of fun, but for us, this small-group guided hike is something else entirely. With a maximum of just 10 people and ACMG certified guides leading the way, you’ll go further, learn more, and experience the glacier in a way that most people simply don’t get to.

The hike out to the glacier is around a mile and a half and is part of the experience. Along the way your guide will share fascinating information about the history and geology of the Athabasca Glacier along the way, including just how dramatically it has retreated over the years.

Once you’re on the ice, the scenery is just jaw-dropping! Meltwater channels carving through brilliant blue ice, crevasses cutting deep into the glacier, and not a tour bus in sight once you’ve left the crowds behind.

One of the truly standout moments from this experience is the optional rappel down into a crevasse. Yes, really! You literally drop below the ice surface into one of the glacier’s natural fissures. It sounds intense, but the guides make it feel completely accessible.

All the gear you need, such as crampons, poles, and footwear, is included, so you don’t need to worry about showing up with specialist kit. That said, because this is an active glacier environment, the Canadian authorities strongly advise against venturing onto the Athabasca Glacier without a certified guide, so this tour really is the right way to do it.

9. Go stargazing and learn about Jasper’s incredible night sky

If you love a good night sky, Jasper is one of the best places in the world to see it. And this telescope and planetarium combo tour makes the experience even more special. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with kids, or in a multigenerational group, this is one of those activities that everyone will enjoy.

We started the evening in the planetarium, which was such a fun and immersive way to learn about the night sky. One of the most fascinating parts was hearing about local Indigenous constellations and the stories passed down for generations that offer a completely different way to view the stars. We also learned how the Aurora Borealis forms and what conditions make it visible. There’s even a rock from Mars we got to hold!

After that, we headed outside to use the telescopes. We saw distant stars, the Milky Way, and the moon in incredible detail. And yes, if the conditions are right, the Aurora Borealis will make an appearance as well.

But what if the weather doesn’t cooperate? No worries, they offer a two-year return policy, so you can come back and do the experience again at no extra cost.

Related Read: For more help planning an epic Jasper trip, check out our detailed 3-day itinerary that goes over all the must-see spots, along with tons of insider tips!

Where to Stay in Jasper in Summer

When compared to Banff (and the dozens of hotels in Banff), there actually aren’t that many to choose from in Jasper. That’s right, accommodation in Jasper is limited, and therefore it’s important to book your stay as far in advance as possible!

Here, I’ve handpicked some of my personal favorite hotels in Jasper suitable for any type of traveler with any type of budget!

Jasper Downtown Hostel (Budget Backpackers)

Jasper Downtown Hostel is the best place to stay for those on a tight budget. The central location just a couple blocks from shops and restaurants, shared facilities, and a friendly atmosphere make it a great place to stay. They offer budget dorm beds as well as affordable private rooms ranging from $45 – $179 CAD.

You can book Jasper Downtown Hostel on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Whistler’s Inn (Moderate Budget)

Whistler’s Inn is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a nice escape right in town and only a short walk from popular bars, restaurants, and attractions in Jasper. They also have a rooftop hot tub (pictured above)—need I say more? Because of its reasonable price of $300 CAD or less, it books up quickly, so make sure to try and reserve as soon as you can!

You can check prices and availability on Booking.com.

Forest Park Hotel (Moderate to High Budget)

Forest Park Hotel is a great place to stay if you want a comfortable stay for a reasonable price right in town. There are some standard rooms, as well as some units with kitchenettes.

The rate for a queen room with two beds averages around $400 CAD. The hotel has an indoor pool and spa on-site as well as a gym and two restaurants. One is for breakfast and another for dinner and drinks – be sure to order their Detroit-style deep-dish pizza!

You can check prices and book Forest Park Hotel on Booking.com.

Pyramid Lake Resort (Luxury)

This place is beautiful, and it is set in an even more beautiful location! Pyramid Lake is the perfect place for hiking, swimming, kayaking, or even skating in the winter.

Pyramid Lake Resort doesn’t cut any corners, and it’s a highly-rated hotel. It’s also a popular place to stay for couples – some rooms have a cozy fireplace to snuggle up around.

There is also a gym and hot tub to make use of! Prices vary based on the time of year, but expect a room during the summer to run around $400 CAD a night.

You can check availability and book on Booking.com.

For more detailed info on the best hotels and areas to stay in Jasper, read our blog!

Renting a Car in Alberta

If you’re arriving in Alberta via plane then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough! Canada is a large country and traveling between cities and even just getting out to some of the best places to visit in Alberta requires transport. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier.

Car rental in Canada isn’t super cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read our honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

Check availability and prices on Discover Cars here!

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Check out my review of Motorhome Republic here for tips before you book.

And if you’re planning to camp but don’t want to splurge on a huge RV, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!

In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!

Thanks for reading!

Jasper in the summer is packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences—from rafting and glacier hiking to spotting wildlife and cruising to Spirit Island. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or something in between, this national park has it all.

We hope this guide made it easier to plan your own epic Jasper getaway. These were our absolute favorite summer activities, and we’ve personally done (and loved) every single one. If you’re planning more adventures nearby, explore some of our other Canada blogs here. Or check out a few others below that you might find helpful!

Our Favorite 33 Activities in Jasper +Places to Eat (2025)

How to Get from Jasper to the Columbia Icefield + Best Tours

5 Absolute BEST Winter Tours in Jasper, Alberta that You Can’t Miss This Year (2025)