Are you visiting Jasper? There is so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you’re just popping in for a visit, or you’re staying for a while to take it all in, here are five things you can do in Jasper this weekend!

1. Start with a Hearty Breakfast

It’s the best meal of the day. Start your day with a hearty breakfast and fuel up for the adventures ahead. Local Jasper restaurants serve up a great day starter, and you can feel good knowing you are directly supporting the community. Stop by Jasper’s Wafflato for sweet or savoury waffles, specialty coffees, and more breakfast options than you can imagine.

Jasper's Wafflato

For a traditional breakfast, with a large menu sure to satisfy every appetite, visit Smitty’s. If you just want to grab a coffee and go, and maybe add some delicious homemade baking for the road, stop by SnowDome. Yes, this coffee shop is in the laundromat, but trust us it’s one of the best in Jasper!

2. Take a Hike

There are so many great trails in and around Jasper just waiting to be explored. For something simple, check out the Discovery Trail, an easy townsite loop, or visit Lake Annette or Lac Beauvert by the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Explore the Miette Hot Springs Interpretative Trail before taking a soak in the iconic pools.

Tourism Jasper

For the more adventurous hiker, try the Pyramid Trunk Trail and take in the views from the bench. Take the Jasper SkyTram to the top of Whistlers Mountain and take the short and sweet hike to the summit. You’ll be surrounded by mountain ranges and you can see Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

Don’t have the gear? Get it from Base Camp Outfitters, Totem Ski Shop, or Everest Outdoors. Don’t forget the bear spray! Keep it accessible (not in your backpack!) and know how to use it. There are great resources for how and when to use bear spray from WildSmart.

3. Get Out on the Water

With sunny skies and hot days ahead, maybe you don’t want to work up a sweat hiking. Spend a day on the water instead! Take a Maligne Lake Cruise and discover the history of this impressive lake, including stories about mountain legend Mary Schäffer. Rent a canoe or kayak from the Maligne Lake Boathouse to explore the lake at a slower pace, or rent from Pure Outdoors and discover popular lakes in the area. Try fishing with Jasper Park Fishing, the number one guided fishing service in Jasper National Park. Take a peaceful float with Jasper Raft Tours and soak in the scenery while on a gentle ride down the river. Dogs are welcome on select tours, so bring Fido along for some fun!

Tourism Jasper / George Simhoni

If you really want to get wild, take a whitewater rafting tour and get up-close-and-personal with the glacier waters of the Rockies. It’s the perfect way to cool off on those hot summer days! Check out tours from Jasper’s Whitewater Rafting, Jasper Rafting Adventures, Rocky Mountain River Guides, or Maligne Rafting Adventures.

Tourism Jasper / Jasper Raft Tours

4. Learn about the Area

Have you ever wondered about the history of Jasper? Do you want to learn about wildlife or the fire that burned through town last year? SunDog Tours offers excellent opportunities to get hands on with learning. Try the Morning Wildlife & Ecology of Fire Tour or the Jasper Dark Sky Astronomy Tour with the Jasper Planetarium to learn about the natural wonders of the area. Try a Jasper to Lake Louise/Banff Tread Lightly Glacier Icewalk to learn about glaciers and their importance in the ecosystem. Check out their deals for some excellent bargains if you want to try more than one tour!

Tourism Jasper / Jasper Dark Sky Festival

Maligne Adventures also offers spectacular tours. Try a guided hike or sightseeing adventure, or try something unique with a Tread Lightly Glacier Hike or Jasper Rock Climbing Adventure. Combine these tours with one of their rafting adventures for the ultimate day of fun.

Everyone wants to see wildlife when visiting the mountains, and the only way to have a guaranteed sighting is to stop by the Jasper Museum! The Schuurmans' Wildlife Collection, which includes moose, beaver, caribou, grizzly bears, and more, has found a new home at the museum. These critters are on display, providing the only guaranteed opportunity to see wildlife up close. You can even adopt an animal! These specimens have been enjoyed in Jasper for years, and it’s wonderful to see them in their new home.

5. Take in a Show

After a day of exploring the outdoors, it’s time for some evening entertainment. Jasper Theater Productions presents From Jasper, with Love at the Stand Easy in the Jasper Legion throughout the summer. Be careful if you watch this show: you may fall in love with Jasper and never want to leave! This show is filled with heartfelt stories about Jasper in a fun and positive show. It’s funny, it’s heartwarming, and you might even learn something new.

Tourism Jasper / Jasper Theater Productions

The show features a complimentary beer, wine, or pop with admission. If you want to elevate your evening to include dinner and a show, try a delightful combo with Olive Bistro. Enjoy a 3-course dinner before heading to the show. Other combos include the Jasper SkyTram, Jasper Food Tours, and the Inn Grill.

There's no excuse to stay home. Head to the mountains and discover the all the fantastic things to do in Jasper this weekend!

Taylor Jaine