Best Jasper Tours from Vancouver

Getting from Vancouver to Jasper

Whether you prefer a scenic road trip or a train journey, there are many different ways to get to Jasper from Vancouver.

● By Car: The Vancouver to Jasper road trip is the most popular option, with a distance of about 800 kilometers (500 miles) between the two places. The drive usually takes between 9 and 10 hours and consists of three highways, Highway 1, Highway 5, and Highway 16.

On the way from Vancouver to Jasper, you will have the opportunity to enjoy spectacular mountain views, especially through Kamloops, Mount Robson Provincial Park, and the Yellowhead Pass.

● By Train: The Vancouver to Jasper train is also an option, with VIA Rail providing direct train service twice a week with a journey time of approximately 19 hours. The train usually leaves Vancouver in the afternoon and arrives in Jasper the next day, entering the Mountain Time Zone. Economy class costs $385. Rocky Mountaineer also offers a scenic multi-day rail experience, including overnight stops.

● By Bus: This is the most affordable way to get around, with limited direct options, but you can transfer via Banff. The bus ride can take over 30 hours and is suitable for travelers with plenty of time.

● By Carpool: Companies like busbud offer carpooling services from Vancouver for $49 per person.

● By Plane: This is the fastest way to get around; flying from Vancouver to Calgary or Edmonton takes no more than 2 hours. After that, you can take a shuttle bus or rent a car to get there. The drive from Edmonton to Jasper is 4 hours, while the drive from Calgary to Jasper takes 5 hours.

Best time to travel from Vancouver to Jasper

The best time to go is during the summer months of June–August, when temperatures are warm and sunny, averaging 19°C to 24°C (66°F to 75°F). As well as easy access to all major attractions and hiking trails, this is the most popular time to visit. Great for hiking, biking, kayaking, and boat tours.

April–May in the spring and September–October in the fall are the low season, with temperatures ranging from 1°C to 15°C (34°F to 59°F). Snowmelt begins in late May, while ice builds up in late October, and some roads are closed. Winter temperatures of -20°C (-4°F) from November to March are more suitable for snow sports, and summer attractions are closed. In January, you can also take part in the two-week Jasper in January festival.

Popular attractions and activities in Jasper

● Maligne Lake: This is one of the most prestigious lakes in Jasper National Park and has the most beautiful blue color in the summer. Be sure to take a boat ride to Spirit Island in the lake.

● Maligne Canyon: Explore Jasper National Park's deepest canyon with waterfalls and unique geological formations.

● Columbia Icefield Adventure & Skywalk: This is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. You can take an Ice Explorer walk on the Athabasca Glacier or step onto the glass-floored Skywalk.

● Athabasca Falls: This waterfall has a strong current and a scenic canyon nearby.

● Jasper SkyTram: Climb Whistlers Mountain for panoramic views of the park and surrounding mountains.

Outside of sightseeing, Jasper is great for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing at its Dark Sky Preserve. Rafting the rapids on the Athabasca River and guided fishing trips are also popular. Canoeing on Maligne Lake is also a hit. In the winter months, the hotel offers skiing and ice skating.

Attractions near Jasper

Visit other nearby Canadian Rockies destinations during your Jasper visit. For example, the Icefields Parkway, which connects Jasper National Park to Banff National Park, offers numerous viewpoints and hiking opportunities. Mount Robson Provincial Park is home to Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. There's also the town of Jasper, with its local brewery, stores, and Two Brothers Totem Pole.