11 Best Things to Do in Jasper (From Our Family Trips)

Planning a family trip to Jasper National Park? After visiting Jasper several times with our two boys, I’ve put together our favourite things to do in Jasper with kids, from easy hikes and wildlife spotting to lake adventures and family-friendly tours.

Jasper is one of my favourite places in the Canadian Rockies. We’ve rafted down the Athabasca River, spotted bighorn sheep while hiking Old Fort Point, taken a boat cruise to Spirit Island and spent countless afternoons enjoying Lake Annette and Lake Edith.

In this guide, I’m sharing 11 things we’ve personally enjoyed doing in Jasper with our kids, along with practical tips to help you decide which activities are worth adding to your family itinerary.

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11 BEST things to do in Jasper with kids (that we’ve personally tried)

1. Maligne Lake Boat Tour

After a few visits to Jasper National Park, we finally made it to Maligne Lake and splurged on a boat ride. We have done many of the boat cruises offered in the Canadian Rockies, but this one was pretty fun.

Maligne Lake is the largest glacially-fed lake in the Rockies and the second-largest glacier-fed lake in the entire world. It’s an absolute must-see. 

💰 How much does the Maligne Lake Boat Cruise cost? It’s around $82.00 per adult and $53.00 for children. It’s free for children 5 years old and under.

The 90-minute Maligne Lake cruise will bring you further on the lake to Spirit Island, where you’ll have some time to walk around and enjoy the views. It’s the only way to access Spirit Island with kids. The other option is to kayak to the island, but it’s not realistic with little ones in tow.

Walking on Spirit Island, one of the most photographed locations in the Canadian Rockies, was the highlight of this excursion for us. This tiny, emerald-green island is Jasper’s unspoiled beauty.

Also, during the entire boat tour, our guide shared interesting facts and stories about the lake’s geology, local flora and fauna, and the area’s history. This made the ride entertaining and educational, and it’s a fantastic way for your family to learn about this remarkable part of the world.

If the weather is great, you can also go on the boat deck for more beautiful views.

»» Get your tickets for the Maligne Lake Cruise

2. Jasper SkyTram

We did the SkyTram in Jasper on our second visit to Jasper. This exciting ride takes you high above the trees to the top of Whistlers Mountain. t takes about 8 minutes to reach the upper station, at a height of 2,277 meters. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. 

Jasper SkyTram is a great alternative to the Banff Gondola. It offers panoramic views over Jasper’s mountainous landscapes. On a clear day, you’ll see the Athabasca River, Edith Lake, and Annette Lake, as well as some of British Columbia’s mountain peaks.

💰 How much does the Jasper SkyTram cost? It’s around $67.00 per adult and $38.00 for children. It’s free for children 6 years old and under.

But the great thing, in my opinion, about the Jasper SkyTram (in comparison to the Banff Gondola) is that there are more hiking and exploring opportunities at the top of the gondola.

You can explore a network of trails. Take the Whistlers Summit Trail to the mountain’s summit; the view is worth every step. At the top, you’ll find unbeatable panoramic views. It’s a challenging but rewarding hike for older kids.

Remember to dress in layers, as it can be cooler at the summit than at the base.

»» Get your tickets for the Jasper SkyTram

3. Jasper Planetarium

If you’re like me, you’re probably thinking, “What? There is a planetarium in Jasper“? Yes, and it’s a fun place to go with the kids.

Jasper National Park is one of the largest and most accessible dark sky preserves, but the sky doesn’t get dark until pretty late in the summertime. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll most likely not be able to see Jasper’s sky full of stars.

So, the Jasper Planetarium is the perfect stop. Located in the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, it offers astronomy classes and the opportunity to see the sky in different places in the park. The immersive dome theater and outdoor exhibit will teach you about the cosmos. The tickets include the dome theater and the telescope tour.

Note: Children under 4 years old are not allowed in the dome theater.

My oldest son LOVED it (He was 6 years old at the time), but my youngest son did not so much. We first started our visit in the theater dome and a short movie show. Then, we went back outside and discovered the different station when we learned about the cosmos. We even got to try some telescopes.

There is also a night tour where you can stargaze with powerful telescopes.

»» Book your Jasper Planetarium Combo tour

4. Rafting on the Athabasca River

I’ve wanted to try white-water rafting since we moved to the Canadian Rockies a few years ago, but most of them are not super kid-friendly.

I was so happy to hear that Jasper Raft Tours offers leisure raft adventures along the Athabasca River in Jasper. It’s called the “Easy Scenic Rafting Jasper“. And the best thing is that it’s suitable for children as young as 3 years old (and even dogs).

It’s a two to two-and-a-half tour adventure. You’ll meet your guide and the rest of the groups downtown Jasper and drive for about 20 minutes on an old school bus, where the rafting tour will begin. It’s a great Jasper attraction in the summer.

💰 How much does the Jasper Raft Tour “Easy Scenic Rafting Jasper” cost? It’s around $89.00 per adult and $35.00 for children. It’s only $15.00 for children 3 to 5 years old and under.

As you float down the river, you’ll be surrounded by the majestic beauty of Jasper’s landscapes. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, like eagles soaring above or deer grazing along the river banks.

You can expect to get wet, but it’s safe for kids. My boys loved it and really were excited every time we past a small rapid, and they got wet. But the water is FREEZING.

During our tour, we saw a wapiti with its baby on a small island in the Athabasca River. It was a unique moment.

»» Book your Jasper Rafting tour

5. Lake Annette & Lake Edith Day Use Area

Some of our best memories from Jasper were made at Lake Edith and Lake Annette.

It’s one of our favorite places in Jasper. It’s perfect for families. On our recent trip to Jasper, we end most of our afternoon at Lake Annette and Lake Edith. We parked near the kids’ playground and used the BBQ in the day-use area for outdoor picnic dinners. 

We used our iRocker paddleboards, we enjoyed the water and we saw lots of wapitis.

Pack a picnic and head to this beautiful beach area. There are picnic tables, a playground, and a crystal-clear lake for swimming. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing family day.

6. Maligne Canyon Hiking Trail

One adventure you simply can’t miss while in Jasper is exploring the wonders of Maligne Canyon. As one of the deepest river canyons in the Canadian Rockies, it’s a fascinating showcase of Jasper’s geological history and a top family-friendly hike.

Embarking on the Maligne Canyon hike is like stepping into a natural wonderland. The trail weaves its way alongside the gorge, revealing a series of breathtaking limestone walls, unique rock formations, and thundering waterfalls. Kids will love the thrill of crossing the footbridges, each offering a different perspective of the canyon’s grandeur below.

The hike is a 3.7km loop and can be completed comfortably within 2 hours. It’s well marked, mostly flat, and suitable for even the littlest legs in the family. Remember to pack your camera – the photo opportunities are endless!

7. Drive the Maligne Lake Road

This drive is one of the best places to visit in Jasper for wildlife viewing opportunities. Look for bears, moose, and bald eagles. Several scenic stop-offs are also along the way.

We saw a few black bears on the side of the road while driving to Maligne Lake. We also saw many elk near Maligne Canyon and the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel, where we stayed.

Along the road, you’ll also past Medicine Lake. It’s a unique lake because of its changing water levels yearly. Your budding scientists might enjoy learning about the underground cave system that causes this natural phenomenon.

8. Old Fort Point Loop

If you’re looking for a short but rewarding hike perfect for the whole family, the Old Fort Point trail should be on your Jasper itinerary. It’s, in fact, my favorite hike in Jasper.

This 3.8-kilometer loop trail offers moderate terrain, abundant wildlife, and some of the most stunning views in the park. On our last trip to Jasper, we did this hike in the evening. It was still pretty light out, and we had a wonderful view. But the best part was seeing six bighorn sheep. 

It was magical!

The trail begins just outside Jasper Townsite and quickly takes you into the heart of nature. It winds through pine forests, past wildflower-filled meadows, and up a series of steps carved into the hillside. 

While the uphill climb might challenge younger hikers, the top view is well worth the effort. But it’s doable. We did this hike for the first time when my boys were 2 and 4 years old.

At the summit of Old Fort Point, you’re treated to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, the Athabasca River, and the town of Jasper. It’s a picture-perfect spot for a family photo, a snack break, or just to take a moment to soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies.

Wildlife sightings are common, so keep your eyes peeled for elk, big-horn sheep, and various bird species. As always, remember to observe wildlife from a safe distance.

9. Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake is easy to access. It’s only a short drive from Jasper Town. There, you can rent a canoe, kayak, and paddleboard. It’s a fun way to explore the lake. 

The clear, calm waters are perfect for beginners, and there’s nothing quite like the sense of freedom as you glide across the lake.

If you prefer to stay on dry land, there’s plenty to do too. The area around the lake offers several walking trails suitable for all ages. 

Don’t miss the Pyramid Island footbridge, which leads to a small island in the middle of the lake. It’s an ideal spot for a family picnic with a view! It’s a nice thing to do in Jasper in the winter too.

Pyramid Lake is also one of the best spots for stargazing at night.

10. Icefields Parkway drive

Strap the kids into their car seats for one of the most scenic road trips: the Icefields Parkway.

The Icefields Parkway winds through mountains, turquoise lakes, and impressive glaciers. As a day trip from Jasper, you can drive up to the Columbia Icefields and come back. The entire drive is a 230-km road from Lake Louise to Jasper. There are many great stops along the way.

Here are some of the best spots closer to Jasper:

Valley of the Five Lakes

Hike the easy 4.8-km (3.0-mile) loop around five stunningly beautiful, different-colored lakes. It’s a longer hike for little ones, but the multitude of picnic spots and stunning views make it worthwhile. And why not brave the cold water and dip in one of the lakes.

Athabasca Falls

One of Jasper’s most powerful and beautiful waterfalls, Athabasca Falls is a sight to behold. The kids will be mesmerized by the force of the falls, and there are plenty of safe viewing platforms for all ages

Sunwapta Falls

Visit the impressive Sunwapta Falls, where your kids can safely observe the powerful rush of water cascading down. The walking trail to the falls is stroller-friendly, a bonus for families with toddlers.

11. Explore Jasper’s parks and playgrounds

Jasper is brimming with amazing parks and playgrounds. Visit Centennial Park for a fun afternoon. With playgrounds, picnic areas, and even a splash park for those hot summer days, there’s something here for every little explorer.

FAQ: Visiting Jasper National Park With Kid

Is Jasper National Park worth visiting with kids?

Absolutely! Jasper is one of our favourite places in the Canadian Rockies for family adventures. There are plenty of things to do with kids, from easy hikes and wildlife spotting to lake activities and guided tours. We’ve visited several times with our boys, including when they were toddlers, and we’ve always found activities that worked for their ages.

How many days do you need in Jasper with kids?

I’d recommend spending at least 3 days in Jasper National Park with kids. That gives you enough time to enjoy a few family-friendly hikes, explore the lakes, take a scenic drive and try one or two guided activities. If you only have one day, I’d focus on a short hike, Lake Annette or Lake Edith, and a scenic stop or two rather than trying to see everything.

What are the best free things to do in Jasper with kids?

Some of our favourite free activities in Jasper include hiking Old Fort Point, visiting Pyramid Lake and spending an afternoon at Lake Annette and Lake Edith. We especially love the Lake Annette and Lake Edith day-use areas because the kids can play while we enjoy a picnic by the water.

What is the best family-friendly hike in Jasper?

Old Fort Point is my favourite family-friendly hike in Jasper. It’s a 3.8-km loop with beautiful views of the mountains, the Athabasca River and Jasper townsite. We first hiked it when our boys were just 2 and 4 years old. There are some uphill sections, but it’s manageable with younger kids if you take your time. On another visit, we spotted six bighorn sheep along the trail!

Can you see wildlife in Jasper National Park?

Yes! Jasper is a great place to spot wildlife, although sightings are never guaranteed. During our visits, we’ve seen black bears along Maligne Lake Road, elk around Jasper and six bighorn sheep while hiking Old Fort Point.

Is Jasper better than Banff for families?

Both Jasper and Banff are wonderful destinations for families, but I personally prefer Jasper. I love its mountain scenery, wildlife-viewing opportunities and the mix of outdoor activities.

Banff has plenty to offer families too, but Jasper has become one of those places we keep returning to. If you have enough time, I’d recommend visiting both national parks and driving the Icefields Parkway between them.