Jasper

Established in 1813 as a fur trade post, Jasper now serves as the main base for exploring the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. The town sits at the northern end of the 232-kilometer Icefields Parkway, connecting it directly to Lake Louise. Visitors come to access Maligne Lake, where boat tours lead to Spirit Island, and the Columbia Icefield, featuring the Athabasca Glacier. Outdoor recreation dictates the town's pace. During the summer months, hikers utilize over 1,200 kilometers of trails, while winter brings skiers to the Marmot Basin resort, which has 91 runs. The entire national park operates as a Dark Sky Preserve, limiting artificial light to allow clear viewing of the stars and occasional northern lights. Wildlife viewing is a primary activity, with elk, bighorn sheep, and bears frequently spotted near the town limits. The VIA Rail network runs through the center of Jasper, providing a direct train connection to Edmonton and Vancouver. The most popular time to visit is between June and September, though winter sports enthusiasts prefer January to March.

Nearby cities

Lethbridge

Lethbridge is a southern Alberta city built around the Oldman River valley.

Red Deer

Red Deer is a central Alberta city between Calgary and Edmonton.

Airdrie

Airdrie sits just north of Calgary and has grown into a busy commuter city.

Grande Prairie

Grande Prairie is a growing city in northwestern Alberta and a key centre for the Peace region.

Fort McMurray

The urban service area for the oil sands region in Alberta.

Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat is a southeastern Alberta city on the South Saskatchewan River.

St. Albert

An affluent suburban city northwest of Edmonton.

Banff / Canmore

Banff and Canmore are world-famous mountain towns in the Canadian Rockies, celebrated for their dramatic peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, …

Banff

Banff is a prominent resort town situated within the Banff National Park in Alberta, surrounded by towering peaks and outdoor adventures.

Fernie

Historic Fernie is nestled in the Elk Valley of the Rocky Mountains, renowned for its epic winter snowfall and Victorian charm.

Golden

Located at the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers, Golden is surrounded by six national parks.

Banff Upper Hot Springs / Radium Hot Springs

These historic thermal springs in the Canadian Rockies offer hot, mineral-rich pools set against a dramatic alpine backdrop.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a world-renowned hamlet in Banff National Park, famous for its striking turquoise lake and the Victoria Glacier.

Banff / Icefields (Saskatchewan River Crossing)

A spectacular junction along the Icefields Parkway, surrounded by massive mountain peaks and raw alpine wilderness.

Banff / Lake O'Hara region (Field)

Field is a small village serving as the gateway to Yoho National Park and the highly restricted Lake O'Hara alpine area.

History & landmarks

Drumheller

The dinosaur capital of the world, located in the heart of the Canadian Badlands.

Peace Bridge (Calgary)

A distinctive pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Bow River.

Calgary Tower

A 191-metre observation tower in downtown Calgary.

Scotiabank Saddledome

An iconic arena in Calgary, known for its saddle-shaped roof.

Edmonton Funicular

An incline elevator that provides easy access between downtown Edmonton and the North Saskatchewan River Valley.

Nature

Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is a glacier-fed lake in Jasper National Park and one of the best-known landscapes in the Canadian Rockies.

Bow River

A river in Alberta that originates in the Rocky Mountains and flows through Calgary.

More places

Mount Columbia

The highest point in Alberta, located on the Columbia Icefield.

Columbia Icefield

The largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains, feeding water into three different oceans.

Mount Temple

A prominent mountain in Banff National Park, towering over the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Cascade Mountain

A massive mountain towering directly over the town of Banff, a classic postcard view.

Mount Rundle

An iconic, wedge-shaped mountain overlooking Banff, one of the most photographed peaks.

Calaway Park

Calaway Park is a large family amusement park west of Calgary.

Bar U Ranch

A National Historic Site showcasing the history of the ranching industry in Western Canada from its late 19th-century beginnings.

Glenbow Museum

An art and history museum in Calgary that documents the history of Western Canada.