Jasper National Park Attractions Guide Summary
ποΈ Stunning! Breathtaking! Jasper National Park Attractions Guide Summary In todayβs travel diary, Iβm summarizing one of the most incredibly beautiful national parks in western Canada from my summer trip to North America. Itβs absolutely (stunning) and totally rivals those two famous lakes in Banff. Thatβs Jasper National Park [location], nestled in the Canadian Rockies, 1.5 hours northwest of Banff. [location] Jasper is relatively less crowded and more off-the-beaten-path, but its scenery is extraordinaryβboasting more lakes, glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. Letβs start with a comprehensive guide: a 2-day itinerary covering all attractions, hiking spots, and parking areas. All (pure useful info)! Read on for more detailsβIβll share a deeper dive later. π Transportation: Drive from around Edmonton [location] or Calgary [location] for a self-drive trip. Nearby Banff National Park [location] and Yoho National Park [location] can be visited together. π¨ Food & Accommodation: Recommend staying in Banff [location] or Jasper town, but prices are higher. A more affordable option is Hinton [location], a bit further away. π§ Tips: Download offline maps and the Alltrails app for routes. ππ Day 1β£οΈ Early morning: Drive from Calgary [location] to Banff [location] for a quick visit to Banff National Park [location], Lake Louise [location], and Moraine Lake [location]. Afternoon: Head to Jasper National Park [location] via the Icefields Parkway. First, explore remaining highlights in Banff: π Herbert Lake [location] β Spotted a bear here! π Hector Lake [location] β Glacier views and turquoise lake overlooks. π Crowfoot Glacier [location] β Stunning! π Bow Lake [location] Viewpoint β A higher vantage point for Bow Lake [location]. π Bow Lake [location] Car Lot β See Bow Lake and Bow Lake [location] Glacier up close. π Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint [location] β Must-visit! Iconic turquoise lake with an observation deck (short hike required). Continue further for secluded viewpoints (more details later). π Mt Patterson Glacier π Waterfowl Lake [location] π Howse Pass Viewpoint π Weeping Wall [location] π Big Bend [location] After this, youβll enter Jasper [location] territory: π Columbia Icefield [location] β Opt for the Glacier Adventure (ice bus tour) if time allows. π Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trailhead [location] β 1-mile trail to the glacier. Must-do! Get up close to the glacier and experience the Columbia Icefield [location]. π Columbia Icefield [location] Skywalk β A gimmicky man-made glass walkway. π Tangle Creek Falls [location] β Nice roadside waterfall. π Stutfield Glacier Lookout [location] β Too many glaciers to take in! π Athabasca Pass Lookout End of Day 1: Dine in Jasper [location], then stay in Hinton [location]. ππ Day 2β£οΈ Great weather with beautiful mist in the mountains: π Talbot Lake β Gorgeous morning mist. π Jasper Lake Sand Dunes π Emerald Pond β Park here; across from it is a blue lake with morning mist. π Maligne Canyon [location] β Short hike to see the first four bridges, narrow water-eroded canyons, and waterfalls. Awesome! π Medicine Lake [location] β Turquoise lake on the way to Maligne Lake, with parking spots. π Maligne Lake [location] β Take a boat to Spirit Island [location] for serene beauty. (I skipped it due to bad weather.) π Pyramid Lake [location] β Pyramid Mountain [location] reflects in the water. Thereβs a beach here! π Valley of the Five Lakes [location] β Highly recommended! Five emerald-green lakes with a moderate hike (more details later). π Athabasca Falls [location] β Fast-flowing falls against mountain backdrops. Spectacular from the observation deck. π Edith Cavell Trail [location] β Must-visit! Mount Edith Cavell #AngelGlacier#Glaciersandicefallsyoucanalmosttouch
