Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway runs right through Jasper to Lake Louise in Banff National Park. The road is only 232 kilometres long, but you may want to reserve a whole day and stop at the many spectacular viewpoints. The route offers numerous attractions. Along the way you will encounter more than 100 glaciers, including the famous Athabasca Glacier. This glacier is part of the Columbia Icefield, which includes 8 glaciers. In addition to ice, Jasper National Park also boasts the hottest mineral springs in the Rockies: the Miette Hot Springs. The water that runs down the mountain to the hot springs can reach temperatures of 54 degrees Celsius. Then it cools to a comfortable 40 degrees so visitors can relax in the soothing warm waters.
Bear spotting
Jasper National Park is home to hundreds of animal species, including moose, coyotes and mountain goats. But most visitors are especially on the lookout for bears. You will find both black bears and grizzly bears in Jasper. The best time to spot wildlife is early in the morning or right around dusk. Maligne Lake Road is a great wildlife viewing area. We also recommend this road for the spectacular scenery around Maligne Lake with its stunning blue water surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks.
