Jasper National Park is a region of outstanding natural beauty in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Situated just north of Banff National Park, it is often considered a more peaceful alternative to its world-famous counterpart. If you want to check out the stunning scenery WITHOUT running into tourist crowds, Jasper National Park is the place to go.
Since it isn’t as well known as Banff, you won’t find as much information about accommodation in Jasper National Park online. It can be roughly divided into four areas – each offering something a little bit different. I’ve got outdoor activities, an outdoor hot tub and a few options for you in my guide on where to stay in Jasper National Park.
It’s a good idea to know exactly what’s on offer before you book, so you can find the best place to suit your travel needs.
That’s where I come in! I’ve combined experience with hints and tips from locals and tourism experts, to bring you the lowdown. Buckle up for the four best places to stay in and around Jasper National Park.
Whether you’re looking for jaw-dropping scenery, epic adventures, or simply somewhere to relax, I’ve got you covered.
So let’s get into Jasper National Park!
Photo: Ralph Cope
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- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Jasper?
- Jasper National Park Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Jasper National Park
- Jasper’s Four Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in the Jasper National Park
- What To Pack For Jasper National Park
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Jasper National Park
- Final Thoughts on Where To Stay in Jasper
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Jasper hotels are pretty common in downtown Jasper, from places with outdoor hot tubs to authentic cabin properties, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Where is best for you to stay though is entirely up to you and what you want from your trip – big days at Marmot Basin Ski Area?
Or lazy days by Maligne Lake? Tourism in Jasper is cranking so you can totally pick your own adventure. Check out my top recommendations for places to stay in Jasper!
Pyramid Lake Lodge | Best Hotel in Jasper
Pyramid Lake Resort is paradise, with authentic cabin properties dotted through the forest surrounding a main lodge, everything you need is onsite. There’s a stunning onsite restaurant, a fitness centre and an outdoor hot tub to indulge in, this is one of the best hotels in Jasper. In a tranquil setting on the edge of the lake, if this isn’t the Jasper you’re here for, I can’t help you.
JOKING! I’m just in love with Pyramid Lake Resort.
Jasper Downtown Hostel | Best Hostel in Jasper
Canada’s National Parks are known to be some of the most expensive in the world – but thankfully there are plenty of great hostels in the area to keep costs down.
Jasper Downtown Hostel is one of the best in the region, thanks to its central location and excellent social spaces. It’s close to the most popular hiking trails in the park – perfect for adventure travelers.
The Rockaboo Inn | Best Airbnb in Jasper
Technically in Jasper, this Airbnb is nestled in a beautiful, quiet street only a short walk to downtown and close to Icefields Parkway. This is an epic location for exploring Jasper and the Canadian Rockies with everything you need located onsite and endless outdoor activities on your doorstep. Pop into town easily for supplies, to visit the gift shops or to soak in a hot tub once you’re done adventuring and seeing local wildlife.
Guests can enjoy the rustic furnishings and interior design. Though it only has one bedroom, there is a comfy fold-out couch in the living room, sleeping up to four guests overall.
Icefields Parkway
Stretching from the town of Jasper to the southern tip of Jasper National Park, Icefields Parkway is the most popular stretch with tourists. Whether you choose to stay along the route or not, it is a must-do – and if you’re arriving by car you’ll likely drive through it.
Downtown Jasper
The town of Jasper itself is right in the heart of the national park. This is the busiest area of the park – but also the best place for those on a budget.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise isn’t in Jasper National Park – but it’s only an hour’s drive away. It’s actually in Banff National Park, and is also pretty close to Glacier National Park. This makes it a great choice for visitors looking to explore three areas of astonishing natural beauty at once.
Miette Hot Springs
Miette Hot Springs are located to the east of Jasper National Park. This region is more peaceful than other spots in the park – making it more popular with families. Here you will get to enjoy miles of hikes without bumping into other travellers.
Jasper’s Four Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Jasper National Park is a stunning place to stay in Canada, right in the heart of its section of the Rocky Mountains. Jasper National Park is a little bit smaller than Banff – with two major roads running through it.
You’ll need a car to get around (mostly), but thankfully the roads are a little quieter up here than in its busier southern neighbour. There’s also a regular train service into the main town from Edmonton and Calgary – an ideal alternative to driving.
If you’re visiting Jasper National Park for the first time, I recommend staying in Icefields Parkway. It’s actually the main road connecting the town to the rest of the national park, where you’ll find some great cabins and camping grounds. A lot of the best scenery is also found here, as well as the most accessible hiking and cycling trails.
Downtown Jasper is a great spot for anyone travelling on a budget. It’s located right in the heart of the national park and has a wide range of accommodations to suit all price points. It’s also my top pick if you don’t have a car since it’s so easy to get to via train or tourist bus.
Photo: Ralph Cope
The area surrounding Miette Hot Springs is one of the more peaceful areas of the park. Here you will get to enjoy secluded accommodation, private viewpoints, and untouched trails. For families, this is an excellent place to kick back and relax.
Lake Louise is perhaps the best-connected town in the area. It’s actually situated in Banff National Park, about an hour south of Jasper National Park. It’s also only an hour away from Glacier National Park. If you’re staying for a longer amount of time, this is a great way to take in everything the region has to offer.
Still undecided? No worries! I’ve got more information about each destination below. It’s not the easiest decision to make, so I’ve included my top accommodation and activity picks in each to help you figure out your itinerary.
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Buy the Pass!1. Icefields Parkway – Where to Stay in Jasper for Your First Time
Stretching from the town of Jasper to the southern tip of Jasper National Park, Icefields Parkway is the most popular area to stay at. Whether you choose to base yourself along the route or not, visiting is still a must. Pretty much every tour departing from the town itself also makes its way down this road.
For first-time visitors, Icefields Parkways is where you will find some of the most popular places to explore. There are plenty of hikes that start just off the route, as well as stunning viewpoints that can be visited by car.
Sunwapta Falls Lodge | Rustic Lodge in Icefields Parkway
This charming little lodge is a great choice for those who want to stay in the heart of the national park without breaking the bank. It’s right on the Icefields Parkway, keeping you well-connected with the rest of the region.
Sunwapta Falls are a popular stopover for many visitors, and they’re only a short walk away from the lodge.
HI Beauty Creek | Scenic Hostel in Icefields Parkway
Hostelling International is the gold standard for backpacker accommodation around the world. They own a lot of the hostels in Canada, each blending bustling social spaces with peaceful natural settings.
This is a wilderness hostel, so you’ll really be able to connect with nature.
The Rockaboo Inn | Best Airbnb in Icefields Parkway
Technically in Jasper, this Airbnb is nestled in a beautiful, quiet street only a short walk to downtown and close to Icefields Parkway. This is an epic location for exploring Jasper and the Canadian Rockies with everything you need located onsite and endless outdoor activities on your doorstep. Pop into town easily for supplies, to visit the gift shops or to soak in a hot tub once you’re done adventuring and seeing local wildlife.
Guests can enjoy the rustic furnishings and interior design. Though it only has one bedroom, there is a comfy fold-out couch in the living room, sleeping up to four guests overall. So if you’re doing a great Canadian road trip double date, this is the perfect spot for couples to stay in Jasper.
Things to See and Do in Icefields Parkway:
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Columbia Icefield is a must-visit during the fall and winter – you can take a snow coach ride to the top of the glacier for unique scenery.
- Marvel at incredible panoramas of waterfalls, emerald-green lakes, and mountain ridges from a helicopter!
- Visiting in the summer? Athabasca Glacier can only be visited during the warmer months, but it’s nevertheless a stunning hike.
- Athabasca Falls is another great hike – this one is a little bit easier to partake in, so a good choice for beginner hikers and families.
- Take a trip down to Peyto Lake, where you can spot native wildlife and enjoy picnics in the warmer months.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Downtown Jasper – Best Place to Stay in Jasper on a Budget
The town of Jasper itself is right in the heart of the national park. This is the busiest area of the park – but also the best place for those on a budget. Prices can vary, but there are multiple hostels in Jasper to choose from and many of the holiday homes also come at favourable prices.
The coolest thing about Downtown Jasper is how well connected it is. Both Icefields Parkway and Yellowhead Highway pass through the town – perfect for getting around the park by car. You’ll also find some great Jasper tourism companies in the area offering hiking, cycling and bus excursions around the most iconic sights.
Forest Park Hotel | Best Hotel in Downtown Jasper
There are a few options for Jasper accommodations in Downtown Jasper, Jasper hotels are abundant here but dayum, the Forest Park Hotel is a different beast! There are two onsite restaurants, a fitness centre so you can stay fit on vacay and an epic indoor pool AND a hot tub. There’s a steam room in the wellness/spa centre, I mean honestly, this is one of the best hotels around, hands down.
Jasper Downtown Hostel | Best Hostel in Downtown Jasper
This is the only hostel in the national park that isn’t operated by Hostelling International – instead, it’s run by locals.
Jasper Aquatic and Activity Centre is located a couple of minutes away, and the main restaurant district is right on the doorstep. There are plenty of social spaces on offer, as well as a fully equipped kitchen.
Pine Bungalows | Best Apartment in Downtown Jasper
Thinking about staying in a cabin but want the convenience of a hotel? Pine Bungalows offers guests the best of both worlds! This huge lodge is a collection of fully serviced cabins situated right in the heart of Downtown Jasper.
It comes with a huge barbecue area where you can mingle with other guests, and there’s a major trail running right by the lodge. This is a perfect spot to stay on the road with your lover!
Things to See and Do in Downtown Jasper:
- Ride the Jasper Tramway – this is a laid-back way to take in the town centre attractions and stunning scenery.
- If you’re visiting in the winter, Jasper is the starting point for most dog sledding tours in the area.
- Take a walk down Connaught Drive – this is the only shopping street in the national park and home to fantastic souvenir stores.
- Explore a remote area of Jasper National Park with highly trained and experienced guides, you’ll get to touch 100 meter frozen waterfalls from the floor of 10,000,000 year old canyon. Learn more about the history, geology and wildlife of this unique natural wonder on this ice hike.
- Take on the grade 2 whitewater rapids on the Athabasca River while taking in the fresh air and scenic mountain views.
3. Lake Louise – Coolest Place to Stay near Jasper
Lake Louise isn’t exactly in Jasper National Park – but it’s only an hour’s drive away. It’s actually in Banff National Park and is also pretty close to Glacier National Park. This makes it a great choice for visitors looking to explore all three areas of astonishing natural beauty in one go.
In the winter, staying in Lake Louise is popular for those heading out to the ski resorts. During the rest of the year, you will find some great hiking, cycling, and photography excursions departing from the village.
Fairmont Château Lake Louise | Best Luxury Hotel in Lake Louise
This is the place to stay in Lake Louise! It sits right on the edge of the lake, providing guests with unparalleled access to the breathtaking scenery. In winter, the lake is a popular ice-skating spot, and hotel guests can hire skates from the front desk.
It’s also right next to a ski lift taking you to one of Canada’s highest-rated ski resorts.
HI Lake Louise | Best Hostel in Lake Louise
This is another fantastic Hostelling International property in the Rocky Mountains! Lake Louise is notoriously expensive, but visitors can easily stay here without breaking the bank.
The hostel is right in the heart of Lake Louise town, with plenty of restaurants and bars nearby. There are some great hikes nearby, and the hostel also provides regular trips to the Kicking Horse River rapids.
Cozy Lake Louise Retreat | Best Airbnb in Lake Louise
Are you kidding me?! This place is top tier in Jasper accommodations, there’s THAT indoor pool, complete with a hot tub. This place feels like one of the most chic Jasper hotels, there’s a fine dining onsite restaurant with panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies. With everything you need located onsite, this resort is a wonderful place to base yourself, better than the best hotels in my humble opinion.
Things to See and Do in Lake Louise:
- Put on your comfiest hiking boots and enjoy a hike around the lake during the summer…
- …Or strap on some ice skates during the winter.
- Take the gondola up to Lake Louise Mountain Resort (available year-round).
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Grab an eSIM!4. Miette Hot Springs – Best Neighborhood in Jasper for Families to Stay In
Miette Hot Springs is located to the east of Jasper National Park. This region is more peaceful than other spots in the park – making it more popular with families. Here, you’ll get to enjoy miles of hikes without bumping into other travellers.
Yellowhead Highway is the road that connects Jasper National Park to Edmonton, with some quirky little villages along the way. For families exploring Canada on a budget, check out the accommodation in these towns for some great deals.
Jasper East Cabins | Best Hotel in Miette Hot Springs
This lodge is considered one of the most family-friendly in Jasper National Park. It’s only a short walk from some of the easiest hikes in the area – perfect for those with younger kids.
The gardens have a play area for children, as well as spacious picnic spots with views towards the mountains.
118 Two Bedroom | Best Apartment in Miette Hot Springs
Smaller families can enjoy a budget friendly escape in this two-bedroom chalet. Located on Yellowhead Highway, it’s only a two-minute drive from the park entrance.
The cosy gas fireplace makes this a particularly popular choice for winter escapes. If you’re visiting in summer, there’s a great barbecue area with outstanding mountain views.
Jasper East Mountain Home | Best Airbnb in Miette Hot Springs
This secluded cabin lies right on the edge of Jasper National Park. It offers enough room for up to six guests, ideal for families or groups visiting the area.
It’s located right next to Folding Mountain Village – a small community where you can learn more about local culture. Otherwise, this peaceful retreat is a great spot to get away from civilization for a while.
Things to See and Do in Miette Hot Springs:
- Miette Hot Springs are powered by geothermal activity. The water stays between 98-104ºF, ideal for relaxing in after a day of exploring.
- Maligne Canyon is a great hiking spot – with trails to suit all levels and the huge Maligne lake for kayaking on.
- Travel up to Jasper and see the Icefield Skywalk – a great way to see Jasper National Park’s Sunwapta Valley.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in the Jasper National Park
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Jasper National Park and where to stay.
What To Pack For Jasper National Park
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Where are the best Jasper cabins?
Authentic cabin properties are abundant, you’ll find plenty on your search for Jasper accommodations. Depending on what you want from your stay in Jasper National Park depends on where the best Jasper cabins are for you. Personally, I love the Icepark Highway, but accommodations are rare on the highway.
Is there free camping in Jasper?
One of the best parts of any backpacking trip is sleeping under a blanket of sparkling stars and waking up in a truly fantastic location. Camping in Jasper National Park is allowed in designated areas and random camping must be a full day’s travel from trails or roads. So yes, but do your research!
Can you kayak in Jasper National Park?
Yesss! Check with your accommodation about kayak rental. They’ll have the most up-to-date intel and maybe even be able to get you a deal!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Jasper National Park
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I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide on where to stay in Jasper National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is quieter than the other national parks in the area. This makes it a great place to enjoy unspoiled scenery and peaceful hiking trails.
You’ll also be able to unwind in some of the most secluded accommodations in Alberta. If I had to pick one place as my favourite overall, it would be Downtown Jasper! It’s located right in the heart of the national park, and is well connected to everywhere else mentioned in this guide.
You can also easily take one of the many tours on offer and let a local guide show you the park through their eyes. Pyramid Lake Resort is THE BEST place to base yourself if you’re exploring Jasper in my opinion.
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, the hostels here are off the chain and I recommend Jasper Downtown Hostel. You’re in a central location, you can mingle and meet like-minded travellers, AND, your stay is cheap. Not a common word when describing Jasper’s accommodations!
That being said, the best place for you really depends what you want from your trip. Both Icefields Parkway and Miette Hot Springs offer something a little more secluded. Lake Louise, on the other hand, is great if you plan on visiting multiple national parks in one trip.
I hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options for your upcoming trip to Jasper National Park! Wherever you stay, the scenery is so stunning and between the hot tubs and the outdoor activities, you’ll be hard-pressed to have a bad time.
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments!
Photo: Alexandria Zboyovski
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Canada.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Canada.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Canada instead.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Canada.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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