Jasper our Family Adventure in the Canadian Rockies
After leaving Whistler, we broke up the long journey to Jasper with a stopover in Clearwater at Best Western. The next day, we continued our drive through some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes before finally arriving in Jasper – one of the highlights of our trip.
Staying at HI Jasper
Accommodation in Jasper is famously expensive, and as a family we found it tricky to get something central without stretching the budget too much. That’s why we decided to try something new: HI Canada Hostel in Jasper.
It turned out to be such a great choice. Our family room had two bunk beds and a private bathroom – simple but everything we needed. There’s a large shared kitchen with space for everyone’s groceries, and we made breakfast there each morning before heading out. We also loved the big lounge area with sofas, games, and even a pool table. There’s a cosy café onsite too, which made the whole place feel more like a friendly lodge than a hostel. We can only recommend it! Hi Jasper was lost in the wildfire in 2024, but they are in the process of rebuilding.
Activities in Jasper
We spent three nights here, but honestly, we could easily have stayed longer. Jasper has so much to offer, and our days were filled with adventure:
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White-water rafting – One of the absolute highlights of our trip. We booked it here through Get Your Guide, who made everything easy and fun. We were picked up in town, bused to the river, and then had the best time riding the rapids. The kids thought it was amazing!
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Patricia Lake & Pyramid Lake – We rented a canoe at Patricia Lake and paddled around, before heading up to nearby Pyramid Lake. Both lakes are stunning, and it’s the perfect family activity.
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Maligne Canyon – A must-see. The canyon is carved deep into the limestone, with bridges crossing the roaring water below. Beautiful hikes and easy to access. You can easily spend a couple of hours there.
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Maligne Lake – In the evening we drove up here and caught the most magical views just before sunset. On the way, we stopped by a picnic spot – only to discover a black bear right next to the benches! We slowly backed away, hearts pounding. Later that evening we spotted another bear calmly eating by the roadside. An unforgettable experience.
Along the way, we also saw elk, moose and other wildlife – Jasper truly feels like nature at its most wild and beautiful.
Eating in Jasper
We ate out a couple of times and also enjoyed takeaway meals back at HI. Here’s what we tried and what we’d recommend:
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Mad Grizzly – A fun, family-friendly spot where we enjoyed a relaxed dinner. Great atmosphere.
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Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria – Delicious wood-fired pizzas, perfect for sharing.
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Jasper Pizza Place – Another family favourite, known for generous portions and a casual vibe.
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Lou Lou’s Breakfast & Pizzeria – Brilliant for quick meals, from hearty breakfasts to take-away pizza.
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Patricia Street Deli – A must-try takeaway option for fresh, tasty sandwiches and wraps.
Other family-friendly hotels in Jasper
If a hostel isn’t your style, here are three great family-friendly alternatives:
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Forest Park Hotel – Comfortable rooms, an indoor pool and a restaurant onsite. Great for families wanting a bit more comfort, and you can check prices and availability.
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Jasper Inn & Suites – Spacious family suites with kitchenettes, cozy fireplaces, and amenities like a pool, sauna, hot tub and steam room. See room options and book your stay here.
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Whistlers Inn – Central location in Jasper town with spacious family rooms and rooftop hot tubs, check out rooms and availability.
Update on Jasper after the wildfire
In 2022, Jasper was as beautiful and lively as ever. Unfortunately, in summer 2024, wildfires devastated parts of the area. Many buildings were lost, and the town had to evacuate. Today, recovery is ongoing. Hotels, restaurants and tour operators are reopening step by step, and the community is working hard to welcome visitors again. Before you go, it’s worth checking the latest updates, but don’t let it stop you – Jasper needs tourism now more than ever, and the natural beauty of the Rockies is still breathtaking.
Athabasca Glacier and Peyto Lake
Leaving Jasper, we drove south along the Icefields Parkway – one of the most scenic roads in the world. Two stops in particular stood out:
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Athabasca Glacier – An incredible experience! We joined a tour that took us up onto the glacier in huge Ice Explorer vehicles. Walking on the ice, surrounded by towering peaks, was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
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Peyto Lake – Further along the route, we stopped at Peyto Lake, famous for its bright turquoise water and wolf-head shape. It’s just a short walk from the car park, but the view is jaw-dropping – a must when you’re in the Rockies.
Final Thoughts
Jasper was yet one of the highlights of our Canadian adventure – full of wildlife, adventure and unforgettable memories. Even with three nights, we only scratched the surface. It’s a destination we’ll always recommend, especially for families looking for that perfect mix of nature, activities and relaxation.
Our Canada adventure began in Vancouver, continued on to Vancouver Island, and then up to Whistler before we finally reached Jasper.
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