We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Hiking Gear
Hiking is our favorite activity, and Jasper National Park has some pretty dang incredible hikes! We bring this gear on all the hikes we do, and are ALWAYS thankful for having it along.
Men’s Jacket
Women’s Jacket
Men’s Hiking Boots
Women’s Hiking Boots
Trekking Poles
Water Bladder
Cooler Backpack
Bear Spray
Photography Gear
Of course, we love capturing as much as we can in the places we visit. Here is the photography equipment we travel with, and as a result we are able to get different perspectives and capture awesome moments so that we have them for the future!
Canon Rebel Camera with Accessories
DJI Spark Drone
GoPro Hero 7 Black
Aluminum Tripod
Flexible Tripod
GoPro Floating Handle
Camping Gear
When camping, we always make our own food, and try to be as off-grid as possible. It just feels more outdoorsy to be cooking up a meal over a camp stove compared to picking up food at a drive-thru and bringing it to the campsite! Here is our camping gear we use and love.
Water Filter
Iodine Tablets
Camping Stove
Backpacking Stove
Beef Jerky
Hiking Bars
Camp Chair
Hammock
Conclusion
There you have it! Our countdown of the top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, the recommended Jasper National Park itinerary, and more helpful tips and tricks for your adventure. Next stop, Jasper National Park, enjoy!
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy our articles on Banff National Park and Yoho National Park!
If you loved this article, please use the below images to Pin It and save for later. And if you have any questions or comments, please reach out in the comments!
Question: What is the best part about Canadian National Parks?
Answer: Dogs are allowed!
Unlike in most other National Parks, you can bring your furry four-legged friends to Jasper National Park! Having a dog along in Jasper National Park is great because you can spoil them with awesome experiences AND of course make them pose for an awesome photoshoot!
Now, dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park. There are some trails that dogs aren’t allowed on due to wildlife activity, and of course they aren’t allowed in every building. But still, having your dog along in Jasper is going to make the trip that much more special!
Jasper National Park Wildlife
Jasper is known for having some of the most incredible wildlife of any National Park on earth. Looking for and spotting wildlife is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer. The following list of animals are the big wildlife that you are most likely to see while hiking and driving around the park:
- Elk
- Caribou
- Moose
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mule Deer
Wolves and mountain lions are also present in Jasper, however they typically are wary of people and keep to themselves.
Of course, if you do come across some wildlife, admire them from a safe distance! It is a magical experience to come across a beautiful moose or a black bear, but make sure to follow the National Park rules and don’t approach them.
Gear Recommendations
As with any trip, you have to have the proper gear packed to fully enjoy the experience! Here is some gear that we recommend if you plan on maximizing your adventure while doing the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer!
We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Hiking Gear
Hiking is our favorite activity, and Jasper National Park has some pretty dang incredible hikes! We bring this gear on all the hikes we do, and are ALWAYS thankful for having it along.
Photography Gear
Of course, we love capturing as much as we can in the places we visit. Here is the photography equipment we travel with, and as a result we are able to get different perspectives and capture awesome moments so that we have them for the future!
Camping Gear
When camping, we always make our own food, and try to be as off-grid as possible. It just feels more outdoorsy to be cooking up a meal over a camp stove compared to picking up food at a drive-thru and bringing it to the campsite! Here is our camping gear we use and love.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our countdown of the top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, the recommended Jasper National Park itinerary, and more helpful tips and tricks for your adventure. Next stop, Jasper National Park, enjoy!
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy our articles on Banff National Park and Yoho National Park!
If you loved this article, please use the below images to Pin It and save for later. And if you have any questions or comments, please reach out in the comments!
Camping
As we do in every National Park, we were able to find free campsites to stay at just outside of the Jasper National Park! All of these campsites were in incredibly beautiful areas, surrounded by lush pine forests with rivers running nearby.
Full disclosure: some of the sites we stayed at had some roads that were challenging to traverse. However, we took it slow and we ended up just fine.
We found all of our free campsites using iOlverlander, which we have found is an incredible crowd-sourced tool for finding free sites. If you have any questions about our campsites, please reach out in the comments and we will tell you all we can!
Dogs in Jasper National Park
Question: What is the best part about Canadian National Parks?
Answer: Dogs are allowed!
Unlike in most other National Parks, you can bring your furry four-legged friends to Jasper National Park! Having a dog along in Jasper National Park is great because you can spoil them with awesome experiences AND of course make them pose for an awesome photoshoot!
Now, dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park. There are some trails that dogs aren’t allowed on due to wildlife activity, and of course they aren’t allowed in every building. But still, having your dog along in Jasper is going to make the trip that much more special!
Jasper National Park Wildlife
Jasper is known for having some of the most incredible wildlife of any National Park on earth. Looking for and spotting wildlife is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer. The following list of animals are the big wildlife that you are most likely to see while hiking and driving around the park:
- Elk
- Caribou
- Moose
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mule Deer
Wolves and mountain lions are also present in Jasper, however they typically are wary of people and keep to themselves.
Of course, if you do come across some wildlife, admire them from a safe distance! It is a magical experience to come across a beautiful moose or a black bear, but make sure to follow the National Park rules and don’t approach them.
Gear Recommendations
As with any trip, you have to have the proper gear packed to fully enjoy the experience! Here is some gear that we recommend if you plan on maximizing your adventure while doing the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer!
We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Hiking Gear
Hiking is our favorite activity, and Jasper National Park has some pretty dang incredible hikes! We bring this gear on all the hikes we do, and are ALWAYS thankful for having it along.
Photography Gear
Of course, we love capturing as much as we can in the places we visit. Here is the photography equipment we travel with, and as a result we are able to get different perspectives and capture awesome moments so that we have them for the future!
Camping Gear
When camping, we always make our own food, and try to be as off-grid as possible. It just feels more outdoorsy to be cooking up a meal over a camp stove compared to picking up food at a drive-thru and bringing it to the campsite! Here is our camping gear we use and love.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our countdown of the top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, the recommended Jasper National Park itinerary, and more helpful tips and tricks for your adventure. Next stop, Jasper National Park, enjoy!
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy our articles on Banff National Park and Yoho National Park!
If you loved this article, please use the below images to Pin It and save for later. And if you have any questions or comments, please reach out in the comments!
As promised, we put together an itinerary for you to explore Jasper National Park. With this Jasper National Park itinerary, you will hit all of our top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, and you’ll minimize your driving while you do.
Note: This itinerary assumes you will be driving to Jasper from the South and leaving to the South, as we did. If you fly into Calgary or drive up from Banff, this will be the case. If you are coming from somewhere else, you’ll want to move some things around.
Day 1 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Columbia Ice Fields
- Columbia Ice Field Discovery Center
- Athabasca Falls
- Explore the town of Jasper
Day 2 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Cavell Meadows Trail
- Miette Hot Springs
Day 3 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Maligne Lake
- Bald Hills Trail
Day 4 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Valley of 5 Lakes
- Sunwapta Falls
Camping
As we do in every National Park, we were able to find free campsites to stay at just outside of the Jasper National Park! All of these campsites were in incredibly beautiful areas, surrounded by lush pine forests with rivers running nearby.
Full disclosure: some of the sites we stayed at had some roads that were challenging to traverse. However, we took it slow and we ended up just fine.
We found all of our free campsites using iOlverlander, which we have found is an incredible crowd-sourced tool for finding free sites. If you have any questions about our campsites, please reach out in the comments and we will tell you all we can!
Dogs in Jasper National Park
Question: What is the best part about Canadian National Parks?
Answer: Dogs are allowed!
Unlike in most other National Parks, you can bring your furry four-legged friends to Jasper National Park! Having a dog along in Jasper National Park is great because you can spoil them with awesome experiences AND of course make them pose for an awesome photoshoot!
Now, dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park. There are some trails that dogs aren’t allowed on due to wildlife activity, and of course they aren’t allowed in every building. But still, having your dog along in Jasper is going to make the trip that much more special!
Jasper National Park Wildlife
Jasper is known for having some of the most incredible wildlife of any National Park on earth. Looking for and spotting wildlife is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer. The following list of animals are the big wildlife that you are most likely to see while hiking and driving around the park:
- Elk
- Caribou
- Moose
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mule Deer
Wolves and mountain lions are also present in Jasper, however they typically are wary of people and keep to themselves.
Of course, if you do come across some wildlife, admire them from a safe distance! It is a magical experience to come across a beautiful moose or a black bear, but make sure to follow the National Park rules and don’t approach them.
Gear Recommendations
As with any trip, you have to have the proper gear packed to fully enjoy the experience! Here is some gear that we recommend if you plan on maximizing your adventure while doing the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer!
We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Hiking Gear
Hiking is our favorite activity, and Jasper National Park has some pretty dang incredible hikes! We bring this gear on all the hikes we do, and are ALWAYS thankful for having it along.
Photography Gear
Of course, we love capturing as much as we can in the places we visit. Here is the photography equipment we travel with, and as a result we are able to get different perspectives and capture awesome moments so that we have them for the future!
Camping Gear
When camping, we always make our own food, and try to be as off-grid as possible. It just feels more outdoorsy to be cooking up a meal over a camp stove compared to picking up food at a drive-thru and bringing it to the campsite! Here is our camping gear we use and love.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our countdown of the top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, the recommended Jasper National Park itinerary, and more helpful tips and tricks for your adventure. Next stop, Jasper National Park, enjoy!
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy our articles on Banff National Park and Yoho National Park!
If you loved this article, please use the below images to Pin It and save for later. And if you have any questions or comments, please reach out in the comments!
Sunwapta Falls is such a beautiful waterfall for a few reasons. First off, the topography of the falls itself. The river splits about 100 yards upstream from the falls, and the 2 halves rejoin each other right before they fall over the cliffside. That forms an incredible island that is visible just behind the falls themselves.
Secondly, the water color is almost beyond belief here. The falls have some of the same water that is present in the alpine lakes, and share some color characteristics with that awesome water. The bright blue color of these falls makes the painting just that much prettier!
A third reason that Sunwapta Falls is so awesome is because of the background. There is a huge mountain perfectly framing the falls as the backdrop. In addition, the pine forest seems to fully engulf the falls and gives a perfect green accent to the blue of the water and sky.
Sunwapta Falls does involve a hike to reach it, however it is by no means anything difficult. The hike is about 1 mile each way, and does not have much in terms of elevation gain.
In fact, the hike is almost a bonus because it means there will be less tourists at Sunwapta Falls! As with most National Parks, tourists tend to go to the sites that don’t have hiking, so anything that involves a hike to reach will be much less packed!
Hike Details
Sunwapta Falls Google Maps Link
- Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Sunwapta Falls trailhead off Hwy 93
#3 Best Site in Jasper – Columbia Ice Fields
At number 3 of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer is the most famous place in the park: the Columbia Ice Fields. If you hear the name Athabasca Glacier, that is the name of this particular section of the Ice Fields.
Now, the Columbia Ice Fields are able to be seen from Columbia Ice Fields Parkway (Hwy 93) but don’t let that fool you. You DO have to walk a little ways to get to the toe of the glacier.
There are 2 ways to explore the glacier. We chose to do the free option, since we do everything on a budget.
Hiking from the highway parking lot to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is free, and we think it is a must-do! Along the walk, which will take about 15 minutes each way, there are signs that describe the lifecycle of the Columbia Ice Fields and the Athabasca Glacier.
This is extremely interesting, and shows how the glacier has been receding in the last 100 years or so. In the picture below you can see how far the glacier stuck out back in 2006!
If you are still itching for more adventure on the ice field, then you should do option 2: an excursion ON TOP OF the glacier!
There is a Columbia Ice Field Trek that takes a crazy-looking machine out on top of the glacier! On this trek, you can actually set foot on the glacier and walk around some of the oldest ice on earth!
Ice Fields Details
Columbia Ice Fields Google Maps Link
- Largest Ice Field in the Rocky Mountains
- Free Hike to the Base of the Fields
- Or Pay for a Tour on Top of the Fields
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#2 Best Site in Jasper – Maligne Lake
Our silver medal thing to do in Jasper in summer is to visit Maligne Lake! If you’ll remember, the hike to Bald Hills Trail actually starts at Maligne Lake, so it is best to do these on the same day!
Maligne Lake looks incredible from atop the Bald Hills, but it is just as pretty at the bottom. And there is a ton of things to do here!
First off, there’s a beach where the bravest in your group can jump in the lake! Why do they have to be brave? Because this lake is cooooooooold. We took a few steps in but then wimped out and hung out along shore for the rests of the day.
Secondly, you can take a boat out onto the lake itself! If you want to drive the boat, you can rent a canoe or kayak. And there are also Maligne Lake boat cruises where you can sit back and enjoy the ride!
Maligne lake is freaking huge! We are talking over 7 square miles of water. And as a result there is also a ton of shoreline to explore! This was our favorite place in the park to hang out and soak up the sun.
Yes, you heard right, we said soak up the sun. Even though we are getting pretty far North, the Summer can get quite hot and Maligne Lake is a great place to hang out in the sun!
We recommend you pack a picnic and make a full day out of it. Eat, relax, enjoy the view, and walk the shoreline when you need to stretch your legs. Heck, even read a book! Click here for our favorite book recommendations.
Lake Details
- Enormous Lake with tons of Trails and Activities
- Area: 19.7 sq km (7.6 sq mi)
- Located at the end of Maligne Lake Road
#1 Best Site in Jasper – Valley of 5 Lakes Hiking Trail
Whew, we finally made it! The number one thing to do in Jasper National Park in summer. Our favorite place in the park is, you guessed it, a hike. But not just any hike, a hike to FIVE LAKES!
The Valley of Five Lakes hike was one of the coolest and most unique hikes we have ever done. And a special bonus: it was named by someone with absolutely 0 creative bones in their body!
- First Lake
- Second Lake
- Third Lake
- Fourth Lake
- Fifth Lake
The Valley of Five Lakes hike is a loop that is just under 3 miles, and doesn’t involve much elevation gain. You’ll be trekking through the forest and then BAM, another stunning lake is right in front of you.
If you want to go swimming, HERE is the place to do it. The water temperature isn’t exactly bath water, but it is warmer than all of the other places in the park.
The best part about all of the lakes along this trail is their color. The lakes range from a deep blue to bright green, with shades of sapphire and emerald in between.
On top of that, the colors seem to change as you walk around each lake. We have no idea why, but try it out for yourself! On one side a lake will look deep green, and on the other side it will be blue and reflective!
The final reason that Valley of Five Lakes is number 1 on our countdown? The fact that it is SO underrated! Valley of Five Lakes is basically empty!
Hike Details
Valley of Five Lakes Google Maps Link
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Valley of Five Lakes Trailhead off Hwy 93
Jasper National Park Itinerary
As promised, we put together an itinerary for you to explore Jasper National Park. With this Jasper National Park itinerary, you will hit all of our top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, and you’ll minimize your driving while you do.
Note: This itinerary assumes you will be driving to Jasper from the South and leaving to the South, as we did. If you fly into Calgary or drive up from Banff, this will be the case. If you are coming from somewhere else, you’ll want to move some things around.
Day 1 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Columbia Ice Fields
- Columbia Ice Field Discovery Center
- Athabasca Falls
- Explore the town of Jasper
Day 2 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Cavell Meadows Trail
- Miette Hot Springs
Day 3 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Maligne Lake
- Bald Hills Trail
Day 4 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Valley of 5 Lakes
- Sunwapta Falls
Camping
As we do in every National Park, we were able to find free campsites to stay at just outside of the Jasper National Park! All of these campsites were in incredibly beautiful areas, surrounded by lush pine forests with rivers running nearby.
Full disclosure: some of the sites we stayed at had some roads that were challenging to traverse. However, we took it slow and we ended up just fine.
We found all of our free campsites using iOlverlander, which we have found is an incredible crowd-sourced tool for finding free sites. If you have any questions about our campsites, please reach out in the comments and we will tell you all we can!
Dogs in Jasper National Park
Question: What is the best part about Canadian National Parks?
Answer: Dogs are allowed!
Unlike in most other National Parks, you can bring your furry four-legged friends to Jasper National Park! Having a dog along in Jasper National Park is great because you can spoil them with awesome experiences AND of course make them pose for an awesome photoshoot!
Now, dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park. There are some trails that dogs aren’t allowed on due to wildlife activity, and of course they aren’t allowed in every building. But still, having your dog along in Jasper is going to make the trip that much more special!
Jasper National Park Wildlife
Jasper is known for having some of the most incredible wildlife of any National Park on earth. Looking for and spotting wildlife is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer. The following list of animals are the big wildlife that you are most likely to see while hiking and driving around the park:
- Elk
- Caribou
- Moose
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mule Deer
Wolves and mountain lions are also present in Jasper, however they typically are wary of people and keep to themselves.
Of course, if you do come across some wildlife, admire them from a safe distance! It is a magical experience to come across a beautiful moose or a black bear, but make sure to follow the National Park rules and don’t approach them.
Gear Recommendations
As with any trip, you have to have the proper gear packed to fully enjoy the experience! Here is some gear that we recommend if you plan on maximizing your adventure while doing the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer!
We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Hiking Gear
Hiking is our favorite activity, and Jasper National Park has some pretty dang incredible hikes! We bring this gear on all the hikes we do, and are ALWAYS thankful for having it along.
Photography Gear
Of course, we love capturing as much as we can in the places we visit. Here is the photography equipment we travel with, and as a result we are able to get different perspectives and capture awesome moments so that we have them for the future!
Camping Gear
When camping, we always make our own food, and try to be as off-grid as possible. It just feels more outdoorsy to be cooking up a meal over a camp stove compared to picking up food at a drive-thru and bringing it to the campsite! Here is our camping gear we use and love.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our countdown of the top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, the recommended Jasper National Park itinerary, and more helpful tips and tricks for your adventure. Next stop, Jasper National Park, enjoy!
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy our articles on Banff National Park and Yoho National Park!
If you loved this article, please use the below images to Pin It and save for later. And if you have any questions or comments, please reach out in the comments!
Also, on top of the Bald Hills you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction. If you have binoculars, bring them along! We could spot a herd of elk in the distance, and another animal we couldn’t make out. But that’s just because we were dummies and forgot our binoculars.
Hike Details
Bald Hills Trail Google Maps Link
- Distance: 13.2 km (8.2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 700 m (2300 ft)
- Trailhead: Maligne Lake
#4 Best Site in Jasper – Sunwapta Falls Hike
Coming in at number 4 is our favorite waterfall in Jasper National Park: Sunwapta Falls. This was one of the most picturesque waterfalls we have EVER seen, and we did the hike to Havasupai Falls! It is easily one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
Sunwapta Falls is such a beautiful waterfall for a few reasons. First off, the topography of the falls itself. The river splits about 100 yards upstream from the falls, and the 2 halves rejoin each other right before they fall over the cliffside. That forms an incredible island that is visible just behind the falls themselves.
Secondly, the water color is almost beyond belief here. The falls have some of the same water that is present in the alpine lakes, and share some color characteristics with that awesome water. The bright blue color of these falls makes the painting just that much prettier!
A third reason that Sunwapta Falls is so awesome is because of the background. There is a huge mountain perfectly framing the falls as the backdrop. In addition, the pine forest seems to fully engulf the falls and gives a perfect green accent to the blue of the water and sky.
Sunwapta Falls does involve a hike to reach it, however it is by no means anything difficult. The hike is about 1 mile each way, and does not have much in terms of elevation gain.
In fact, the hike is almost a bonus because it means there will be less tourists at Sunwapta Falls! As with most National Parks, tourists tend to go to the sites that don’t have hiking, so anything that involves a hike to reach will be much less packed!
Hike Details
Sunwapta Falls Google Maps Link
- Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Sunwapta Falls trailhead off Hwy 93
#3 Best Site in Jasper – Columbia Ice Fields
At number 3 of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer is the most famous place in the park: the Columbia Ice Fields. If you hear the name Athabasca Glacier, that is the name of this particular section of the Ice Fields.
Now, the Columbia Ice Fields are able to be seen from Columbia Ice Fields Parkway (Hwy 93) but don’t let that fool you. You DO have to walk a little ways to get to the toe of the glacier.
There are 2 ways to explore the glacier. We chose to do the free option, since we do everything on a budget.
Hiking from the highway parking lot to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is free, and we think it is a must-do! Along the walk, which will take about 15 minutes each way, there are signs that describe the lifecycle of the Columbia Ice Fields and the Athabasca Glacier.
This is extremely interesting, and shows how the glacier has been receding in the last 100 years or so. In the picture below you can see how far the glacier stuck out back in 2006!
If you are still itching for more adventure on the ice field, then you should do option 2: an excursion ON TOP OF the glacier!
There is a Columbia Ice Field Trek that takes a crazy-looking machine out on top of the glacier! On this trek, you can actually set foot on the glacier and walk around some of the oldest ice on earth!
Ice Fields Details
Columbia Ice Fields Google Maps Link
- Largest Ice Field in the Rocky Mountains
- Free Hike to the Base of the Fields
- Or Pay for a Tour on Top of the Fields
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#2 Best Site in Jasper – Maligne Lake
Our silver medal thing to do in Jasper in summer is to visit Maligne Lake! If you’ll remember, the hike to Bald Hills Trail actually starts at Maligne Lake, so it is best to do these on the same day!
Maligne Lake looks incredible from atop the Bald Hills, but it is just as pretty at the bottom. And there is a ton of things to do here!
First off, there’s a beach where the bravest in your group can jump in the lake! Why do they have to be brave? Because this lake is cooooooooold. We took a few steps in but then wimped out and hung out along shore for the rests of the day.
Secondly, you can take a boat out onto the lake itself! If you want to drive the boat, you can rent a canoe or kayak. And there are also Maligne Lake boat cruises where you can sit back and enjoy the ride!
Maligne lake is freaking huge! We are talking over 7 square miles of water. And as a result there is also a ton of shoreline to explore! This was our favorite place in the park to hang out and soak up the sun.
Yes, you heard right, we said soak up the sun. Even though we are getting pretty far North, the Summer can get quite hot and Maligne Lake is a great place to hang out in the sun!
We recommend you pack a picnic and make a full day out of it. Eat, relax, enjoy the view, and walk the shoreline when you need to stretch your legs. Heck, even read a book! Click here for our favorite book recommendations.
Lake Details
- Enormous Lake with tons of Trails and Activities
- Area: 19.7 sq km (7.6 sq mi)
- Located at the end of Maligne Lake Road
#1 Best Site in Jasper – Valley of 5 Lakes Hiking Trail
Whew, we finally made it! The number one thing to do in Jasper National Park in summer. Our favorite place in the park is, you guessed it, a hike. But not just any hike, a hike to FIVE LAKES!
The Valley of Five Lakes hike was one of the coolest and most unique hikes we have ever done. And a special bonus: it was named by someone with absolutely 0 creative bones in their body!
- First Lake
- Second Lake
- Third Lake
- Fourth Lake
- Fifth Lake
The Valley of Five Lakes hike is a loop that is just under 3 miles, and doesn’t involve much elevation gain. You’ll be trekking through the forest and then BAM, another stunning lake is right in front of you.
If you want to go swimming, HERE is the place to do it. The water temperature isn’t exactly bath water, but it is warmer than all of the other places in the park.
The best part about all of the lakes along this trail is their color. The lakes range from a deep blue to bright green, with shades of sapphire and emerald in between.
On top of that, the colors seem to change as you walk around each lake. We have no idea why, but try it out for yourself! On one side a lake will look deep green, and on the other side it will be blue and reflective!
The final reason that Valley of Five Lakes is number 1 on our countdown? The fact that it is SO underrated! Valley of Five Lakes is basically empty!
Hike Details
Valley of Five Lakes Google Maps Link
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Valley of Five Lakes Trailhead off Hwy 93
Jasper National Park Itinerary
As promised, we put together an itinerary for you to explore Jasper National Park. With this Jasper National Park itinerary, you will hit all of our top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, and you’ll minimize your driving while you do.
Note: This itinerary assumes you will be driving to Jasper from the South and leaving to the South, as we did. If you fly into Calgary or drive up from Banff, this will be the case. If you are coming from somewhere else, you’ll want to move some things around.
Day 1 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Columbia Ice Fields
- Columbia Ice Field Discovery Center
- Athabasca Falls
- Explore the town of Jasper
Day 2 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Cavell Meadows Trail
- Miette Hot Springs
Day 3 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Maligne Lake
- Bald Hills Trail
Day 4 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Valley of 5 Lakes
- Sunwapta Falls
Camping
As we do in every National Park, we were able to find free campsites to stay at just outside of the Jasper National Park! All of these campsites were in incredibly beautiful areas, surrounded by lush pine forests with rivers running nearby.
Full disclosure: some of the sites we stayed at had some roads that were challenging to traverse. However, we took it slow and we ended up just fine.
We found all of our free campsites using iOlverlander, which we have found is an incredible crowd-sourced tool for finding free sites. If you have any questions about our campsites, please reach out in the comments and we will tell you all we can!
Dogs in Jasper National Park
Question: What is the best part about Canadian National Parks?
Answer: Dogs are allowed!
Unlike in most other National Parks, you can bring your furry four-legged friends to Jasper National Park! Having a dog along in Jasper National Park is great because you can spoil them with awesome experiences AND of course make them pose for an awesome photoshoot!
Now, dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park. There are some trails that dogs aren’t allowed on due to wildlife activity, and of course they aren’t allowed in every building. But still, having your dog along in Jasper is going to make the trip that much more special!
Jasper National Park Wildlife
Jasper is known for having some of the most incredible wildlife of any National Park on earth. Looking for and spotting wildlife is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer. The following list of animals are the big wildlife that you are most likely to see while hiking and driving around the park:
- Elk
- Caribou
- Moose
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mule Deer
Wolves and mountain lions are also present in Jasper, however they typically are wary of people and keep to themselves.
Of course, if you do come across some wildlife, admire them from a safe distance! It is a magical experience to come across a beautiful moose or a black bear, but make sure to follow the National Park rules and don’t approach them.
Gear Recommendations
As with any trip, you have to have the proper gear packed to fully enjoy the experience! Here is some gear that we recommend if you plan on maximizing your adventure while doing the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer!
We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Hiking Gear
Hiking is our favorite activity, and Jasper National Park has some pretty dang incredible hikes! We bring this gear on all the hikes we do, and are ALWAYS thankful for having it along.
Photography Gear
Of course, we love capturing as much as we can in the places we visit. Here is the photography equipment we travel with, and as a result we are able to get different perspectives and capture awesome moments so that we have them for the future!
Camping Gear
When camping, we always make our own food, and try to be as off-grid as possible. It just feels more outdoorsy to be cooking up a meal over a camp stove compared to picking up food at a drive-thru and bringing it to the campsite! Here is our camping gear we use and love.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our countdown of the top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, the recommended Jasper National Park itinerary, and more helpful tips and tricks for your adventure. Next stop, Jasper National Park, enjoy!
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy our articles on Banff National Park and Yoho National Park!
If you loved this article, please use the below images to Pin It and save for later. And if you have any questions or comments, please reach out in the comments!
The Bald Hills Trail is worth the effort though!! The trail takes you over 2,000 feet up to the top of a hill that has one of the most incredible views in all of the Canadian Rockies! In fact, this view is the Canadian Rockies in one image.
From atop the Bald Hills, in the distance you’ll see the jagged snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Just before the peaks is the ENORMOUS Maligne Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes in all of Jasper.
Also, on top of the Bald Hills you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction. If you have binoculars, bring them along! We could spot a herd of elk in the distance, and another animal we couldn’t make out. But that’s just because we were dummies and forgot our binoculars.
Hike Details
Bald Hills Trail Google Maps Link
- Distance: 13.2 km (8.2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 700 m (2300 ft)
- Trailhead: Maligne Lake
#4 Best Site in Jasper – Sunwapta Falls Hike
Coming in at number 4 is our favorite waterfall in Jasper National Park: Sunwapta Falls. This was one of the most picturesque waterfalls we have EVER seen, and we did the hike to Havasupai Falls! It is easily one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
Sunwapta Falls is such a beautiful waterfall for a few reasons. First off, the topography of the falls itself. The river splits about 100 yards upstream from the falls, and the 2 halves rejoin each other right before they fall over the cliffside. That forms an incredible island that is visible just behind the falls themselves.
Secondly, the water color is almost beyond belief here. The falls have some of the same water that is present in the alpine lakes, and share some color characteristics with that awesome water. The bright blue color of these falls makes the painting just that much prettier!
A third reason that Sunwapta Falls is so awesome is because of the background. There is a huge mountain perfectly framing the falls as the backdrop. In addition, the pine forest seems to fully engulf the falls and gives a perfect green accent to the blue of the water and sky.
Sunwapta Falls does involve a hike to reach it, however it is by no means anything difficult. The hike is about 1 mile each way, and does not have much in terms of elevation gain.
In fact, the hike is almost a bonus because it means there will be less tourists at Sunwapta Falls! As with most National Parks, tourists tend to go to the sites that don’t have hiking, so anything that involves a hike to reach will be much less packed!
Hike Details
Sunwapta Falls Google Maps Link
- Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Sunwapta Falls trailhead off Hwy 93
#3 Best Site in Jasper – Columbia Ice Fields
At number 3 of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer is the most famous place in the park: the Columbia Ice Fields. If you hear the name Athabasca Glacier, that is the name of this particular section of the Ice Fields.
Now, the Columbia Ice Fields are able to be seen from Columbia Ice Fields Parkway (Hwy 93) but don’t let that fool you. You DO have to walk a little ways to get to the toe of the glacier.
There are 2 ways to explore the glacier. We chose to do the free option, since we do everything on a budget.
Hiking from the highway parking lot to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is free, and we think it is a must-do! Along the walk, which will take about 15 minutes each way, there are signs that describe the lifecycle of the Columbia Ice Fields and the Athabasca Glacier.
This is extremely interesting, and shows how the glacier has been receding in the last 100 years or so. In the picture below you can see how far the glacier stuck out back in 2006!
If you are still itching for more adventure on the ice field, then you should do option 2: an excursion ON TOP OF the glacier!
There is a Columbia Ice Field Trek that takes a crazy-looking machine out on top of the glacier! On this trek, you can actually set foot on the glacier and walk around some of the oldest ice on earth!
Ice Fields Details
Columbia Ice Fields Google Maps Link
- Largest Ice Field in the Rocky Mountains
- Free Hike to the Base of the Fields
- Or Pay for a Tour on Top of the Fields
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#2 Best Site in Jasper – Maligne Lake
Our silver medal thing to do in Jasper in summer is to visit Maligne Lake! If you’ll remember, the hike to Bald Hills Trail actually starts at Maligne Lake, so it is best to do these on the same day!
Maligne Lake looks incredible from atop the Bald Hills, but it is just as pretty at the bottom. And there is a ton of things to do here!
First off, there’s a beach where the bravest in your group can jump in the lake! Why do they have to be brave? Because this lake is cooooooooold. We took a few steps in but then wimped out and hung out along shore for the rests of the day.
Secondly, you can take a boat out onto the lake itself! If you want to drive the boat, you can rent a canoe or kayak. And there are also Maligne Lake boat cruises where you can sit back and enjoy the ride!
Maligne lake is freaking huge! We are talking over 7 square miles of water. And as a result there is also a ton of shoreline to explore! This was our favorite place in the park to hang out and soak up the sun.
Yes, you heard right, we said soak up the sun. Even though we are getting pretty far North, the Summer can get quite hot and Maligne Lake is a great place to hang out in the sun!
We recommend you pack a picnic and make a full day out of it. Eat, relax, enjoy the view, and walk the shoreline when you need to stretch your legs. Heck, even read a book! Click here for our favorite book recommendations.
Lake Details
- Enormous Lake with tons of Trails and Activities
- Area: 19.7 sq km (7.6 sq mi)
- Located at the end of Maligne Lake Road
#1 Best Site in Jasper – Valley of 5 Lakes Hiking Trail
Whew, we finally made it! The number one thing to do in Jasper National Park in summer. Our favorite place in the park is, you guessed it, a hike. But not just any hike, a hike to FIVE LAKES!
The Valley of Five Lakes hike was one of the coolest and most unique hikes we have ever done. And a special bonus: it was named by someone with absolutely 0 creative bones in their body!
- First Lake
- Second Lake
- Third Lake
- Fourth Lake
- Fifth Lake
The Valley of Five Lakes hike is a loop that is just under 3 miles, and doesn’t involve much elevation gain. You’ll be trekking through the forest and then BAM, another stunning lake is right in front of you.
If you want to go swimming, HERE is the place to do it. The water temperature isn’t exactly bath water, but it is warmer than all of the other places in the park.
The best part about all of the lakes along this trail is their color. The lakes range from a deep blue to bright green, with shades of sapphire and emerald in between.
On top of that, the colors seem to change as you walk around each lake. We have no idea why, but try it out for yourself! On one side a lake will look deep green, and on the other side it will be blue and reflective!
The final reason that Valley of Five Lakes is number 1 on our countdown? The fact that it is SO underrated! Valley of Five Lakes is basically empty!
Hike Details
Valley of Five Lakes Google Maps Link
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Valley of Five Lakes Trailhead off Hwy 93
Jasper National Park Itinerary
As promised, we put together an itinerary for you to explore Jasper National Park. With this Jasper National Park itinerary, you will hit all of our top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, and you’ll minimize your driving while you do.
Note: This itinerary assumes you will be driving to Jasper from the South and leaving to the South, as we did. If you fly into Calgary or drive up from Banff, this will be the case. If you are coming from somewhere else, you’ll want to move some things around.
Day 1 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Columbia Ice Fields
- Columbia Ice Field Discovery Center
- Athabasca Falls
- Explore the town of Jasper
Day 2 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Cavell Meadows Trail
- Miette Hot Springs
Day 3 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Maligne Lake
- Bald Hills Trail
Day 4 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Valley of 5 Lakes
- Sunwapta Falls
Camping
As we do in every National Park, we were able to find free campsites to stay at just outside of the Jasper National Park! All of these campsites were in incredibly beautiful areas, surrounded by lush pine forests with rivers running nearby.
Full disclosure: some of the sites we stayed at had some roads that were challenging to traverse. However, we took it slow and we ended up just fine.
We found all of our free campsites using iOlverlander, which we have found is an incredible crowd-sourced tool for finding free sites. If you have any questions about our campsites, please reach out in the comments and we will tell you all we can!
Dogs in Jasper National Park
Question: What is the best part about Canadian National Parks?
Answer: Dogs are allowed!
Unlike in most other National Parks, you can bring your furry four-legged friends to Jasper National Park! Having a dog along in Jasper National Park is great because you can spoil them with awesome experiences AND of course make them pose for an awesome photoshoot!
Now, dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park. There are some trails that dogs aren’t allowed on due to wildlife activity, and of course they aren’t allowed in every building. But still, having your dog along in Jasper is going to make the trip that much more special!
Jasper National Park Wildlife
Jasper is known for having some of the most incredible wildlife of any National Park on earth. Looking for and spotting wildlife is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer. The following list of animals are the big wildlife that you are most likely to see while hiking and driving around the park:
- Elk
- Caribou
- Moose
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mule Deer
Wolves and mountain lions are also present in Jasper, however they typically are wary of people and keep to themselves.
Of course, if you do come across some wildlife, admire them from a safe distance! It is a magical experience to come across a beautiful moose or a black bear, but make sure to follow the National Park rules and don’t approach them.
Gear Recommendations
As with any trip, you have to have the proper gear packed to fully enjoy the experience! Here is some gear that we recommend if you plan on maximizing your adventure while doing the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer!
We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Hiking Gear
Hiking is our favorite activity, and Jasper National Park has some pretty dang incredible hikes! We bring this gear on all the hikes we do, and are ALWAYS thankful for having it along.
Photography Gear
Of course, we love capturing as much as we can in the places we visit. Here is the photography equipment we travel with, and as a result we are able to get different perspectives and capture awesome moments so that we have them for the future!
Camping Gear
When camping, we always make our own food, and try to be as off-grid as possible. It just feels more outdoorsy to be cooking up a meal over a camp stove compared to picking up food at a drive-thru and bringing it to the campsite! Here is our camping gear we use and love.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our countdown of the top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, the recommended Jasper National Park itinerary, and more helpful tips and tricks for your adventure. Next stop, Jasper National Park, enjoy!
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy our articles on Banff National Park and Yoho National Park!
If you loved this article, please use the below images to Pin It and save for later. And if you have any questions or comments, please reach out in the comments!
For the first 3 miles of the hike, you’ll be going slightly uphill for most of it. This part isn’t too difficult. However, the last section of the hike is a straight up TREK! That will fuel your hike up the hill.
The Bald Hills Trail is worth the effort though!! The trail takes you over 2,000 feet up to the top of a hill that has one of the most incredible views in all of the Canadian Rockies! In fact, this view is the Canadian Rockies in one image.
From atop the Bald Hills, in the distance you’ll see the jagged snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Just before the peaks is the ENORMOUS Maligne Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes in all of Jasper.
Also, on top of the Bald Hills you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction. If you have binoculars, bring them along! We could spot a herd of elk in the distance, and another animal we couldn’t make out. But that’s just because we were dummies and forgot our binoculars.
Hike Details
Bald Hills Trail Google Maps Link
- Distance: 13.2 km (8.2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 700 m (2300 ft)
- Trailhead: Maligne Lake
#4 Best Site in Jasper – Sunwapta Falls Hike
Coming in at number 4 is our favorite waterfall in Jasper National Park: Sunwapta Falls. This was one of the most picturesque waterfalls we have EVER seen, and we did the hike to Havasupai Falls! It is easily one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
Sunwapta Falls is such a beautiful waterfall for a few reasons. First off, the topography of the falls itself. The river splits about 100 yards upstream from the falls, and the 2 halves rejoin each other right before they fall over the cliffside. That forms an incredible island that is visible just behind the falls themselves.
Secondly, the water color is almost beyond belief here. The falls have some of the same water that is present in the alpine lakes, and share some color characteristics with that awesome water. The bright blue color of these falls makes the painting just that much prettier!
A third reason that Sunwapta Falls is so awesome is because of the background. There is a huge mountain perfectly framing the falls as the backdrop. In addition, the pine forest seems to fully engulf the falls and gives a perfect green accent to the blue of the water and sky.
Sunwapta Falls does involve a hike to reach it, however it is by no means anything difficult. The hike is about 1 mile each way, and does not have much in terms of elevation gain.
In fact, the hike is almost a bonus because it means there will be less tourists at Sunwapta Falls! As with most National Parks, tourists tend to go to the sites that don’t have hiking, so anything that involves a hike to reach will be much less packed!
Hike Details
Sunwapta Falls Google Maps Link
- Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Sunwapta Falls trailhead off Hwy 93
#3 Best Site in Jasper – Columbia Ice Fields
At number 3 of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer is the most famous place in the park: the Columbia Ice Fields. If you hear the name Athabasca Glacier, that is the name of this particular section of the Ice Fields.
Now, the Columbia Ice Fields are able to be seen from Columbia Ice Fields Parkway (Hwy 93) but don’t let that fool you. You DO have to walk a little ways to get to the toe of the glacier.
There are 2 ways to explore the glacier. We chose to do the free option, since we do everything on a budget.
Hiking from the highway parking lot to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is free, and we think it is a must-do! Along the walk, which will take about 15 minutes each way, there are signs that describe the lifecycle of the Columbia Ice Fields and the Athabasca Glacier.
This is extremely interesting, and shows how the glacier has been receding in the last 100 years or so. In the picture below you can see how far the glacier stuck out back in 2006!
If you are still itching for more adventure on the ice field, then you should do option 2: an excursion ON TOP OF the glacier!
There is a Columbia Ice Field Trek that takes a crazy-looking machine out on top of the glacier! On this trek, you can actually set foot on the glacier and walk around some of the oldest ice on earth!
Ice Fields Details
Columbia Ice Fields Google Maps Link
- Largest Ice Field in the Rocky Mountains
- Free Hike to the Base of the Fields
- Or Pay for a Tour on Top of the Fields
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#2 Best Site in Jasper – Maligne Lake
Our silver medal thing to do in Jasper in summer is to visit Maligne Lake! If you’ll remember, the hike to Bald Hills Trail actually starts at Maligne Lake, so it is best to do these on the same day!
Maligne Lake looks incredible from atop the Bald Hills, but it is just as pretty at the bottom. And there is a ton of things to do here!
First off, there’s a beach where the bravest in your group can jump in the lake! Why do they have to be brave? Because this lake is cooooooooold. We took a few steps in but then wimped out and hung out along shore for the rests of the day.
Secondly, you can take a boat out onto the lake itself! If you want to drive the boat, you can rent a canoe or kayak. And there are also Maligne Lake boat cruises where you can sit back and enjoy the ride!
Maligne lake is freaking huge! We are talking over 7 square miles of water. And as a result there is also a ton of shoreline to explore! This was our favorite place in the park to hang out and soak up the sun.
Yes, you heard right, we said soak up the sun. Even though we are getting pretty far North, the Summer can get quite hot and Maligne Lake is a great place to hang out in the sun!
We recommend you pack a picnic and make a full day out of it. Eat, relax, enjoy the view, and walk the shoreline when you need to stretch your legs. Heck, even read a book! Click here for our favorite book recommendations.
Lake Details
- Enormous Lake with tons of Trails and Activities
- Area: 19.7 sq km (7.6 sq mi)
- Located at the end of Maligne Lake Road
#1 Best Site in Jasper – Valley of 5 Lakes Hiking Trail
Whew, we finally made it! The number one thing to do in Jasper National Park in summer. Our favorite place in the park is, you guessed it, a hike. But not just any hike, a hike to FIVE LAKES!
The Valley of Five Lakes hike was one of the coolest and most unique hikes we have ever done. And a special bonus: it was named by someone with absolutely 0 creative bones in their body!
- First Lake
- Second Lake
- Third Lake
- Fourth Lake
- Fifth Lake
The Valley of Five Lakes hike is a loop that is just under 3 miles, and doesn’t involve much elevation gain. You’ll be trekking through the forest and then BAM, another stunning lake is right in front of you.
If you want to go swimming, HERE is the place to do it. The water temperature isn’t exactly bath water, but it is warmer than all of the other places in the park.
The best part about all of the lakes along this trail is their color. The lakes range from a deep blue to bright green, with shades of sapphire and emerald in between.
On top of that, the colors seem to change as you walk around each lake. We have no idea why, but try it out for yourself! On one side a lake will look deep green, and on the other side it will be blue and reflective!
The final reason that Valley of Five Lakes is number 1 on our countdown? The fact that it is SO underrated! Valley of Five Lakes is basically empty!
Hike Details
Valley of Five Lakes Google Maps Link
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Valley of Five Lakes Trailhead off Hwy 93
Jasper National Park Itinerary
As promised, we put together an itinerary for you to explore Jasper National Park. With this Jasper National Park itinerary, you will hit all of our top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, and you’ll minimize your driving while you do.
Note: This itinerary assumes you will be driving to Jasper from the South and leaving to the South, as we did. If you fly into Calgary or drive up from Banff, this will be the case. If you are coming from somewhere else, you’ll want to move some things around.
Day 1 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Columbia Ice Fields
- Columbia Ice Field Discovery Center
- Athabasca Falls
- Explore the town of Jasper
Day 2 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Cavell Meadows Trail
- Miette Hot Springs
Day 3 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Maligne Lake
- Bald Hills Trail
Day 4 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Valley of 5 Lakes
- Sunwapta Falls
Camping
As we do in every National Park, we were able to find free campsites to stay at just outside of the Jasper National Park! All of these campsites were in incredibly beautiful areas, surrounded by lush pine forests with rivers running nearby.
Full disclosure: some of the sites we stayed at had some roads that were challenging to traverse. However, we took it slow and we ended up just fine.
We found all of our free campsites using iOlverlander, which we have found is an incredible crowd-sourced tool for finding free sites. If you have any questions about our campsites, please reach out in the comments and we will tell you all we can!
Dogs in Jasper National Park
Question: What is the best part about Canadian National Parks?
Answer: Dogs are allowed!
Unlike in most other National Parks, you can bring your furry four-legged friends to Jasper National Park! Having a dog along in Jasper National Park is great because you can spoil them with awesome experiences AND of course make them pose for an awesome photoshoot!
Now, dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park. There are some trails that dogs aren’t allowed on due to wildlife activity, and of course they aren’t allowed in every building. But still, having your dog along in Jasper is going to make the trip that much more special!
Jasper National Park Wildlife
Jasper is known for having some of the most incredible wildlife of any National Park on earth. Looking for and spotting wildlife is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer. The following list of animals are the big wildlife that you are most likely to see while hiking and driving around the park:
- Elk
- Caribou
- Moose
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mule Deer
Wolves and mountain lions are also present in Jasper, however they typically are wary of people and keep to themselves.
Of course, if you do come across some wildlife, admire them from a safe distance! It is a magical experience to come across a beautiful moose or a black bear, but make sure to follow the National Park rules and don’t approach them.
Gear Recommendations
As with any trip, you have to have the proper gear packed to fully enjoy the experience! Here is some gear that we recommend if you plan on maximizing your adventure while doing the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer!
We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Hiking Gear
Hiking is our favorite activity, and Jasper National Park has some pretty dang incredible hikes! We bring this gear on all the hikes we do, and are ALWAYS thankful for having it along.
Photography Gear
Of course, we love capturing as much as we can in the places we visit. Here is the photography equipment we travel with, and as a result we are able to get different perspectives and capture awesome moments so that we have them for the future!
Camping Gear
When camping, we always make our own food, and try to be as off-grid as possible. It just feels more outdoorsy to be cooking up a meal over a camp stove compared to picking up food at a drive-thru and bringing it to the campsite! Here is our camping gear we use and love.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our countdown of the top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, the recommended Jasper National Park itinerary, and more helpful tips and tricks for your adventure. Next stop, Jasper National Park, enjoy!
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy our articles on Banff National Park and Yoho National Park!
If you loved this article, please use the below images to Pin It and save for later. And if you have any questions or comments, please reach out in the comments!
- Approximate Water Temperature: 40 degrees C (104 degrees F)
- Great Place to Relax and Recharge!
- Located at the end of Miette Road
#5 Best Site in Jasper – Bald Hills Trail
Make sure Bald Hills Trail is on your Jasper National Park itinerary. At just over 8 miles round-trip, this will also be the longest hike of our trip in Jasper National Park!
For the first 3 miles of the hike, you’ll be going slightly uphill for most of it. This part isn’t too difficult. However, the last section of the hike is a straight up TREK! That will fuel your hike up the hill.
The Bald Hills Trail is worth the effort though!! The trail takes you over 2,000 feet up to the top of a hill that has one of the most incredible views in all of the Canadian Rockies! In fact, this view is the Canadian Rockies in one image.
From atop the Bald Hills, in the distance you’ll see the jagged snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Just before the peaks is the ENORMOUS Maligne Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes in all of Jasper.
Also, on top of the Bald Hills you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction. If you have binoculars, bring them along! We could spot a herd of elk in the distance, and another animal we couldn’t make out. But that’s just because we were dummies and forgot our binoculars.
Hike Details
Bald Hills Trail Google Maps Link
- Distance: 13.2 km (8.2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 700 m (2300 ft)
- Trailhead: Maligne Lake
#4 Best Site in Jasper – Sunwapta Falls Hike
Coming in at number 4 is our favorite waterfall in Jasper National Park: Sunwapta Falls. This was one of the most picturesque waterfalls we have EVER seen, and we did the hike to Havasupai Falls! It is easily one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
Sunwapta Falls is such a beautiful waterfall for a few reasons. First off, the topography of the falls itself. The river splits about 100 yards upstream from the falls, and the 2 halves rejoin each other right before they fall over the cliffside. That forms an incredible island that is visible just behind the falls themselves.
Secondly, the water color is almost beyond belief here. The falls have some of the same water that is present in the alpine lakes, and share some color characteristics with that awesome water. The bright blue color of these falls makes the painting just that much prettier!
A third reason that Sunwapta Falls is so awesome is because of the background. There is a huge mountain perfectly framing the falls as the backdrop. In addition, the pine forest seems to fully engulf the falls and gives a perfect green accent to the blue of the water and sky.
Sunwapta Falls does involve a hike to reach it, however it is by no means anything difficult. The hike is about 1 mile each way, and does not have much in terms of elevation gain.
In fact, the hike is almost a bonus because it means there will be less tourists at Sunwapta Falls! As with most National Parks, tourists tend to go to the sites that don’t have hiking, so anything that involves a hike to reach will be much less packed!
Hike Details
Sunwapta Falls Google Maps Link
- Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Sunwapta Falls trailhead off Hwy 93
#3 Best Site in Jasper – Columbia Ice Fields
At number 3 of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer is the most famous place in the park: the Columbia Ice Fields. If you hear the name Athabasca Glacier, that is the name of this particular section of the Ice Fields.
Now, the Columbia Ice Fields are able to be seen from Columbia Ice Fields Parkway (Hwy 93) but don’t let that fool you. You DO have to walk a little ways to get to the toe of the glacier.
There are 2 ways to explore the glacier. We chose to do the free option, since we do everything on a budget.
Hiking from the highway parking lot to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is free, and we think it is a must-do! Along the walk, which will take about 15 minutes each way, there are signs that describe the lifecycle of the Columbia Ice Fields and the Athabasca Glacier.
This is extremely interesting, and shows how the glacier has been receding in the last 100 years or so. In the picture below you can see how far the glacier stuck out back in 2006!
If you are still itching for more adventure on the ice field, then you should do option 2: an excursion ON TOP OF the glacier!
There is a Columbia Ice Field Trek that takes a crazy-looking machine out on top of the glacier! On this trek, you can actually set foot on the glacier and walk around some of the oldest ice on earth!
Ice Fields Details
Columbia Ice Fields Google Maps Link
- Largest Ice Field in the Rocky Mountains
- Free Hike to the Base of the Fields
- Or Pay for a Tour on Top of the Fields
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#2 Best Site in Jasper – Maligne Lake
Our silver medal thing to do in Jasper in summer is to visit Maligne Lake! If you’ll remember, the hike to Bald Hills Trail actually starts at Maligne Lake, so it is best to do these on the same day!
Maligne Lake looks incredible from atop the Bald Hills, but it is just as pretty at the bottom. And there is a ton of things to do here!
First off, there’s a beach where the bravest in your group can jump in the lake! Why do they have to be brave? Because this lake is cooooooooold. We took a few steps in but then wimped out and hung out along shore for the rests of the day.
Secondly, you can take a boat out onto the lake itself! If you want to drive the boat, you can rent a canoe or kayak. And there are also Maligne Lake boat cruises where you can sit back and enjoy the ride!
Maligne lake is freaking huge! We are talking over 7 square miles of water. And as a result there is also a ton of shoreline to explore! This was our favorite place in the park to hang out and soak up the sun.
Yes, you heard right, we said soak up the sun. Even though we are getting pretty far North, the Summer can get quite hot and Maligne Lake is a great place to hang out in the sun!
We recommend you pack a picnic and make a full day out of it. Eat, relax, enjoy the view, and walk the shoreline when you need to stretch your legs. Heck, even read a book! Click here for our favorite book recommendations.
Lake Details
- Enormous Lake with tons of Trails and Activities
- Area: 19.7 sq km (7.6 sq mi)
- Located at the end of Maligne Lake Road
#1 Best Site in Jasper – Valley of 5 Lakes Hiking Trail
Whew, we finally made it! The number one thing to do in Jasper National Park in summer. Our favorite place in the park is, you guessed it, a hike. But not just any hike, a hike to FIVE LAKES!
The Valley of Five Lakes hike was one of the coolest and most unique hikes we have ever done. And a special bonus: it was named by someone with absolutely 0 creative bones in their body!
- First Lake
- Second Lake
- Third Lake
- Fourth Lake
- Fifth Lake
The Valley of Five Lakes hike is a loop that is just under 3 miles, and doesn’t involve much elevation gain. You’ll be trekking through the forest and then BAM, another stunning lake is right in front of you.
If you want to go swimming, HERE is the place to do it. The water temperature isn’t exactly bath water, but it is warmer than all of the other places in the park.
The best part about all of the lakes along this trail is their color. The lakes range from a deep blue to bright green, with shades of sapphire and emerald in between.
On top of that, the colors seem to change as you walk around each lake. We have no idea why, but try it out for yourself! On one side a lake will look deep green, and on the other side it will be blue and reflective!
The final reason that Valley of Five Lakes is number 1 on our countdown? The fact that it is SO underrated! Valley of Five Lakes is basically empty!
Hike Details
Valley of Five Lakes Google Maps Link
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Valley of Five Lakes Trailhead off Hwy 93
Jasper National Park Itinerary
As promised, we put together an itinerary for you to explore Jasper National Park. With this Jasper National Park itinerary, you will hit all of our top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, and you’ll minimize your driving while you do.
Note: This itinerary assumes you will be driving to Jasper from the South and leaving to the South, as we did. If you fly into Calgary or drive up from Banff, this will be the case. If you are coming from somewhere else, you’ll want to move some things around.
Day 1 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Columbia Ice Fields
- Columbia Ice Field Discovery Center
- Athabasca Falls
- Explore the town of Jasper
Day 2 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Cavell Meadows Trail
- Miette Hot Springs
Day 3 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Maligne Lake
- Bald Hills Trail
Day 4 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Valley of 5 Lakes
- Sunwapta Falls
Camping
As we do in every National Park, we were able to find free campsites to stay at just outside of the Jasper National Park! All of these campsites were in incredibly beautiful areas, surrounded by lush pine forests with rivers running nearby.
Full disclosure: some of the sites we stayed at had some roads that were challenging to traverse. However, we took it slow and we ended up just fine.
We found all of our free campsites using iOlverlander, which we have found is an incredible crowd-sourced tool for finding free sites. If you have any questions about our campsites, please reach out in the comments and we will tell you all we can!
Dogs in Jasper National Park
Question: What is the best part about Canadian National Parks?
Answer: Dogs are allowed!
Unlike in most other National Parks, you can bring your furry four-legged friends to Jasper National Park! Having a dog along in Jasper National Park is great because you can spoil them with awesome experiences AND of course make them pose for an awesome photoshoot!
Now, dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park. There are some trails that dogs aren’t allowed on due to wildlife activity, and of course they aren’t allowed in every building. But still, having your dog along in Jasper is going to make the trip that much more special!
Jasper National Park Wildlife
Jasper is known for having some of the most incredible wildlife of any National Park on earth. Looking for and spotting wildlife is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer. The following list of animals are the big wildlife that you are most likely to see while hiking and driving around the park:
- Elk
- Caribou
- Moose
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mule Deer
Wolves and mountain lions are also present in Jasper, however they typically are wary of people and keep to themselves.
Of course, if you do come across some wildlife, admire them from a safe distance! It is a magical experience to come across a beautiful moose or a black bear, but make sure to follow the National Park rules and don’t approach them.
Gear Recommendations
As with any trip, you have to have the proper gear packed to fully enjoy the experience! Here is some gear that we recommend if you plan on maximizing your adventure while doing the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer!
We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Hiking Gear
Hiking is our favorite activity, and Jasper National Park has some pretty dang incredible hikes! We bring this gear on all the hikes we do, and are ALWAYS thankful for having it along.
Photography Gear
Of course, we love capturing as much as we can in the places we visit. Here is the photography equipment we travel with, and as a result we are able to get different perspectives and capture awesome moments so that we have them for the future!
Camping Gear
When camping, we always make our own food, and try to be as off-grid as possible. It just feels more outdoorsy to be cooking up a meal over a camp stove compared to picking up food at a drive-thru and bringing it to the campsite! Here is our camping gear we use and love.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our countdown of the top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, the recommended Jasper National Park itinerary, and more helpful tips and tricks for your adventure. Next stop, Jasper National Park, enjoy!
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy our articles on Banff National Park and Yoho National Park!
If you loved this article, please use the below images to Pin It and save for later. And if you have any questions or comments, please reach out in the comments!
Miette Hot Springs is the best hot springs in Jasper. In fact, pretty sure it is the only ones… Full disclosure: this is not free. It does cost about $17 per person to enter and use the springs. However, you also get a shower after! If you are camping or living the van life, that shower is HUGE! That’s what sold us…
The Miette Hot Springs are a perfect place to hang out and relax for a few hours, even all day if you’d like! We found that it was best to do after a hike, especially if it is a cold day. There is NOTHING like hot springs on a cold day, they are just SO much more refreshing!
Hot Springs Details
Miette Hot Springs Google Maps Link
- Approximate Water Temperature: 40 degrees C (104 degrees F)
- Great Place to Relax and Recharge!
- Located at the end of Miette Road
#5 Best Site in Jasper – Bald Hills Trail
Make sure Bald Hills Trail is on your Jasper National Park itinerary. At just over 8 miles round-trip, this will also be the longest hike of our trip in Jasper National Park!
For the first 3 miles of the hike, you’ll be going slightly uphill for most of it. This part isn’t too difficult. However, the last section of the hike is a straight up TREK! That will fuel your hike up the hill.
The Bald Hills Trail is worth the effort though!! The trail takes you over 2,000 feet up to the top of a hill that has one of the most incredible views in all of the Canadian Rockies! In fact, this view is the Canadian Rockies in one image.
From atop the Bald Hills, in the distance you’ll see the jagged snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Just before the peaks is the ENORMOUS Maligne Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes in all of Jasper.
Also, on top of the Bald Hills you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction. If you have binoculars, bring them along! We could spot a herd of elk in the distance, and another animal we couldn’t make out. But that’s just because we were dummies and forgot our binoculars.
Hike Details
Bald Hills Trail Google Maps Link
- Distance: 13.2 km (8.2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 700 m (2300 ft)
- Trailhead: Maligne Lake
#4 Best Site in Jasper – Sunwapta Falls Hike
Coming in at number 4 is our favorite waterfall in Jasper National Park: Sunwapta Falls. This was one of the most picturesque waterfalls we have EVER seen, and we did the hike to Havasupai Falls! It is easily one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
Sunwapta Falls is such a beautiful waterfall for a few reasons. First off, the topography of the falls itself. The river splits about 100 yards upstream from the falls, and the 2 halves rejoin each other right before they fall over the cliffside. That forms an incredible island that is visible just behind the falls themselves.
Secondly, the water color is almost beyond belief here. The falls have some of the same water that is present in the alpine lakes, and share some color characteristics with that awesome water. The bright blue color of these falls makes the painting just that much prettier!
A third reason that Sunwapta Falls is so awesome is because of the background. There is a huge mountain perfectly framing the falls as the backdrop. In addition, the pine forest seems to fully engulf the falls and gives a perfect green accent to the blue of the water and sky.
Sunwapta Falls does involve a hike to reach it, however it is by no means anything difficult. The hike is about 1 mile each way, and does not have much in terms of elevation gain.
In fact, the hike is almost a bonus because it means there will be less tourists at Sunwapta Falls! As with most National Parks, tourists tend to go to the sites that don’t have hiking, so anything that involves a hike to reach will be much less packed!
Hike Details
Sunwapta Falls Google Maps Link
- Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Sunwapta Falls trailhead off Hwy 93
#3 Best Site in Jasper – Columbia Ice Fields
At number 3 of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer is the most famous place in the park: the Columbia Ice Fields. If you hear the name Athabasca Glacier, that is the name of this particular section of the Ice Fields.
Now, the Columbia Ice Fields are able to be seen from Columbia Ice Fields Parkway (Hwy 93) but don’t let that fool you. You DO have to walk a little ways to get to the toe of the glacier.
There are 2 ways to explore the glacier. We chose to do the free option, since we do everything on a budget.
Hiking from the highway parking lot to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is free, and we think it is a must-do! Along the walk, which will take about 15 minutes each way, there are signs that describe the lifecycle of the Columbia Ice Fields and the Athabasca Glacier.
This is extremely interesting, and shows how the glacier has been receding in the last 100 years or so. In the picture below you can see how far the glacier stuck out back in 2006!
If you are still itching for more adventure on the ice field, then you should do option 2: an excursion ON TOP OF the glacier!
There is a Columbia Ice Field Trek that takes a crazy-looking machine out on top of the glacier! On this trek, you can actually set foot on the glacier and walk around some of the oldest ice on earth!
Ice Fields Details
Columbia Ice Fields Google Maps Link
- Largest Ice Field in the Rocky Mountains
- Free Hike to the Base of the Fields
- Or Pay for a Tour on Top of the Fields
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#2 Best Site in Jasper – Maligne Lake
Our silver medal thing to do in Jasper in summer is to visit Maligne Lake! If you’ll remember, the hike to Bald Hills Trail actually starts at Maligne Lake, so it is best to do these on the same day!
Maligne Lake looks incredible from atop the Bald Hills, but it is just as pretty at the bottom. And there is a ton of things to do here!
First off, there’s a beach where the bravest in your group can jump in the lake! Why do they have to be brave? Because this lake is cooooooooold. We took a few steps in but then wimped out and hung out along shore for the rests of the day.
Secondly, you can take a boat out onto the lake itself! If you want to drive the boat, you can rent a canoe or kayak. And there are also Maligne Lake boat cruises where you can sit back and enjoy the ride!
Maligne lake is freaking huge! We are talking over 7 square miles of water. And as a result there is also a ton of shoreline to explore! This was our favorite place in the park to hang out and soak up the sun.
Yes, you heard right, we said soak up the sun. Even though we are getting pretty far North, the Summer can get quite hot and Maligne Lake is a great place to hang out in the sun!
We recommend you pack a picnic and make a full day out of it. Eat, relax, enjoy the view, and walk the shoreline when you need to stretch your legs. Heck, even read a book! Click here for our favorite book recommendations.
Lake Details
- Enormous Lake with tons of Trails and Activities
- Area: 19.7 sq km (7.6 sq mi)
- Located at the end of Maligne Lake Road
#1 Best Site in Jasper – Valley of 5 Lakes Hiking Trail
Whew, we finally made it! The number one thing to do in Jasper National Park in summer. Our favorite place in the park is, you guessed it, a hike. But not just any hike, a hike to FIVE LAKES!
The Valley of Five Lakes hike was one of the coolest and most unique hikes we have ever done. And a special bonus: it was named by someone with absolutely 0 creative bones in their body!
- First Lake
- Second Lake
- Third Lake
- Fourth Lake
- Fifth Lake
The Valley of Five Lakes hike is a loop that is just under 3 miles, and doesn’t involve much elevation gain. You’ll be trekking through the forest and then BAM, another stunning lake is right in front of you.
If you want to go swimming, HERE is the place to do it. The water temperature isn’t exactly bath water, but it is warmer than all of the other places in the park.
The best part about all of the lakes along this trail is their color. The lakes range from a deep blue to bright green, with shades of sapphire and emerald in between.
On top of that, the colors seem to change as you walk around each lake. We have no idea why, but try it out for yourself! On one side a lake will look deep green, and on the other side it will be blue and reflective!
The final reason that Valley of Five Lakes is number 1 on our countdown? The fact that it is SO underrated! Valley of Five Lakes is basically empty!
Hike Details
Valley of Five Lakes Google Maps Link
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Valley of Five Lakes Trailhead off Hwy 93
Jasper National Park Itinerary
As promised, we put together an itinerary for you to explore Jasper National Park. With this Jasper National Park itinerary, you will hit all of our top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, and you’ll minimize your driving while you do.
Note: This itinerary assumes you will be driving to Jasper from the South and leaving to the South, as we did. If you fly into Calgary or drive up from Banff, this will be the case. If you are coming from somewhere else, you’ll want to move some things around.
Day 1 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Columbia Ice Fields
- Columbia Ice Field Discovery Center
- Athabasca Falls
- Explore the town of Jasper
Day 2 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Cavell Meadows Trail
- Miette Hot Springs
Day 3 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Maligne Lake
- Bald Hills Trail
Day 4 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Valley of 5 Lakes
- Sunwapta Falls
Camping
As we do in every National Park, we were able to find free campsites to stay at just outside of the Jasper National Park! All of these campsites were in incredibly beautiful areas, surrounded by lush pine forests with rivers running nearby.
Full disclosure: some of the sites we stayed at had some roads that were challenging to traverse. However, we took it slow and we ended up just fine.
We found all of our free campsites using iOlverlander, which we have found is an incredible crowd-sourced tool for finding free sites. If you have any questions about our campsites, please reach out in the comments and we will tell you all we can!
Dogs in Jasper National Park
Question: What is the best part about Canadian National Parks?
Answer: Dogs are allowed!
Unlike in most other National Parks, you can bring your furry four-legged friends to Jasper National Park! Having a dog along in Jasper National Park is great because you can spoil them with awesome experiences AND of course make them pose for an awesome photoshoot!
Now, dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park. There are some trails that dogs aren’t allowed on due to wildlife activity, and of course they aren’t allowed in every building. But still, having your dog along in Jasper is going to make the trip that much more special!
Jasper National Park Wildlife
Jasper is known for having some of the most incredible wildlife of any National Park on earth. Looking for and spotting wildlife is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer. The following list of animals are the big wildlife that you are most likely to see while hiking and driving around the park:
- Elk
- Caribou
- Moose
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mule Deer
Wolves and mountain lions are also present in Jasper, however they typically are wary of people and keep to themselves.
Of course, if you do come across some wildlife, admire them from a safe distance! It is a magical experience to come across a beautiful moose or a black bear, but make sure to follow the National Park rules and don’t approach them.
Gear Recommendations
As with any trip, you have to have the proper gear packed to fully enjoy the experience! Here is some gear that we recommend if you plan on maximizing your adventure while doing the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer!
We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Hiking Gear
Hiking is our favorite activity, and Jasper National Park has some pretty dang incredible hikes! We bring this gear on all the hikes we do, and are ALWAYS thankful for having it along.
Photography Gear
Of course, we love capturing as much as we can in the places we visit. Here is the photography equipment we travel with, and as a result we are able to get different perspectives and capture awesome moments so that we have them for the future!
Camping Gear
When camping, we always make our own food, and try to be as off-grid as possible. It just feels more outdoorsy to be cooking up a meal over a camp stove compared to picking up food at a drive-thru and bringing it to the campsite! Here is our camping gear we use and love.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our countdown of the top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, the recommended Jasper National Park itinerary, and more helpful tips and tricks for your adventure. Next stop, Jasper National Park, enjoy!
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy our articles on Banff National Park and Yoho National Park!
If you loved this article, please use the below images to Pin It and save for later. And if you have any questions or comments, please reach out in the comments!
Waterfall Details
Athabasca Falls Google Maps Link
- Class 5 Waterfall with an 80 Foot Drop
- We were in AWE of the POWER of these Falls
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#6 Best Site in Jasper – Miette Hot Springs
Coming in at number 6 on our things to do in Jasper in summer countdown is the Miette Hot Springs. People, it is time for some rest and relaxation! Miette Hot Springs is only open in the summer so take advantage.
Miette Hot Springs is the best hot springs in Jasper. In fact, pretty sure it is the only ones… Full disclosure: this is not free. It does cost about $17 per person to enter and use the springs. However, you also get a shower after! If you are camping or living the van life, that shower is HUGE! That’s what sold us…
The Miette Hot Springs are a perfect place to hang out and relax for a few hours, even all day if you’d like! We found that it was best to do after a hike, especially if it is a cold day. There is NOTHING like hot springs on a cold day, they are just SO much more refreshing!
Hot Springs Details
Miette Hot Springs Google Maps Link
- Approximate Water Temperature: 40 degrees C (104 degrees F)
- Great Place to Relax and Recharge!
- Located at the end of Miette Road
#5 Best Site in Jasper – Bald Hills Trail
Make sure Bald Hills Trail is on your Jasper National Park itinerary. At just over 8 miles round-trip, this will also be the longest hike of our trip in Jasper National Park!
For the first 3 miles of the hike, you’ll be going slightly uphill for most of it. This part isn’t too difficult. However, the last section of the hike is a straight up TREK! That will fuel your hike up the hill.
The Bald Hills Trail is worth the effort though!! The trail takes you over 2,000 feet up to the top of a hill that has one of the most incredible views in all of the Canadian Rockies! In fact, this view is the Canadian Rockies in one image.
From atop the Bald Hills, in the distance you’ll see the jagged snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Just before the peaks is the ENORMOUS Maligne Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes in all of Jasper.
Also, on top of the Bald Hills you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction. If you have binoculars, bring them along! We could spot a herd of elk in the distance, and another animal we couldn’t make out. But that’s just because we were dummies and forgot our binoculars.
Hike Details
Bald Hills Trail Google Maps Link
- Distance: 13.2 km (8.2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 700 m (2300 ft)
- Trailhead: Maligne Lake
#4 Best Site in Jasper – Sunwapta Falls Hike
Coming in at number 4 is our favorite waterfall in Jasper National Park: Sunwapta Falls. This was one of the most picturesque waterfalls we have EVER seen, and we did the hike to Havasupai Falls! It is easily one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
Sunwapta Falls is such a beautiful waterfall for a few reasons. First off, the topography of the falls itself. The river splits about 100 yards upstream from the falls, and the 2 halves rejoin each other right before they fall over the cliffside. That forms an incredible island that is visible just behind the falls themselves.
Secondly, the water color is almost beyond belief here. The falls have some of the same water that is present in the alpine lakes, and share some color characteristics with that awesome water. The bright blue color of these falls makes the painting just that much prettier!
A third reason that Sunwapta Falls is so awesome is because of the background. There is a huge mountain perfectly framing the falls as the backdrop. In addition, the pine forest seems to fully engulf the falls and gives a perfect green accent to the blue of the water and sky.
Sunwapta Falls does involve a hike to reach it, however it is by no means anything difficult. The hike is about 1 mile each way, and does not have much in terms of elevation gain.
In fact, the hike is almost a bonus because it means there will be less tourists at Sunwapta Falls! As with most National Parks, tourists tend to go to the sites that don’t have hiking, so anything that involves a hike to reach will be much less packed!
Hike Details
Sunwapta Falls Google Maps Link
- Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Sunwapta Falls trailhead off Hwy 93
#3 Best Site in Jasper – Columbia Ice Fields
At number 3 of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer is the most famous place in the park: the Columbia Ice Fields. If you hear the name Athabasca Glacier, that is the name of this particular section of the Ice Fields.
Now, the Columbia Ice Fields are able to be seen from Columbia Ice Fields Parkway (Hwy 93) but don’t let that fool you. You DO have to walk a little ways to get to the toe of the glacier.
There are 2 ways to explore the glacier. We chose to do the free option, since we do everything on a budget.
Hiking from the highway parking lot to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is free, and we think it is a must-do! Along the walk, which will take about 15 minutes each way, there are signs that describe the lifecycle of the Columbia Ice Fields and the Athabasca Glacier.
This is extremely interesting, and shows how the glacier has been receding in the last 100 years or so. In the picture below you can see how far the glacier stuck out back in 2006!
If you are still itching for more adventure on the ice field, then you should do option 2: an excursion ON TOP OF the glacier!
There is a Columbia Ice Field Trek that takes a crazy-looking machine out on top of the glacier! On this trek, you can actually set foot on the glacier and walk around some of the oldest ice on earth!
Ice Fields Details
Columbia Ice Fields Google Maps Link
- Largest Ice Field in the Rocky Mountains
- Free Hike to the Base of the Fields
- Or Pay for a Tour on Top of the Fields
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#2 Best Site in Jasper – Maligne Lake
Our silver medal thing to do in Jasper in summer is to visit Maligne Lake! If you’ll remember, the hike to Bald Hills Trail actually starts at Maligne Lake, so it is best to do these on the same day!
Maligne Lake looks incredible from atop the Bald Hills, but it is just as pretty at the bottom. And there is a ton of things to do here!
First off, there’s a beach where the bravest in your group can jump in the lake! Why do they have to be brave? Because this lake is cooooooooold. We took a few steps in but then wimped out and hung out along shore for the rests of the day.
Secondly, you can take a boat out onto the lake itself! If you want to drive the boat, you can rent a canoe or kayak. And there are also Maligne Lake boat cruises where you can sit back and enjoy the ride!
Maligne lake is freaking huge! We are talking over 7 square miles of water. And as a result there is also a ton of shoreline to explore! This was our favorite place in the park to hang out and soak up the sun.
Yes, you heard right, we said soak up the sun. Even though we are getting pretty far North, the Summer can get quite hot and Maligne Lake is a great place to hang out in the sun!
We recommend you pack a picnic and make a full day out of it. Eat, relax, enjoy the view, and walk the shoreline when you need to stretch your legs. Heck, even read a book! Click here for our favorite book recommendations.
Lake Details
- Enormous Lake with tons of Trails and Activities
- Area: 19.7 sq km (7.6 sq mi)
- Located at the end of Maligne Lake Road
#1 Best Site in Jasper – Valley of 5 Lakes Hiking Trail
Whew, we finally made it! The number one thing to do in Jasper National Park in summer. Our favorite place in the park is, you guessed it, a hike. But not just any hike, a hike to FIVE LAKES!
The Valley of Five Lakes hike was one of the coolest and most unique hikes we have ever done. And a special bonus: it was named by someone with absolutely 0 creative bones in their body!
- First Lake
- Second Lake
- Third Lake
- Fourth Lake
- Fifth Lake
The Valley of Five Lakes hike is a loop that is just under 3 miles, and doesn’t involve much elevation gain. You’ll be trekking through the forest and then BAM, another stunning lake is right in front of you.
If you want to go swimming, HERE is the place to do it. The water temperature isn’t exactly bath water, but it is warmer than all of the other places in the park.
The best part about all of the lakes along this trail is their color. The lakes range from a deep blue to bright green, with shades of sapphire and emerald in between.
On top of that, the colors seem to change as you walk around each lake. We have no idea why, but try it out for yourself! On one side a lake will look deep green, and on the other side it will be blue and reflective!
The final reason that Valley of Five Lakes is number 1 on our countdown? The fact that it is SO underrated! Valley of Five Lakes is basically empty!
Hike Details
Valley of Five Lakes Google Maps Link
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Valley of Five Lakes Trailhead off Hwy 93
Jasper National Park Itinerary
As promised, we put together an itinerary for you to explore Jasper National Park. With this Jasper National Park itinerary, you will hit all of our top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, and you’ll minimize your driving while you do.
Note: This itinerary assumes you will be driving to Jasper from the South and leaving to the South, as we did. If you fly into Calgary or drive up from Banff, this will be the case. If you are coming from somewhere else, you’ll want to move some things around.
Day 1 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Columbia Ice Fields
- Columbia Ice Field Discovery Center
- Athabasca Falls
- Explore the town of Jasper
Day 2 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Cavell Meadows Trail
- Miette Hot Springs
Day 3 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Maligne Lake
- Bald Hills Trail
Day 4 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Valley of 5 Lakes
- Sunwapta Falls
Camping
As we do in every National Park, we were able to find free campsites to stay at just outside of the Jasper National Park! All of these campsites were in incredibly beautiful areas, surrounded by lush pine forests with rivers running nearby.
Full disclosure: some of the sites we stayed at had some roads that were challenging to traverse. However, we took it slow and we ended up just fine.
We found all of our free campsites using iOlverlander, which we have found is an incredible crowd-sourced tool for finding free sites. If you have any questions about our campsites, please reach out in the comments and we will tell you all we can!
Dogs in Jasper National Park
Question: What is the best part about Canadian National Parks?
Answer: Dogs are allowed!
Unlike in most other National Parks, you can bring your furry four-legged friends to Jasper National Park! Having a dog along in Jasper National Park is great because you can spoil them with awesome experiences AND of course make them pose for an awesome photoshoot!
Now, dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park. There are some trails that dogs aren’t allowed on due to wildlife activity, and of course they aren’t allowed in every building. But still, having your dog along in Jasper is going to make the trip that much more special!
Jasper National Park Wildlife
Jasper is known for having some of the most incredible wildlife of any National Park on earth. Looking for and spotting wildlife is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer. The following list of animals are the big wildlife that you are most likely to see while hiking and driving around the park:
- Elk
- Caribou
- Moose
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mule Deer
Wolves and mountain lions are also present in Jasper, however they typically are wary of people and keep to themselves.
Of course, if you do come across some wildlife, admire them from a safe distance! It is a magical experience to come across a beautiful moose or a black bear, but make sure to follow the National Park rules and don’t approach them.
Gear Recommendations
As with any trip, you have to have the proper gear packed to fully enjoy the experience! Here is some gear that we recommend if you plan on maximizing your adventure while doing the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer!
We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Hiking Gear
Hiking is our favorite activity, and Jasper National Park has some pretty dang incredible hikes! We bring this gear on all the hikes we do, and are ALWAYS thankful for having it along.
Photography Gear
Of course, we love capturing as much as we can in the places we visit. Here is the photography equipment we travel with, and as a result we are able to get different perspectives and capture awesome moments so that we have them for the future!
Camping Gear
When camping, we always make our own food, and try to be as off-grid as possible. It just feels more outdoorsy to be cooking up a meal over a camp stove compared to picking up food at a drive-thru and bringing it to the campsite! Here is our camping gear we use and love.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our countdown of the top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, the recommended Jasper National Park itinerary, and more helpful tips and tricks for your adventure. Next stop, Jasper National Park, enjoy!
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy our articles on Banff National Park and Yoho National Park!
If you loved this article, please use the below images to Pin It and save for later. And if you have any questions or comments, please reach out in the comments!
Just because Athabasca Falls is easy to get to does NOT mean that it is not incredible. This waterfall is one of those that you can sit and watch for 30 minutes and not get bored, just because of the sheer POWER that it has. Water is flowing so fast and falling so far and in such a high volume that it left us awestruck!
At Athabasca Falls there is a boardwalk where you can walk from one side of the falls to the other, and get many different perspectives on the site. We recommend taking your time and exploring the area all around the falls, even some of the forest trails that are there!
Another reason to stop at Athabasca Falls, as if you needed one, is for a break from driving. As we’ll go over later, this stop is during Day 1, where we are also visiting the Columbia Ice Fields and driving up to the town of Jasper.
Waterfall Details
Athabasca Falls Google Maps Link
- Class 5 Waterfall with an 80 Foot Drop
- We were in AWE of the POWER of these Falls
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#6 Best Site in Jasper – Miette Hot Springs
Coming in at number 6 on our things to do in Jasper in summer countdown is the Miette Hot Springs. People, it is time for some rest and relaxation! Miette Hot Springs is only open in the summer so take advantage.
Miette Hot Springs is the best hot springs in Jasper. In fact, pretty sure it is the only ones… Full disclosure: this is not free. It does cost about $17 per person to enter and use the springs. However, you also get a shower after! If you are camping or living the van life, that shower is HUGE! That’s what sold us…
The Miette Hot Springs are a perfect place to hang out and relax for a few hours, even all day if you’d like! We found that it was best to do after a hike, especially if it is a cold day. There is NOTHING like hot springs on a cold day, they are just SO much more refreshing!
Hot Springs Details
Miette Hot Springs Google Maps Link
- Approximate Water Temperature: 40 degrees C (104 degrees F)
- Great Place to Relax and Recharge!
- Located at the end of Miette Road
#5 Best Site in Jasper – Bald Hills Trail
Make sure Bald Hills Trail is on your Jasper National Park itinerary. At just over 8 miles round-trip, this will also be the longest hike of our trip in Jasper National Park!
For the first 3 miles of the hike, you’ll be going slightly uphill for most of it. This part isn’t too difficult. However, the last section of the hike is a straight up TREK! That will fuel your hike up the hill.
The Bald Hills Trail is worth the effort though!! The trail takes you over 2,000 feet up to the top of a hill that has one of the most incredible views in all of the Canadian Rockies! In fact, this view is the Canadian Rockies in one image.
From atop the Bald Hills, in the distance you’ll see the jagged snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Just before the peaks is the ENORMOUS Maligne Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes in all of Jasper.
Also, on top of the Bald Hills you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction. If you have binoculars, bring them along! We could spot a herd of elk in the distance, and another animal we couldn’t make out. But that’s just because we were dummies and forgot our binoculars.
Hike Details
Bald Hills Trail Google Maps Link
- Distance: 13.2 km (8.2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 700 m (2300 ft)
- Trailhead: Maligne Lake
#4 Best Site in Jasper – Sunwapta Falls Hike
Coming in at number 4 is our favorite waterfall in Jasper National Park: Sunwapta Falls. This was one of the most picturesque waterfalls we have EVER seen, and we did the hike to Havasupai Falls! It is easily one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
Sunwapta Falls is such a beautiful waterfall for a few reasons. First off, the topography of the falls itself. The river splits about 100 yards upstream from the falls, and the 2 halves rejoin each other right before they fall over the cliffside. That forms an incredible island that is visible just behind the falls themselves.
Secondly, the water color is almost beyond belief here. The falls have some of the same water that is present in the alpine lakes, and share some color characteristics with that awesome water. The bright blue color of these falls makes the painting just that much prettier!
A third reason that Sunwapta Falls is so awesome is because of the background. There is a huge mountain perfectly framing the falls as the backdrop. In addition, the pine forest seems to fully engulf the falls and gives a perfect green accent to the blue of the water and sky.
Sunwapta Falls does involve a hike to reach it, however it is by no means anything difficult. The hike is about 1 mile each way, and does not have much in terms of elevation gain.
In fact, the hike is almost a bonus because it means there will be less tourists at Sunwapta Falls! As with most National Parks, tourists tend to go to the sites that don’t have hiking, so anything that involves a hike to reach will be much less packed!
Hike Details
Sunwapta Falls Google Maps Link
- Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Sunwapta Falls trailhead off Hwy 93
#3 Best Site in Jasper – Columbia Ice Fields
At number 3 of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer is the most famous place in the park: the Columbia Ice Fields. If you hear the name Athabasca Glacier, that is the name of this particular section of the Ice Fields.
Now, the Columbia Ice Fields are able to be seen from Columbia Ice Fields Parkway (Hwy 93) but don’t let that fool you. You DO have to walk a little ways to get to the toe of the glacier.
There are 2 ways to explore the glacier. We chose to do the free option, since we do everything on a budget.
Hiking from the highway parking lot to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is free, and we think it is a must-do! Along the walk, which will take about 15 minutes each way, there are signs that describe the lifecycle of the Columbia Ice Fields and the Athabasca Glacier.
This is extremely interesting, and shows how the glacier has been receding in the last 100 years or so. In the picture below you can see how far the glacier stuck out back in 2006!
If you are still itching for more adventure on the ice field, then you should do option 2: an excursion ON TOP OF the glacier!
There is a Columbia Ice Field Trek that takes a crazy-looking machine out on top of the glacier! On this trek, you can actually set foot on the glacier and walk around some of the oldest ice on earth!
Ice Fields Details
Columbia Ice Fields Google Maps Link
- Largest Ice Field in the Rocky Mountains
- Free Hike to the Base of the Fields
- Or Pay for a Tour on Top of the Fields
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#2 Best Site in Jasper – Maligne Lake
Our silver medal thing to do in Jasper in summer is to visit Maligne Lake! If you’ll remember, the hike to Bald Hills Trail actually starts at Maligne Lake, so it is best to do these on the same day!
Maligne Lake looks incredible from atop the Bald Hills, but it is just as pretty at the bottom. And there is a ton of things to do here!
First off, there’s a beach where the bravest in your group can jump in the lake! Why do they have to be brave? Because this lake is cooooooooold. We took a few steps in but then wimped out and hung out along shore for the rests of the day.
Secondly, you can take a boat out onto the lake itself! If you want to drive the boat, you can rent a canoe or kayak. And there are also Maligne Lake boat cruises where you can sit back and enjoy the ride!
Maligne lake is freaking huge! We are talking over 7 square miles of water. And as a result there is also a ton of shoreline to explore! This was our favorite place in the park to hang out and soak up the sun.
Yes, you heard right, we said soak up the sun. Even though we are getting pretty far North, the Summer can get quite hot and Maligne Lake is a great place to hang out in the sun!
We recommend you pack a picnic and make a full day out of it. Eat, relax, enjoy the view, and walk the shoreline when you need to stretch your legs. Heck, even read a book! Click here for our favorite book recommendations.
Lake Details
- Enormous Lake with tons of Trails and Activities
- Area: 19.7 sq km (7.6 sq mi)
- Located at the end of Maligne Lake Road
#1 Best Site in Jasper – Valley of 5 Lakes Hiking Trail
Whew, we finally made it! The number one thing to do in Jasper National Park in summer. Our favorite place in the park is, you guessed it, a hike. But not just any hike, a hike to FIVE LAKES!
The Valley of Five Lakes hike was one of the coolest and most unique hikes we have ever done. And a special bonus: it was named by someone with absolutely 0 creative bones in their body!
- First Lake
- Second Lake
- Third Lake
- Fourth Lake
- Fifth Lake
The Valley of Five Lakes hike is a loop that is just under 3 miles, and doesn’t involve much elevation gain. You’ll be trekking through the forest and then BAM, another stunning lake is right in front of you.
If you want to go swimming, HERE is the place to do it. The water temperature isn’t exactly bath water, but it is warmer than all of the other places in the park.
The best part about all of the lakes along this trail is their color. The lakes range from a deep blue to bright green, with shades of sapphire and emerald in between.
On top of that, the colors seem to change as you walk around each lake. We have no idea why, but try it out for yourself! On one side a lake will look deep green, and on the other side it will be blue and reflective!
The final reason that Valley of Five Lakes is number 1 on our countdown? The fact that it is SO underrated! Valley of Five Lakes is basically empty!
Hike Details
Valley of Five Lakes Google Maps Link
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Valley of Five Lakes Trailhead off Hwy 93
Jasper National Park Itinerary
As promised, we put together an itinerary for you to explore Jasper National Park. With this Jasper National Park itinerary, you will hit all of our top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, and you’ll minimize your driving while you do.
Note: This itinerary assumes you will be driving to Jasper from the South and leaving to the South, as we did. If you fly into Calgary or drive up from Banff, this will be the case. If you are coming from somewhere else, you’ll want to move some things around.
Day 1 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Columbia Ice Fields
- Columbia Ice Field Discovery Center
- Athabasca Falls
- Explore the town of Jasper
Day 2 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Cavell Meadows Trail
- Miette Hot Springs
Day 3 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Maligne Lake
- Bald Hills Trail
Day 4 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Valley of 5 Lakes
- Sunwapta Falls
Camping
As we do in every National Park, we were able to find free campsites to stay at just outside of the Jasper National Park! All of these campsites were in incredibly beautiful areas, surrounded by lush pine forests with rivers running nearby.
Full disclosure: some of the sites we stayed at had some roads that were challenging to traverse. However, we took it slow and we ended up just fine.
We found all of our free campsites using iOlverlander, which we have found is an incredible crowd-sourced tool for finding free sites. If you have any questions about our campsites, please reach out in the comments and we will tell you all we can!
Dogs in Jasper National Park
Question: What is the best part about Canadian National Parks?
Answer: Dogs are allowed!
Unlike in most other National Parks, you can bring your furry four-legged friends to Jasper National Park! Having a dog along in Jasper National Park is great because you can spoil them with awesome experiences AND of course make them pose for an awesome photoshoot!
Now, dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park. There are some trails that dogs aren’t allowed on due to wildlife activity, and of course they aren’t allowed in every building. But still, having your dog along in Jasper is going to make the trip that much more special!
Jasper National Park Wildlife
Jasper is known for having some of the most incredible wildlife of any National Park on earth. Looking for and spotting wildlife is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer. The following list of animals are the big wildlife that you are most likely to see while hiking and driving around the park:
- Elk
- Caribou
- Moose
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mule Deer
Wolves and mountain lions are also present in Jasper, however they typically are wary of people and keep to themselves.
Of course, if you do come across some wildlife, admire them from a safe distance! It is a magical experience to come across a beautiful moose or a black bear, but make sure to follow the National Park rules and don’t approach them.
Gear Recommendations
As with any trip, you have to have the proper gear packed to fully enjoy the experience! Here is some gear that we recommend if you plan on maximizing your adventure while doing the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer!
We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Hiking Gear
Hiking is our favorite activity, and Jasper National Park has some pretty dang incredible hikes! We bring this gear on all the hikes we do, and are ALWAYS thankful for having it along.
Photography Gear
Of course, we love capturing as much as we can in the places we visit. Here is the photography equipment we travel with, and as a result we are able to get different perspectives and capture awesome moments so that we have them for the future!
Camping Gear
When camping, we always make our own food, and try to be as off-grid as possible. It just feels more outdoorsy to be cooking up a meal over a camp stove compared to picking up food at a drive-thru and bringing it to the campsite! Here is our camping gear we use and love.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our countdown of the top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, the recommended Jasper National Park itinerary, and more helpful tips and tricks for your adventure. Next stop, Jasper National Park, enjoy!
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy our articles on Banff National Park and Yoho National Park!
If you loved this article, please use the below images to Pin It and save for later. And if you have any questions or comments, please reach out in the comments!
- Distance: 6.1 km (3.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 400 m (1310 ft)
- Trailhead: Edith Cavell Trailhead
#7 Best Site in Jasper – Athabasca Falls
At number 7 is a site that does not require any hiking to see: Athabasca Falls! This is easily one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
This magnificent waterfall is located right off the Icefields Parkway Hwy 93 and is best done right as your driving north towards the town of Jasper from the Columbia Icefields!
Just because Athabasca Falls is easy to get to does NOT mean that it is not incredible. This waterfall is one of those that you can sit and watch for 30 minutes and not get bored, just because of the sheer POWER that it has. Water is flowing so fast and falling so far and in such a high volume that it left us awestruck!
At Athabasca Falls there is a boardwalk where you can walk from one side of the falls to the other, and get many different perspectives on the site. We recommend taking your time and exploring the area all around the falls, even some of the forest trails that are there!
Another reason to stop at Athabasca Falls, as if you needed one, is for a break from driving. As we’ll go over later, this stop is during Day 1, where we are also visiting the Columbia Ice Fields and driving up to the town of Jasper.
Waterfall Details
Athabasca Falls Google Maps Link
- Class 5 Waterfall with an 80 Foot Drop
- We were in AWE of the POWER of these Falls
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#6 Best Site in Jasper – Miette Hot Springs
Coming in at number 6 on our things to do in Jasper in summer countdown is the Miette Hot Springs. People, it is time for some rest and relaxation! Miette Hot Springs is only open in the summer so take advantage.
Miette Hot Springs is the best hot springs in Jasper. In fact, pretty sure it is the only ones… Full disclosure: this is not free. It does cost about $17 per person to enter and use the springs. However, you also get a shower after! If you are camping or living the van life, that shower is HUGE! That’s what sold us…
The Miette Hot Springs are a perfect place to hang out and relax for a few hours, even all day if you’d like! We found that it was best to do after a hike, especially if it is a cold day. There is NOTHING like hot springs on a cold day, they are just SO much more refreshing!
Hot Springs Details
Miette Hot Springs Google Maps Link
- Approximate Water Temperature: 40 degrees C (104 degrees F)
- Great Place to Relax and Recharge!
- Located at the end of Miette Road
#5 Best Site in Jasper – Bald Hills Trail
Make sure Bald Hills Trail is on your Jasper National Park itinerary. At just over 8 miles round-trip, this will also be the longest hike of our trip in Jasper National Park!
For the first 3 miles of the hike, you’ll be going slightly uphill for most of it. This part isn’t too difficult. However, the last section of the hike is a straight up TREK! That will fuel your hike up the hill.
The Bald Hills Trail is worth the effort though!! The trail takes you over 2,000 feet up to the top of a hill that has one of the most incredible views in all of the Canadian Rockies! In fact, this view is the Canadian Rockies in one image.
From atop the Bald Hills, in the distance you’ll see the jagged snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Just before the peaks is the ENORMOUS Maligne Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes in all of Jasper.
Also, on top of the Bald Hills you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction. If you have binoculars, bring them along! We could spot a herd of elk in the distance, and another animal we couldn’t make out. But that’s just because we were dummies and forgot our binoculars.
Hike Details
Bald Hills Trail Google Maps Link
- Distance: 13.2 km (8.2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 700 m (2300 ft)
- Trailhead: Maligne Lake
#4 Best Site in Jasper – Sunwapta Falls Hike
Coming in at number 4 is our favorite waterfall in Jasper National Park: Sunwapta Falls. This was one of the most picturesque waterfalls we have EVER seen, and we did the hike to Havasupai Falls! It is easily one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
Sunwapta Falls is such a beautiful waterfall for a few reasons. First off, the topography of the falls itself. The river splits about 100 yards upstream from the falls, and the 2 halves rejoin each other right before they fall over the cliffside. That forms an incredible island that is visible just behind the falls themselves.
Secondly, the water color is almost beyond belief here. The falls have some of the same water that is present in the alpine lakes, and share some color characteristics with that awesome water. The bright blue color of these falls makes the painting just that much prettier!
A third reason that Sunwapta Falls is so awesome is because of the background. There is a huge mountain perfectly framing the falls as the backdrop. In addition, the pine forest seems to fully engulf the falls and gives a perfect green accent to the blue of the water and sky.
Sunwapta Falls does involve a hike to reach it, however it is by no means anything difficult. The hike is about 1 mile each way, and does not have much in terms of elevation gain.
In fact, the hike is almost a bonus because it means there will be less tourists at Sunwapta Falls! As with most National Parks, tourists tend to go to the sites that don’t have hiking, so anything that involves a hike to reach will be much less packed!
Hike Details
Sunwapta Falls Google Maps Link
- Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Sunwapta Falls trailhead off Hwy 93
#3 Best Site in Jasper – Columbia Ice Fields
At number 3 of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer is the most famous place in the park: the Columbia Ice Fields. If you hear the name Athabasca Glacier, that is the name of this particular section of the Ice Fields.
Now, the Columbia Ice Fields are able to be seen from Columbia Ice Fields Parkway (Hwy 93) but don’t let that fool you. You DO have to walk a little ways to get to the toe of the glacier.
There are 2 ways to explore the glacier. We chose to do the free option, since we do everything on a budget.
Hiking from the highway parking lot to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is free, and we think it is a must-do! Along the walk, which will take about 15 minutes each way, there are signs that describe the lifecycle of the Columbia Ice Fields and the Athabasca Glacier.
This is extremely interesting, and shows how the glacier has been receding in the last 100 years or so. In the picture below you can see how far the glacier stuck out back in 2006!
If you are still itching for more adventure on the ice field, then you should do option 2: an excursion ON TOP OF the glacier!
There is a Columbia Ice Field Trek that takes a crazy-looking machine out on top of the glacier! On this trek, you can actually set foot on the glacier and walk around some of the oldest ice on earth!
Ice Fields Details
Columbia Ice Fields Google Maps Link
- Largest Ice Field in the Rocky Mountains
- Free Hike to the Base of the Fields
- Or Pay for a Tour on Top of the Fields
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#2 Best Site in Jasper – Maligne Lake
Our silver medal thing to do in Jasper in summer is to visit Maligne Lake! If you’ll remember, the hike to Bald Hills Trail actually starts at Maligne Lake, so it is best to do these on the same day!
Maligne Lake looks incredible from atop the Bald Hills, but it is just as pretty at the bottom. And there is a ton of things to do here!
First off, there’s a beach where the bravest in your group can jump in the lake! Why do they have to be brave? Because this lake is cooooooooold. We took a few steps in but then wimped out and hung out along shore for the rests of the day.
Secondly, you can take a boat out onto the lake itself! If you want to drive the boat, you can rent a canoe or kayak. And there are also Maligne Lake boat cruises where you can sit back and enjoy the ride!
Maligne lake is freaking huge! We are talking over 7 square miles of water. And as a result there is also a ton of shoreline to explore! This was our favorite place in the park to hang out and soak up the sun.
Yes, you heard right, we said soak up the sun. Even though we are getting pretty far North, the Summer can get quite hot and Maligne Lake is a great place to hang out in the sun!
We recommend you pack a picnic and make a full day out of it. Eat, relax, enjoy the view, and walk the shoreline when you need to stretch your legs. Heck, even read a book! Click here for our favorite book recommendations.
Lake Details
- Enormous Lake with tons of Trails and Activities
- Area: 19.7 sq km (7.6 sq mi)
- Located at the end of Maligne Lake Road
#1 Best Site in Jasper – Valley of 5 Lakes Hiking Trail
Whew, we finally made it! The number one thing to do in Jasper National Park in summer. Our favorite place in the park is, you guessed it, a hike. But not just any hike, a hike to FIVE LAKES!
The Valley of Five Lakes hike was one of the coolest and most unique hikes we have ever done. And a special bonus: it was named by someone with absolutely 0 creative bones in their body!
- First Lake
- Second Lake
- Third Lake
- Fourth Lake
- Fifth Lake
The Valley of Five Lakes hike is a loop that is just under 3 miles, and doesn’t involve much elevation gain. You’ll be trekking through the forest and then BAM, another stunning lake is right in front of you.
If you want to go swimming, HERE is the place to do it. The water temperature isn’t exactly bath water, but it is warmer than all of the other places in the park.
The best part about all of the lakes along this trail is their color. The lakes range from a deep blue to bright green, with shades of sapphire and emerald in between.
On top of that, the colors seem to change as you walk around each lake. We have no idea why, but try it out for yourself! On one side a lake will look deep green, and on the other side it will be blue and reflective!
The final reason that Valley of Five Lakes is number 1 on our countdown? The fact that it is SO underrated! Valley of Five Lakes is basically empty!
Hike Details
Valley of Five Lakes Google Maps Link
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Valley of Five Lakes Trailhead off Hwy 93
Jasper National Park Itinerary
As promised, we put together an itinerary for you to explore Jasper National Park. With this Jasper National Park itinerary, you will hit all of our top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, and you’ll minimize your driving while you do.
Note: This itinerary assumes you will be driving to Jasper from the South and leaving to the South, as we did. If you fly into Calgary or drive up from Banff, this will be the case. If you are coming from somewhere else, you’ll want to move some things around.
Day 1 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Columbia Ice Fields
- Columbia Ice Field Discovery Center
- Athabasca Falls
- Explore the town of Jasper
Day 2 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Cavell Meadows Trail
- Miette Hot Springs
Day 3 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Maligne Lake
- Bald Hills Trail
Day 4 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Valley of 5 Lakes
- Sunwapta Falls
Camping
As we do in every National Park, we were able to find free campsites to stay at just outside of the Jasper National Park! All of these campsites were in incredibly beautiful areas, surrounded by lush pine forests with rivers running nearby.
Full disclosure: some of the sites we stayed at had some roads that were challenging to traverse. However, we took it slow and we ended up just fine.
We found all of our free campsites using iOlverlander, which we have found is an incredible crowd-sourced tool for finding free sites. If you have any questions about our campsites, please reach out in the comments and we will tell you all we can!
Dogs in Jasper National Park
Question: What is the best part about Canadian National Parks?
Answer: Dogs are allowed!
Unlike in most other National Parks, you can bring your furry four-legged friends to Jasper National Park! Having a dog along in Jasper National Park is great because you can spoil them with awesome experiences AND of course make them pose for an awesome photoshoot!
Now, dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park. There are some trails that dogs aren’t allowed on due to wildlife activity, and of course they aren’t allowed in every building. But still, having your dog along in Jasper is going to make the trip that much more special!
Jasper National Park Wildlife
Jasper is known for having some of the most incredible wildlife of any National Park on earth. Looking for and spotting wildlife is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer. The following list of animals are the big wildlife that you are most likely to see while hiking and driving around the park:
- Elk
- Caribou
- Moose
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mule Deer
Wolves and mountain lions are also present in Jasper, however they typically are wary of people and keep to themselves.
Of course, if you do come across some wildlife, admire them from a safe distance! It is a magical experience to come across a beautiful moose or a black bear, but make sure to follow the National Park rules and don’t approach them.
Gear Recommendations
As with any trip, you have to have the proper gear packed to fully enjoy the experience! Here is some gear that we recommend if you plan on maximizing your adventure while doing the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer!
We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Hiking Gear
Hiking is our favorite activity, and Jasper National Park has some pretty dang incredible hikes! We bring this gear on all the hikes we do, and are ALWAYS thankful for having it along.
Photography Gear
Of course, we love capturing as much as we can in the places we visit. Here is the photography equipment we travel with, and as a result we are able to get different perspectives and capture awesome moments so that we have them for the future!
Camping Gear
When camping, we always make our own food, and try to be as off-grid as possible. It just feels more outdoorsy to be cooking up a meal over a camp stove compared to picking up food at a drive-thru and bringing it to the campsite! Here is our camping gear we use and love.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our countdown of the top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, the recommended Jasper National Park itinerary, and more helpful tips and tricks for your adventure. Next stop, Jasper National Park, enjoy!
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy our articles on Banff National Park and Yoho National Park!
If you loved this article, please use the below images to Pin It and save for later. And if you have any questions or comments, please reach out in the comments!
Now, you are NOT going to want to go swimming in this lake. As you can see in the pictures, there are still icebergs in the water, which means that it will freeze your little buns off! And besides, there are lakes we can swim in further down the countdown…
Along the Cavell Meadows Trail, wildlife is known to frequently explore, including the Canadian bears. We didn’t see any wildlife during our trip, however it is best to be prepared! Have bear spray along just in case and make noise as you are hiking.
Hike Details
Edith Cavell Trail Google Maps Link
- Distance: 6.1 km (3.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 400 m (1310 ft)
- Trailhead: Edith Cavell Trailhead
#7 Best Site in Jasper – Athabasca Falls
At number 7 is a site that does not require any hiking to see: Athabasca Falls! This is easily one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
This magnificent waterfall is located right off the Icefields Parkway Hwy 93 and is best done right as your driving north towards the town of Jasper from the Columbia Icefields!
Just because Athabasca Falls is easy to get to does NOT mean that it is not incredible. This waterfall is one of those that you can sit and watch for 30 minutes and not get bored, just because of the sheer POWER that it has. Water is flowing so fast and falling so far and in such a high volume that it left us awestruck!
At Athabasca Falls there is a boardwalk where you can walk from one side of the falls to the other, and get many different perspectives on the site. We recommend taking your time and exploring the area all around the falls, even some of the forest trails that are there!
Another reason to stop at Athabasca Falls, as if you needed one, is for a break from driving. As we’ll go over later, this stop is during Day 1, where we are also visiting the Columbia Ice Fields and driving up to the town of Jasper.
Waterfall Details
Athabasca Falls Google Maps Link
- Class 5 Waterfall with an 80 Foot Drop
- We were in AWE of the POWER of these Falls
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#6 Best Site in Jasper – Miette Hot Springs
Coming in at number 6 on our things to do in Jasper in summer countdown is the Miette Hot Springs. People, it is time for some rest and relaxation! Miette Hot Springs is only open in the summer so take advantage.
Miette Hot Springs is the best hot springs in Jasper. In fact, pretty sure it is the only ones… Full disclosure: this is not free. It does cost about $17 per person to enter and use the springs. However, you also get a shower after! If you are camping or living the van life, that shower is HUGE! That’s what sold us…
The Miette Hot Springs are a perfect place to hang out and relax for a few hours, even all day if you’d like! We found that it was best to do after a hike, especially if it is a cold day. There is NOTHING like hot springs on a cold day, they are just SO much more refreshing!
Hot Springs Details
Miette Hot Springs Google Maps Link
- Approximate Water Temperature: 40 degrees C (104 degrees F)
- Great Place to Relax and Recharge!
- Located at the end of Miette Road
#5 Best Site in Jasper – Bald Hills Trail
Make sure Bald Hills Trail is on your Jasper National Park itinerary. At just over 8 miles round-trip, this will also be the longest hike of our trip in Jasper National Park!
For the first 3 miles of the hike, you’ll be going slightly uphill for most of it. This part isn’t too difficult. However, the last section of the hike is a straight up TREK! That will fuel your hike up the hill.
The Bald Hills Trail is worth the effort though!! The trail takes you over 2,000 feet up to the top of a hill that has one of the most incredible views in all of the Canadian Rockies! In fact, this view is the Canadian Rockies in one image.
From atop the Bald Hills, in the distance you’ll see the jagged snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Just before the peaks is the ENORMOUS Maligne Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes in all of Jasper.
Also, on top of the Bald Hills you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction. If you have binoculars, bring them along! We could spot a herd of elk in the distance, and another animal we couldn’t make out. But that’s just because we were dummies and forgot our binoculars.
Hike Details
Bald Hills Trail Google Maps Link
- Distance: 13.2 km (8.2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 700 m (2300 ft)
- Trailhead: Maligne Lake
#4 Best Site in Jasper – Sunwapta Falls Hike
Coming in at number 4 is our favorite waterfall in Jasper National Park: Sunwapta Falls. This was one of the most picturesque waterfalls we have EVER seen, and we did the hike to Havasupai Falls! It is easily one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
Sunwapta Falls is such a beautiful waterfall for a few reasons. First off, the topography of the falls itself. The river splits about 100 yards upstream from the falls, and the 2 halves rejoin each other right before they fall over the cliffside. That forms an incredible island that is visible just behind the falls themselves.
Secondly, the water color is almost beyond belief here. The falls have some of the same water that is present in the alpine lakes, and share some color characteristics with that awesome water. The bright blue color of these falls makes the painting just that much prettier!
A third reason that Sunwapta Falls is so awesome is because of the background. There is a huge mountain perfectly framing the falls as the backdrop. In addition, the pine forest seems to fully engulf the falls and gives a perfect green accent to the blue of the water and sky.
Sunwapta Falls does involve a hike to reach it, however it is by no means anything difficult. The hike is about 1 mile each way, and does not have much in terms of elevation gain.
In fact, the hike is almost a bonus because it means there will be less tourists at Sunwapta Falls! As with most National Parks, tourists tend to go to the sites that don’t have hiking, so anything that involves a hike to reach will be much less packed!
Hike Details
Sunwapta Falls Google Maps Link
- Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Sunwapta Falls trailhead off Hwy 93
#3 Best Site in Jasper – Columbia Ice Fields
At number 3 of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer is the most famous place in the park: the Columbia Ice Fields. If you hear the name Athabasca Glacier, that is the name of this particular section of the Ice Fields.
Now, the Columbia Ice Fields are able to be seen from Columbia Ice Fields Parkway (Hwy 93) but don’t let that fool you. You DO have to walk a little ways to get to the toe of the glacier.
There are 2 ways to explore the glacier. We chose to do the free option, since we do everything on a budget.
Hiking from the highway parking lot to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is free, and we think it is a must-do! Along the walk, which will take about 15 minutes each way, there are signs that describe the lifecycle of the Columbia Ice Fields and the Athabasca Glacier.
This is extremely interesting, and shows how the glacier has been receding in the last 100 years or so. In the picture below you can see how far the glacier stuck out back in 2006!
If you are still itching for more adventure on the ice field, then you should do option 2: an excursion ON TOP OF the glacier!
There is a Columbia Ice Field Trek that takes a crazy-looking machine out on top of the glacier! On this trek, you can actually set foot on the glacier and walk around some of the oldest ice on earth!
Ice Fields Details
Columbia Ice Fields Google Maps Link
- Largest Ice Field in the Rocky Mountains
- Free Hike to the Base of the Fields
- Or Pay for a Tour on Top of the Fields
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#2 Best Site in Jasper – Maligne Lake
Our silver medal thing to do in Jasper in summer is to visit Maligne Lake! If you’ll remember, the hike to Bald Hills Trail actually starts at Maligne Lake, so it is best to do these on the same day!
Maligne Lake looks incredible from atop the Bald Hills, but it is just as pretty at the bottom. And there is a ton of things to do here!
First off, there’s a beach where the bravest in your group can jump in the lake! Why do they have to be brave? Because this lake is cooooooooold. We took a few steps in but then wimped out and hung out along shore for the rests of the day.
Secondly, you can take a boat out onto the lake itself! If you want to drive the boat, you can rent a canoe or kayak. And there are also Maligne Lake boat cruises where you can sit back and enjoy the ride!
Maligne lake is freaking huge! We are talking over 7 square miles of water. And as a result there is also a ton of shoreline to explore! This was our favorite place in the park to hang out and soak up the sun.
Yes, you heard right, we said soak up the sun. Even though we are getting pretty far North, the Summer can get quite hot and Maligne Lake is a great place to hang out in the sun!
We recommend you pack a picnic and make a full day out of it. Eat, relax, enjoy the view, and walk the shoreline when you need to stretch your legs. Heck, even read a book! Click here for our favorite book recommendations.
Lake Details
- Enormous Lake with tons of Trails and Activities
- Area: 19.7 sq km (7.6 sq mi)
- Located at the end of Maligne Lake Road
#1 Best Site in Jasper – Valley of 5 Lakes Hiking Trail
Whew, we finally made it! The number one thing to do in Jasper National Park in summer. Our favorite place in the park is, you guessed it, a hike. But not just any hike, a hike to FIVE LAKES!
The Valley of Five Lakes hike was one of the coolest and most unique hikes we have ever done. And a special bonus: it was named by someone with absolutely 0 creative bones in their body!
- First Lake
- Second Lake
- Third Lake
- Fourth Lake
- Fifth Lake
The Valley of Five Lakes hike is a loop that is just under 3 miles, and doesn’t involve much elevation gain. You’ll be trekking through the forest and then BAM, another stunning lake is right in front of you.
If you want to go swimming, HERE is the place to do it. The water temperature isn’t exactly bath water, but it is warmer than all of the other places in the park.
The best part about all of the lakes along this trail is their color. The lakes range from a deep blue to bright green, with shades of sapphire and emerald in between.
On top of that, the colors seem to change as you walk around each lake. We have no idea why, but try it out for yourself! On one side a lake will look deep green, and on the other side it will be blue and reflective!
The final reason that Valley of Five Lakes is number 1 on our countdown? The fact that it is SO underrated! Valley of Five Lakes is basically empty!
Hike Details
Valley of Five Lakes Google Maps Link
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Valley of Five Lakes Trailhead off Hwy 93
Jasper National Park Itinerary
As promised, we put together an itinerary for you to explore Jasper National Park. With this Jasper National Park itinerary, you will hit all of our top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, and you’ll minimize your driving while you do.
Note: This itinerary assumes you will be driving to Jasper from the South and leaving to the South, as we did. If you fly into Calgary or drive up from Banff, this will be the case. If you are coming from somewhere else, you’ll want to move some things around.
Day 1 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Columbia Ice Fields
- Columbia Ice Field Discovery Center
- Athabasca Falls
- Explore the town of Jasper
Day 2 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Cavell Meadows Trail
- Miette Hot Springs
Day 3 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Maligne Lake
- Bald Hills Trail
Day 4 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Valley of 5 Lakes
- Sunwapta Falls
Camping
As we do in every National Park, we were able to find free campsites to stay at just outside of the Jasper National Park! All of these campsites were in incredibly beautiful areas, surrounded by lush pine forests with rivers running nearby.
Full disclosure: some of the sites we stayed at had some roads that were challenging to traverse. However, we took it slow and we ended up just fine.
We found all of our free campsites using iOlverlander, which we have found is an incredible crowd-sourced tool for finding free sites. If you have any questions about our campsites, please reach out in the comments and we will tell you all we can!
Dogs in Jasper National Park
Question: What is the best part about Canadian National Parks?
Answer: Dogs are allowed!
Unlike in most other National Parks, you can bring your furry four-legged friends to Jasper National Park! Having a dog along in Jasper National Park is great because you can spoil them with awesome experiences AND of course make them pose for an awesome photoshoot!
Now, dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park. There are some trails that dogs aren’t allowed on due to wildlife activity, and of course they aren’t allowed in every building. But still, having your dog along in Jasper is going to make the trip that much more special!
Jasper National Park Wildlife
Jasper is known for having some of the most incredible wildlife of any National Park on earth. Looking for and spotting wildlife is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer. The following list of animals are the big wildlife that you are most likely to see while hiking and driving around the park:
- Elk
- Caribou
- Moose
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mule Deer
Wolves and mountain lions are also present in Jasper, however they typically are wary of people and keep to themselves.
Of course, if you do come across some wildlife, admire them from a safe distance! It is a magical experience to come across a beautiful moose or a black bear, but make sure to follow the National Park rules and don’t approach them.
Gear Recommendations
As with any trip, you have to have the proper gear packed to fully enjoy the experience! Here is some gear that we recommend if you plan on maximizing your adventure while doing the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer!
We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Hiking Gear
Hiking is our favorite activity, and Jasper National Park has some pretty dang incredible hikes! We bring this gear on all the hikes we do, and are ALWAYS thankful for having it along.
Photography Gear
Of course, we love capturing as much as we can in the places we visit. Here is the photography equipment we travel with, and as a result we are able to get different perspectives and capture awesome moments so that we have them for the future!
Camping Gear
When camping, we always make our own food, and try to be as off-grid as possible. It just feels more outdoorsy to be cooking up a meal over a camp stove compared to picking up food at a drive-thru and bringing it to the campsite! Here is our camping gear we use and love.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our countdown of the top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, the recommended Jasper National Park itinerary, and more helpful tips and tricks for your adventure. Next stop, Jasper National Park, enjoy!
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy our articles on Banff National Park and Yoho National Park!
If you loved this article, please use the below images to Pin It and save for later. And if you have any questions or comments, please reach out in the comments!
The highlight of this trail is the active glacier that you will see and hike alongside for much of the route! Angel Glacier is a living glacier that you can hike right up to if you wish to.
One very unique part about this hike is that you can see the full lifecycle of the glacier, called the ‘Path of the Glacier’ on this trail. When you look up you see the huge ice field, and as your eyes move downwards you see the ice melting into a stream and flowing into the alpine lake that has formed with glacial runoff!
Now, you are NOT going to want to go swimming in this lake. As you can see in the pictures, there are still icebergs in the water, which means that it will freeze your little buns off! And besides, there are lakes we can swim in further down the countdown…
Along the Cavell Meadows Trail, wildlife is known to frequently explore, including the Canadian bears. We didn’t see any wildlife during our trip, however it is best to be prepared! Have bear spray along just in case and make noise as you are hiking.
Hike Details
Edith Cavell Trail Google Maps Link
- Distance: 6.1 km (3.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 400 m (1310 ft)
- Trailhead: Edith Cavell Trailhead
#7 Best Site in Jasper – Athabasca Falls
At number 7 is a site that does not require any hiking to see: Athabasca Falls! This is easily one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
This magnificent waterfall is located right off the Icefields Parkway Hwy 93 and is best done right as your driving north towards the town of Jasper from the Columbia Icefields!
Just because Athabasca Falls is easy to get to does NOT mean that it is not incredible. This waterfall is one of those that you can sit and watch for 30 minutes and not get bored, just because of the sheer POWER that it has. Water is flowing so fast and falling so far and in such a high volume that it left us awestruck!
At Athabasca Falls there is a boardwalk where you can walk from one side of the falls to the other, and get many different perspectives on the site. We recommend taking your time and exploring the area all around the falls, even some of the forest trails that are there!
Another reason to stop at Athabasca Falls, as if you needed one, is for a break from driving. As we’ll go over later, this stop is during Day 1, where we are also visiting the Columbia Ice Fields and driving up to the town of Jasper.
Waterfall Details
Athabasca Falls Google Maps Link
- Class 5 Waterfall with an 80 Foot Drop
- We were in AWE of the POWER of these Falls
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#6 Best Site in Jasper – Miette Hot Springs
Coming in at number 6 on our things to do in Jasper in summer countdown is the Miette Hot Springs. People, it is time for some rest and relaxation! Miette Hot Springs is only open in the summer so take advantage.
Miette Hot Springs is the best hot springs in Jasper. In fact, pretty sure it is the only ones… Full disclosure: this is not free. It does cost about $17 per person to enter and use the springs. However, you also get a shower after! If you are camping or living the van life, that shower is HUGE! That’s what sold us…
The Miette Hot Springs are a perfect place to hang out and relax for a few hours, even all day if you’d like! We found that it was best to do after a hike, especially if it is a cold day. There is NOTHING like hot springs on a cold day, they are just SO much more refreshing!
Hot Springs Details
Miette Hot Springs Google Maps Link
- Approximate Water Temperature: 40 degrees C (104 degrees F)
- Great Place to Relax and Recharge!
- Located at the end of Miette Road
#5 Best Site in Jasper – Bald Hills Trail
Make sure Bald Hills Trail is on your Jasper National Park itinerary. At just over 8 miles round-trip, this will also be the longest hike of our trip in Jasper National Park!
For the first 3 miles of the hike, you’ll be going slightly uphill for most of it. This part isn’t too difficult. However, the last section of the hike is a straight up TREK! That will fuel your hike up the hill.
The Bald Hills Trail is worth the effort though!! The trail takes you over 2,000 feet up to the top of a hill that has one of the most incredible views in all of the Canadian Rockies! In fact, this view is the Canadian Rockies in one image.
From atop the Bald Hills, in the distance you’ll see the jagged snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Just before the peaks is the ENORMOUS Maligne Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes in all of Jasper.
Also, on top of the Bald Hills you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction. If you have binoculars, bring them along! We could spot a herd of elk in the distance, and another animal we couldn’t make out. But that’s just because we were dummies and forgot our binoculars.
Hike Details
Bald Hills Trail Google Maps Link
- Distance: 13.2 km (8.2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 700 m (2300 ft)
- Trailhead: Maligne Lake
#4 Best Site in Jasper – Sunwapta Falls Hike
Coming in at number 4 is our favorite waterfall in Jasper National Park: Sunwapta Falls. This was one of the most picturesque waterfalls we have EVER seen, and we did the hike to Havasupai Falls! It is easily one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
Sunwapta Falls is such a beautiful waterfall for a few reasons. First off, the topography of the falls itself. The river splits about 100 yards upstream from the falls, and the 2 halves rejoin each other right before they fall over the cliffside. That forms an incredible island that is visible just behind the falls themselves.
Secondly, the water color is almost beyond belief here. The falls have some of the same water that is present in the alpine lakes, and share some color characteristics with that awesome water. The bright blue color of these falls makes the painting just that much prettier!
A third reason that Sunwapta Falls is so awesome is because of the background. There is a huge mountain perfectly framing the falls as the backdrop. In addition, the pine forest seems to fully engulf the falls and gives a perfect green accent to the blue of the water and sky.
Sunwapta Falls does involve a hike to reach it, however it is by no means anything difficult. The hike is about 1 mile each way, and does not have much in terms of elevation gain.
In fact, the hike is almost a bonus because it means there will be less tourists at Sunwapta Falls! As with most National Parks, tourists tend to go to the sites that don’t have hiking, so anything that involves a hike to reach will be much less packed!
Hike Details
Sunwapta Falls Google Maps Link
- Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Sunwapta Falls trailhead off Hwy 93
#3 Best Site in Jasper – Columbia Ice Fields
At number 3 of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer is the most famous place in the park: the Columbia Ice Fields. If you hear the name Athabasca Glacier, that is the name of this particular section of the Ice Fields.
Now, the Columbia Ice Fields are able to be seen from Columbia Ice Fields Parkway (Hwy 93) but don’t let that fool you. You DO have to walk a little ways to get to the toe of the glacier.
There are 2 ways to explore the glacier. We chose to do the free option, since we do everything on a budget.
Hiking from the highway parking lot to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is free, and we think it is a must-do! Along the walk, which will take about 15 minutes each way, there are signs that describe the lifecycle of the Columbia Ice Fields and the Athabasca Glacier.
This is extremely interesting, and shows how the glacier has been receding in the last 100 years or so. In the picture below you can see how far the glacier stuck out back in 2006!
If you are still itching for more adventure on the ice field, then you should do option 2: an excursion ON TOP OF the glacier!
There is a Columbia Ice Field Trek that takes a crazy-looking machine out on top of the glacier! On this trek, you can actually set foot on the glacier and walk around some of the oldest ice on earth!
Ice Fields Details
Columbia Ice Fields Google Maps Link
- Largest Ice Field in the Rocky Mountains
- Free Hike to the Base of the Fields
- Or Pay for a Tour on Top of the Fields
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#2 Best Site in Jasper – Maligne Lake
Our silver medal thing to do in Jasper in summer is to visit Maligne Lake! If you’ll remember, the hike to Bald Hills Trail actually starts at Maligne Lake, so it is best to do these on the same day!
Maligne Lake looks incredible from atop the Bald Hills, but it is just as pretty at the bottom. And there is a ton of things to do here!
First off, there’s a beach where the bravest in your group can jump in the lake! Why do they have to be brave? Because this lake is cooooooooold. We took a few steps in but then wimped out and hung out along shore for the rests of the day.
Secondly, you can take a boat out onto the lake itself! If you want to drive the boat, you can rent a canoe or kayak. And there are also Maligne Lake boat cruises where you can sit back and enjoy the ride!
Maligne lake is freaking huge! We are talking over 7 square miles of water. And as a result there is also a ton of shoreline to explore! This was our favorite place in the park to hang out and soak up the sun.
Yes, you heard right, we said soak up the sun. Even though we are getting pretty far North, the Summer can get quite hot and Maligne Lake is a great place to hang out in the sun!
We recommend you pack a picnic and make a full day out of it. Eat, relax, enjoy the view, and walk the shoreline when you need to stretch your legs. Heck, even read a book! Click here for our favorite book recommendations.
Lake Details
- Enormous Lake with tons of Trails and Activities
- Area: 19.7 sq km (7.6 sq mi)
- Located at the end of Maligne Lake Road
#1 Best Site in Jasper – Valley of 5 Lakes Hiking Trail
Whew, we finally made it! The number one thing to do in Jasper National Park in summer. Our favorite place in the park is, you guessed it, a hike. But not just any hike, a hike to FIVE LAKES!
The Valley of Five Lakes hike was one of the coolest and most unique hikes we have ever done. And a special bonus: it was named by someone with absolutely 0 creative bones in their body!
- First Lake
- Second Lake
- Third Lake
- Fourth Lake
- Fifth Lake
The Valley of Five Lakes hike is a loop that is just under 3 miles, and doesn’t involve much elevation gain. You’ll be trekking through the forest and then BAM, another stunning lake is right in front of you.
If you want to go swimming, HERE is the place to do it. The water temperature isn’t exactly bath water, but it is warmer than all of the other places in the park.
The best part about all of the lakes along this trail is their color. The lakes range from a deep blue to bright green, with shades of sapphire and emerald in between.
On top of that, the colors seem to change as you walk around each lake. We have no idea why, but try it out for yourself! On one side a lake will look deep green, and on the other side it will be blue and reflective!
The final reason that Valley of Five Lakes is number 1 on our countdown? The fact that it is SO underrated! Valley of Five Lakes is basically empty!
Hike Details
Valley of Five Lakes Google Maps Link
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Valley of Five Lakes Trailhead off Hwy 93
Jasper National Park Itinerary
As promised, we put together an itinerary for you to explore Jasper National Park. With this Jasper National Park itinerary, you will hit all of our top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, and you’ll minimize your driving while you do.
Note: This itinerary assumes you will be driving to Jasper from the South and leaving to the South, as we did. If you fly into Calgary or drive up from Banff, this will be the case. If you are coming from somewhere else, you’ll want to move some things around.
Day 1 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Columbia Ice Fields
- Columbia Ice Field Discovery Center
- Athabasca Falls
- Explore the town of Jasper
Day 2 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Cavell Meadows Trail
- Miette Hot Springs
Day 3 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Maligne Lake
- Bald Hills Trail
Day 4 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Valley of 5 Lakes
- Sunwapta Falls
Camping
As we do in every National Park, we were able to find free campsites to stay at just outside of the Jasper National Park! All of these campsites were in incredibly beautiful areas, surrounded by lush pine forests with rivers running nearby.
Full disclosure: some of the sites we stayed at had some roads that were challenging to traverse. However, we took it slow and we ended up just fine.
We found all of our free campsites using iOlverlander, which we have found is an incredible crowd-sourced tool for finding free sites. If you have any questions about our campsites, please reach out in the comments and we will tell you all we can!
Dogs in Jasper National Park
Question: What is the best part about Canadian National Parks?
Answer: Dogs are allowed!
Unlike in most other National Parks, you can bring your furry four-legged friends to Jasper National Park! Having a dog along in Jasper National Park is great because you can spoil them with awesome experiences AND of course make them pose for an awesome photoshoot!
Now, dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park. There are some trails that dogs aren’t allowed on due to wildlife activity, and of course they aren’t allowed in every building. But still, having your dog along in Jasper is going to make the trip that much more special!
Jasper National Park Wildlife
Jasper is known for having some of the most incredible wildlife of any National Park on earth. Looking for and spotting wildlife is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer. The following list of animals are the big wildlife that you are most likely to see while hiking and driving around the park:
- Elk
- Caribou
- Moose
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mule Deer
Wolves and mountain lions are also present in Jasper, however they typically are wary of people and keep to themselves.
Of course, if you do come across some wildlife, admire them from a safe distance! It is a magical experience to come across a beautiful moose or a black bear, but make sure to follow the National Park rules and don’t approach them.
Gear Recommendations
As with any trip, you have to have the proper gear packed to fully enjoy the experience! Here is some gear that we recommend if you plan on maximizing your adventure while doing the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer!
We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Hiking Gear
Hiking is our favorite activity, and Jasper National Park has some pretty dang incredible hikes! We bring this gear on all the hikes we do, and are ALWAYS thankful for having it along.
Photography Gear
Of course, we love capturing as much as we can in the places we visit. Here is the photography equipment we travel with, and as a result we are able to get different perspectives and capture awesome moments so that we have them for the future!
Camping Gear
When camping, we always make our own food, and try to be as off-grid as possible. It just feels more outdoorsy to be cooking up a meal over a camp stove compared to picking up food at a drive-thru and bringing it to the campsite! Here is our camping gear we use and love.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our countdown of the top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, the recommended Jasper National Park itinerary, and more helpful tips and tricks for your adventure. Next stop, Jasper National Park, enjoy!
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy our articles on Banff National Park and Yoho National Park!
If you loved this article, please use the below images to Pin It and save for later. And if you have any questions or comments, please reach out in the comments!
So let’s get to it. Here is the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer for one incredible Jasper National Park itinerary!
#8 Best Site in Jasper – Cavell Meadows Hiking Trail
Coming in at number 8 on our countdown of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer is the Cavell Meadows Hiking Trail. This trail, sometimes called the Edith Cavell Trail, is an alpine meadow that takes you deep into the Jasper wilderness.
The highlight of this trail is the active glacier that you will see and hike alongside for much of the route! Angel Glacier is a living glacier that you can hike right up to if you wish to.
One very unique part about this hike is that you can see the full lifecycle of the glacier, called the ‘Path of the Glacier’ on this trail. When you look up you see the huge ice field, and as your eyes move downwards you see the ice melting into a stream and flowing into the alpine lake that has formed with glacial runoff!
Now, you are NOT going to want to go swimming in this lake. As you can see in the pictures, there are still icebergs in the water, which means that it will freeze your little buns off! And besides, there are lakes we can swim in further down the countdown…
Along the Cavell Meadows Trail, wildlife is known to frequently explore, including the Canadian bears. We didn’t see any wildlife during our trip, however it is best to be prepared! Have bear spray along just in case and make noise as you are hiking.
Hike Details
Edith Cavell Trail Google Maps Link
- Distance: 6.1 km (3.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 400 m (1310 ft)
- Trailhead: Edith Cavell Trailhead
#7 Best Site in Jasper – Athabasca Falls
At number 7 is a site that does not require any hiking to see: Athabasca Falls! This is easily one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
This magnificent waterfall is located right off the Icefields Parkway Hwy 93 and is best done right as your driving north towards the town of Jasper from the Columbia Icefields!
Just because Athabasca Falls is easy to get to does NOT mean that it is not incredible. This waterfall is one of those that you can sit and watch for 30 minutes and not get bored, just because of the sheer POWER that it has. Water is flowing so fast and falling so far and in such a high volume that it left us awestruck!
At Athabasca Falls there is a boardwalk where you can walk from one side of the falls to the other, and get many different perspectives on the site. We recommend taking your time and exploring the area all around the falls, even some of the forest trails that are there!
Another reason to stop at Athabasca Falls, as if you needed one, is for a break from driving. As we’ll go over later, this stop is during Day 1, where we are also visiting the Columbia Ice Fields and driving up to the town of Jasper.
Waterfall Details
Athabasca Falls Google Maps Link
- Class 5 Waterfall with an 80 Foot Drop
- We were in AWE of the POWER of these Falls
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#6 Best Site in Jasper – Miette Hot Springs
Coming in at number 6 on our things to do in Jasper in summer countdown is the Miette Hot Springs. People, it is time for some rest and relaxation! Miette Hot Springs is only open in the summer so take advantage.
Miette Hot Springs is the best hot springs in Jasper. In fact, pretty sure it is the only ones… Full disclosure: this is not free. It does cost about $17 per person to enter and use the springs. However, you also get a shower after! If you are camping or living the van life, that shower is HUGE! That’s what sold us…
The Miette Hot Springs are a perfect place to hang out and relax for a few hours, even all day if you’d like! We found that it was best to do after a hike, especially if it is a cold day. There is NOTHING like hot springs on a cold day, they are just SO much more refreshing!
Hot Springs Details
Miette Hot Springs Google Maps Link
- Approximate Water Temperature: 40 degrees C (104 degrees F)
- Great Place to Relax and Recharge!
- Located at the end of Miette Road
#5 Best Site in Jasper – Bald Hills Trail
Make sure Bald Hills Trail is on your Jasper National Park itinerary. At just over 8 miles round-trip, this will also be the longest hike of our trip in Jasper National Park!
For the first 3 miles of the hike, you’ll be going slightly uphill for most of it. This part isn’t too difficult. However, the last section of the hike is a straight up TREK! That will fuel your hike up the hill.
The Bald Hills Trail is worth the effort though!! The trail takes you over 2,000 feet up to the top of a hill that has one of the most incredible views in all of the Canadian Rockies! In fact, this view is the Canadian Rockies in one image.
From atop the Bald Hills, in the distance you’ll see the jagged snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Just before the peaks is the ENORMOUS Maligne Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes in all of Jasper.
Also, on top of the Bald Hills you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction. If you have binoculars, bring them along! We could spot a herd of elk in the distance, and another animal we couldn’t make out. But that’s just because we were dummies and forgot our binoculars.
Hike Details
Bald Hills Trail Google Maps Link
- Distance: 13.2 km (8.2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 700 m (2300 ft)
- Trailhead: Maligne Lake
#4 Best Site in Jasper – Sunwapta Falls Hike
Coming in at number 4 is our favorite waterfall in Jasper National Park: Sunwapta Falls. This was one of the most picturesque waterfalls we have EVER seen, and we did the hike to Havasupai Falls! It is easily one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
Sunwapta Falls is such a beautiful waterfall for a few reasons. First off, the topography of the falls itself. The river splits about 100 yards upstream from the falls, and the 2 halves rejoin each other right before they fall over the cliffside. That forms an incredible island that is visible just behind the falls themselves.
Secondly, the water color is almost beyond belief here. The falls have some of the same water that is present in the alpine lakes, and share some color characteristics with that awesome water. The bright blue color of these falls makes the painting just that much prettier!
A third reason that Sunwapta Falls is so awesome is because of the background. There is a huge mountain perfectly framing the falls as the backdrop. In addition, the pine forest seems to fully engulf the falls and gives a perfect green accent to the blue of the water and sky.
Sunwapta Falls does involve a hike to reach it, however it is by no means anything difficult. The hike is about 1 mile each way, and does not have much in terms of elevation gain.
In fact, the hike is almost a bonus because it means there will be less tourists at Sunwapta Falls! As with most National Parks, tourists tend to go to the sites that don’t have hiking, so anything that involves a hike to reach will be much less packed!
Hike Details
Sunwapta Falls Google Maps Link
- Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Sunwapta Falls trailhead off Hwy 93
#3 Best Site in Jasper – Columbia Ice Fields
At number 3 of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer is the most famous place in the park: the Columbia Ice Fields. If you hear the name Athabasca Glacier, that is the name of this particular section of the Ice Fields.
Now, the Columbia Ice Fields are able to be seen from Columbia Ice Fields Parkway (Hwy 93) but don’t let that fool you. You DO have to walk a little ways to get to the toe of the glacier.
There are 2 ways to explore the glacier. We chose to do the free option, since we do everything on a budget.
Hiking from the highway parking lot to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is free, and we think it is a must-do! Along the walk, which will take about 15 minutes each way, there are signs that describe the lifecycle of the Columbia Ice Fields and the Athabasca Glacier.
This is extremely interesting, and shows how the glacier has been receding in the last 100 years or so. In the picture below you can see how far the glacier stuck out back in 2006!
If you are still itching for more adventure on the ice field, then you should do option 2: an excursion ON TOP OF the glacier!
There is a Columbia Ice Field Trek that takes a crazy-looking machine out on top of the glacier! On this trek, you can actually set foot on the glacier and walk around some of the oldest ice on earth!
Ice Fields Details
Columbia Ice Fields Google Maps Link
- Largest Ice Field in the Rocky Mountains
- Free Hike to the Base of the Fields
- Or Pay for a Tour on Top of the Fields
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#2 Best Site in Jasper – Maligne Lake
Our silver medal thing to do in Jasper in summer is to visit Maligne Lake! If you’ll remember, the hike to Bald Hills Trail actually starts at Maligne Lake, so it is best to do these on the same day!
Maligne Lake looks incredible from atop the Bald Hills, but it is just as pretty at the bottom. And there is a ton of things to do here!
First off, there’s a beach where the bravest in your group can jump in the lake! Why do they have to be brave? Because this lake is cooooooooold. We took a few steps in but then wimped out and hung out along shore for the rests of the day.
Secondly, you can take a boat out onto the lake itself! If you want to drive the boat, you can rent a canoe or kayak. And there are also Maligne Lake boat cruises where you can sit back and enjoy the ride!
Maligne lake is freaking huge! We are talking over 7 square miles of water. And as a result there is also a ton of shoreline to explore! This was our favorite place in the park to hang out and soak up the sun.
Yes, you heard right, we said soak up the sun. Even though we are getting pretty far North, the Summer can get quite hot and Maligne Lake is a great place to hang out in the sun!
We recommend you pack a picnic and make a full day out of it. Eat, relax, enjoy the view, and walk the shoreline when you need to stretch your legs. Heck, even read a book! Click here for our favorite book recommendations.
Lake Details
- Enormous Lake with tons of Trails and Activities
- Area: 19.7 sq km (7.6 sq mi)
- Located at the end of Maligne Lake Road
#1 Best Site in Jasper – Valley of 5 Lakes Hiking Trail
Whew, we finally made it! The number one thing to do in Jasper National Park in summer. Our favorite place in the park is, you guessed it, a hike. But not just any hike, a hike to FIVE LAKES!
The Valley of Five Lakes hike was one of the coolest and most unique hikes we have ever done. And a special bonus: it was named by someone with absolutely 0 creative bones in their body!
- First Lake
- Second Lake
- Third Lake
- Fourth Lake
- Fifth Lake
The Valley of Five Lakes hike is a loop that is just under 3 miles, and doesn’t involve much elevation gain. You’ll be trekking through the forest and then BAM, another stunning lake is right in front of you.
If you want to go swimming, HERE is the place to do it. The water temperature isn’t exactly bath water, but it is warmer than all of the other places in the park.
The best part about all of the lakes along this trail is their color. The lakes range from a deep blue to bright green, with shades of sapphire and emerald in between.
On top of that, the colors seem to change as you walk around each lake. We have no idea why, but try it out for yourself! On one side a lake will look deep green, and on the other side it will be blue and reflective!
The final reason that Valley of Five Lakes is number 1 on our countdown? The fact that it is SO underrated! Valley of Five Lakes is basically empty!
Hike Details
Valley of Five Lakes Google Maps Link
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Valley of Five Lakes Trailhead off Hwy 93
Jasper National Park Itinerary
As promised, we put together an itinerary for you to explore Jasper National Park. With this Jasper National Park itinerary, you will hit all of our top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, and you’ll minimize your driving while you do.
Note: This itinerary assumes you will be driving to Jasper from the South and leaving to the South, as we did. If you fly into Calgary or drive up from Banff, this will be the case. If you are coming from somewhere else, you’ll want to move some things around.
Day 1 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Columbia Ice Fields
- Columbia Ice Field Discovery Center
- Athabasca Falls
- Explore the town of Jasper
Day 2 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Cavell Meadows Trail
- Miette Hot Springs
Day 3 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Maligne Lake
- Bald Hills Trail
Day 4 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Valley of 5 Lakes
- Sunwapta Falls
Camping
As we do in every National Park, we were able to find free campsites to stay at just outside of the Jasper National Park! All of these campsites were in incredibly beautiful areas, surrounded by lush pine forests with rivers running nearby.
Full disclosure: some of the sites we stayed at had some roads that were challenging to traverse. However, we took it slow and we ended up just fine.
We found all of our free campsites using iOlverlander, which we have found is an incredible crowd-sourced tool for finding free sites. If you have any questions about our campsites, please reach out in the comments and we will tell you all we can!
Dogs in Jasper National Park
Question: What is the best part about Canadian National Parks?
Answer: Dogs are allowed!
Unlike in most other National Parks, you can bring your furry four-legged friends to Jasper National Park! Having a dog along in Jasper National Park is great because you can spoil them with awesome experiences AND of course make them pose for an awesome photoshoot!
Now, dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park. There are some trails that dogs aren’t allowed on due to wildlife activity, and of course they aren’t allowed in every building. But still, having your dog along in Jasper is going to make the trip that much more special!
Jasper National Park Wildlife
Jasper is known for having some of the most incredible wildlife of any National Park on earth. Looking for and spotting wildlife is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer. The following list of animals are the big wildlife that you are most likely to see while hiking and driving around the park:
- Elk
- Caribou
- Moose
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mule Deer
Wolves and mountain lions are also present in Jasper, however they typically are wary of people and keep to themselves.
Of course, if you do come across some wildlife, admire them from a safe distance! It is a magical experience to come across a beautiful moose or a black bear, but make sure to follow the National Park rules and don’t approach them.
Gear Recommendations
As with any trip, you have to have the proper gear packed to fully enjoy the experience! Here is some gear that we recommend if you plan on maximizing your adventure while doing the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer!
We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Hiking Gear
Hiking is our favorite activity, and Jasper National Park has some pretty dang incredible hikes! We bring this gear on all the hikes we do, and are ALWAYS thankful for having it along.
Photography Gear
Of course, we love capturing as much as we can in the places we visit. Here is the photography equipment we travel with, and as a result we are able to get different perspectives and capture awesome moments so that we have them for the future!
Camping Gear
When camping, we always make our own food, and try to be as off-grid as possible. It just feels more outdoorsy to be cooking up a meal over a camp stove compared to picking up food at a drive-thru and bringing it to the campsite! Here is our camping gear we use and love.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our countdown of the top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, the recommended Jasper National Park itinerary, and more helpful tips and tricks for your adventure. Next stop, Jasper National Park, enjoy!
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy our articles on Banff National Park and Yoho National Park!
If you loved this article, please use the below images to Pin It and save for later. And if you have any questions or comments, please reach out in the comments!
Located high in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park is the ultimate summer destination. ALL of the things to do in Jasper National Park in summer are what make this place an unforgettable adventure destination that you NEED to put on your travel bucket list! These must see Jasper sites make for one incredible Jasper National Park itinerary.
Jasper National Park is a place full of lakes & mountain, adventure & sight-seeing. There are hikes in Jasper that will knock your socks off. There are lakes in Jasper that you simply will HAVE to dive into.
Jasper National Park is the furthest North that we have ever been in North America. It is a natural wonderland nestled on the Western border of Alberta Canada, just north of Banff National Park and East of Yoho National Park.
Jasper National Park stood out to us because of the the uniqueness of activities that we could do! We typically love hiking, and have been publishing National Park Hiking Guides for every park we’ve visited, however for Jasper that just wouldn’t do! Jasper has so many incredible sights that don’t require hiking!
There is an ENORMOUS Icefield, hot springs, meadow trails, mountain trails, alpine lakes, alpine waterfalls, and so much more! There are so many wonderful things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
However, we are not only going to go through our 8 favorite sites. We are also going to give you the best Jasper National Park itinerary to see all of those sites! The itinerary is scheduled so that you will MINIMIZE driving while MAXIMIZING adventure!
So let’s get to it. Here is the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer for one incredible Jasper National Park itinerary!
#8 Best Site in Jasper – Cavell Meadows Hiking Trail
Coming in at number 8 on our countdown of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer is the Cavell Meadows Hiking Trail. This trail, sometimes called the Edith Cavell Trail, is an alpine meadow that takes you deep into the Jasper wilderness.
The highlight of this trail is the active glacier that you will see and hike alongside for much of the route! Angel Glacier is a living glacier that you can hike right up to if you wish to.
One very unique part about this hike is that you can see the full lifecycle of the glacier, called the ‘Path of the Glacier’ on this trail. When you look up you see the huge ice field, and as your eyes move downwards you see the ice melting into a stream and flowing into the alpine lake that has formed with glacial runoff!
Now, you are NOT going to want to go swimming in this lake. As you can see in the pictures, there are still icebergs in the water, which means that it will freeze your little buns off! And besides, there are lakes we can swim in further down the countdown…
Along the Cavell Meadows Trail, wildlife is known to frequently explore, including the Canadian bears. We didn’t see any wildlife during our trip, however it is best to be prepared! Have bear spray along just in case and make noise as you are hiking.
Hike Details
Edith Cavell Trail Google Maps Link
- Distance: 6.1 km (3.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 400 m (1310 ft)
- Trailhead: Edith Cavell Trailhead
#7 Best Site in Jasper – Athabasca Falls
At number 7 is a site that does not require any hiking to see: Athabasca Falls! This is easily one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
This magnificent waterfall is located right off the Icefields Parkway Hwy 93 and is best done right as your driving north towards the town of Jasper from the Columbia Icefields!
Just because Athabasca Falls is easy to get to does NOT mean that it is not incredible. This waterfall is one of those that you can sit and watch for 30 minutes and not get bored, just because of the sheer POWER that it has. Water is flowing so fast and falling so far and in such a high volume that it left us awestruck!
At Athabasca Falls there is a boardwalk where you can walk from one side of the falls to the other, and get many different perspectives on the site. We recommend taking your time and exploring the area all around the falls, even some of the forest trails that are there!
Another reason to stop at Athabasca Falls, as if you needed one, is for a break from driving. As we’ll go over later, this stop is during Day 1, where we are also visiting the Columbia Ice Fields and driving up to the town of Jasper.
Waterfall Details
Athabasca Falls Google Maps Link
- Class 5 Waterfall with an 80 Foot Drop
- We were in AWE of the POWER of these Falls
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#6 Best Site in Jasper – Miette Hot Springs
Coming in at number 6 on our things to do in Jasper in summer countdown is the Miette Hot Springs. People, it is time for some rest and relaxation! Miette Hot Springs is only open in the summer so take advantage.
Miette Hot Springs is the best hot springs in Jasper. In fact, pretty sure it is the only ones… Full disclosure: this is not free. It does cost about $17 per person to enter and use the springs. However, you also get a shower after! If you are camping or living the van life, that shower is HUGE! That’s what sold us…
The Miette Hot Springs are a perfect place to hang out and relax for a few hours, even all day if you’d like! We found that it was best to do after a hike, especially if it is a cold day. There is NOTHING like hot springs on a cold day, they are just SO much more refreshing!
Hot Springs Details
Miette Hot Springs Google Maps Link
- Approximate Water Temperature: 40 degrees C (104 degrees F)
- Great Place to Relax and Recharge!
- Located at the end of Miette Road
#5 Best Site in Jasper – Bald Hills Trail
Make sure Bald Hills Trail is on your Jasper National Park itinerary. At just over 8 miles round-trip, this will also be the longest hike of our trip in Jasper National Park!
For the first 3 miles of the hike, you’ll be going slightly uphill for most of it. This part isn’t too difficult. However, the last section of the hike is a straight up TREK! That will fuel your hike up the hill.
The Bald Hills Trail is worth the effort though!! The trail takes you over 2,000 feet up to the top of a hill that has one of the most incredible views in all of the Canadian Rockies! In fact, this view is the Canadian Rockies in one image.
From atop the Bald Hills, in the distance you’ll see the jagged snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Just before the peaks is the ENORMOUS Maligne Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes in all of Jasper.
Also, on top of the Bald Hills you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction. If you have binoculars, bring them along! We could spot a herd of elk in the distance, and another animal we couldn’t make out. But that’s just because we were dummies and forgot our binoculars.
Hike Details
Bald Hills Trail Google Maps Link
- Distance: 13.2 km (8.2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 700 m (2300 ft)
- Trailhead: Maligne Lake
#4 Best Site in Jasper – Sunwapta Falls Hike
Coming in at number 4 is our favorite waterfall in Jasper National Park: Sunwapta Falls. This was one of the most picturesque waterfalls we have EVER seen, and we did the hike to Havasupai Falls! It is easily one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer.
Sunwapta Falls is such a beautiful waterfall for a few reasons. First off, the topography of the falls itself. The river splits about 100 yards upstream from the falls, and the 2 halves rejoin each other right before they fall over the cliffside. That forms an incredible island that is visible just behind the falls themselves.
Secondly, the water color is almost beyond belief here. The falls have some of the same water that is present in the alpine lakes, and share some color characteristics with that awesome water. The bright blue color of these falls makes the painting just that much prettier!
A third reason that Sunwapta Falls is so awesome is because of the background. There is a huge mountain perfectly framing the falls as the backdrop. In addition, the pine forest seems to fully engulf the falls and gives a perfect green accent to the blue of the water and sky.
Sunwapta Falls does involve a hike to reach it, however it is by no means anything difficult. The hike is about 1 mile each way, and does not have much in terms of elevation gain.
In fact, the hike is almost a bonus because it means there will be less tourists at Sunwapta Falls! As with most National Parks, tourists tend to go to the sites that don’t have hiking, so anything that involves a hike to reach will be much less packed!
Hike Details
Sunwapta Falls Google Maps Link
- Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Sunwapta Falls trailhead off Hwy 93
#3 Best Site in Jasper – Columbia Ice Fields
At number 3 of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer is the most famous place in the park: the Columbia Ice Fields. If you hear the name Athabasca Glacier, that is the name of this particular section of the Ice Fields.
Now, the Columbia Ice Fields are able to be seen from Columbia Ice Fields Parkway (Hwy 93) but don’t let that fool you. You DO have to walk a little ways to get to the toe of the glacier.
There are 2 ways to explore the glacier. We chose to do the free option, since we do everything on a budget.
Hiking from the highway parking lot to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is free, and we think it is a must-do! Along the walk, which will take about 15 minutes each way, there are signs that describe the lifecycle of the Columbia Ice Fields and the Athabasca Glacier.
This is extremely interesting, and shows how the glacier has been receding in the last 100 years or so. In the picture below you can see how far the glacier stuck out back in 2006!
If you are still itching for more adventure on the ice field, then you should do option 2: an excursion ON TOP OF the glacier!
There is a Columbia Ice Field Trek that takes a crazy-looking machine out on top of the glacier! On this trek, you can actually set foot on the glacier and walk around some of the oldest ice on earth!
Ice Fields Details
Columbia Ice Fields Google Maps Link
- Largest Ice Field in the Rocky Mountains
- Free Hike to the Base of the Fields
- Or Pay for a Tour on Top of the Fields
- Located just off Hwy 93 Icefields Pkwy
#2 Best Site in Jasper – Maligne Lake
Our silver medal thing to do in Jasper in summer is to visit Maligne Lake! If you’ll remember, the hike to Bald Hills Trail actually starts at Maligne Lake, so it is best to do these on the same day!
Maligne Lake looks incredible from atop the Bald Hills, but it is just as pretty at the bottom. And there is a ton of things to do here!
First off, there’s a beach where the bravest in your group can jump in the lake! Why do they have to be brave? Because this lake is cooooooooold. We took a few steps in but then wimped out and hung out along shore for the rests of the day.
Secondly, you can take a boat out onto the lake itself! If you want to drive the boat, you can rent a canoe or kayak. And there are also Maligne Lake boat cruises where you can sit back and enjoy the ride!
Maligne lake is freaking huge! We are talking over 7 square miles of water. And as a result there is also a ton of shoreline to explore! This was our favorite place in the park to hang out and soak up the sun.
Yes, you heard right, we said soak up the sun. Even though we are getting pretty far North, the Summer can get quite hot and Maligne Lake is a great place to hang out in the sun!
We recommend you pack a picnic and make a full day out of it. Eat, relax, enjoy the view, and walk the shoreline when you need to stretch your legs. Heck, even read a book! Click here for our favorite book recommendations.
Lake Details
- Enormous Lake with tons of Trails and Activities
- Area: 19.7 sq km (7.6 sq mi)
- Located at the end of Maligne Lake Road
#1 Best Site in Jasper – Valley of 5 Lakes Hiking Trail
Whew, we finally made it! The number one thing to do in Jasper National Park in summer. Our favorite place in the park is, you guessed it, a hike. But not just any hike, a hike to FIVE LAKES!
The Valley of Five Lakes hike was one of the coolest and most unique hikes we have ever done. And a special bonus: it was named by someone with absolutely 0 creative bones in their body!
- First Lake
- Second Lake
- Third Lake
- Fourth Lake
- Fifth Lake
The Valley of Five Lakes hike is a loop that is just under 3 miles, and doesn’t involve much elevation gain. You’ll be trekking through the forest and then BAM, another stunning lake is right in front of you.
If you want to go swimming, HERE is the place to do it. The water temperature isn’t exactly bath water, but it is warmer than all of the other places in the park.
The best part about all of the lakes along this trail is their color. The lakes range from a deep blue to bright green, with shades of sapphire and emerald in between.
On top of that, the colors seem to change as you walk around each lake. We have no idea why, but try it out for yourself! On one side a lake will look deep green, and on the other side it will be blue and reflective!
The final reason that Valley of Five Lakes is number 1 on our countdown? The fact that it is SO underrated! Valley of Five Lakes is basically empty!
Hike Details
Valley of Five Lakes Google Maps Link
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 150 m (490 ft)
- Trailhead: Valley of Five Lakes Trailhead off Hwy 93
Jasper National Park Itinerary
As promised, we put together an itinerary for you to explore Jasper National Park. With this Jasper National Park itinerary, you will hit all of our top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, and you’ll minimize your driving while you do.
Note: This itinerary assumes you will be driving to Jasper from the South and leaving to the South, as we did. If you fly into Calgary or drive up from Banff, this will be the case. If you are coming from somewhere else, you’ll want to move some things around.
Day 1 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Columbia Ice Fields
- Columbia Ice Field Discovery Center
- Athabasca Falls
- Explore the town of Jasper
Day 2 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Cavell Meadows Trail
- Miette Hot Springs
Day 3 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Maligne Lake
- Bald Hills Trail
Day 4 – Jasper National Park Itinerary
- Valley of 5 Lakes
- Sunwapta Falls
Camping
As we do in every National Park, we were able to find free campsites to stay at just outside of the Jasper National Park! All of these campsites were in incredibly beautiful areas, surrounded by lush pine forests with rivers running nearby.
Full disclosure: some of the sites we stayed at had some roads that were challenging to traverse. However, we took it slow and we ended up just fine.
We found all of our free campsites using iOlverlander, which we have found is an incredible crowd-sourced tool for finding free sites. If you have any questions about our campsites, please reach out in the comments and we will tell you all we can!
Dogs in Jasper National Park
Question: What is the best part about Canadian National Parks?
Answer: Dogs are allowed!
Unlike in most other National Parks, you can bring your furry four-legged friends to Jasper National Park! Having a dog along in Jasper National Park is great because you can spoil them with awesome experiences AND of course make them pose for an awesome photoshoot!
Now, dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park. There are some trails that dogs aren’t allowed on due to wildlife activity, and of course they aren’t allowed in every building. But still, having your dog along in Jasper is going to make the trip that much more special!
Jasper National Park Wildlife
Jasper is known for having some of the most incredible wildlife of any National Park on earth. Looking for and spotting wildlife is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer. The following list of animals are the big wildlife that you are most likely to see while hiking and driving around the park:
- Elk
- Caribou
- Moose
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mule Deer
Wolves and mountain lions are also present in Jasper, however they typically are wary of people and keep to themselves.
Of course, if you do come across some wildlife, admire them from a safe distance! It is a magical experience to come across a beautiful moose or a black bear, but make sure to follow the National Park rules and don’t approach them.
Gear Recommendations
As with any trip, you have to have the proper gear packed to fully enjoy the experience! Here is some gear that we recommend if you plan on maximizing your adventure while doing the best things to do in Jasper National Park in summer!
We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Hiking Gear
Hiking is our favorite activity, and Jasper National Park has some pretty dang incredible hikes! We bring this gear on all the hikes we do, and are ALWAYS thankful for having it along.
Photography Gear
Of course, we love capturing as much as we can in the places we visit. Here is the photography equipment we travel with, and as a result we are able to get different perspectives and capture awesome moments so that we have them for the future!
Camping Gear
When camping, we always make our own food, and try to be as off-grid as possible. It just feels more outdoorsy to be cooking up a meal over a camp stove compared to picking up food at a drive-thru and bringing it to the campsite! Here is our camping gear we use and love.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our countdown of the top 8 things to do in Jasper National Park in summer, the recommended Jasper National Park itinerary, and more helpful tips and tricks for your adventure. Next stop, Jasper National Park, enjoy!
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy our articles on Banff National Park and Yoho National Park!
If you loved this article, please use the below images to Pin It and save for later. And if you have any questions or comments, please reach out in the comments!
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