Family-Friendly Things to Do in Jasper National Park, Canada (4-Day Itinerary)
- Dana Shik
- Jul 28
- 13 min read
Updated: Aug 1
Jasper National Park was our second stop in the Canadian Rockies after spending several days exploring Yoho and Banff. We planned four days here, hoping to experience some of the park's best-known lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, and hiking trails while balancing work, campground life, four kids and a dog.
If you are looking for family-friendly things to do in Jasper and the rest of the Canadian Rockies, you've come to the right place.
Day 1: Arriving via the Icefields Parkway
We reached Jasper National Park after driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff in our 36-foot motorhome. The route between Lake Louise and Jasper follows a mountain corridor shaped by glaciers, rivers, wind, and geological forces over millions of years. The road itself stretches about 230 kilometers through the Canadian Rockies and follows routes that Indigenous people, fur traders, explorers, and surveyors used long before a highway existed here.
Jasper National Park and Its History
Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and covers a huge section of western Alberta along the eastern side of the Continental Divide. The area includes the Athabasca and Miette valleys, high mountain ranges, glaciers, lakes, forests, and extensive wildlife habitat.
Indigenous communities have lived, traveled, hunted, and traded throughout this region for thousands of years.
The park’s name comes from Jasper Haws, a fur trader who managed a supply post known as Jasper House during the early 1800s. Jasper House became an important stopping point for fur traders crossing the Athabasca and Yellowhead passes. Railway construction reached the area in 1910, and the settlement that developed beside the tracks was originally called Fitzhugh. It was later renamed Jasper. The railway remains an important part of the town today.
Where We Stayed: Whistlers Campground
We stayed at Whistlers Campground, one of the main Parks Canada campgrounds in Jasper National Park. If you're planning a summer visit, I'd recommend reserving your campsite as soon as bookings open, especially if you want a serviced site with water, electricity, and sewer hookups. Those sites book quickly and are well worth it for longer RV stays.
The serviced loop is also closest to the campground's large playground, which ended up being one of our kids' favorite places. In July, the sun doesn't set until around 10:30 p.m., with daylight beginning again around 5 a.m., so evenings are long. Most nights, the kids spent hours at the playground while we relaxed back at the campsite.
Seeing the Effects of the 2024 Jasper Wildfire
The effects of the July 2024 wildfire were visible as soon as we entered Jasper. Lightning ignited several fires on July 22, 2024, which eventually combined and burned 32,722 hectares of the national park, including sections of Jasper’s townsite.
Large areas along the road and around our campground were filled with burned trees. The campsites had very little shade or privacy, and several well-known trails remained closed or damaged during our visit. The landscape looked raw, especially after several days in the thick forests around Banff and Yoho.
Despite the severely impacted nature all around us at Jasper, our campground gave us one of our closest wildlife experiences of the entire trip, as a large herd of elk regularly moved through the open grassy areas at the campground, andd at one point, we even watched an elk calf run toward its mother to nurse. Jasper’s lower valleys provide important habitat for elk because the relatively dry grasslands offer accessible food throughout much of the year.
Day 2: The Valley of Five Lakes • Athabasca Falls • Lake Annette
The Valley of Five Lakes
Our first hike in Jasper was the Valley of the Five Lakes trail, a popular route south of town that can be completed through several different trail combinations. Parks Canada lists routes in this area ranging from approximately 1.8 to 8.9 kilometers.
Our family followed a loop of roughly 3.5 miles, while I stayed behind. After pushing myself on the five-mile hike in Grand Teton National Park a few days earlier, I had learned that the combination of distance and elevation was more than my knee could handle (I endured complex tibia plateau fractures a few months ago). It was frustrating to sit this one out, but I knew I'd enjoy the rest of our time in Jasper much more if I didn't aggravate the injury again. They came back from this trail describing the lakes as serene and with so much potential, but the combination of cloudy sky and wildfire impact canceled the shades of blue & green in the water and what used to be stunning scenery. Indeed, the wildfire damage had changed much of the surrounding forest. Burned trees lined several parts of the trail, and exposed sections made the hike feel hotter and more open than expected.
Even though I missed this hike, it became another reminder that Jasper is still very much in recovery, and that recovery is now part of the experience of visiting the park.
Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls was among the strongest natural features we visited during our summer trip. The Athabasca River forces a huge volume of water through a narrow section of rock, creating a waterfall that is extremely loud and powerful.
The river has gradually carved channels, potholes, and a narrow canyon through the rock. Jasper’s mountain ranges contain large amounts of limestone, sandstone, shale, and quartzite, which have been shaped by water and ice over long periods.
We strolled through the various viewpoints, watching the water move through the canyon. The force and sound held the kids’ attention far longer than many scenic overlooks manage to do, which says plenty when traveling with four children.
The trail itself is accessible for the most part, but we did run into puddles so large, visitors had to use rocks in the puddle, to go past it without getting their feet soaked, so it can get tricky if you're dealing with mobility issues.
Other than that, the trail is an out and back one, and is as short as half a mile, with minimal elevation gain (68ft). Perfect excursion with high impact and minimal energy expenditure.
Lake Annette
After Athabasca Falls, we drove to Lake Annette. The paved loop around the lake is approximately 2.4 kilometers, and has almost no elevation gain.
We kept our visit simple. Our younger kids spotted the playground near the lake and stayed there for about an hour. After several days of trails and long drives, they were thrilled to find swings and climbing equipment.
Lake Edith is located nearby and is easy to combine with Lake Annette, although we drove past it and continued with our day. Jasper has enough lakes to create a serious case of lake fatigue, and our family had reached the point where choosing one worked better than squeezing in three.
Day 3: Miette Hot Springs • Emerald Pond
Miette Hot Springs
Our visit to Miette Hot Springs began after another early work session in the motorhome. The springs are located about 61 kilometers from the town of Jasper, and the drive follows a quieter section of the park through the Fiddle River Valley.
Indigenous people introduced fur traders from the Hudson’s Bay Company and North West Company to the natural hot springs along Sulphur Creek during the 1800s. A rough pack trail later brought determined visitors into the area, followed by early bathhouses during the 1910s and 1920s.
The water naturally emerges from the mountain at approximately 129°F and is cooled to about 104°F before entering the main pools. Miette is considered the hottest natural mineral spring in the Canadian Rockies.
The remote location worked well for us because the pools were relatively quiet during our visit. We spent time moving between the hot pool and the cold pool, which the kids found especially entertaining. The surrounding mountains and long drive made the outing feel separate from the busier attractions closer to Jasper.
Emerald Pond
After leaving Miette Hot Springs, we stopped at Emerald Pond, a small roadside pond just off Miette Road. The parking area sits only a short walk from the water, making it an easy stop to add to your itinerary without much extra time or effort.
Like many lakes and ponds in Jasper, Emerald Pond gets its vivid turquoise color from fine particles of glacial rock, often called rock flour. As glaciers slowly grind against the surrounding mountains, they produce tiny mineral particles that remain suspended in the water. These particles scatter sunlight, reflecting the blue and green wavelengths that give the pond its distinctive color.
Before we even reached the parking lot, we were greeted by one of our favorite wildlife sightings in Jasper - a family of mountain goats grazing along the roadside. We pulled over safely and watched them from a distance for several minutes before continuing to the pond.
Around the water, dozens of brightly colored damselflies darted above the vegetation and occasionally settled on reeds and grasses. Emerald Pond provides ideal habitat for these insects because its calm, shallow water supports the aquatic stage of their life cycle. They were surprisingly abundant during our visit and added another layer of activity to an already peaceful stop.
Emerald Pond is underrated, and may not receive the same attention as Jasper's larger lakes, but it's in my humble opinion a highly recommended stop for its gorgeous scenery, convenient access, and the chance to spot wildlife along the way.
Day 4: Downtown Jasper • Pyramid Lake & Island
Exploring Downtown Jasper
Before leaving Jasper, we spent a little time walking through the downtown area. Compared with the park's lakes and hiking trails, it was a slower pace and a nice way to wrap up our visit.
We started at the Jasper Visitor Centre. One tradition we've developed over the years is collecting a magnet and a pin from every major destination we visit, so this stop is almost always part of our itinerary.
Just outside the visitor center, we walked past several sculptures that are part of Jasper's outdoor beautiful public art collection, that's accessible and partly shaded. We also stopped for a photo at the Two Brothers Totem Pole, carved by Nisga'a artist Norman Tait. The pole tells a traditional Indigenous story about two brothers and serves as a reminder of the deep Indigenous history that extends across western Canada.
From there, we wandered through the small downtown core before stopping for pizza. While the meal itself wasn't particularly memorable, we enjoyed taking some time to slow down before spending our final evening at Pyramid Lake.
Pyramid Lake and Pyramid Island
We ended our final evening at Jasper visiting Pyramid Lake and Pyramid Island, a short drive from downtown Jasper.
Pyramid Lake was formed by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago, and sits directly beneath the distinctive Pyramid Mountain, from which it gets its name, and the small island is connected to the shore by a wooden footbridge, making it even more picturesque and easy to visit with children.
The small picnic shelter on Pyramid Island dates back to 1933 and is a recognized federal heritage building, a detail we were so surprised by!
Because the lake is only about 5 km (3 mi) from downtown Jasper, it often feels much quieter than the park's headline attractions, especially in the evening, and indeed, we arrived later in the evening and found very few tourists. Most of the people around us appeared to be locals sitting near the water or walking across the bridge, which we appreciated, particularly after the crowds we encountered over at Banff.
Loons were calling across the lake, and small fish kept jumping in the shallow water. The kids found a large fallen tree with exposed roots and immediately turned it into a climbing structure. Several benches face the water, so we sat for a while and watched the light change over the lake.
Although Pyramid Lake offers canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and boat rentals, we were happy simply walking around the island and taking in the scenery. It turned out to be one of the most relaxing stops of our four days in Jasper and a fitting way to end our visit before continuing our RV trip across Canada.
Our Experience Visiting Jasper With Kids
Jasper turned out to be one of the highlights of our time in the Canadian Rockies. Between powerful waterfalls, turquoise lakes, mineral hot springs, frequent wildlife sightings, and peaceful evenings by Pyramid Lake, there was plenty to fill four days without feeling rushed.
The 2024 wildfire was impossible to ignore. Burned forests, closed trails, and more exposed landscapes were part of almost every drive, offering a sobering reminder of how much of the park was affected. At the same time, we also saw new vegetation beginning to return, wildlife thriving throughout the valleys, and felt we are truly enjoying many of Jasper's signature attractions.
Four days gave us enough time to experience several very different sides of the park while balancing work, campground breaks, and the pace of traveling with four kids. We left with a deep appreciation for both Jasper's remarkable natural beauty and the resilience of a place that is steadily recovering.
What Else Is There to Do in Jasper National Park?
Four days gave us enough time to see many of Jasper's highlights, but the park is huge. If we return, these are the places we'd add to our itinerary.
More Hiking Trails
Maligne Canyon - We aimed at hiking there, but unfortunately Parks Canada announced that it requires extensive rehabilitation because the wildfire left unstable slopes and damaged infrastructure. If at the time you are reading these lines, the status has been updated and Maligne canyon has reopened, I would include it in the plans - it is a short, family-friendly route with waterfalls, bridges, and a limestone canyon.
Old Fort Point – moderate hike with panoramic views over Jasper.
Sulphur Skyline Trail – challenging but one of Jasper's signature hikes, especially since it starts next to Miette Hot Springs (this time around we left it out, given that I'm still recovering from a knee fracture).
Edith Cavell Meadows (if reopened after wildfire impacts) – glaciers, wildflowers, outstanding scenery.
More Lakes to Visit
If you've covered Annette, Pyramid, Emerald Pond, and the Five Lakes, I'd add:
Maligne Lake – Jasper's most famous lake and home to Spirit Island. The lake remained accessible, though we didn't visit it as we were worried the woods that surround it were too gravely impacted, which entirely sets a different scenery to the landscape. If you visit at a point Jasper has somewhat recovered from the 2024 wildfire impact, consider visiting the canyon and lake.
Medicine Lake – interesting because much of it disappears underground each fall.
Patricia Lake – quieter alternative to Pyramid.
Lake Edith – easy stop next to Annette if you have extra time.
Other Family-Friendly Activities We'd Consider
Here's a list that's focused on things that are genuinely unique to Jasper:
Jasper SkyTram — the highest and longest aerial tramway in Canada, with alpine hiking at the top. We avoided the tram both in Banff and in Jasper due to the high costs for our big family of 6, but if booked early in advance, costs may become significantly lower. This also depends on the month, so I would absolutely keep this on the 'maybe' list.
Planetarium & Dark Sky Experience — Jasper is part of the world's second-largest Dark Sky Preserve and one of the best places in Canada for stargazing. This is one of the activities we really sought out for, and could not accomplish, sadly! If you are traveling through the area in the summer, plan for a nightly adventurous excursion. I bet it's so worth it!!!
White-water rafting on the Athabasca (for families with older children). We wanted to fit this activity for my husband and our oldest son (15yo), but given that it's an at least 1/2 a day activity, and given my knee situation (recovering from complex fractures) we decided to postpone this, as our younger ones need at least one adult that's fit enough to keep up with them :)
Wildlife Discovery Tour only if guided tours appeal to you.
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What You’ll See: 🐻 Wildlife • 🗻endless mountain ranges • 🚶♂️unique, unforgettable hikes
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🥗Recipes we cooked on our trip that fit a tiny kitchen🥗
Visit our inspiring collection of one-pot recipes for more culinary ideas!
FAQs
How many days do you need in Jasper National Park?
We found that four days gave us enough time to visit many of Jasper's highlights at a relaxed pace, including Athabasca Falls, Miette Hot Springs, Pyramid Lake, Lake Annette, and the Valley of the Five Lakes. If you'd like to add Maligne Lake, more hikes, or the Jasper SkyTram, consider staying five or six days.
What is the best time to visit Jasper National Park?
Summer (June through September) offers the warmest weather, the greatest number of open attractions, and the best hiking conditions. Keep in mind that daylight lasts until around 10:30 p.m. in July, giving families plenty of time to explore after dinner. Winter is popular for skiing, snowshoeing, and ice walks.
Where should you stay in Jasper National Park?
If you're traveling by RV, we recommend Whistlers Campground. Reserve as early as possible through Parks Canada, especially if you want a serviced site with electricity, water, and sewer hookups. The serviced loops are also closest to the playground, which worked especially well for our family.
Is Jasper National Park worth visiting after the 2024 wildfire?
Yes. Although wildfire damage is still visible in many parts of the park and some attractions remain closed, Jasper's waterfalls, lakes, hot springs, wildlife, and scenic drives continue to make it a worthwhile destination. We also found it fascinating to see how quickly nature is beginning to recover.
Can you see wildlife in Jasper National Park?
Yes. Jasper is well known for its wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bears, deer, and many bird species. During our visit, we regularly saw elk at Whistlers Campground, spotted mountain goats near Emerald Pond, and heard loons calling across Pyramid Lake.
💡A trip Snapshot
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