How to get to Jasper

When planning a trip to Jasper, you are journeying into the very heart of the Canadian Rockies, where the majesty of the national park's wilderness blends harmoniously with the comfort of a welcoming town. This unique resort in Canada is renowned for its turquoise lakes, powerful glaciers, and abundant wildlife. You can reach this pristine sanctuary in various ways: by driving along one of the world's most scenic roads, enjoying a comfortable train ride, or flying into nearby major cities followed by a transfer.

Although the town of Jasper itself does not have a passenger airport, air travel remains a popular way to begin the journey. Most tourists fly into Edmonton International Airport (YEG), located approximately 4 hours away, or Calgary Airport (YYC), the starting point of the famous mountain route. These major hubs receive flights from around the world and offer excellent connections to the resort via car rentals or shuttles.

As an alternative for domestic flights, one might consider regional airports in the cities of Grande Prairie or Kamloops. Despite being at some distance, the route from them to your final destination passes along the scenic highways of Canada, allowing you to enjoy the views even before arriving.

A rail journey to Jasper is considered a classic of Canadian tourism, as the town is served by a historic station where trains arrive regularly. The famous VIA Rail trains stop here, including those on the transcontinental "The Canadian" route between Toronto and Vancouver, as well as trains on the Jasper — Prince Rupert line.

In addition to scheduled services, during the summer season, the town welcomes the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer tourist trains, offering panoramic views of the Rockies. Travelling by rail across Canada allows you to see landscapes inaccessible to cars and arrive right in the centre of the national park with maximum comfort.

For those who do not plan to rent a vehicle, there is a developed network of bus routes connecting Jasper with key points in the region. Regular tourist shuttles, such as Sundog Tours, run daily from Edmonton and its airport, while Brewster Express provides convenient connections from Banff and Lake Louise.

A bus trip across Canada is not just a transfer, but an opportunity to relax and contemplate the mountain panoramas. The travel time from Edmonton is about 4–5 hours, while the route from Banff passes along the legendary Icefields Parkway, turning the journey into a full-fledged excursion.

Travelling by car offers complete freedom of movement and is considered one of the most beautiful routes in the world. The main flow of tourists arrives from Edmonton via the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) or from the south via Banff along the scenic Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). If you are driving from the west, a convenient starting point would be the city of Kamloops: the distance of 443 km can be covered in approximately 4.6 hours.

There are also routes from the north and northeast. For example, the road from the city of Grande Prairie will take about 4.2 hours (around 399 km), while the journey from the city of Williams Lake will require about 5.8 hours of driving. In winter, be sure to check road conditions and ensure you have winter tyres, as the weather in the mountains is unpredictable.

A trip to Jasper is an immersion into the world of wildlife, requiring careful preparation. To ensure your holiday goes perfectly, we have gathered several important practical recommendations.

1. Dress in layers. Weather in the mountains changes rapidly. Even in summer, bring a fleece jacket, a waterproof windbreaker, and comfortable trekking boots for walks.
2. Transport and parking. Although the town centre is compact, it is better to rent a car to explore distant lakes and canyons. Note that a paid Park Pass is required to enter the national park.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Cards are accepted everywhere, but having some cash for tips or small souvenirs is always useful.
4. Wild animals. You are in the territory of bears and moose. Never feed the animals, maintain a distance of at least 30–100 metres, and carry bear spray on forest trails.
5. Connectivity and navigation. The mobile network works in the town but may disappear on mountain roads (for example, on the Icefields Parkway). Download offline maps of the region in advance.
6. Accommodation booking. Jasper has limited room capacity. Hotels and camping spots for the summer season must be booked 6–12 months in advance.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid organisational difficulties and focus entirely on the incredible beauty of the Canadian Rockies.