Explore Jasper in 3 Days: Real Itinerary from a Calgary Road Trip
Why Jasper? Why Now?
Being in Calgary, Jasper was on our minds for a long time. We almost planned a trip in 2024, but forest fires and the long drive deterred us. This year, however, we felt it would be good to support local businesses in Jasper given the damage they’d faced due to the fires. So off we went—on a Friday morning, fueled by excitement and oats.
The weather was just perfect, though the forecast showed rain for the next three days. But hey, it’s Alberta. “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes,” they say.
Day 1: From Calgary to Jasper – Scenic Stops & Waterfalls
📍 First Stop: Canmore (Safeway)
Once you cross Lake Louise, there’s really nothing major until Jasper. So, we stopped at the Safeway in Canmore to pick up groceries. A smart move if you’re planning to camp or cook on the go.
📍 Waterfowl Lakes Lookout (Lunch Stop)
Our next stop was a tiny lookout near Waterfowl Lakes. We had our lunch here. You can also enter the campground and relax by the beach—it's pristine and peaceful.
📍 Rampart Creek – Cool Down Stop
Next, we stopped at the creek beside Rampart Creek Campground. There’s something magical about dipping your feet in ice-cold glacier water after lunch on a warm day.
📍 Panther Falls Hike
A short 1.3 km trail with muddy switchbacks and some slippery spots. It’s a great leg-stretcher as you inch closer to Jasper. The trail to Bridal Veil Falls was blocked when we visited, but Panther was still worth it.
📍 Athabasca Falls
It’s busy, but you’re passing it anyway—definitely worth a stop. One regret: we missed Stanley Falls due to time constraints. It's on the list for next time!
Athabasca Falls
At the entrance of stanley falls trailehead.
🏕️ Overnight at Whistlers Campground
Whistlers is the 5-star of all campgrounds. Fully equipped and perfectly nestled below Pyramid Mountain, it’s also minutes away from Jasper town. We cooked dinner, explored the area, and barely managed to sleep as the temperature dropped.
Early the next morning (around 4 AM), we went for a coffee run and shared the road with a family of elk. Mama Elk wasn’t too pleased. 😂
Day 2: Jasper Town, Lakes, and Mesmerizing Mountains
☕ A Sleepy Start with a Stunning Sunrise
Sleep-deprived but thrilled, we made creamy oats with full-fat milk and kicked off the day with high spirits.
📍 Maligne Lake via Medicine Lake
On the way to Maligne, don’t miss Medicine Lake—its vibe is just magical. Honestly, I preferred it over Maligne Lake.
At Maligne, we skipped the long boat tour and instead did the Mary Schaeffer Loop—a trail hugging the shoreline, with incredible views and fascinating history.
📍 Pyramid Island
This is a must. The Pyramid Mountain’s orange-gold hues are beyond mesmerizing. It was easily one of my favorite Jasper experiences.
🍴 Lunch at Estio, Jasper
Their mortadella sandwich is a winner.
📍 Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Beautifully nestled with a lake in the middle, this is my favorite of all Fairmont hotels I’ve seen (even compared to Banff and Montana).
There’s a small trail accessible from public parking—perfect for a short, scenic stroll.
🏨 Overnight in Hinton
We stayed at the Best Western in Hinton to explore the eastern side of the park the next day.
Day 3: Miette Hike, Jasper Lake, & Secret Views
🥾 Miette Upper Loop Hike
There are several moderate to tough hikes in this area, but the Miette Upper Loop was just right for us. The views were stunning, though we missed seeing the waterfall from the far side of the trail.
🌊 Jasper Sand Dunes / Jasper Lake
This was a surprise highlight! You can walk across ankle-deep water with panoramic views around you. Wind, sun, cold feet, and jaw-dropping scenery—pure joy.
🍱 Lunch Break & Quiet Views
Back at the suite, we had our home-cooked lunch and then went out to Solomon Lookout. This is a hidden gem—a free viewpoint with breathtaking valley views and barely any people around. A little rain made it even more magical.
Hidden Gem: William A. Switzer Provincial Park
🏞️ Fire Tower Trail
This park is highly overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. The Fire Tower Trail gives you views comparable to the Banff Gondola—without the price tag. Highly recommended.
🍗 Dinner at Ricky’s All Day Grill
We were wiped, so comfort food it was. Their chicken tenders hit the spot, and the coffee toffee pudding was divine.
Final Morning: Beavers, Farms & Homebound
🦫 Beaver Boardwalk, Hinton
A great spot for kids and adults alike. You’ll see beaver dams and—if you're lucky—some actual beaver activity.
🚗 Return via Red Deer
On the way back, we stopped near Red Deer to pick produce from local farms—a sweet and grounding end to a wild, refreshing trip.
Final Thoughts
This 3-day Jasper road trip was filled with stunning lakes, spontaneous wildlife, peaceful hikes, and more than a few memorable moments. From the underrated creek stops to the elk-filled mornings, this trip reminded me why we keep exploring Alberta’s wild backyard.
