Your ultimate Canadian Rockies adventure starts in Jasper, Alberta
Is visiting the U.S. Rockies on your bucket list? Well, guess what? You can get those same stellar views right here in Canada. Jasper, Alta., is the ultimate destination for backyard adventures.
Start your adventure with the iconic Jasper SkyTram, just a 10-minute drive from downtown. This unique Canadian experience takes you up to 2,263 metres, where you can easily access a boardwalk and hiking trails in the stunning alpine zone of the Canadian Rockies.
The Jasper Skytram (The Weather Network)
“We are at a three-valley confluence right here, just shy of the peak of Whistler Mountain… You are basically surrounded by the mountains,” explained Todd Noble, General Manager of the Jasper SkyTram.
“To witness people getting off the Tram to the top here has always been a pleasure of mine because of that wow factor; they say it over and over, ‘wow,’ as soon as they get up here. It definitely feels like you’re on top of the world,” said Noble.
Views from The Jasper SkyTram Observation deck (The Weather Network)
Standing on the observation deck offers incredible views, but it's just the beginning of your adventure. Guests can also hike the Summit Trail to the peak of Whistlers Mountain, towering at 2,463 metres, and enjoy breathtaking 360° views of six different mountain ranges. From up here, you'll not only get a bird's-eye view of the charming town of Jasper but also be surrounded by mountain peaks that stretch as far as the eye can see—It truly is a one-of-a-kind Canadian adventure.
The Weather Network's Jordyn Read on top of Whistler Mountain (The Weather Network)
“It never gets old when you reach the summit... To get up top, it’s so serene, calm, and quiet. You have to be here to experience it.”
When we teased that there is beauty to be discovered around the clock in Jasper, we meant it. Did you know that Jasper, Alta., is a designated dark sky preserve? The limited light pollution makes it the perfect destination for stargazers in search of darkness.
The Jasper Planetarium, nestled in Jasper National Park, is the world’s second-largest Dark Sky Preserve, offering an immersive experience like no other. If you’re curious about the mysteries of the universe and want to get an up-close look at the cosmos, this is the perfect place for you.
The Jasper Planetarium, nestled in Jasper National Park, is the world’s second-largest Dark Sky Preserve (Credit: The Jasper Planetarium)
“The Jasper Planetarium is a very interactive tour; we love talking about space, and we have a whole bunch of space nerds out here,” explained Tyler Burgardt, General Manager of the Jasper Planetarium and an Astrophysics graduate from the University of Alberta.
“We like inviting people from all age groups... We look at things like stars, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. During the day, we even look at the sun and some planets,” added Burgardt.
At the Planetarium Dome Theatre, you can embark on an incredible journey through the vastness of space. Peek through telescopes and stroll through the fascinating scientific pavilions to learn all about constellations, nebulae, galaxies, and more. Imagine travelling to the farthest corners of the universe and seeing it all on a grand scale. It’s a humbling and awe-inspiring experience that shows just how small we really are in the grand cosmos. It may just inspire you in more ways than one.
The Moon and Mars, from the Jasper Planetarium Video Telescope. Shot December 8, 2022. (Credit: The Jasper Planetarium)
“A lot of people love stargazing, but personally, one of my favourite things is finding people who have kind of lost their wonder for the cosmos, and then they come out and see us. All of a sudden, they are super excited. They’re asking where they can buy a telescope to look at the night sky. I think that is the coolest thing,” shared Burgart.
The Great Aurora of May 10, 2024, Medicine Lake, Jasper National Park. (Credit: Devin E. Shaw)
Now that we’ve explored Jasper from all heights, why not ground ourselves in our next adventure through forests and canyons on foot? Spanning over 11,000 square kilometres, Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and home to the iconic landmark Maligne Canyon.
“Out of all the places in Jasper, and I have been to a lot of places, I still come back to Maligne Canyon and think this is the best place to go,” explained Sean Prockter, who co-runs Jasper Hikes & Tours with his wife, Joy.
Maligne Canyon boasts multiple bridges where visitors can stroll across and peer down into its depths, which plunge about 50 metres below. The sound of rushing water adds to the sensory experience, making it a feast for both the eyes and the ears. If it’s wildlife sightings you’re after, Jasper National Park has an abundance of animals. Be prepared to potentially see caribou, elk, moose, mountain goats, bears, birds and more during your adventure.
Maligne Canyon (Credit: Redtea via Getty Images)
“I bring people here to share my passion for the outdoors. You can see it in their eyes; they light up, and they get so excited, something will be rekindled in their spirit…I think [for our guests] to see a new place and potentially mountains for the first time in their lives - It’s pretty rewarding for us, and it’s why we love to do what we do,” explained Prockter.
Embarking on the wonders of Jasper, Alberta, is truly a quintessential Canadian adventure. From scaling the highest summit to delving into the mysteries of the universe, every moment is an out-of-this-world experience. And at the heart of it all is Jasper National Park, where nature embraces you with open arms. Surrounded by forests, mountains, and wildlife, Jasper offers a perfect blend of tranquilly and excitement, right here at home in Canada. Now it’s your turn to explore.
