Jasper Itinerary – How to Spend 1 Day in Jasper
Jasper National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the Canadian Rockies. With so much to see, it can be overwhelming to plan your time efficiently—especially if you only have one day in Jasper.
This 1 day Jasper itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your visit, covering the must-see sights and top activities without feeling rushed.
As an ex-travel advisor with experience designing numerous itineraries for the Rockies, I know how tricky it can be to fit everything into a short visit. I’ve also travelled to Jasper myself and experienced these activities first-hand, so this guide reflects both expert knowledge and personal experience.
This one day in Jasper itinerary includes the highlights of the national park: a boat cruise to Spirit Island, a scenic hike to Moose Lake, a visit to the famous Maligne Canyon, and the chance to stargaze in one of the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserves.
In July 2024, Jasper experienced a significant wildfire. As of now, the fire is fully contained, and most attractions are open to visitors. For the latest updates, visit Parks Canada’s wildfire status page.
1 Day Jasper Itinerary
You will need to rent a car to get around Jasper National Park.
However, if you do not plan to drive during your trip, you can book a tour that includes some of the most important stops of this itinerary in Jasper.
Morning: Maligne Lake & Spirit Island
Start your day early by driving to Maligne Lake, about 50 minutes from Jasper town. The drive is scenic, and along the way, you’ll pass Medicine Lake and other viewpoints. You will have time on the way back to stop at these locations.
When you arrive, set your GPS to Maligne Lake Cruise to find the car park.
Before your boat tour, walk around Maligne Lake and the charming red-roofed boathouse—one of my favourite photography spots in Jasper.
The Maligne Lake boat tour may be the highlight of your day, as it was mine. While on the boat, your guide will share insights into the region’s history, geology, and wildlife. The boat will stop at Spirit Island where you can see one of the most iconic landscapes in the Canadian Rockies.
You have around 15–20 minutes on Spirit Island with the Classic Cruise, so use your time wisely to walk the short trail and take photos.
I took this option and found it felt a little rushed. If I were to do it again, I’d book the Premium Cruise, which gives an additional 15 minutes on the island. It is worth upgrading if you want more time to enjoy the views without feeling hurried.
Book the cruise through Viator or directly with Banff Jasper Collection to guarantee availability.
After the cruise, grab lunch at one of the food outlets near Maligne Lake before continuing with your day. There are a few cafes and snack stops around the lake.
Early Afternoon: Moose Lake Trail
If you’re up for a walk, I suggest the Moose Lake Loop (3 km, approx. 1 hour). Alternatively, you can walk one way along the route and back the same way for a shorter walk.
My boat tour guide mentioned that this was a good spot to see moose, and she was right—I was lucky enough to spot one on my walk. It’s an easy, peaceful trail through the forest, and even if you don’t see wildlife, it’s still a nice walk to another lake.
The trail is well-signposted and easy to follow, leading through a quiet forest before reaching the lake.
We passed a couple who had arrived earlier and they told us they had seen an adult moose and its baby in the area. So, after waiting over 30 minutes in the pouring rain—we were eventually rewarded when the two moose returned to the lake. I quietly watched them for 20 minutes and it was a memorable moment.
That said, many people walk this trail and don’t see a moose, so it’s best to set your expectations accordingly. Even without a sighting, it’s still a lovely walk through the forest.
You can find more details on the trail here: Moose Lake Loop on AllTrails
Late Afternoon: Medicine Lake & Maligne Canyon
On the way back to Jasper, take a quick stop at Medicine Lake, often called the disappearing lake.
Unlike most lakes, which drain into rivers or streams, Medicine Lake has an underground drainage system, meaning its water levels change dramatically with the seasons. In the summer, the lake appears full, but by autumn, most of the water has vanished.
If you have time, consider stopping at Maligne Canyon, one of Jasper’s most impressive natural features.
Before you go, check the Parks Canada website to see if the trails are open, as recent wildfires have affected the area.
Maligne Canyon is located along Maligne Lake Road, making it a convenient stop after your boat cruise. The canyon is the deepest in the Rockies, with narrow limestone walls, waterfalls, and bridges offering stunning viewpoints.
You can hike as much or as little as you like, with multiple bridges crossing the canyon at different points.
If you prefer a guided experience, you can book a tour that includes Maligne Canyon. But we were happy to explore on our own. The well-maintained trails make it easy to navigate without a guide.
Early Evening: Pyramid Island or Jasper Discovery Trail
If you still have the energy to explore, Pyramid Island is a fantastic spot to visit before sunset.
Pyramid Island is a small, scenic island on Pyramid Lake, connected to the mainland by a picturesque wooden walkway.
If you’re up for another walk, you can hike the Pyramid Trail (5.4 km one way, approx. 1–2 hours), which offers more chances to take in the surrounding views.
Parking Tip: The car park at Pyramid Island is small, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours to secure a spot.
If you’d prefer another option, consider walking all or part of the Jasper Discovery Trail (8.3 km loop, approx. 2–3 hours).
This trail encircles Jasper, providing a mix of forested paths and open viewpoints with occasional glimpses of wildlife. You can start from multiple points around town, and the trail is well-signposted.
For more detailed hiking information, visit: Parks Canada – Jasper Trails.
Optional Extra Stops: Icefields Parkway
If you have extra time or are looking for more things to see, consider the Jasper SkyTram, which offers spectacular aerial views of the town and surrounding mountains.
Another option is to visit Mount Edith Cavell, where you can take the scenic Edith Cavell Meadows hike. This moderate hike offers dramatic views of the glacier and surrounding valleys.
If you’re looking for more activities near Jasper, Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls are two impressive waterfalls worth visiting. However, if you’re travelling from Calgary Airport and have already driven the Icefields Parkway past Lake Louise, you may have already stopped at these spots along the way.
Both waterfalls are located along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), south of Jasper. Athabasca Falls is just 30 minutes from town, making it a quick and easy stop if you have time. Sunwapta Falls is a little further, about 45 minutes from Jasper, but is particularly stunning when the water levels are high.
As you travel along the Icefields Parkway, don’t miss the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest icefields in North America. This area is home to glaciers and viewpoints, and you can also take part in guided tours or glacier walks.
If you’re planning a road trip through the Rockies, you will find my Banff to Jasper drive guide helpful for deciding where else to stop.
Evening: Dinner & Stargazing
After a full day of exploring, head back to downtown Jasper for dinner. There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from.
Jasper is a designated Dark Sky Preserve, meaning there’s minimal light pollution, making it one of the best places in Canada for stargazing.
If you still have energy after dinner, Pyramid Lake is one of the top spots to see the night sky. Since Aalto Restaurant is located at Pyramid Lake Lodge, you could dine there and step outside afterwards to take in the stars.
Where to Eat in Jasper?
- Raven’s Bistro – Mediterranean-inspired dishes
- Aalto – Located at Pyramid Lake Lodge with beautiful lake views
- Orso Trattoria – Italian restaurant inside the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge with a lakeside view
Where to Stay in Jasper?
Jasper offers a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets.
For a luxury experience, I highly recommend the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Set on the shores of a stunning lake, this iconic property offers a picturesque setting with excellent amenities.
If you’re seeking something more affordable, the Alpine Village Cabin Resort provides a cosy and comfortable stay. This resort offers a charming, rustic vibe without breaking the bank.
I stayed in Mount Robson Inn during my visit to Jasper. Its central location made it easy to explore the town on foot. Unfortunately, this hotel was sadly affected by the Jasper fires in July 2024, so it is not welcoming guests right now.
Conclusion
While one day may not seem like enough, this Jasper itinerary covers the essential sights, ensuring you get a well-rounded experience of the park’s beauty and charm.
Book your Maligne Lake cruise early, as it’s a popular choice, especially during peak seasons, to avoid missing out on this iconic experience.
With the tips provided here, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your day in this stunning national park.
Combining Jasper with Banff National Park works well. So, if you’re looking to explore more National Parks in the Canadian Rockies, check out my other articles:
- 10 Best Stops to Make on the Drive From Banff to Jasper
- How to Plan an Incredible Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip
And if you’re visiting Western Canada in winter, don’t miss my skiing guide on Whistler Ski Resort and the difference between Whistler and Blackcomb.
