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Spanning roughly 11,000 square kilometers, Jasper National Park is the largest national park located in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. Now regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jasper is jam-packed with natural marvels such as Maligne Lake, the world’s second-biggest glacial-fed lake; Mount Columbia, the tallest mountain in Alberta; and an array of wildlife including wolverines, black and grizzly bears, elk, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
From fishing and camping to biking, hiking, or whitewater rafting, Jasper is a go-to destination full of thrilling outdoor activities to enjoy with friends and families. Hence, this park is ideal for those looking for adventures and wanting to explore the beauty of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains.
While there are various things to do while in Jasper, the places where you can stay are fewer than Banff as Jasper town is much smaller than the latter. Also, hotel choices are quite spread out and varying so choosing the best location where you can enjoy your holiday the most is essential.
Do you want to stay within the town? Prefer a quiet nature escape away from traffic? How luxurious do you need your hotel to be? What about your budget?
Luckily, there’s no need for you to look elsewhere as I have all the information you need in this blog! So, if you’re planning to visit Jasper National Park during the next holiday, I suggest that you continue reading until the end.
Hot Tip: To ensure you get to stay in one of the best hotels in Jasper, be sure to book well in advance. Considering the limited hotels in Jasper, the best ones get fully booked FAST.
Where are the BEST Areas to Stay in Jasper

This guide will give you a rundown on where to stay in Jasper as well as what you can expect in these locations particularly their surroundings, nearby public facilities, room views, costs, and others.
Even though Jasper is a small town, with a land area of only 924.06 square kilometers and a population of 5,200, every area in the place exudes a completely different atmosphere. Hence, it is important to consider what exactly you’re looking for during your stay.
If you wish to experience the vibrant nightlife of the community, staying in downtown Jasper is the best choice for you. If you seek quieter surroundings but within the vicinity of town facilities, you may book a hotel outside of town but still within the boundaries of Jasper National Park.
Meanwhile, visitors who need easy access to the road can consider lodging along the Icefields Parkway. But, if you’re someone who wants complete peace and doesn’t mind driving to your destination, you can find remote hotels located just outside of Jasper National Park.
Heading to Jasper from Edmonton? Check out our guide to the best stops on the drive from Edmonton to Jasper!
Where to Stay in Jasper Town

Jasper may be a small community of not more than 6,000 people but it offers a unique rustic charm, spectacular views of mountains, and a wide array of activities that will surely keep you from getting bored. No matter what time of year you visit, Jasper has exactly what you need to have a wonderful stay during the winter or summer seasons.
What’s more, the fun doesn’t end here even when the sun goes down – the place has a bustling nightlife thanks to the bars and restaurants, which are all just within walking distance of hotels. Be sure to stop by Jasper Brewing for delicious craft beer and burgers. If you love pizza, then the rooftop patio at Jasper Pizza Place is a must!
You don’t even need to worry about drinking and driving since most hotels in Jasper Town are easily within walking distance of all the bars and restaurants. In fact, Jasper town is so small that it’s the type of place where you can park your car at your hotel and not need it during your entire stay (unless you go on trips to explore the park further.)
Another great thing that makes this location one of the best places to stay in Jasper is its budget-friendly hotels. So, if you’re on a tighter budget, downtown Jasper is the top choice for you.
Personally, whenever I visit Jasper I always choose to stay right in town. While I love getting out in nature, I also like having the amenities of a town nearby. This way, after a big day out exploring Jasper National Park, I can come back to town and enjoy a meal and a drink. I can also easily grab a coffee in the morning at one of the delicious Jasper cafes before I take off to hike or ski.
Advantages to staying in downtown Jasper, Alberta
- The hotels are within walking distance of lots of stores, bars, and restaurants.
- Jasper town offers plenty of things to do including shopping, hiking, food tours, the museum, the theatre, and more.
- There are a variety of affordable hotels near downtown Jasper.
Disadvantages of staying in downtown Jasper, Alberta
- As they are priced at low rates, the hotels aren’t of the best quality. So, choosing downtown Jasper might not be a good move for those wanting a more luxurious stay.
- Since it is where all the main public facilities and businesses are located, Jasper town can be quite busy.
- The parking spaces in the downtown area can be a problem for those with personal vehicles, especially if you’re staying for one or two nights as parking is limited to only up to 2 hours plus it comes with a fee – make sure your hotel offers parking!
The BEST Hotels in Jasper Town
$ – Jasper Downtown Hostel

Located in Jasper’s city center, Jasper Downtown Hostel offers both dorm-style and private rooms, some of which come with private bathrooms. Each room is well-kept and complete with comfy beds with pillows and blankets.
While staying at this budget-friendly hostel, guests can freely relax in the lounge or use the laundry facilities and a shared kitchen. Free parking is also available on-site. Other than that, free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property.
In terms of nearby attractions, Jasper Downtown Hostel is only a short five-minute walk to most bars and restaurants.
Dan and I have stayed here many times. We love their private rooms and large communal kitchen (perfect for when we want to cook something quick instead of always eating out.)
The price for one bed in a dormitory room here ranges from $47 to $90 CAD per night. Private rooms are more.
You can check prices and availability for Jasper Downtown Hostel on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.
$$ – Jasper Inn & Suites

Jasper Inn & Suites is one of the best Jasper hotels because of its ideal location being in the heart of Jasper. Well-furnished, each room comes with a fan, a flat-screen TV with cable and Chromecast, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a fridge. Additionally, free Wi-Fi access is available in all accommodations.
What makes this hotel one of my personal favorites is its facilities such as a sauna, steam room, indoor pool, hot tub, ski lockers, ski wax room, and free parking space. It even offers on-site dining and guests can fuel up with authentic Canadian cuisine. During the summer season, guests can relax on the outdoor terrace.
Sitting in the heart of Jasper, the hotel is within 30 miles of Maligne Lake and only 14 miles from Ski Marmot Basin. It is within walking distance of the main streets of downtown Jasper.
You can book a double room here starting from approximately $120 CAD/night, although prices do fluctuate seasonally. You can check prices and availability at the Jasper Inn & Suites here.
$$ – The Crimson Jasper

Situated just a 10-minute walk from Jasper Railway Station in downtown, The Crimson Jasper offers spacious rooms well-equipped with different amenities including free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, an electric kettle, a microwave, and a refrigerator. A private bathroom is also available in each accommodation and it features a shower and a hairdryer.
The Crimson Jasper also houses a restaurant that serves gourmet dishes and a daily breakfast buffet. And, for additional convenience, a business center, a fitness center, and a free parking space are available on-site. Guests can also go for a swim or relax in the super spacious hot tub.
In addition to being within spitting distance from Jasper Railway Station, this hotel is also very close to Jasper Park Information Center and local restaurants.
A standard queen/king room here starts here at around $130 CAD/night but prices do change based on the time of year and days of the week.
You can check prices and availability for The Crimson Jasper online here.
$$$ – Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Rated as a 4-star property, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers a luxurious accommodation experience to guests on the edges of Beauvert Lake located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. I personally like this resort as it has an award-winning golf course, eight on-site restaurants, and a 10,000-square-foot spa.
If you want a luxury stay in Jasper, the Fairmont is your safest bet.
Offering lake views, rooms at the hotel are all complete with a flat-screen TV and a refrigerator. Near the property, activities like ice skating and cross-country skiing are possible if you’re visiting Jasper in the winter, while you can swim in the outdoor pool and go horseback riding in the summer.
What I love the most about Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is its location. It is only a 9-minute drive from the VIA Railway Station and is just a couple of minutes drive from downtown. It isn’t walking distance from downtown, but only a very short drive which makes it a quiet nature escape still within close proximity to the amenities of town.
In terms of a luxury stay in Jasper town, it is the only option available. But thanks to being situated a little out of town, the resort still gives that kind of natural escape. The best of both worlds.
This is a great option especially if you’re planning a romantic occasion or honeymoon in Jasper!
Room rates here start at approximately $399 CAD/night.
You can check the prices and availability for the Jasper Fairmont here.
Related Read: There is also a beautiful Fairmont hotel in Banff – one of the best hotels in Banff too!
Where to Stay in Jasper National Park (outside of town)

It is not necessary to stay right in the town just to make the most of your visit to Jasper National Park. Some of the best places to stay in Jasper are remote, which are only a short drive from town but still settled in the magnificent National Park.
Without the busy streets, the outskirts of Jasper town are the ideal locations for peaceful escapes, resorts, retreats, or hotels with the best views. So, if you’re still unsure where to stay in Jasper, I’ll introduce to you the top accommodation options outside of town.
Advantages to staying outside of Jasper town:
- There are a vast array of beautiful resorts and hotels to choose from.
- Accommodations outside of town offer amazing views of the surroundings including the marvelous Rocky Mountains.
- You don’t need to go further to find outdoor activities as they are just at your doorstep.
- Located far from the bustling downtown Jasper, hotels and resorts are naturally quiet and peaceful
Disadvantages of staying outside of Jasper town:
- Rooms at hotels and resorts have steep prices.
- Clearly, you are far from the town and amenities, so staying in the outskirts of Jasper may not be a good choice for those who don’t like driving back and forth all the time.
- Limited options nearby for food and restaurants.
Best Hotels in Jasper National Park Surrounded by Nature
$ – Pocahontas Cabins

Situated a 30-minute drive away from Jasper town, Pocahontas Cabins is located right at the entrance road to Miette Hot Springs. It is the perfect wilderness escape for those looking for a cozy cabin in Jasper National Park.
Cabins here all include a microwave, a coffee machine, and a fridge. The rooms are made more convenient with an addition of a sofa, a satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, and a gas fireplace. Additionally, some cabins offer full kitchen facilities.
In addition to cabins, a mini-market can also be found on-site. Here, you can purchase grab-and-go items and prepackaged meals for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. And, in case you decide to have a barbecue party, barbecue facilities are available for you to use.
For relaxation, Pocahontas Cabins offers a seasonal outdoor pool and a hot tub. It also provides free parking and easy access to Miette Hot Springs and the Jasper SkyTram – two of the best things to do in Jasper!
A deluxe log cabin here costs approximately $119 CAD/night. Like most hotels in Jasper, the price can fluctuate seasonally so be sure to check prices and availability of Pocahontas Cabins online here.
$$ – Pyramid Lake Resort

Pyramid Lake Resort, which is located at Pyramid Lake about a 15-minute drive from Jasper town, consists of rooms that provide either lake views or mountain views. They are also equipped with a cable TV, a coffee maker, a refrigerator, and a gas fireplace.
Aside from a fitness center and a hot tub, the resort has an in-house restaurant that not only serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner but also provides panoramic views of the property. Other than that, complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all areas of the resort.
I personally like this resort as it offers different activities to enjoy like canoeing, fishing, and hiking right from your doorstep. It even has a private beach and an on-site parking area and is near a road that will directly lead you to downtown Jasper, Jasper SkyTram, and the Marmot Basin ski area.
Many people say Pyramid Lake is one of the most beautiful places to visit in all of Alberta, so to stay right on its edge is nothing short of dreamy. On top of that, you really aren’t that far from Jasper town either (10-15 minute drive), so to me, this is the perfect area to stay in Jasper National Park.
Room prices here start at around $160 CAD/night. Check availability at Pyramid Lake Resort (it is often fully booked) online here.
$$$ – Jasper East Cabins

Set just a 14-minute walk from Athabasca River, Jasper East Cabins is set on a beautiful property in Jasper National Park. Although a 40-minute drive from Jasper town, Jasper Cabins is only a short drive from one of Alberta’s best hot springs – Miette Hot Springs. There are also plenty of biking and hiking trails in the area offering stunning mountain views. You’ll only be a short 20-minute drive from the town of Hinton where you can find grocery stores, restaurants, and all other amenities you might need.
The property features a restaurant, a parking area with no charges, a terrace, and a garden. Couples and families can also make use of the communal picnic area. Ski and luggage storage are available here as well.
The cabins are beautiful too! Each cabin is spacious and comes with a fireplace, a seating area, a patio overlooking the terrace, a garden, and a view of the surrounding mountains. There’s also a kitchenette and a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer, towels, and free toiletries. What’s more, free Wi-Fi is available in each chalet.
A studio here is priced at almost $289 CAD/night. You can check the rates for your dates for Jasper East Cabins online here.
Where to Stay in Jasper on the Icefields Parkways

Linking Lake Louise with Jasper, the Icefields Parkways houses a ton of must-see places, which make the double-lane highway one of the most scenic drives in the world (it’s one of the most instagrammable places in Canada) and of course, one of the best places to stay in Jasper National Park.
Especially, if you’re someone who wants to see additional attractions aside from Jasper National Park, or if you’re doing a road trip from Jasper to Banff or Jasper to Calgary, booking a hotel on the Icefields Parkways might be the best choice for you. There are also tons of attractions you can find along the 230-kilometer-long (143-mile) stretch of highway. The highway actually goes right through the middle of both Jasper and Banff National Parks, so as you can imagine, it’s really a special drive.
Advantages to staying along the Icefields Parkways:
- You will not run out of attractions to visit on the Icefields Parkway.
- Hotels offer amazing views of natural scenery including the Canadian Rockies.
- Complete peace is guaranteed in hotels on the Icefields Parkways.
- A good choice for travelers en route to Banff.
Disadvantages of staying along the Icefields Parkways:
- Hotels are quite distant from Jasper town.
- There are many hotels without cell reception.
- There are no nearby shops and hotels with on-site restaurants are limited.
- Not many hotel options can be found on the Icefields Parkways.
- Many hotels close during the winter season.
Best Hotels in Jasper on the Icefields Parkway
$ – HI Rampart Creek Hostel

HI Rampart Creek Hostel is situated in the wilderness 144 km (89.5 miles) south of Jasper on the Icefields Parkway, so you can expect to be surrounded by nature. It is ideal for those who want to reconnect with nature as the hostel doesn’t provide electricity, guaranteeing a rustic experience to its guests.
Although pretty far from Jasper town, this is the perfect place to stay if you’re road tripping between Jasper and Banff.
All dormitory rooms at the hostel have wooden furnishings and offer natural daylight. Linen is provided as well, but you may need to bring your own bedding. Regarding the facilities on-site, you can find a shared bathroom and lounge, a common kitchen, and free public parking. There’s also an outdoor fire pit ideal for relaxing after a day hike or wildlife viewing.
From HI Rampart Creek Hostel, Jasper town is a 2-hour drive away, while Banff is 146 km (91 miles) away. You can book a bed in a mixed dormitory room here at approximately $36 CAD/night but they also have private rooms too that average around $225 CAD a night.
You can check prices and availability for HI Rampart Creek Hostel and book online here (it often books up well in advance!)
$$ – Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge

Open seasonally from May to October every year, Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge can only accommodate visitors during the summer season in Jasper. I personally consider this lodge as one of the best Jasper hotels as is located just down the road from the stunning Sunwapta waterfall! In fact, you can walk there right from the hotel since it is only 650 meters away – how convenient!
What’s more, I love the beautiful scenery of the mountains – it’s a big bonus for everyone staying here. A gift shop is available on-site as well as an in-house restaurant serving regionally inspired cuisine.
When you enter your room, you will find various amenities including a satellite TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a fridge. There’s a comfortable seating area as well.
For additional convenience, Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge has a tour desk where whitewater rafting and other outdoor activities can be organized. You can also take advantage of the free public parking on site.
It is located about a 40-minute drive along the Icefields Parkway from Jasper town. To me, it’s a great location for exploring all that Jasper National Park has to offer!
Room rates here start at approximately $220 CAD/night, but prices can vary. Check exact rates and availability for Sunwapta Lodge online here.
$$$ – Glacier View Lodge

Located an hour-long drive from Jasper town, Glacier View Lodge is a great spot to take in the splendid views of Athabasca Glacier and the Canadian Rockies, as well as to relax thanks to its tranquil surroundings.
At the lodge, the rooms are well-kept, spacious, and complete with a living room comprising a satellite TV and a comfy sofa bed.
For meals, you can head to the on-site restaurant which includes an all-day dining room and a lunchtime cafeteria that serves hamburgers and salads. And, concerning the services here, they provide a shuttle service at an additional charge and assistance in hiking or fishing in Lake Fortress.
On top of that, Glacier View Lodge offers complimentary private parking and free Wi-Fi in all areas.
Glacier View Lodge is located right next to the Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre, which is where you can book tours on the Athabasca Glacier. This makes it a super convenient place to stay if you plan on doing any glacier hiking or visiting the famous Skywalk.
You can book a standard king room here for roughly $350 CAD/night but it greatly depends on the season. You can check availability and book Glacier View Lodge online here.
Where to Stay Just Outside of Jasper National Park

Staying in Jasper National Park might not be the best choice for visitors with a small budget as it can be much more expensive than staying on the outskirts of town. Also, you are required to show a Canada Parks Pass for each day you plan to stay in the National Park, plus you need to pay $21 CAD per day per vehicle (or buy a year-long Discovery Pass for $145 CAD).
For these reasons, many people prefer to stay on the border of the National Park and travel into Jasper for daytime activities. If you’re one of these people, below are more hotel options I gathered so you can decide where to stay in Jasper better.
Advantages to staying outside of Jasper National Park:
- Accommodations at hotels located outside of Jasper National Park are generally cheaper.
- Hotels on the edge of the National Park have tranquil surroundings.
- Canada Parks Pass isn’t required.
Disadvantages of staying outside of Jasper National Park:
- Hotels are not actually in Jasper National Park.
- Accommodations are far from the town.
- Hotels are not close to the best attractions.
Best Hotels Just Outside of Jasper National Park
$ – Twin Pine Inn & Suites
Situated in the town of Hinton, Twin Pine Inn & Suites is not that far from Jasper. It takes only an hour to get to Jasper National Park from the inn. Also, it is only a five-minute drive from the Hinton Golf Club.
Talking about rooms, each one includes a coffee maker, a microwave, a desk, and a refrigerator plus complimentary Wi-Fi. Besides these amenities, you will also enjoy access to the Beaver Boardwalk which is a relaxing nature walk through the wetlands.
Within the property, you can find a restaurant and a lounge with games such as pool and ski ball, a free public parking space, laundry facilities, and a business center.
In terms of value for money, you can’t really go wrong here with a room going for as low as $79 CAD/night. With that said, you are quite a drive from the town of Jasper. It’ll be about an hour’s drive to the town of Jasper, with many attractions being slightly farther.
You can check availability and book the Twin Pine Inn & Suites online here.
$$ – Black Cat Guest Ranch
Black Cat Guest Ranch is a family-owned ranch amid hiking trails and mountain scenery just 37 km (23 miles) from Jasper National Park. It houses an array of amenities and facilities including painting workshops, a spa, and murder mysteries.
A restaurant is also available on-site and serves complimentary breakfast family-style in the dining room, along with packed lunches for guests. At the ranch’s games room, there’s a small bar where you can grab some soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks are not available here.
Moreover, Black Cat Guest Ranch offers rustic-themed rooms complete with astounding mountain views. You can also find wood paneling, a work desk, and a private bathroom inside. There is free public parking and assistance in booking hiking or walking tours and cross-country skiing, as well.
Room prices here start at approximately $175 CAD/night. You can check availability and book Black Cat Guest Ranch here.
$$$ – Mica Mountain Lodge & Log Cabins

The last hotel option on my list of hotels near Jasper is Mica Mountain Lodge & Log Cabins, where private cottages with mountain views, a private bathroom, and a kitchen are available for rent. Guests staying here can make use of an on-site fire pit and a picnic area.
Mica Mountain Lodge & Log Cabins is a perfect choice for those interested in visiting Mount Robson, which lies 13 kilometers (8.1 miles) away. It is also ideal for people wanting to visit Valemount, which is only 15 minutes away by car and full of restaurants and shops. You’ll be about an hour and fifteen-minute drive away from Jasper when staying at this property, but let me tell you, it is a really beautiful drive!
You can also easily visit Fraser River, known for its waterfalls and salmon fishing, from the lodge. Other than that, summer and winter tours in Jasper can all be arranged on-site.
You can rent one cottage here starting from around $275 CAD/night. Check availability and book Mica Mountain Lodge & Log Cabins here.
Activities to do While You’re in Jasper

Jasper National Park is just filled with fun things to do and see! So besides visiting Maligne Lake, there are a few other activities that we recommend that you check off your to-do list. They are:
- Whitewater rafting – Jasper is one of the best places in Alberta to go whitewater rafting with a few different rivers nearby. For an adrenaline-filled rafting experience complete with class 3 rapids, opt for this rafting tour. It has nearly all 5-star reviews and costs $123 CAD per person. For something a little calmer and family-friendly but just as highly rated, choose this scenic rafting experience for only $85 CAD each.
- Spirit Island – Maligne Lake is arguably the most famous lake in Jasper National Park. At Maligne Lake you can hike, canoe on the lake, or eat at a lakeside restaurant. However, the best activity at the lake is this scenic Maligne Lake Cruise which takes you out on the water for the best vantage point. The cruise also takes you to the famous Spirit Island, which is so picture-perfect that you’ve likely seen it on Instagram before.
- Drive the Icefields Parkway – The Icefields Parkway is the super scenic stretch of road that connects Jasper with Lake Louise. There are tons of attractions on the Icefields Parkway including hikes, stunning blue lakes like Peyto Lake, as well as the Columbia Icefield. If you’ve ever wanted to walk on a glacier, you can do that at the Columbia Icefield on this guided hiking tour that takes you onto Athabasca Glacier. If you aren’t much of a hiker, join this bus tour onto the glacier instead – you’ll still stand on the glacier but no hiking is required!
- Explore Maligne Canyon – Located on the edge of Jasper town is the beautiful Maligne Canyon, where you can hike alongside and peer down into the deep canyon. There are also a few bridges you can walk on to really take in the views. In the winter, we highly recommend doing an icewalk in the canyon where you put on ice cleats and explore frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and walk in the middle of the frozen canyon!
- Visit Pyramid Lake – Pyramid Lake is a calm lake that offers reflections of the surrounding mountains including the symmetrical Pyramid Mountain. In the summer you can swim, hike, canoe, and SUP on the lake. In winter, go ice skating or ride in a horse-drawn sleigh. For an extra special treat, spend the night lakeside at the Pyramid Lake Resort.
Travel Insurance is more important than ever right now!
If you’re traveling during these uncertain times, be sure that you have travel insurance!
SafetyWing is our go-to insurance when we are going on longer trips. They offer travel medical insurance that’s super affordable (only $45 USD per 4 weeks!) and even have coverage in case you get that dreaded c-word. The only thing to note is that the insurance must be purchased once you’ve left your home country – we typically buy it as soon as we land at the airport.
We’ve personally used SafetyWing for many different trips, and we’ve been reimbursed for countless expenses when we’ve fallen ill. SafetyWing even covered our flights back to Canada in full when the pandemic first happened (when last-minute flights before the borders closed were super expensive!)
It’s safe to say that travel insurance has saved us thousands over the years!
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 $10.50 CAD
- Senior (65+) is $9.00 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.)
- $21.00 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) – $72.25 CAD
- Senior (64+) – $61.75 CAD
- Group/Family (up to 7 people in one vehicle) – $145.25 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.
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 using crown land and campsites, you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable!
Canada Travel Essentials

Before you decide to head off and explore the gorgeous mountains, lakes, towns, and cities around Canada it’s important to have the right equipment. Of course, it’s likely you’ll have most of the basics already but there are some common items people forget that I never travel without.
Crampons: In winter, crampons are super handy, but what people don’t realize is that they come in handy in summer too. In fact, up until mid-July, you can still expect icy conditions in the mountains. The pair I use is only $37 CAD and they have lasted me 3 seasons so far!
Waterproof shell: Most people will have this item but I thought I’d include it anyway since it’s so handy in Canada. The Columbia waterproof jacket is a lightweight windproof jacket that will seriously save you in many situations. The best part, though? It comes in pink!
Bear bells: These are a must, and for the price, you shouldn’t hike without them. The bear bells I use are only $9 CAD and they come with a silencer (a must) so you can easily travel with them.
Scent-proof bag (for bears): Most people think you only need to keep the smell of food away from you when you’re overnight camping. However, bears can smell the food in your bag while you’re hiking and the best way to avoid an encounter is to use a scent-proof bear bag. Basically, you put your food in the bag and the bear cannot smell it while you’re hiking. This is one item most people never have (I never hike without it) but it could save you and the bear.
Buff: I love my buff! Seriously, I go nowhere without it both in winter and summer. There are a few brands around but I always buy the original Buff (you know, the one from Survivor!) They’re a little more expensive but the material is good quality and both breathable and quick drying.
Dry bag: I have expensive camera equipment, so I always travel with a dry bag large enough to fit some of my equipment. It can be a camera, book, binoculars, or even my keys. Regardless, a dry bag gives me peace of mind! The MARCHWAY bag is really good quality, and when not in use, takes up only a small amount of room.
Binoculars: I love my binoculars! Seriously they have come in handy so many times, especially when I’m looking for wildlife. The best part is, I use a set that only costs $25 CAD and they serve my basic needs without any issues!
Thanks for reading!

I understand that it can be quite hard to choose which hotel is best in Jasper, Alberta due to the different settings and prices, despite the town’s small size. So, I hope this in-depth guide helps you in picking the right hotel in or outside of the town.
Check out some of our other Alberta posts before you go!
FREE things to do in Banff, Canada