The drive from Calgary to Jasper is 413 kilometers long (257 miles) and travels through some of the most beautiful places to visit in all of Alberta. You will pass through Banff and Lake Louise before making your way along the Icefields Parkway – one of the most scenic stretches of road in the entire world!
Is it safe to drive from Calgary to Jasper in winter?
About the route
Highway 93 – the road that connects Banff to Jasper – commonly closes for stretches of time during the winter because of unsafe conditions. Note that in the winter months, winter tires or chains are mandatory to travel on Highway 93 due to avalanches and dangerous road conditions.
Is it better to drive from Banff to Jasper or Jasper to Banff?
Doing both is best, if you can. That way, if there is poor weather on your first trip, you have a second chance of seeing the scenery on the return trip. And most people agree that the views are different, but equally spectacular, both northbound and southbound.
Where should I stop between Calgary and Jasper?
Best stops along Jasper to Calgary drive. The top stops along the way from Jasper to Calgary (with short detours) are Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, and Athabasca Falls. Other popular stops include Athabasca Glacier, Peyto Lake, and Moraine Lake.
Is it worth the drive to Jasper?
Once you have completed the Banff to Jasper drive on the iconic Icefields Parkway, you will not want to stop exploring. Jasper is one of Canada’s best national parks and adventure abounds. In summer, kids love riding the Jasper Skytram to the top of Whistlers Mountain.
Do you need snow tires for Jasper?
Your vehicle must have snow tires or chains when you are driving on the Icefields Parkway or Marmot Road from November 1 to April 1. It is a good idea to equip your car with a shovel, flashlight, blanket, food and extra warm clothing. Cell phone reception outside of townsites is unreliable.
What is the best month to go to Jasper?
Consider September the golden month in Jasper. Visit after Labour Day, and you’ll enjoy most of summer’s offerings with the added bonus of smaller crowds. It’s also a visually stunning time to tour the national park, so be sure to pack your camera.
Is 3 days in Jasper enough?
3 days in Jasper is definitely enough time to see and experience the highlights of this stunning national park. Jasper National Park is a special gem in the Canadian Rockies because the vast mountain ranges are more jagged and there are several bright turquoise lakes to explore.
How many days are enough for Jasper?
TWO DAYS. A common trip length for travellers who are combining Jasper with a few other places, two days is enough time to get a taste of the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies.
Which is prettier Banff or Jasper?
Jasper is the more laid-back town between the two with far fewer people and visitors. Banff has a higher-end feel, with expensive outdoor shops like Helly Hansen, Canada Goose Down, and Fjallraven around Banff Ave.
Is 2 nights in Jasper enough?
Considering that you spend most of the first day just getting to Jasper. Then two nights is only a single full day. I would advise three nights.
Is it worth staying in Jasper?
For us, staying in Jasper is always a magical experience. The slower pace, crisp mountain air, abundant wildlife, and towering Rocky Mountains always reminds us that we are in a very special place.
How many nights do you need in Jasper?
Someone can probably spend 2 weeks in Jasper National Park and not experience it all, but unfortunately most visitors don’t have weeks to spend. Generally 3 days to 4 days in Jasper National Park is a good start to see all the famous sights and experience the best hikes in the Canadian Rockies.
How can I spend 2 days in Jasper?
Jasper in 2 days, a fun-filled family itinerary
- Icefields Parkway, Valley of the Five Lakes, Athabasca Falls, Athabasca Glacier.
- Skytram, Maligne Canyon, Edith Cavell, Mountain Biking, Beaches and Lodges.
- If you’re looking for more info on Jasper National Park, check out these posts:
How do you avoid bears in Jasper?
To prevent attacks
If you are near a river or berry patch, make some extra noise. Noise can come from wearing a bear bell, shouting out, clapping hands, or other noises so that nearby bears can hear you. Noises will signal them to move away. While hiking in Jasper, be aware of recent trail use by bears.
How do I spend my day in Jasper?
Go slow and steady and have your camera ready.
- Maligne Lake Boat Cruise. 90 mins. Discover the postcard-perfect turquoise alpine water at the longest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies on a Maligne Lake Cruise.
- Maligne Canyon. 35–45 min (37.5 km) drive from Maligne Lake.
- Pyramid Lake Resort. 25–30 min (15.7 km) drive.
Do I need bear spray in Jasper?
Keep your dog on a leash. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. If you encounter a bear, give it LOTS of space. Follow trail closures and warnings.
How is the drive from Banff to Jasper?
Taking the AB-93 North, the total distance from Banff to Jasper is 288km. Breaking that up – the distance from Banff to Lake Louise (a MUST stop along the way) is 57km and the distance from Lake Louise to Jasper is 233km. Overall, the trip should take close to 4 hours if driving with minimal stops.
What is there to do in Jasper if you don’t ski?
10 amazing things to do in Jasper National Park other than skiing
- 1 Go on a winter hike or snowshoe at the Pyramid Lake Island.
- 2 Curl up in a cabin.
- 3 See snow-dusted Sunwapta Falls.
- 4 Spa and dining at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
- 5 Snowshoe at Maligne Lake.
- 6 Go on a Jasper Ice Walk.
What is Jasper Alberta known for?
It is a small town in the middle of Canada’s largest Rockies national park, after all. Alberta’s tallest mountain is nearby, as is the stunning Spirit Island in the middle of Maligne Lake. It is home to the world’s second-largest dark sky preserve, and has 1,200 kms of hiking trails.
What is low season in Jasper?
If you want a quiet escape to the Banff, Jasper, or Canmore without all the crowds, you’ll want to visit in the Rockies’ low season (otherwise known as shoulder season or off-season), which occurs from September to October, and between May to June.