Jasper Dark Sky Festival
One of the world’s largest accessible dark sky preserves, featuring astronomy talks, stargazing events and space-themed activities.
Jasper
AB, Canada
12 Attractions4 Annual Events
About Jasper
Jasper is a compact mountain town set within Jasper National Park, a vast UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Canadian Rockies. The area combines towering peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, sweeping valleys and abundant wildlife, offering a quieter, more relaxed experience than some southern parks.
Visitors come for scenic drives such as the Icefields Parkway, world-class hiking, skiing at Marmot Basin, and outstanding stargazing in a designated dark-sky reserve. The town serves as a friendly hub with interpretive centres, museums and a selection of guides and outfitters to help international guests make the most of the region.
Best Time to Visit
Best: mid-June to early September for warm weather, hiking, lake activities and long daylight.
Late September–October for fall colour and the Jasper Dark Sky events;
December–March for skiing (Marmot Basin) and winter scenery.
Spring (May) can be wet and some high-elevation routes remain snowy.
Top Attractions
National ParkJasper National Park
A sprawling protected area of the Canadian Rockies offering glaciers, alpine lakes, wildlife and scenic drives.
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Visitor CentreJasper Park Information Centre
Historic visitor centre in town offering maps, permits and expert local advice.
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Scenic TramwayJasper SkyTram
A gondola ride up Whistlers Mountain offering panoramic views, summit trails and a café.
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CanyonMaligne Canyon
A dramatic limestone gorge carved by the Maligne River with a series of scenic bridges and waterfalls.
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WaterfallAthabasca Falls
A powerful, picturesque waterfall on the Icefields Parkway with sculpted canyon walls and easy viewpoints.
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WaterfallSunwapta Falls
A powerful twin-set of falls on the Icefields Parkway, accessible by short walks and viewpoints.
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Hot SpringsMiette Hot Springs
Historic mountain hot springs with warm pools, cold plunges and panoramic valley views.
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Island / Scenic LandmarkSpirit Island
A tiny, iconic peninsula on Maligne Lake reached by boat and famed for postcard-perfect turquoise waters and mountain backdrops.
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Planetarium / Astronomy ToursThe Jasper Planetarium & dark sky telescope tours
A hands-on planetarium and telescope tours within Jasper’s dark-sky reserve offering planet shows and high-powered views of the night sky.
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LakesLake Edith and Lake Annette
Two serene, family-friendly lakes close to Jasper town known for clear water, small beaches and paddle sports.
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Island / Scenic SpotPyramid Island
A small, peaceful island reached by a short wooden bridge on Pyramid Lake with outstanding views of Pyramid Mountain.
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Trailhead / HikeValley of the Five Lakes Trailhead
Trailhead for a popular 4–5 km loop that links five small alpine lakes, each with distinct color and character.
ExploreAnnual Events in Jasper
Jasper Folk Music Festival
An iconic outdoor music festival showcasing Canadian and international folk artists in a mountain setting.
Jasper Canadian Rockies Half Marathon
A scenic half marathon through the stunning landscapes of Jasper National Park, featuring mountain views, wildlife and crisp alpine air.
UpLift! Jasper Mural Festival
A vibrant community arts festival celebrating large-scale public murals, live painting, music and creative workshops throughout Jasper.