Where To Stay In Jasper Canada: A Serene Escape
Jasper, Alberta is a mountain town in the Canadian Rockies. It’s not far from Banff, and tourists travel there all year long. Jasper’s attractions include its National Park with more than 300 glaciers and numerous hiking trails; Maligne Lake and Miette Hot Springs for swimming or soaking; Athabasca Falls for viewing waterfalls; Mount Edith Cavell for climbing; and Patricia Lake for fishing.
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Why go to Jasper?
Why should you go to Jasper? Is it for the mountains, glaciers, or hiking? If so, you can probably skip staying in town and choose an Airbnb nearby that is in a more secluded area. Or is it because of Jasper’s lively music scene? In that case, staying close to the action could be the way to go.
If you’re looking for an authentic mountain experience, Jasper has it all. You can soak in a steamy bath with stunning views of snow-capped peaks, hike in the forest, watch wildlife like bears and moose through your car window or listen to local musicians jamming at the bar. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group, there are plenty of activities for everyone. If you are a solo traveler looking to retreat in solitude, then this is the perfect destination
If you come from a big city or suburbia and want to get away from it all, this is the place to go. It’s not like any other big city with its rush and crowds. You can spend the day hiking, kayaking, or canoeing in the wilderness and come back to a hot tub at night to relax your muscles.
When is the best time to go?
Jasper is big enough that even during peak season, during July and August, you can find plenty of vacancies at hotels, hostels, and bed and breakfasts. This is a good time to go because prices will be low and the weather will be warm but not too hot until late June or early July when temperatures can get as high as 90 degrees F with the humidity. If you like hanging out at night and partying, summer may suit you best because it’s busy in Jasper during the day and quiet at night.
What to know about the weather
The weather in Jasper is unpredictable because it’s close to the Rocky Mountains. Some people say that August is the best time to go before it starts snowing in September or October, but if you oppose crowds and love serenity, then go sooner rather than later.
Jasper has spectacular open spaces and patches of wildflowers among the boreal forest; occasional moose feeding at dawn or dusk; wolves howling high on a ridge; black bears furtively prowling for berries on a late summer afternoon.
Where to stay in Jasper
Jasper has wonderful accommodations throughout the city. Jasper offers a range of hotels from quaint inns to luxury resorts that cater to all tastes and budgets. Many have recreational facilities available such as indoor pools and spas to enjoy during those colder months.
Jasper doesn’t have as many accommodations per capita as Banff does, but it has just as much to offer visitors who want an authentic experience of Canada’s great outdoors, without being overwhelmed by crowds.
The hotels in Jasper are cozy yet modernized versions of traditional Canadian lodges that feature comfortable beds made out of local, organic materials, gourmet meals, and wildlife and nature watching.
What are the best Jasper hotel deals?
Find out about current hotel promotions in Jasper by visiting their websites or calling the listed phone numbers. There are usually special summer rates for families or weekend packages to go along with local festivals that may have discounted lodging. Also, check Groupon for deals on half-price or full-price accommodations in Jasper.
Sharing economy services like Airbnb and VRBO are other ways to find cheap housing in Jasper, but be prepared to do your homework before booking a room because the range of options is extensive. Many vacation rentals include kitchen facilities so you can prepare meals for yourself and economize by buying food and supplies from local markets. Book early to get the best deals, especially if you’re planning a trip during very popular summer months like July or August.
Where to stay in Jasper: A list of our favorite places
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge($$$$) is the most famous hotel in Jasper National Park. Located close to the downtown area on a lovely rolling hillside, this place has been made famous by celebrities, high-ranking government officials, and even the royal family! The hotel is perched at the top of a mountain overlooking the Athabasca Valley where you can sunbathe on warm summer days or gaze out at stars on cold winter evenings.
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge began its history in 1919 as the Jasper Park Lodge, a luxury resort for trappers and wealthy tourists. A century later it still has that luxurious feel with its signature outdoor swimming pool, golf course, horseback riding ranch, and tennis courts. The Fairmont lodge also features a choice of gourmet restaurants on-site and award-winning service including housekeeping, bellhop, concierge, and valet parking.
The rooms here are spacious with fireplaces, balconies that overlook the mountain landscape, high-speed internet access, and modern gym facilities for those interested in working out while on vacation. There’s also an indoor pool for relaxing on your days off from exploring the great outdoors.
Crown Hotel & Suites($$) is a smaller hotel located in downtown Jasper just across the street from the historical railcar that houses museum exhibits and other shops. Guests here have easy access to all of Jasper’s restaurants, bars, pubs, and museums. The rooms are clean and comfortable with free WiFi internet access, cable TV, air conditioning/heating, coffee makers, hairdryers, and free parking for your rental car.
The hotel is close to all that Jasper offers as well as the new Icefield Centre which features luxury shops, restaurants, and a cinema. There’s also a heated outdoor swimming pool to enjoy on summer days or evenings when it gets cooler outside.
Best Western Sunridge Inn & Suites($) is a great choice if you’re traveling with children or pets. The hotel has a swimming pool that will be appreciated by swimmers and water sport enthusiasts, as well as walkways to the scenic Sunwapta River for fishing, boating, or tubing on lazy summer days.
You can buy snacks, groceries, and souvenirs from the small gift shop on the premises or you can do a little shopping in downtown Jasper where there are lots of boutiques and shops to explore. The rooms here are comfy with queen-sized beds, mini-fridges, hairdryers, and cable TV.
The breakfast room at the Sunridge is open daily for your morning meal with eggs, bacon, and waffles so you can fuel up for your day of adventures. There’s also a small pub on the premises where you can relax with a drink after sightseeing or shopping.
Another cozy option is Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge($$). The lodge is surrounded by the mountains and set on a working ranch. There are 32 comfortable rooms here with fireplaces, balconies, and queen bedding on comfy beds. There’s even a laundry room and WiFi internet access available in every room.
This lodge includes an indoor heated pool, hot tubs, sauna, and steam room to relax in after a day of touring the mountains. The restaurant serves up tasty meals and the gift shop has plenty of souvenirs for you to take home with you, including Rocky Mountain Lodge t-shirts or sweatshirts which are really cool looking.
The rooms are affordable here so it won’t break your budget while visiting Jasper. The lodge also includes a small conference room for business travelers but if you’re just on vacation, Jasper and the surrounding area have quite a bit to offer visitors in any season.
The Athabasca Hotel($) is one of the oldest in town and has a rustic feel. However, you can get WiFi internet access in the lobby and there’s a restaurant here serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The rooms are mostly king beds with upscale decor making it more like a bed and breakfast than a hotel room. There’s limited parking on site but lots of options nearby for trailers and RVs so you don’t need to worry about that. The hotel is located in the heart of Jasper so you can walk to explore all that this unique town has to offer.
Whistler’s Inn is another great option with affordable rates and spacious rooms. You can enjoy the indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, or steam room after a long day of exploring Jasper. The restaurant serves up tasty meals for breakfast lunch and dinner and WiFi internet access is available in the lobby area.
The hotel is located near downtown so you’re close to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment, making it easy to get around. The rooms here are quite affordable with rates as low as $100 a night so no matter what your budget is, you’re sure to find a room that suits your needs.
The Mount Robson Inn($$) is a summer ski lodge with modern rooms that are very large with fireplaces and views. You’re close to the dining room so you’ll enjoy the cozy atmosphere of this rustic hotel during your stay. There’s a pool, Jacuzzi, hot tubs, and sauna available at this location as well as WiFi internet access in the lobby.
The rooms are spacious and even have a kitchenette making it a great choice for families traveling to Jasper with kids or anyone looking to stay in one place during their visit to the area. The dining room offers both breakfast and dinner so you don’t need to head out for meals if you’re looking for something quick.
There’s also a gift shop on-site with a wide variety of souvenirs available for you to take home. The rates here are very reasonable so no matter what your budget is, you’ll be able to find a room and enjoy all that this unique town has in store for visitors.
The Crimson Hotel($$) is another great option that offers comfortable rooms. This is a new hotel, and you can tell by the look and feel. You can enjoy the indoor pool and hot tub at this property which also has WiFi internet throughout.
Things to do while in Jasper
There are plenty of things to do while visiting this remote town. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, Jasper offers hiking, skiing/snowboarding, horseback riding, and much more. Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest international peace park in the world that’s perfect for hiking or just taking in the scenery. You can also go on a scenic train ride from Jasper to Yellowhead Pass where you’ll find mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, and wildlife. The Athabasca Glacier is another popular spot to see here where you can walk alongside the glacier as it moves down off Mount Athabasca.
One thing you should not miss is ice wine! It’s a sweet dessert wine made from grapes that have been frozen and is only produced in a few select areas of the world. Samples are often available in stores or you can take a tour to get a better insight into how it’s made. The guides will also show you some local wineries where you can get samples of more wines from the area as well as learn about this unique product that’s made here.
The most popular attraction in the town of Jasper is Maligne Lake, which has been featured on many TV shows. It’s a beautiful lake surrounded by a volcano. While you can drive to the lookout point, it’s best to get out and walk around the area to see all of the views this location has to offer. Other popular stops in Jasper include Snocoach tours, which take visitors up the Whistlers Mountain Range for a great view.
You can also hike or bike around the town- there are plenty of trails for every skill level. You can also take a scenic horseback ride up the local mountains and even dine at the destination while you’re out and about.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at some ice climbing- just be sure to wear appropriate clothing and bring your gear to ensure you stay safe on the ice.
One of the best things about visiting Jasper Canada is that its close proximity to Banff National Park means you’ll have more time for exploring!
For those who enjoy wildlife viewing, check out one of Alberta’s bird sanctuaries like Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park or Strathcona Provincial Park
Ride along the Icefields Parkway and take in all the sights and sounds as you drive past massive glaciers and towering mountains.
Stop by Peyto Lake – this glacier-fed lake offers incredible views year-round
If you like shopping, Jasper has small boutiques that offer unique gifts to take home as well as clothing stores offering attractive fashions for men and women. If you’re looking for souvenirs from your trip, there are many opportunities to buy something fun to remember your trip by. The outdoor activities in the area can also be enjoyed year-round so you could come here during different seasons and find something new and interesting to do on each visit.
Pack your bags, and enjoy the crisp mountain air
Jasper Canada is an amazing destination for anyone who loves outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and scenery that’s unmatched. Whether you want to enjoy the outdoors in winter or summer, there are plenty of things to do in this remote town that draws visitors from around the world. If you’re looking for a unique travel experience where you can explore natural beauty like few other places on earth have to offer, Jasper Canada should be your next vacation spot!