Enjoy five days sampling the very best of central Alberta: stunning aerial views of the mountains, wildlife sightings, fine dining and an intimate introduction to local Indigenous culture.
This itinerary is great for anyone who’s not downright "outdoorsy" but still wants to experience the majesty of the Rocky Mountains.
At a glance
- 5 day itinerary
- 1419 km (882 mi) total distance
- 15 hrs 56 mins drive time
- Your starting point is in Edmonton
Jasper SkyTram
Hop on the Jasper SkyTram and soar up Whistlers Mountain to an elevation of 2,263 m (7,425 ft), enjoying stunning vistas of mountain ranges on your way. On a clear day, you can even see the white pyramid of Mount Robson in nearby British Columbia. Disembark, and summit Whistlers Mountain by hiking a 1.4-km (0.87-mi) trail.
Dinner at Evil Dave’s Grill
A family-owned restaurant in the town of Jasper, Evil Dave's Grill is the perfect blend of sophistication and local flavour, offering global twists on central Alberta specialties like bison meatballs and green onion cakes (invented and beloved in Edmonton). Takeout, vegan and gluten-free options are available.
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Traveling with kids? Evil Dave’s Grill is child-friendly.
Breakfast at The Great Hall
Savour homey, modern Canadian fare in the comfort of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. The Great Hall offers classic hot and cold breakfast dishes, from omelettes to overnight oats. During the summer months, take in unparalleled views from the sunny patio overlooking Lac Beauvert. No reservation required.
Wapakwanis Plant Walk (Warrior Women)
Move to the heartbeat of Mother Earth, learn to read the language of the land, and listen to wisdom of the Cree people. On this 90-minute walk, guided by the Warrior Women, you’ll start with an exploration of Jasper's ecology and Indigenous medicinal plants, then learn how to make medicine of your own.
Jasper Motorcycle Tours
Experience the thrill of the ride in one the world's most picturesque settings. No need to upgrade your driver’s license – Jasper Motorcycle Tours offers rides to people of all ages and abilities. Explore Jasper’s landmarks from the sidecar of a Harley Davidson driven by a professional rider.
Downtown Foodie Tour
Departing daily from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the Downtown Foodie Tour isn't just a convenient late lunch option, it’s a chance to get a taste of Rocky Mountain culture. On this 1.5-km (0.9-mi) guided walk, you'll visit four Jasper restaurants and sample four handpicked dishes while listening to local lore.
Jasper Wildlife Discovery Tour (Sundog Transportation and Tours)
Spend the early evening on an informative and awe-inspiring wildlife tour of Jasper National Park. Discover local hidden gems all while seeking out the region’s original inhabitants. Elk, deer, bear, moose and mountain goats are just some of the many wild animals you’ll encounter roaming the park near dusk.
Jasper Planetarium and Telescope Experience
Get a glimpse of the primordial sky above the Rockies at the Jasper Planetarium, located in the world’s largest easily-accessible dark sky preserve. You’ll gaze through powerful telescopes, see and touch meteorites, and learn the anatomy of an aurora and how to photograph the Northern Lights and Milky Way.
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Part of your planetarium experience takes place outdoors — remember to dress for the weather!
Breakfast at Silverwater Grill
Fuel up before another epic day in the Rockies at the Silverwater Grill and Lounge, located in the Chateau Jasper. Choose from a traditional breakfast menu featuring toast, pancakes, a kids' menu and more — the smoked salmon and smoked duck waffles are a Silverwater specialty.
Rockies Heli Canada
Grab lunch in Jasper, then head down the Icefields Parkway to Rockies Heli Canada and get ready to launch into the sky. Choose a 20-, 30- or 60-minute flight over untouched glaciers, peaks and alpine lakes and meadows. Or book a heli-hiking tour and explore the pristine backcountry with a certified guide.
Dinner at The Inn Grill
Popular with locals and tourists in the know, The Inn Grill (located in the courtyard of Jasper Inn & Suites) features Canadian staples like salmon and Alberta beef, as well as pizza, burgers and classic salads. Sit by the fireplace in the open-plan dining room, or soak up the sun on the flower-filled patio.
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Need help with transportation? Jasper's tour companies and shuttles make exploring the Rockies a breeze.
Métis Crossing
Built on river lot titles of the original Métis settlers to the Smoky Lake region, Métis Crossing educates visitors on a lesser-known cornerstone of Albertan culture. Enjoy bison and bannock at the bistro, then participate in interactive experiences before spending the night in the centre's new lodge.
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Need food, supplies or a bathroom break? The road from Jasper to Métis Crossing passes through Edmonton.
Edmonton Food Tour (Alberta Food Tours)
Take it from the experts: Edmonton has a lot of great food to taste, and Alberta Food Tours makes it easy not to miss any of it. Book a personalized private tour in the downtown area or Old Strathcona, or plan to catch the Savoury and Sweet Strathcona tour (one Sunday a month during the summer).
Fort Edmonton Park
The largest living history museum in Canada, Fort Edmonton Park features costumed interpreters recreating scenes from the area's Indigenous and European communities during five historical periods. Relive Edmonton’s days as a trading post, learn how to churn butter, or hop on a 1920s-style streetcar.
Dinner in the Ice District
Edmonton's ICE District on the north side of downtown is full of charming cocktail bars, hip eateries and fine dining options. Live like a local and steal a spot on one of the district's many patios — as soon as the snow is gone, there’s nothing Edmontonians love more than a meal in the open air.
Neon Sign Museum
After dinner, stroll up 104th Street toward Rogers Place to enjoy the bright, whimsical sight of Canada’s only neon sign museum. Mounted to the brick exterior walls of the TELUS building and Mercer Warehouse, the fully functional signs include many beloved examples from Edmonton’s legacy businesses.
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During the summer, it's easy get around downtown using one of Edmonton's scooter share programs.
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