Best Jasper Tours from Calgary

Jasper is an important part of the Canadian Rockies, and Calgary, Alberta, is a great starting point. A tour to Jasper from Calgary is a popular choice for travelers seeking Canada's natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and outdoor adventure.

Best Season for a Rockies Tour from Calgary

• Summer (June-August) is often considered the best time to visit Jasper from Calgary. This is because all attractions are open, and it also has the best temperatures for outdoor sports and sightseeing. Of course, being the peak season, you'd better book your accommodation in advance.

• Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are also good times when you can see active wildlife, and fewer tourists. Just some of the seasonal attractions will be open after May and before October. Miette Hot Springs and Jasper Tramway, for example, both require weather-dependent opening dates.

• Winter (November-March): This time offers excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding at resorts such as Marmot Basin in Jasper.

Travel from Calgary to Jasper National Park

How far from Calgary to Jasper? The distance between the two locations is 410-420 kilometers (255-260 miles). The drive is 4-5 hours.

By Car

This way allows you to acquire views of the Rocky Mountains along the way. You can stop at numerous viewpoints and attractions along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), a designated scenic highway that connects Banff and Jasper National Park. Remember to purchase a Parks Canada Pass to access the national parks. During the winter months, winter tires are required on the Icefields Parkway.

By Bus/Shuttle

Several companies offer bus and shuttle services for travel from Calgary to Jasper. The Brewster Express and SunDog offer daily service from Calgary International Airport and downtown Calgary hotels to Jasper, usually with a stopover in Banff or Lake Louise. This is a convenient option if you don't want to drive, and the service takes about 7-9 hours!

By Train

There are no direct trains from Calgary to Jasper. You can take a bus to Banff or Lake Louise and then transfer to VIA Rail for a scenic train ride to Jasper. This will take at least 10 hours.

Other Canadian Rockies Destinations from Calgary

Besides Calgary to Jasper National Park, there are multiple destinations to discover in the Canadian Rockies:

• Banff National Park: Just 1.5 to 2 hours from Calgary, Banff is home to popular towns such as Banff and Lake Louise. Attractions include the Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka, and stunning turquoise lakes such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

• Canmore and Kananaskis County: These areas are located just before Banff and offer excellent hiking, mountain biking, and a quieter mountain town experience. Canmore is about an hour's drive from Calgary.

• Icefields Parkway: This highway connects Lake Louise and Jasper and is a destination in itself with numerous glaciers, waterfalls, and scenic starting points.

Popular Attractions in Jasper

The Jasper has a wide range of natural attractions and activities to suit the interests of a variety of explorers.

• Maligne Lake & Maligne Canyon: Explore Jasper's deepest canyon and take a boat trip to Spirit Island on iconic Maligne Lake.

• Athabasca Falls & Sunwapta Falls: Just a short drive from the Icefields Parkway, view the majestic waterfalls and the pine forests here.

• Columbia Icefield: Home to the Athabasca Glacier, where you can take an Ice Explorer up the glacier or walk the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.

• Jasper Sky Tram: Canada's tallest and longest aerial tramway with panoramic views of the town and six mountain ranges.

• Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and the occasional bear or moose, especially at dawn and dusk.

Local Accommodation Areas in Jasper

Jasper Town

Types of lodging in Jasper town include: hotels, inns, motels, and hostels. It has great amenities and easy access to Jasper National Park.

Jasper National Park

There are several campgrounds within Jasper National Park, ranging from campgrounds close to towns (e.g., Whistlers, Wapiti) to more rural campgrounds further afield (e.g., Snaring, Kerkeslin). Tent or RV camping is available for nature lovers.