Planning a trip to Jasper can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to figure out the perfect place to stay. I’ve explored every corner of this stunning Canadian Rockies destination to help you choose the ideal area that matches your travel style and budget.
Whether you want to wake up to mountain views, stay close to downtown restaurants, or find a quiet lakeside retreat, Jasper offers something special for every traveler. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 8 best areas to stay in Jasper, so you can spend less time researching and more time enjoying your mountain adventure.
🏠 Best Hotels:
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge
- ✨ 5-Star: Pyramid Lake Lodge
- 🏨 4-Star: Forest Park Hotel
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Marmot Lodge Jasper
- 💸 Cheap: Jasper East Hostel
- 🏢 Apartment: Miette Mountain Cabins
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Lobstick Lodge
- 🏩 For Couples: Whistler's Inn
Quick guide to the best places to stay: 📋
- 🏔️ Mountain Views: Pyramid Lake Area
- 🏞️ Lakefront Access: Patricia Lake Area
- 🌲 Wilderness Experience: Jasper East
- 👨👩👧👦 Families: Downtown Jasper
- 🦌 Wildlife Viewing: Maligne Lake Road
- ⛷️ Skiing & Adventure: Whistlers Area
- 🛁 Relaxation & Wellness: Miette Hot Springs Area
- 🏕️ Remote Experience: Sunwapta Falls Area
1. Downtown Jasper – Where to Stay in Jasper for Walkability
Central location. Downtown Jasper puts everything within walking distance, making it the perfect base for travelers who prefer exploring on foot. I found myself strolling to restaurants, shops, and tour operators without needing a car, which saved both money and hassle during my stay.
Restaurant scene. The downtown core houses Jasper’s best dining options, from casual cafes to upscale mountain cuisine. My favorite discovery was how easily I could grab morning coffee, enjoy lunch at a local bistro, and find dinner spots all within a few blocks of each other.
Shopping and services. Patricia Street and Connaught Drive form the heart of Jasper’s shopping district, where I picked up outdoor gear, souvenirs, and essentials. The area also provides easy access to:
- Tour booking offices for Maligne Lake and wildlife viewing
- Bike rental shops for exploring nearby trails
Transportation hub. Downtown serves as Jasper’s main transportation center, with the train station, bus stops, and shuttle services all centrally located. I appreciated being able to walk to the Jasper Skytram pickup point and various tour departure locations without arranging separate transportation.
| Service | Price (CAD) | Price (USD) | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown parking (daily) | $8-12 | $6-9 | €5-8 |
| Bike rental (daily) | $35-45 | $26-34 | €23-30 |
| Local shuttle to attractions | $15-25 | $11-19 | €10-17 |
Nightlife access. After exploring Jasper National Park during the day, I enjoyed having bars, pubs, and entertainment venues within walking distance. The downtown area stays lively during peak season, offering a nice balance between mountain adventure and social atmosphere.
Best Hotels in Downtown Jasper
Luxury Hotels in Downtown Jasper
- Chateau Jasper – This elegant hotel on Geikie Street offers sophisticated rooms with mountain views and upscale amenities in the heart of Jasper.
- Forest Park Hotel – Located just steps from downtown, this full-service hotel features spacious rooms and comprehensive conference facilities.
- Tonquin Inn – This boutique property offers refined accommodations with personalized service in downtown Jasper.
Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels in Downtown Jasper
- The Crimson Jasper – Located on Connaught Drive, this modern hotel offers comfortable rooms with mountain views and excellent value for money.
- Marmot Lodge Jasper – Situated in the heart of downtown on Connaught Drive, this lodge provides cozy accommodations with easy access to restaurants and shops.
- Lobstick Lodge – This family-friendly hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with kitchenettes, perfect for extended stays.
Best Hostels in Downtown Jasper
- Bear Hill Lodge – Providing comfortable rooms with mountain views, this lodge offers good value accommodation in downtown Jasper.
- 316 Patricia Street Accommodation – This budget-friendly option offers basic but clean accommodations in a convenient downtown location.
- Jasper Downtown Hostel – Located near the train station, this clean hostel offers both private rooms and dormitory beds with full kitchen facilities and gear storage.
2. Pyramid Lake Area – Where to Stay in Jasper for Mountain Views
Scenic location. You’ll find Pyramid Lake just 7 kilometers from downtown Jasper, offering stunning mountain reflections and peaceful surroundings. The best spot is Pyramid Island, connected by a wooden bridge where locals say the sunrise photos are incredible.
Outdoor activities. This place offers excellent canoeing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities right at your doorstep. Don’t miss the Pyramid Lake Loop Trail – it’s an easy 4.2km walk that takes about 90 minutes and gives you amazing views of Pyramid Mountain.
Dining options. Locals recommend Pyramid Lake Resort Restaurant for casual meals with lake views. You can expect to pay around €15-20 (CAD $20-25) for main dishes, and their fish and chips costs about €12 (CAD $16).
| Activity | Price (CAD) | Price (USD) | Price (EUR) | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canoe rental | $45/day | $34/day | €30/day | 9am-6pm (May-Oct) |
| Kayak rental | $40/day | $30/day | €26/day | 9am-6pm (May-Oct) |
| Fishing license | $35/day | $26/day | €23/day | Available 24/7 |
Shopping and supplies. You can find basic groceries and outdoor gear at Pyramid Lake Resort Store, which sells snacks, drinks, and fishing supplies. The store opens at 8am and closes at 8pm during summer season.
Winter activities. The best time to visit for ice fishing is January through March when the lake freezes completely. Locals say this area becomes perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with equipment rentals available at the resort.
Best Hotels in Pyramid Lake Area
- Pyramid Lake Lodge – This lakeside retreat offers cozy rooms with private balconies, direct access to Pyramid Lake, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
- Pine Bungalows – Set in a peaceful forest by the river, these rustic cabins feature wood-burning fireplaces and are ideal for guests seeking a quiet, nature-filled escape close to Jasper.
3. Patricia Lake Area – Where to Stay in Jasper for Lakefront Access
Quiet retreat. Patricia Lake sits 5 kilometers from downtown and offers a more secluded experience than its neighbor Pyramid Lake. This place has excellent swimming spots during summer and the water stays warmer than most mountain lakes.
Historical interest. You’ll discover the remains of Project Habbakuk here – a secret WWII ice ship project. The best spot to learn about this is the small interpretive area near the lake’s north shore, which locals recommend visiting in the morning.
Dining nearby. The closest restaurant is Cottonwood Slough, about 10 minutes away, where I tried their elk burger for around €18 (CAD $24). You can find cheaper options like sandwiches and soup for about €8-10 (CAD $12-15).
Activities and rentals. This place offers peaceful paddling with mountain views and fewer crowds than Pyramid Lake. Don’t miss the Patricia Lake Circle Trail – it’s a gentle 4.8km loop perfect for families.
| Service | Price (CAD) | Price (USD) | Price (EUR) | Best Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paddleboard rental | $35/day | $26/day | €23/day | 10am-5pm |
| Mountain bike rental | $40/day | $30/day | €26/day | 9am-7pm |
| Guided nature walk | $25/person | $19/person | €17/person | 2pm daily |
Shopping essentials. You can find basic supplies at Patricia Lake Bungalows General Store, which sells camping gear, snacks, and local crafts. Locals say their homemade jam selection is worth trying – bottles cost around €6 (CAD $8).
Seasonal tips. The best time to visit for swimming is July through early September when water temperatures reach their peak. Winter brings excellent ice fishing opportunities from December through March.
4. Jasper East – Where to Stay in Jasper for Quiet Surroundings
Peaceful location. You’ll find this area about 15 minutes east of downtown, offering a perfect balance between accessibility and tranquility. This place has fewer tourists and more wildlife sightings, especially elk and deer in the early morning.
Natural attractions. Don’t miss Maligne Canyon, just 20 minutes away, where you can explore six bridges and stunning waterfalls. Locals recommend visiting Medicine Lake on your way – it’s a unique disappearing lake that changes dramatically with seasons.
Local dining. The best spot for food is Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen, where their bison chili costs around €14 (CAD $18). You can find lighter meals like wraps and salads for about €10-12 (CAD $14-16).
Wildlife viewing. This place offers excellent opportunities to spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and black bears. The best time to visit for wildlife photography is early morning between 6am-9am when animals are most active.
| Attraction | Distance | Entry Fee (CAD) | Entry Fee (EUR) | Open Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maligne Canyon | 20 min drive | Free | Free | 24/7 |
| Medicine Lake | 35 min drive | Free | Free | 24/7 |
| Maligne Lake | 45 min drive | Free | Free | 24/7 |
Shopping options. You can find outdoor gear and souvenirs at Maligne Tours Gift Shop, which sells hiking boots, rain gear, and local artwork. Locals say their selection of Canadian-made wool socks is excellent – pairs cost around €15 (CAD $20).
Practical access. This area requires a car for most activities, but the extra space and quiet atmosphere make it worth the drive. I found the lack of crowds here refreshing after busy days exploring popular attractions.
5. Maligne Lake Road – Where to Stay in Jasper for Wildlife Viewing
Prime wildlife corridor. You’ll find this scenic 48-kilometer road offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Jasper National Park. This place has regular sightings of elk, moose, black bears, and mountain goats, especially during early morning and evening hours.
Stunning attractions. Don’t miss Spirit Island, one of Canada’s most photographed locations, accessible by boat tour from Maligne Lake. Locals recommend the 90-minute cruise which costs around €45 (CAD $60) and operates from May through October.
Dining experiences. The best spot for meals is Maligne Lake Chalet, where their famous Alberta beef stew costs about €16 (CAD $22). You can find lighter options like sandwiches and soup for around €8-12 (CAD $12-16).
Photography hotspots. This place offers incredible mountain reflections at Maligne Lake and dramatic canyon views at Maligne Canyon. The best time to visit for photography is during golden hour, but I found midday lighting works well for canyon shots.
| Activity | Price (CAD) | Price (USD) | Price (EUR) | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit Island boat tour | $60 | $45 | €39 | May-October |
| Maligne Lake fishing | $40/day | $30/day | €26/day | June-September |
| Canyon ice walk (winter) | $75 | $56 | €49 | December-March |
Seasonal access. This area becomes a winter wonderland with ice walks through Maligne Canyon being the highlight. The road stays open year-round, but some facilities close from November through April.
6. Whistlers Area – Where to Stay in Jasper for Skiing
Mountain Access. The Whistlers area sits at the base of Whistlers Mountain, just 3 kilometers south of downtown via Highway 93. I appreciate how this location puts you within walking distance of the Jasper SkyTram base station, which operates year-round except during extreme weather conditions below -35°C.
Ski Advantages. Marmot Basin ski area lies 19 kilometers away via the Whistlers Mountain Road, making this the closest accommodation to Jasper’s premier ski destination. The road gets plowed by 6 AM daily during ski season, and most properties offer ski storage rooms with boot dryers that operate on 12-hour cycles.
Winter Activities Available:
- Cross-country skiing on groomed trails – 15km network starts 200m from accommodations
- Snowshoeing rentals available on-site at CAD $35/day including poles
- Ice climbing instruction through certified guides – CAD $165 for 4-hour sessions
- Dog sledding tours departing directly from property parking areas
Elevation Benefits. At 1,100 meters elevation, this area receives 25% more snowfall than downtown Jasper, with powder conditions lasting 2-3 days longer after storms. Summer temperatures stay 3-4°C cooler, making it ideal for guests who struggle with heat during July and August peak season.
| Season | Average Temp | Snow Depth | Best Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | -18°C | 85cm | Skiing, snowshoeing |
| Spring | 8°C | 30cm | Hiking, wildlife |
| Summer | 19°C | 0cm | Tram rides, biking |
| Fall | 4°C | 15cm | Photography, aurora |
Transportation Notes. The Whistlers Village shuttle runs every 45 minutes to downtown Jasper from 8 AM to 10 PM during peak season. Taxi service costs CAD $18 each way, while Uber operates sporadically depending on driver availability. I recommend renting a vehicle for stays longer than 3 nights to maximize flexibility.
7. Miette Hot Springs Area – Where to Stay in Jasper for Relaxation
Thermal Springs Access. Located 61 kilometers northeast of Jasper townsite, this area centers around Canada’s hottest natural hot springs, which maintain temperatures between 40-54°C year-round. I find the 45-minute drive worthwhile for guests seeking therapeutic mineral water experiences without crowds.
Seasonal Operations. The hot springs facility operates from early May through mid-October, with peak season running July through September when daily visitors can exceed 800 people. Properties in this area offer significant discounts during shoulder seasons when springs remain open but visitor numbers drop by 70%.
Health Benefits. The mineral-rich waters contain sulfur, calcium, and magnesium compounds that many guests report help with arthritis and muscle tension. Soaking sessions typically last 15-20 minutes due to high temperatures, with cooling pools available at 32°C for extended relaxation.
Accommodation Features:
- Private mineral water tubs at 60% of properties – filled fresh daily
- Massage therapy services available on-site through certified practitioners
- Meditation gardens with mountain views extending 50+ kilometers
- Organic meal delivery from Jasper restaurants – CAD $45 minimum order
Wildlife Corridor. This area sits along a major wildlife migration route, with bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and occasional grizzly bears visible from accommodation decks. The Fiddle River runs directly behind most properties, creating natural white noise that enhances the relaxation experience.
Road Conditions. Highway 16 East to Miette requires careful driving during winter months, with several steep grades and sharp curves. The final 17 kilometers on Miette Road gets plowed twice weekly in winter, making 4WD vehicles essential between December and March.
Best Hotels near Miette Hot Springs
- Miette Hot Springs Bungalows – Located directly at Canada’s hottest natural hot springs, these rustic bungalows offer immediate access to therapeutic mineral waters and stunning mountain wilderness views.
- Miette Mountain Cabins – Set in the historic Pocahontas townsite, these cozy mountain cabins provide a peaceful retreat with full kitchen facilities and easy access to hiking trails and hot springs.
8. Sunwapta Falls Area – Where to Stay in Jasper for Remote Experience
Wilderness Immersion. Sunwapta Falls sits 55 kilometers south of Jasper townsite along the Icefields Parkway, offering the most remote accommodation experience within park boundaries. I recommend this area for experienced mountain travelers who want complete disconnection from modern conveniences while maintaining basic comfort levels.
Waterfall Access. The thundering Sunwapta Falls drops 18 meters through a narrow limestone canyon, creating mist that can be felt 100 meters away during peak spring runoff in May and June. Properties here offer unobstructed views of both the upper and lower falls from private balconies and outdoor seating areas.
| Distance to Services | Kilometers | Drive Time | Available Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Gas Station | 55km | 45 min | Petro-Canada Jasper |
| Grocery Store | 55km | 45 min | IGA Jasper |
| Medical Clinic | 55km | 45 min | Jasper Healthcare |
| Cell Tower | 23km | 20 min | Limited Rogers/Telus |
Glacier Views. The Athabasca Glacier remains visible year-round from this location, appearing as a white ribbon against the Columbia Icefield massif. Early morning light between 6-7 AM creates optimal photography conditions when the glacier reflects pink and orange hues during sunrise.
Self-Sufficiency Requirements. Properties include full kitchen facilities, propane heating systems, and emergency communication devices due to the remote location. I always advise guests to bring 5 days of food supplies, as weather conditions can close the Icefields Parkway with 2-hour notice during severe storms.
Adventure Activities. Guided glacier walks operate from nearby Columbia Icefield Centre, with transportation provided from accommodations for CAD $25 per person each way. Ice walking tours run year-round except during extreme avalanche conditions, typically 5-8 days annually between January and March.
FAQ
What are the best Jasper hotels near Jasper National Park?
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge stands as one of the best hotels in Jasper National Park, offering luxury accommodation in Jasper with stunning Rocky Mountain views. Other top choices include Chateau Jasper and Forest Park Hotel, both located in the heart of Jasper town with easy access to explore Jasper’s attractions.
Which accommodation in Jasper offers the best cabins?
Patricia Lake Bungalows and Pine Bungalows provide some of the finest cabins in Jasper, featuring full kitchens and lakefront locations. These Jasper house bungalows offer a perfect spot to stay for families wanting to experience the heart of the national park while enjoying privacy and mountain views.
Where can I find cheap hotels and hostels in Jasper?
Jasper Downtown Hostel is one of the most affordable options, located near Jasper train station in the heart of Jasper. The hostel offers both private rooms and shared accommodations, making it perfect for budget travelers visiting Jasper National Park.
What’s the best place to stay in Jasper for families?
Jasper Inn and Suites provides excellent family accommodation in Jasper with spacious suites featuring kitchenettes and an indoor pool. The hotel sits away from downtown Jasper’s busy streets while remaining close enough for an easy walk to downtown Jasper’s restaurants and attractions.
Which Jasper hotels have the best pool and hot tub?
Most best Jasper hotels feature swimming pool and hot tub facilities, including Crimson Jasper and Forest Park Hotel. These hotels in Jasper National Park offer relaxation after exploring the Rocky Mountain wilderness, with many featuring both indoor pool and outdoor hot tub options.
Are there campgrounds in Jasper National Park for RVs?
Whistlers Campground is the largest of the campgrounds in Jasper, accommodating most RV sizes with full service hookups. Other options include Wapiti Campground along the Athabasca River and several smaller campgrounds around Jasper National Park for those wanting to stay closer to nature.
What’s the closest lodging in Jasper to Banff National Park?
Hotels along Highway 93 South, including properties near the park gates, offer the shortest drive from Jasper to Banff National Park. These locations provide easy access for visitors exploring both national parks during their Alberta mountain adventure.
Which cabin accommodation offers the best Rocky Mountain views?
Pyramid Lake Lodge and Patricia Lake Bungalows offer spectacular Rocky Mountain vistas from their cabin accommodations. These properties sit in pristine locations around Jasper National Park, providing guests with unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks and pristine wilderness.
What are the 10 best hotels in Jasper for luxury stays?
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge tops the list as the most luxurious resort in Jasper, featuring world-class amenities and lakefront location. Other premium options include Chateau Jasper Hotel and Forest Park Hotel’s Alpine Wing, all offering upscale accommodation in Jasper with exceptional service.
Where should I stay in Jasper National Park for easy town access?
Hotels along Connaught Drive and Geikie Street offer the best access to Jasper town’s restaurants and shops. Properties like Jasper Inn, Chateau Jasper, and Crimson Jasper provide convenient locations for exploring both the town of Jasper and the surrounding national park attractions.
