The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Jasper National Park with Kids
Visiting Jasper National Park with kids can be an incredibly memorable experience.
Not only is the park known for its breathtaking scenery, but it is also filled with wildlife viewing opportunities and offers a ton of fun things to do for the whole family.
During our trips to Jasper, we had a fantastic time. And while we packed our itinerary with a ton of stuff, we still didn’t get to experience it all!
So we are sharing our best tips to help you make the most out of your trip to Jasper.
Let’s dive in!
Before We Get Started…
So, you may or may not know this, but the town of Jasper was hit quite hard by wildfires in 2024.
The town suffered some incredible and heartbreaking losses of businesses, historic sites, as well as homes.
If you are going to visit Jasper, please support the local businesses as they rebuild.
And while we have tried to update this post as much as possible, some of the hotels and businesses that we mention may not be operating at this time.
Since we are not local, please double-check what is running before heading into Jasper.
What is Jasper National Park?
Jasper National Park is the largest park in the Canadian Rockies. Established in 1907, Jasper spans 10,878 square kilometres (4200 square miles) of incredible mountains, lush forests, glaciers, mind-blowing turquoise lakes and rivers, and gorgeous alpine meadows.
Jasper National Park has the distinction of being named one of only 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada. It is also the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world.
Home to more than 1200 kilometres (660 miles) of trails, scenic drives, winter sports, and a wide variety of wildlife-spotting opportunities, there are a ton of things to do in Jasper for families.
Where is Jasper National Park Located?
Jasper National Park is located in western Alberta. It is situated 370 km (192 mi) west of Edmonton, 404 km (256 mi) northwest of Calgary, and 805 km (500 mi) northeast of Vancouver.
You can get to Jasper National Park via the Trans-Canada Highway #16 (also called the Yellowhead Highway). The Trans-Canada runs through the park and is the main route to and from the Jasper townsite.
The Icefields Parkway also connects Jasper with the Trans-Canada Highway #1 near Lake Louise and Banff.
Is Jasper Worth Visiting?
Not only does Jasper have jaw-dropping mountain views, hiking trails, and gorgeous glacier-fed lakes and waterfalls, but it is also filled with an incredible amount of great things to do both in summer and winter.
If you are already heading to Banff National Park, we would definitely recommend also visiting Jasper National Park for a few days.
How to Get to Jasper National Park
There are several ways to get to Jasper National Park, depending on where you are coming from.
Some options focus more on getting there as quickly as possible, while others allow you to enjoy the journey!
By Air
Unfortunately, Jasper does not have its own airport, so you would need to fly into either Edmonton International Airport (YEG) or Calgary International Airport (YYC).
The Edmonton airport is closer, but if you have the time, the drive from Calgary is definitely more scenic!
Once you arrive at the airport, you have a few options for getting to Jasper. You can either rent a car and drive, catch a bus, hop on a private shuttle, or even use a rideshare service.
🚗 Find the best rates for car rentals in Jasper here.
By Car
Of course, having a vehicle, whether it’s your own or a rental, allows you the most freedom to explore Jasper and the surrounding area.
And no matter where your starting point is, you will be in for several hours of driving to get to the townsite.
By Train
Another option for getting to Jasper is by train. This is a great choice for people who do not wish to make the long drive or who are not in any particular hurry.
A train trip from Edmonton to Jasper on board VIA Rail Canada usually takes 6 hours and 29 minutes. This is a direct route and runs daily.
And if you are looking to make your journey to Jasper part of your vacation experience, The Rocky Mountaineer also has a route from Vancouver.
Their luxury trains offer a one-way trip for either 2 or 4 days and allow for sightseeing stops along the way.
By Bus
Taking a bus from either the Calgary or Edmonton airports is another possibility. You can sit back, relax, not worry about traffic or road conditions, and still arrive in Jasper in a reasonable amount of time.
There are a few options for bus services to Jasper, depending on which city you are departing from. Sundog Tours, Brewster Express, and Greyhound are all popular choices that will offer the most direct routes.
Distances to Jasper
- Vancouver to Jasper Distance: 898 km or 10 hours 17 minutes
- Edmonton to Jasper Distance: 365 km or 3 hours 54 minutes
- Lake Louise to Jasper Distance: 233 km or 2 hours 48 minutes
- Banff to Jasper Distance: 288 km or 3 hours 23 minutes
- Calgary to Jasper Distance: 413 Km or 4 hours 43 minutes
Do You Need to Pay Admission to Get into Jasper National Park?
Yes. Visiting Jasper National Park requires a Parks Canada pass in order to enter.
Passes can either be purchased in the Visitor Center in downtown Jasper, at the park entrance gates.
They can also be purchased in advance online. For more information, visit the Parks Canada website.
As far as the passes go, you also have a couple of options to choose from:
1. Purchase a Day Pass
A day pass allows entry into Jasper National Park for one day. The daily passes expire at 4 pm the following day. The cost is:
- Adult: $10.00
- Senior: $8.40
- Youth (up to 17 yo): FREE
- Family/group (up to 7 people): $20.00
- Commercial group (per person): $8.40
2. Purchase a Discovery Pass
A Parks Canada “Discovery Pass” can be purchased and used in any Canadian National Park, and is valid for one full year. The cost is:
- Adult: $69.19
- Senior: $59.17
- Family/group: $139.40
How to Get Around When Visiting Jasper National Park
The town of Jasper is very walkable. If you are only planning to stay within the townsite, there really is no need for a vehicle. However, if you are going to visit any of the nearby attractions, which is what most people have planned, then you will have some decisions to make.
Parking
Off-Street parking within downtown Jasper is free, but spots tend to fill up quickly during the peak season. As of July 2021, on-street parking, however, is no longer free.
The cost for parking is $2 per hour between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. To pay for parking, visitors will need to download an app, scan/tap a sign, or visit the administration office.
Car
If you arrived in Jasper using a form of transportation other than a car, it is possible to rent one in town.
There is a good chance that many of the attractions and sites you are interested in are pretty spread out. So, having your own vehicle is definitely the best bet.
Speed limits in the park are restricted to 90 kph (about 55 mph) on major roads and 60 kph (about 37 mph) on smaller side roads.
Snow tires or chains are legally required for travel on all roads (except Highway 1 and Highway 16) between November and mid-March.
Transit
The townsite of Jasper does not have a transit bus system available. The only buses that come into town are the Greyhound buses with service to Edmonton and Vancouver, or the tour buses.
Guided Tours
Taking a guided tour can be a great way to explore Jasper National Park.
Not only is transportation and hotel pick-up/drop-off taken care of, but you also have the advantage of having a knowledgeable guide on board.
Taxi
There are a few taxi companies (like Caribou Cabs) that operate in and around downtown Jasper. We would not recommend depending on them as a mode of transportation for exploring the National Park, however.
Not only will the taxi fees add up quickly, but wait times can be long if you are calling from a remote area in the park.
Trails/walkways
The Jasper Discovery Trail is a popular walking trail that takes you literally around the town! This easy-to-moderate 8.3 km loop, with 120 m of elevation gain and loss, will introduce you to the nature and history of Jasper.
The Jasper Discovery Trail can be started from almost anywhere in town by following the bear symbol. And aside from a few steep inclines on the northwest section of the trail, this well-marked walk is perfect for almost anyone.
When is the Best Time for Visiting Jasper National Park?
The most popular time for visiting Jasper National Park is during the summer months, between June and mid-September. This is when all the attractions, trails, and shops are open.
Of course, peak season is also when the crowds are biggest and prices for accommodations tend to be highest.
Mid-September to mid-October tends to be less busy, but the weather is still nice enough to enjoy the outdoor adventures.
Just like Banff, Jasper tends to get pretty busy again for the winter ski season. The crowds may not be as big as during the summer, but the prices become inflated again during this time.
What is the Weather Like in Jasper?
Weather in the mountains tends to be unpredictable and can change very quickly.
We always recommend being prepared with a variety of clothing options, no matter what time of year you are thinking of heading to Jasper.
With that being said, summer is definitely the most comfortable time to visit.
At this time of year, temperatures can reach above 30 degrees Celsius during the day, but can still dip below zero at night.
In the winter months, you can expect average temperatures to sit below zero.
However, it’s not unheard of for temperatures to plummet as low as -45 degrees Celsius at night!
Things to Do in Jasper National Park with Kids
Depending on what your family likes and how long you are visiting Jasper National Park, there are a ton of activities to fill your day.
From hiking trails to shopping, to a variety of guided excursions and attractions, there really is something in Jasper for everyone.
We have put together a very short list of some of our favourite things to do while visiting Jasper National Park:
Where to Stay When Visiting Jasper National Park with Kids
There are quite a few options when it comes to accommodations in Jasper.
And depending on what kind of experience you are looking for, and what your budget is, you will find some pretty amazing places to stay both downtown and outside of the Jasper townsite.
Why Stay In Downtown Jasper?
Downtown Jasper is the best place to stay if you like the convenience of having all the essentials – restaurants, shops, groceries, etc. right outside your front door.
And when it’s time to go exploring, all you need to do is just hop in the car and drive a few minutes in any direction, and you will be in the mountains!
The Best Places to Stay in Downtown Jasper
The following is a list of the best places to stay in downtown Jasper, keeping a variety of budgets in mind:
Budget
Jasper Downtown Hostel – If you are looking for truly budget accommodations in downtown Jasper, then a hostel may be your best bet. The Jasper Downtown Hostel features WiFi throughout the property.
It has both dormitories and private rooms, as well as shared bathrooms, a kitchen, a lounge, and laundry facilities. Some rooms offer private en-suite bathrooms.
Mid-range
Mount Robson Inn is a hotel with an unbeatable location, just a short walk from the center of Jasper. It has standard rooms, family suites, and even rooms with jacuzzi tubs.
Your stay includes breakfast, and the hotel actually has on-site parking! The rooms are clean, although a bit dated, and the staff are super friendly.
Mid-range
Whistler’s Inn – The hotel is located right in the center of downtown Jasper. There are 2 on-site restaurants and a pub, 3 on-site gift shops, as well as 2 roof-top hot tubs.
Unfortunately, you will find very few parking spots, and will most likely need to find on-street parking when staying at this hotel.
Luxury
Crimson Hotel – Located right in the middle of downtown Jasper, the Crimson Hotel has a mix of hotel guest rooms, suites, and self-catering studios.
There is an onsite restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, as well as a fitness facility available for guests to use. The hotel even runs a shuttle service to nearby points of interest.
Why Stay Outside of Downtown Jasper?
Many people who are looking to stay in Jasper National Park would prefer quieter accommodations away from town.
And while Jasper is far from a bustling city center, you will still hear the sounds of traffic and urban noises around you.
If you are looking to stay somewhere secluded, that is surrounded by lush forest, nearby hiking trails, and gorgeous mountain vistas, Jasper has a ton of options.
And what may surprise you is that in many cases, you really don’t have to venture too far from town to find a bit of secluded serenity.
Best Places to Stay Near the Town of Jasper
The following is a list of accommodations, such as lodges and cabins, that can be found outside of the Jasper townsite.
Again, we have mentioned at least one accommodation for every type of budget.
Budget
Pine Bungalows – The Pine Bungalows give you a little taste of the wilderness, without giving up any modern facilities.
Although the hotel is located only 2 km from Jasper, you can still wake up every day with fantastic views of the surrounding forest and Athabasca River.
Mid-range
Tekarra Lodge – Located just 2 km away from the Jasper townsite. The lodge features rooms with both a balcony and a stone fireplace.
There is a restaurant on-site, as well as a children’s playground, and a variety of hiking trails. Although you are close to many amenities, you can still wake up to beautiful vistas of the river and the mountains.
Luxury
Pyramid Lake Resort – Only about 5 kilometres from Jasper, this resort sits on the shores of Pyramid Lake. The property is breathtaking, with many incredible facilities and fabulous views of the mountains and the lake.
You will not only find an incredible restaurant onsite, but just step outside to enjoy hiking trails, and a beach complete with canoe and paddleboard rentals.
🏨 Find the best rates for all hotels in Jasper National Park here.
Camping in Jasper National Park
The last type of accommodation that is available in Jasper National Park is camping.
Whether you arrive in an RV or have your tent packed for the adventure, there are several campgrounds in the park with various levels of amenities.
The largest and most popular campground in Jasper National Park is Whistlers Campground. This campground can accommodate almost 800 motorhomes and tents.
Wapiti and Wabasso are two other large campgrounds also found in Jasper. Not all campgrounds are open all year round, so you will need to do your research and plan accordingly.
Most of the large campgrounds have excellent amenities like picnic tables, hot showers, and flushing toilets.
The smaller and more remote campgrounds, however, will only have basic facilities like pit toilets.
And just a heads up, camping has become extremely popular in the Canadian Rockies over the past couple of years.
In most cases, popular locations and times (especially long weekends) are gone shortly after Parks Canada opens its booking system for the season.
Some of the smaller remote campsites still work on a first-come, first-served basis, but most of them require a reservation.
For more information and to make your reservations, visit the Parks Canada website.
Where to Eat When Visiting Jasper National Park with Kids
Connaught Street in downtown Jasper is where you will find the majority of restaurants and places to pick up a bite to eat.
Whether it’s grab-and-go options, casual cuisine, or special-occasion dining that you are looking for, Jasper has it all.
Candy Bears’ Lair
One of our favourite places to visit and pick up some sweet treats is the Candy Bears’ Lair. Ok… so not really a dining option, but it’s one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park to get your sugar infusion for the day!
From chocolate bear paws to fudge, popcorn, or ice cream, you will find something to satisfy your sweet tooth!
The Restaurant at Sunwapta Falls
If you happen to be out on the Icefields Parkway, the Restaurant at Sunwapta Falls offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in their rustic dining room. Not only do they offer awesome health-conscious and vegan dishes, but the food is fresh and delicious.
You can also request freshly made lunches to go anytime after 8 am! This is the perfect way to prepare for your day’s adventure, and exactly what we opted for.
We chose a Roasted Yam Soup and a Butter Chicken with Rice Wrap. Our food was ordered to go, and it took only about 15 minutes for it to be ready.
The soups were very creamy, and the wraps were flavourful, filling, and absolutely delicious! We would definitely recommend a stop here if you find yourself in need of a quick bite!
The Raven Bistro
The Raven Bistro is a casual Mediterranean fusion restaurant in downtown Jasper. We chose to have Mr. Rush’s birthday dinner there, so this was definitely a splurge meal.
The bistro was very cozy, and the service was excellent. Unfortunately, they did not have a kids’ menu for dinner. The servers, however, were able to make several accommodations for our children, which was definitely welcome.
The food was outstanding! Locally sourced and fresh ingredients came together for a pretty creative and awe-inspiring meal! We were only sorry that we did not have room for dessert!
We started with Calamari, a bowl of Mussels, Moroccan Baked Brie, and a platter of flatbread with various dips (hummus, tzatziki, and olive tapenade). Everything was delicious and devoured without complaint!
For our mains, the boys and I indulged in Old Fashioned Bison Short Ribs. Hubby sampled the Elk Osso Bucco while Miss Somersault tried the Lemon Sesame Schnitzel. Everything was incredibly flavourful, with just the right portion size.
The Raven Bistro is on the small side (and popular), so reservations are definitely recommended.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Jasper National Park with kids can be a lot of fun.
With so many gorgeous places to explore, amazing restaurants to dine in, camping, hiking, and so much more, Jasper National Park should be on everyone’s Alberta bucket list!
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