Top 3 things to see and do in Jasper, Alberta

The Yellowhead Highway takes you through majestic sights in and around Jasper, Alberta

When you think of Jasper National Park it is not hard to conjure up images of breathtaking vistas, glaciers, an abundance of wildlife, deep canyons and waterfalls. With so many options, the difficult thing will be trying to fit in all the things to do and see while you are in the area. 

Spirit Island at Maligne Lake: 

Maligne Lake is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Maligne Lake is approximately 22.5 kilometres long and is 97 metres at its deepest point, in the south end of the lake. The lake is famed for its deep turquoise water colour and the majestic mountains that surround it including three glaciers that can be seen from the lake. Maligne Lake also has one of the most photographed spots in Canada—Spirit Island. You can get to this iconic photo spot by kayak or canoe, or if you aren’t up to 14 kilometres of paddling you can join boat tours that are available in the spring and summer on Maligne Lake. 

• RV parking: Day parking is available.
• Driving instructions: From the east end of the townsite of Jasper, follow Highway 16 east for three kilometres to the bridge across the Athabasca River to the right. Take the left fork from the end of the bridge and follow Maligne Road 48 kilometres to Maligne Lake. Follow the parking signs to three free parking areas and then the walkway through the forest to Maligne Lake.
• Cost:  Free
• Website: [email protected]

Pyramid Lake:

Located six kilometers from Jasper and skirting Pyramid Mountain is this stunning lake of the same name. If the hiking, walking and biking trails don’t keep you busy you can rent a canoe or kayak to see the view from the water. There is a public beach, fishing (with a national park licence), and bird and wildlife watching. As Jasper is an official “dark sky preserve” you can watch the millions of stars from the Pyramid Lake island at night.

• RV Parking: Day parking is available, but it is limited.
• Driving instructions:  Take Pyramid Lake Road at the four-way junction with Bonhomme Street. Follow Pyramid Lake Road five kilometres until you reach the parking lot.
• Cost: Free hiking, biking and walking trails. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, rowboats and motorboats are available to rent from the resort at the lake.

Jasper’s SkyTram:

The Jasper SkyTram takes you from 1,304 metres above sea level to 2,277 metres above sea level in seven minutes. Don’t worry, you aren’t alone on this ride—fully trained “flight attendants” are in the tram to point out the sights and answer any questions you might have. One visitor describes the experience from the upper station: “Once at the top, every view is staggering. Take all the panoramic pics you want but stop and visually drink it in while you're there. Later, it will be hard to believe it was all real.” — Johnny Shabazz

• RV Parking: Day parking is available.
• Driving instructions: Head southwest out of Jasper on Connaught Drive/Highway 16A, cross the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16), and continue south onto the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). Cross over a small bridge in 500 metres; soon there will be signs for the Jasper SkyTram.
• Cost: Adults (16+) $39.95, youth (6-15) $19.95, child (5 and under) free, family package $99.85 (two adults & two youth)
• Website: http://www.jasperskytram.com/