Jasper, Alberta Tours

Discover 132 tours and activities in Jasper, Alberta

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The 6 Best Jasper Tours

These thrilling Jasper tours take you into the heart of the Canadian Rockies in search of celestial adventures. Here, in Jasper National Park, you'll be inside one of the world's largest dark sky preserves. There's nowhere better to observe the heavens and learn about our dazzling galaxy. 

Inside the Dome Theater, you'll see the Milky Way and discover the secrets of the First Nations constellations. Find out more about our mysterious universe and how Earth fits into it. Get hands-on and touch real meteorites as well as rocks from the Moon and Mars that have fallen all the way from space. 

The star of the show is the Jasper Telescope Experience. Head outside and gaze at the skies through one of the biggest telescopes in North America. You'll be able to spot everything from planets to nebulas through the lens. 

If you're visiting in winter, you might be lucky enough to see the Aurora Borealis. Affectionately known as the Northern Lights, this enchanting green night display will send shivers down your spine. 

Famed for its abundant nature and dramatic landscapes, Jasper National Park draws travelers from across the world to experience a slice of the wild. Hiking tours are the most popular way to explore – there's an extensive trail network to discover. 

As you walk through the dense forests and alongside glassy lakes, keep an eye out for wildlife. Deer, moose and elk roam these woods, while bald eagles soar overhead. It's also possible to see black and grizzly bears although they can be a little elusive. 

Swap dry land for water with one of the Jasper National Park boat tours. You'll cruise around Maligne Lake, gazing upon alpine glaciers, snow-capped peaks and tree-clad slopes. You will also visit the famous Spirit Island for a short walk along a nature trail. 

Another highlight of the trip is Medicine Lake, which is known for its summer vanishing act. The water drains away into the underground karst bedrock, leaving behind an unusual landscape. You can also venture across the Maligne Canyon bridge for epic waterfall views.

Many Jasper tours in the national park focus on wildlife spotting. If you fancy getting back to nature, this is the way to do it. By booking a morning or evening excursion, your chance of seeing animals increases – this is when they are most active. 

There are several iconic Canadian creatures here in Jasper. Moose and bears are sometimes found along the side of the road, while bighorn sheep and mountain goats can be spotted on the rocky cliffs. Deer and elk can be a little shy, but if you remain quiet you might just get lucky. 

As you travel through the Rocky Mountains, you'll be heading deeper into the wilderness. Your guide will tell you about the species that live here and share stories about past encounters. 

Many trips take place by coach, with easy viewing out of the panoramic windows. The driver will follow the best route for the season, as wildlife movements vary throughout the year. You'll have the chance to stretch your legs on short walks along the way.

If you want to explore further afield, Jasper makes a great base for day trips to the surrounding region. Banff is a popular choice, with options for an overnight stay to fully experience the resort town. You can also opt for a one-way trip to Banff if you have onward travel planned.

The journey to Banff is an adventure in itself. You'll drive along the Icefields Parkway, stopping at the region's top natural attractions along the way. This is one of the most scenic road trips in the world, so make sure you get a window seat.

Enjoy a wander at the Crowfoot Glacier, before continuing to the tumbling torrents at Athabasca Falls. Next up is the quintessential Canadian landscape around Bow Lake, while the Weeping Wall resembles a mountain crying rivers of tears.  

Finish your day on a high with a cliff-edge stroll at Columbia Icefield Skywalk. The platform's glass floor gives you a unique perspective of the landscape below. After a fun-packed day, you'll arrive in Banff for dinner. 

Feel the wind in your hair and the spray on your face as you take on the glacial rivers of Jasper National Park. These Jasper tours are aimed at everyone from families to adrenaline junkies, so there's an adventure for all, no matter your ability. 

The Athabasca River is a good choice for first-timers and those who want time to take in the scenery. There are a few Class II rapids to negotiate, but nothing too terrifying. 

Enjoy a gentle float along the water, listening to wilderness stories being recounted by your guide. Back in the day, fur traders used the river to transport their goods, so you'll be going on a historical journey.

For something to get the heart racing, choose an excursion on the Sunwapta River. This is the only river that offers Class III rapids, taking you on a rollercoaster ride through the churning white water. Your guide will do the hard work, but you'll need to paddle furiously to keep the raft on track. 

The dramatic Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a popular feature on many Jasper tours. Similar to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, this precariously positioned glass platform gives brave visitors an unrivaled view of the national park. Look down if you dare – the drop is 280 meters!

There are plenty more activities to enjoy at the Icefield, so why not make a day of it? Up the adventure with an Ice Explorer Glacier tour. You'll climb on board the enormous ice truck which then trundles up to the Athabasca Glacier.

The specially designed vehicle will take you right onto the glacier, and the panoramic windows make sure you don't miss a thing. Your guide will tell stories about the Icefield and explain the geography of the stunning landscape. 

While you're up on the ice, glacier hikes are offered to intrepid explorers. This is your chance to set foot on 25,000-year-old ice and feel the passage of time beneath your feet. You can even drink some pure glacial water for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Tourists enjoying a guided tour

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Planning your visit to Jasper

Discover our complete guide to visiting Jasper, Alberta.

About Jasper

The alpine town of Jasper is a popular jumping-off point for exploring the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dense forests and glacial lakes, Jasper provides a wilderness escape for adventurous travelers. 

Good to know before arriving

There is no public transport network in Jasper, but if you don't have a car, there are taxis on hand to drive you short distances. Depending on where you're staying, you'll be able to get around the town on foot. To explore the surrounding national park, guided tours are your best bet, and most will collect you from your hotel. 

Places and experiences that cannot be missed

Jasper tours to the national park are a must while you're in town. This is where you'll find all the best scenery, as well as hiking trails and boat trips. You can visit independently if you have a car but going with a local guide will make the experience even richer.