This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Thinking about spending a few days in Jasper? Here’s exactly what to do!
Jasper is one of our favorite places in the Canadian Rockies, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. From glacier walks and wildlife tours to alpine lakes and star-filled skies, there’s a lot to experience here. But with just three days, how do you make it all fit? That’s where we come in!
We’ve lived in Canada for years and taken more than a few trips to Jasper, so we’ve done the planning for you. This itinerary is designed to help you see the highlights, eat well, and enjoy every minute, without feeling rushed. Let’s plan your perfect trip!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this full-day Jasper National Park tour. We visited Maligne Valley and Medicine Lake, and then took a boat ride to Spirit Island for the best views!
3-Day Jasper Itinerary Overview
Three days in Jasper is just the right amount of time to take in glacier walks, alpine views, wildlife safaris, and stargazing, while still enjoying the town’s laid-back charm. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this itinerary blends outdoor adventure with local flavor.
Getting around Jasper is easy, with most tours offering hotel pickup and many top sights, like downtown shops, restaurants, and trails, that are either walkable or just a short taxi ride away. But if you prefer flexibility, want to explore more remote areas at your own pace, or are road-tripping through the national parks, renting a car is a great option.
Day 1: Start with sweeping alpine views aboard the Jasper SkyTram, enjoy a relaxed mountaintop lunch, and spend the afternoon tasting your way through town on a guided food tour. Afterward, unwind with a stroll through downtown and a sunset by the river.
Day 2: Venture deep into the wild on a guided Maligne Valley and Spirit Island tour, complete with waterfalls, wildlife sightings, and a peaceful lake cruise. After a relaxed early dinner, head back out for an evening wildlife safari at golden hour.
Day 3: Kick off day three with an epic Columbia Icefield tour, including a stop at Athabasca Falls, a glacier walk, and a thrilling stroll across the Glacier Skywalk. Back in Jasper, slow down with a coffee or lakeside stroll, then finish your trip stargazing under one of the world’s clearest night skies.
Day 1
Breakfast – Jasper’s Wafflato
Start your Jasper getaway with a cozy breakfast at Wafflato, a charming spot that’s part café, part dessert heaven. Opening at 7 am, it’s the perfect early stop before a full day of exploring. Their Liege-style waffles are the star—rich, golden, and slightly caramelized with a chewy center. You can keep it sweet with berries and whipped cream or go savory with bacon and eggs.
The vibe is warm and relaxed, great for easing into your first day in the Rockies. Whether you’re planning your route over a cappuccino or just enjoying a peaceful bite, Wafflato delivers a breakfast that feels special without trying too hard.
Morning – Catch breathtaking views from the Jasper SkyTram
After breakfast, it’s time to head into the alpine. Having been back to Jasper several times over the years, we’ve learned that this Jasper SkyTram experience is hands down one of the best ways to kick off a summer visit, offering stunning panoramic views without a strenuous hike.
Book your ticket for around 9 or 10 am, and try to arrive a little early. The ride up Whistler’s Mountain takes just seven minutes, but the scenery changes dramatically with each passing second.
You’ll glide above the treeline, with jaw-dropping views over Jasper National Park, the Athabasca River, and endless mountain peaks that seem to stretch into forever. At the top, the experience keeps going. There’s an optional hike toward the summit—go as far as you like on the well-marked trail for even more elevated views.
Prefer to take it easy? You can stroll the observation decks, keep an eye out for wildlife, or cozy up in the Summit Café, where the coffee comes with a serious view. We stayed for lunch here and were pleasantly surprised by how good it was.
Plan for 2 to 3 hours total, especially if you linger for lunch or take your time hiking. No car? A taxi from town takes about 10 minutes and is the easiest way to get there.
We absolutely loved this experience for the incredible views, the easy summit access, and the café with a view. And we’re clearly not alone—just check out the glowing five-star reviews here to see why the SkyTram is a can’t-miss stop in Jasper!
Grab your Jasper SkyTram ticket here and get ready for incredible views!
Lunch – The Summit Café
Before heading back down the mountain, take advantage of your elevation and grab a light lunch at The Summit Café. With its floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping alpine views, this casual spot just might have the best lunch backdrop in Jasper. The menu is simple yet satisfying—think soups, sandwiches, salads, and fresh-baked goods—perfect for refueling without feeling too full, especially with a food tour still ahead later in the day.
It’s a great excuse to linger a little longer at the top, soaking in the panorama one last time. You won’t need a reservation, but if it’s a summer weekend, plan for a short wait as it’s a popular spot. Honestly, we didn’t mind as we were too busy staring out the window to notice the time.
Afternoon – Taste your way through Jasper’s culinary scene
After a light lunch and a ride back down Whistler’s Mountain, give your legs a rest and treat your taste buds instead with this small-group food tour, a stress-free (and delicious) way to explore the town’s surprisingly strong culinary scene.
The tour starts at 2:30 pm and lasts about three hours, wrapping up around 5:30 pm, just in time for an evening stroll or a relaxing drink afterward. Led by a local guide, it’s a fun way to hear the stories behind the restaurants, the chefs, and even the ingredients—all while skipping the guesswork.
We sampled everything from fall-off-the-bone slow-braised ribs to cheesecake worth fighting over, but the real highlight was the tacos. And coming from people who’ve eaten their way across Mexico, that’s saying something.
Packed with bold, perfectly balanced flavors and topped with ultra-fresh ingredients, they were a total standout. Each stop also included a paired signature drink, making the whole experience feel like a progressive dinner with a local twist.
Best of all, there’s no waiting for tables, no decision fatigue, and no overpriced disappointments—just great food, curated by locals who know where to go. We left full, happy, and with a list of restaurants we actually wanted to revisit!
Book this five-star food tour here before it sells out—you won’t regret it!
Evening – Soak up the evening vibe downtown
After a full day of alpine views and foodie favorites, slow things down with a relaxed stroll through downtown Jasper. The summer evening light makes everything feel golden, and there’s no rush—just wander the shops, breathe in the crisp mountain air, or find a quiet bench by the Athabasca River to watch the sky shift into sunset mode.
One of our favorite ways to wrap up the day is with a pint at Jasper Brewing Co. They’re open late, and their craft beers are the kind you’ll want to sip slowly. For something more laid-back, Whistle Stop Pub is another great option, especially if there’s live music playing, which there often is in the summer months. Both places are perfect for winding down without calling it a night too early.
Before heading back to your hotel, it’s also a good idea to grab a few snacks or drinks for tomorrow’s day tour. Most grocery stores or convenience shops stay open late enough for a quick stop, and you’ll be glad to have something on hand in the morning.
Day 2
Morning/Afternoon – Explore Jasper’s highlights on a guided Maligne Valley tour
Planning a full day in Jasper on your own can be overwhelming with park passes, parking, and tricky timing to manage. We’ve tried doing this loop on our own before, but booking this Maligne Valley and Spirit Island tour made it way more enjoyable—and easier. It turned out to be one of the best ways to explore this incredible area without the hassle.
The day starts at 8:30 am with in-town pickup included, and the whole experience runs until about 2:30 pm, packing in Jasper’s most iconic sights without the stress of planning.
We started with a short walk through Maligne Canyon, where waterfalls thunder through narrow limestone walls, then continued on to the mysterious Medicine Lake, which famously vanishes each summer due to underground drainage. (Fun fact: locals once really tried plugging it with old furniture!)
Along the way, our guide, a born-and-raised Jasper local, was full of fun facts, great stories, and knew exactly where to look for wildlife. We ended up spotting a bear, a moose, and more than a few other critters we never would’ve noticed on our own.
But the real showstopper was Maligne Lake and the cruise to Spirit Island. Gliding across that unreal turquoise water, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, felt like something out of a postcard—only better!
This tour offers a rare chance to experience Jasper’s wild beauty up close. Check out HUNDREDS of five-star reviews here and see for yourself why this is one of the best ways to experience Jasper!
Book your spot here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
Afternoon – Rest, refill, and recharge
After a full morning of exploring Jasper’s wild beauty, this is your window to take it slow. Once the tour wraps up around 2:30 pm, head back to your hotel for a break or stroll around town at your own pace. With another tour coming up at 5:30 pm, this is the perfect time to grab snacks for the evening, recharge your devices, and regroup a little.
If you’re feeling hungry, we recommend sitting down for an early dinner at The Raven Bistro. This cozy spot blends Canadian ingredients with global flavors—we loved the Moroccan lamb and wild boar gnocchi. The atmosphere is relaxed and elegant, and around this time of day, you likely won’t need a reservation. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, savor your meal, and ease into the evening ahead.
Late afternoon – Spot wildlife on a guided evening safari
Spotting wildlife in Jasper can be hit or miss if you’re on your own, but this evening wildlife tour gave us the best shot at seeing animals without playing the guessing game.
It starts at 5:30 pm and runs until about 8:30 pm, which happens to be prime time for wildlife activity. We were picked up right in town and quickly out in nature, scanning the valleys and forest edges for movement.
Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and seemed to have a sixth sense for where animals might be. Within minutes, we saw Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, and even a black bear. It honestly felt like a mini safari—only with snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows instead of savannas.
But what made the experience even better was how respectful and educational it was. We stayed at a safe distance and learned about each animal’s behavior, habitat, and role in the ecosystem, which gave everything more meaning than just snapping photos.
By the end of the tour, we’d seen far more than we expected and left with a deeper appreciation for Jasper’s wildlife. It’s hands down one of the most memorable things we’ve ever done in Jasper, and a great way to wind down the day.
Secure this top-rated Jasper tour here and get ready for a wild night!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Day 3
Morning/Afternoon – Step onto ancient ice on a Columbia Icefield Tour
Day three kicks off with one of the most unforgettable experiences in Jasper: this guided tour to the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest non-polar icefields in the world. It all begins around 8:30 am (depending on your pickup location) and runs for just over seven hours, wrapping up by 4 pm at the latest.
Not only is this the safest way to explore the glacier, but it’s also the only way. You can’t walk out there on your own, and with no public trail access, a specialized Ice Explorer and guide are required to get you onto the ice.
Our day began with a quick stop at Athabasca Falls, where water thunders through a narrow canyon backed by views of Mt. Edith Cavell. It’s a short visit, but the setting is so dramatic it’s hard to walk away without a few dozen photos.
Then came the highlight – rolling onto the glacier itself aboard a massive Ice Explorer. Standing on ancient ice, completely surrounded by jagged peaks and endless sky, felt both humbling and surreal. Knowing this glacier is melting faster every year made the experience feel even more meaningful.
We ended with a walk across the Glacier Skywalk, a glass platform suspended above the Sunwapta Valley. A little nerve-wracking if you don’t love heights, but the views are totally worth it.
If you want to experience the Columbia Icefield the right way—safely, fully, and without the hassle—this tour is it!
Book this bucket list experience now and pay later when you book it here!
Late afternoon – Unwind with a scenic stroll or coffee break
After a big day exploring the Columbia Icefield, it’s time to slow things down and enjoy Jasper at its most peaceful. Once you’re back in town, either head to your hotel to rest or take advantage of the late afternoon light with a gentle walk around Lac Beauvert. Just a short drive from downtown near the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, this scenic lakeside path is flat, quiet, and surrounded by postcard-worthy mountain views.
If you’d rather sit and sip, stop by SnowDome Café, one of our favorite hidden gems. It’s tucked inside a laundromat, but don’t let that fool you—this place makes seriously good coffee. Whether you’re a flat white fan or craving something sweet, it’s the perfect low-key spot to savor your last afternoon in town and soak in the laid-back Jasper vibe.
Dinner – Famoso Italian Pizzeria
For your final dinner in Jasper, keep things easy and delicious with a meal at Famoso Italian Pizzeria. This cozy, casual spot is a local favorite for Neapolitan-style pizzas, crisp salads, and genuinely warm service. Whether you’re craving a classic Margherita or something with a twist like prosciutto and arugula, you’ll find plenty to love on the menu.
It’s the kind of place where you can relax, share a pizza (or two), and raise a glass to an unforgettable trip. Pair your meal with a glass of red, and enjoy one last satisfying bite before heading out to the stars.
Evening – Stargazing at the Jasper Planetarium
To wrap up your last night in Jasper, there’s no better way to wind down than by looking up. As one of the largest dark sky preserves in the world, Jasper is a prime destination for stargazing, and this planetarium and telescope combo tour takes the experience to another level.
We recommend booking a later option, like the 9:45 pm tour, so you can ease into the evening without feeling rushed.
The night begins inside a cozy, domed planetarium, where we learned about constellations in a totally immersive way. One of the most memorable parts was hearing Indigenous star stories, which offer a beautiful, different lens through which to view the night sky. We also got a crash course in how the Aurora Borealis forms, what conditions affect visibility, and even held a rock from Mars—yes, really!
After the planetarium, we stepped outside to peer through high-powered telescopes. Seeing the Milky Way, distant galaxies, and even the moon in sharp detail was absolutely magical. And if the skies are clear, there’s a chance you’ll catch the Aurora Borealis dancing overhead.
Worried about clouds? Don’t be. The tour includes a two-year return policy, so if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ll have another shot at no extra cost.
This experience stands out for its blend of storytelling, science, and hands-on stargazing. It’s no wonder it’s one of Jasper’s top-rated experiences!
Book this stargazing experience here and end your trip on a stellar note!
Related Read: Looking for even more things to do while you’re in town? Check out our full list of the best things to do in Jasper in the summer here for extra hikes, viewpoints, and activities to add to your trip.
Where to Stay in Jasper, Alberta
Considering how big a travel destination Jasper is, there is a surprisingly limited number of hotels. To make your planning easier, we’ve selected the best options. If you book early, you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing stay in Jasper. Here are my top three picks for a moderate, mid-range, and high-end budget stay.
Pyramid Lake Resort – $$$
Pyramid Lake Resort is beautiful in itself, and it’s set in an even more beautiful location! Pyramid Lake is the perfect place for hiking, swimming, kayaking, or even skating in the winter. This resort doesn’t cut any corners, and it’s a highly-rated hotel. It’s also a popular place to stay for couples – some rooms have a cozy fireplace to snuggle up around.
There is also a gym and hot tub to make use of! Prices vary based on the time of year, but expect a room during the summer to run around $400 CAD a night. You can check availability and book on Booking.com.
Forest Park Hotel – $$
Forest Park Hotel is a great place to stay for a comfortable and reasonably priced stay 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 the Forest Park Hotel on Booking.com.
Whistler’s Inn – $
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? Due to its reasonable price of $300 CAD or less, it books up quickly, so be sure to try to reserve as soon as possible.
You can check prices and availability on Booking.com.
Related Read: Need help finding the perfect place to rest? Check out our Where to Stay in Jasper guide to find the best areas and hotels!
Parks Canada Pass Quick Info
If you plan on spending time in Canada’s national parks (including Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Kootenay, and more) then you’re going to have to pay for a Parks Pass.
Single Daily Admission:
This type of pass is valid for one person for one day. It is ONLY the best value if you are traveling alone and only plan to visit a national park for a couple of days.
- Adult (ages 18-64) is $11 CAD
- Senior (65+) is $9.50 CAD
- Youth/Child (17 or younger) is FREE
Group Daily Admission:
If you’re traveling in a group or with family, you can buy a single-day admission for your entire vehicle (up to 7 people in one vehicle.)
- $22.00 CAD gets your entire vehicle entry for one full day
Parks Canada Discovery Pass
The “Discovery Pass” is what Parks Canada calls their year-long (365 days from the purchase date), multi-park entry pass. This pass will give 365 days of access to all participating national parks in Canada. This includes the most popular parks like Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke, and so much more.
- Adult (age 18-64) – $75.25 CAD
- Senior (65+) – $64.50 CAD
- Group/Family (up to 7 people in one vehicle) – $151.25 CAD
Hot Tip: Although more expensive up front, if you plan on spending more than 7 days in different parks in Canada within a 12-month period, then the Discovery Pass is actually the better deal!
Parks Canada Passes can be bought online here or at one of the Visitor Centers or booths at the entrance to many national parks.
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!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Three days in Jasper is the perfect amount of time to explore the outdoors, see wildlife, and enjoy the charming downtown vibe. We love taking a weekend getaway here, and if you stick to this itinerary, I know you will too!
Before you go, check out our other Canada blogs! As a Canadian myself, I have compiled numerous resources to help you plan your next vacation. Here are a few of my favorite areas and activities that you can add to your bucket list – cheers!
10 Absolute MUST-DO Day Hikes in Banff and Jasper!
Where to Stay in Banff, Canada: 6 Best Areas & Hotels
5 BEST Maligne Lake Tours in Jasper +Our Favorite Tour and Review!