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One of the hardest choices for all travelers is how much time is enough time to properly enjoy a location. With a destination such as Jasper National Park, travelers do not want to leave with any regrets.
Jasper National Park is a stunning location with so many adventures to choose from. Here is a breakdown of what the park has to offer and how much time travelers should devote to them.
What To Know Before Visiting Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is located in the Canadian Rockies and encompasses over 11,000 square kilometers. It’s the largest park in the Canadian Rockies and is also part of UNESCO’s Canadian Rocky Mountain Park Heritage Sites.
Travelers to Jasper National Park can enjoy its five spectacular regions and extensive trail networks as they immerse themselves in nature. Regardless of the season, there is something spectacular to discover here.
Plan At least Two Days For Their Multi-Day And Single-Day Hikes
Jasper National Park has a variety of single-day and multi-day hikes available. They are fully guided and there are a variety of choices, so hikers of all ability levelers can find a hike suitable for them.
The single-day hikes range from those with minimal elevation gain to full-day summit hikes over challenging terrain. Whatever the preference of the hiker, they will be able to experience nature and the stunning sights of the park.
The multi-day hikes range from simple overnight hikes to more rigorous five-day adventures. These treks are always accompanied by experienced guides that will make sure hikers get the most out of and have a positive experience.
- Availability - Guided hike schedule
- Contact - (780) 883-0465, link
Two Days For Rock Climbing And Canyoning Are Ideal
Jasper National Park is not only home to excellent hikes but also excellent opportunities for rock climbing and Canyoning. Whether travelers prefer ascending steep rock faces or down into gorges and mountain valleys, Jasper Park has a bit of everything.
For travelers less versed on what canyoning is, it is the art of descending steep-walled gorges and deep mountain valleys using ropes and other apparatus. It usually also involves jumping, scrambling, sliding, and even wading, so it isn’t the easiest of activities.
- Availability - Avalible Trips
- Contact - (780) 931-2252, link
At least Three Days Split Between Rafting, Kayaking, Or Soaking In A Hot Spring
Jasper National Park isn’t only a location for hiking but is also home to abundant waterways and even hot springs. There are many rivers in the park and the with them a variety of options for enjoying them. Local guides are available to take travelers through both leisurely and exciting options.
For those looking for a bit of relaxation, the Miette Hot Springs with its 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees F) water makes it a great destination for taking a soak in. There are no better destinations after days of rigorous adventure.
Sunwapta River Whitewater Raft Trip
Named for the Stoney Indian Term “Sunwapta” meaning “turbulent river”, the Sunwapta river deserves its namesake. Numerous rapids decent this river’s steep gradient turning it into a rollercoaster river ride. As long as travelers weigh more than 90 lbs (41 kg) then they can partake in this adventure.
- What They Provide - Licensed raft guides, self-bailing rafts, paddles, wetsuits, booties, paddle jackets, life jackets, and helmets (if applicable).
- What to Wear - A swimsuit or shorts under casual wear is best. Clothing worn under wetsuits gets wet, so bring a towel and warm clothes for afterward.
- Contact - (844) 808-7177
- Booking - Link
Family-Friendly Scenic Float Trip
For a low-energy adventure, the Family-Friendly Scenic Float Trip down the Athabasca River is the correct choice. The Athabasca River is a designated Canadian Heritage River and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also has historical significance as it was used by “fur traders” over two centuries before. Travelers won’t need about paddling either, the guides will take care of that while travelers keep their eyes open for elk, deer, moose, coyotes, wolves, eagles, ospreys, mountain sheep, and bears.
- Contact - (780) 852-2665
- Booking - Link
Guided Tours And Family Private Canoe Adventure
For travelers who don’t mind paddling the Pyramid Lake Canoe Adventure tour is a great choice. This choice is great for small group adventures that want to make their way across the waterways hoping to catch sight of the wildlife. Lucky travelers can catch sight of osprey, loons, muskrat and beaver, moose, bear, elk, deer, and wolves!
- Contact - (780) 931-3662
- Booking - Link
Miette Hot Springs
These hot springs are one of the most iconic locations in the park and no traveler’s adventure through the area would be complete without taking a dip in the Miette Hot Springs. This is a great experience for visitors of all ages and is excellent for recovering from many of the other adventures travelers can undertake.
- Contact - Link
- Adult (18-64) - $7.75
- Youth (3-17) - $6.75
- Child (Under 3) - Free
- Senior (65+) - $6.75
- Family - $24.75
- Extra Youth - $5.00
So How Many Days Are Needed To See The Best Of Jasper National Park?
Travelers should plan at least a week for visiting Jasper National Park. For travelers who are avid hikers and may want to attempt multiple multi-day hiking trips, then the number jumps up to closer to ten days and potentially even two weeks. However, not everyone has two weeks to spend adventuring so the minimum to properly enjoy Jasper National Park is one week.