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Top Places to See In Jasper National Park

A view of Spirit Island in Jasper National Park

If you’re visiting Jasper National Park for the first time, and you're not sure where to find the best view are - don't worry we've go you covered!


We’ve visited the park plenty of times and we’ve assembled this list of free, super easy Jasper sights that are guaranteed to make their way into your photo album. For even more convenience, be sure to download our map below which features all the best views in Jasper National Park and some of the most beautiful places in Jasper National Park!




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Sunwapta Falls


A view of Sunwapta Falls in Jasper National Park

There are several viewpoints along this 3.2km (2.8 miles) out-and-back trail that can be easily accessed by paved trails (but not all of the trail is paved). These falls are also beautiful in the winter, although you might want to bring some cleats with you! A Jasper must see!


Maligne Canyon


A view of Maligne Canyon, Jasper National Park

This trail, alongside the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park (more than 50m - 164ft) and offers you nearly 4km (2.4 miles) of beautiful views. Watch the water race between the rocky edges and slam itself through the narrow passages.


Parts of the trail are paved and easily passable; there are also 6 easy to access bridges that offer amazing views. This destination is arguably more beautiful in the winter, and the Maligne Canyon Icewalk is a must, featured on our list of best winter activities.



Columbia Icefields


view of Columbia Icefields, Jasper National Park

Located right near the boundary of Banff National Park, and just over a 1 hour drive away from the town of Jasper, the Columbia Icefields offer you beautiful views of the 10,000 year old glacier! 

There are several easy access viewpoint areas that make for great photographs. The Ice Explorer Glacial Tour is also a great experience.




The Big Hill and The Big Bend


view of the Big Hill and Big Bend, Jasper National Park

While technically in Banff National Park, this spot is oh so close to the Columbia Icefields and worth the extra 10 minutes of driving. It’s a simple roadside pullover at the top, and bottom, of a meandering road that plummets down the side of a mountain. The views are phenomenal.



Athabasca Falls


view of Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park

Probably the most beautiful waterfall in Jasper National Park, these falls are very easily accessible along a paved path that stretches just over 1 km (0.6 miles). 


The backdrops of mountains and trees offer photographs unlike no other in the park. These views are just as spectacular in the winter and give you a wonderful icicle paradise. It is truly one of the top attractions in Jasper.

Athabasca River


view of Athabasca River, Jasper National Park

Located alongside Hwy 16, and roughly 20min outside of Jasper, referred to as the Jasper Lake Sand Dunes, you can take some beautiful photos of the flowing Athabasca River against the backdrop of trees and majestic mountains.


The roadside pullover is easy to access, and is sure to give you some phenomenal photographs!



Lac Beauvert


view of Lac Beauvert, Jasper National Park

There are several easy access photographs of Lac Beauvert. You can either park at Old Fort Point and walk the quick 10 minutes to access views that way, or you can park at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and walk the easy trails around there.


The most beautiful pictures are always of a beautiful lake surrounded by trees and mountains, and Lac Beauvert offers just that.



Lake Annette


View of Lake Annette, Jasper National Park

A nearly 3 kilometer (1.8 mile) trail surrounds the entirety of Lake Annette. The trail is paved the entire way, and offers plenty of benches and picnic tables along the way.


You can park your car in one of the parking lots, and take a very quick and leisurely walk to the opposite side of the lake. There, you will uncover a beautiful view of Mount Pyramid towering.



Medicine Lake


View of Medicine Lake, Jasper National Park

Medicine Lake is located outside the town of Jasper along the Maligne Lake Road. An easy access roadside pullover offers you some small trails and a beautiful view of a crystal clear lake.

This area is also one of the best locations to see bears, and is the only place in Jasper National Park where we have successfully seen bald eagles.



Maligne Lake


View of Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park

The best pictures of Maligne Lake are taken on the Mary Schaffer Loop as it meanders alongside Maligne Lake. As long as you stick on the portion of the trail which borders the lake, you will have no troubles navigating it as it is completely paved.


There are some interesting, interactive panels along the way which tell the story of Marry Schaffer. The Mary Schaffer Viewpoint offers the best view of Maligne Lake (would be roughly a 2km (1.2 mile) in-and-out hike), but beautiful pictures can also be taken right in the parking lot.



Pyramid Island


View from Pyramid Island, Jasper National Park

The Pyramid Island hike is a very quick 700m, hard surfaced walk that offers your un-obstructed views of both Mount Pyramid and Pyramid Lake.


 Honestly, the views are completely breathtaking, and this spot could easily be the number one view in Jasper National Park. There are plenty of trailheads nearby, and no shortage of activities to do on the lake either.



Top Place To See In Jasper National Park:

Goats and Glacier Lookout


View from Goats and Glaciers Lookout, Jasper National Park

The winner! Our personal favorite lookout spot, this view is an absolute must see. The very short, very easy loop trail offers you a beautiful view of the Athabasca River, Fryatt Mountain, Geraldine Peak and the famous Mount Edith Cavell.


This view will leave your draw dropping - we promise. It is also on our list of must visit locations to see wildlife, as it is one of the few places in Jasper National Park to see mountain goats.


 

Summary


There are plenty of beautiful views throughout Jasper National Park - far too many for us to list! But that is our personal favorite list, and we are sure you will agree that they stand out.




Comments


a happy couple posing while hiking

Hi there! We're Aidan and Sheryl, a young couple infatuated with hiking and everything related to the Canadian Rockies. We've traveled them extensively and just can't get enough. 

We want to share our experience, advice and tips to make sure you have the best trip possible!

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