Jasper National Park, Alberta

By Caroline Shin
Staff Writer

Good old fun for the whole family, Jasper National Park offers children many exciting activities in the great Canadian Rocky Mountains. There is plenty to see and do so kids won’t get bored. The Jasper Information Centre provides detailed information on kid-friendly adventures, maps and hiking trail guides.

Recommended Kids’ Activities in Jasper

Hiking. Take the kids on a hike. The Discovery Trail, located on the perimeter of Jasper townsite, and Lake Annette Loop are short, fun and easy and short trail. Just make sure to bring plenty of water.

Jasper has tons of fun for the family.

Snowtubing. Enjoy Jasper’s fresh powder with a thrilling ride downhill on a snowtube.

Guided Tours. A hands-on learning experience for the whole family, local guides will share their knowledge of Jasper’s nature and wildlife.

Museums. Learn about Jasper history at the Yellowhead Museum or see the many wildlife displays at the Wildlife Den in Whistler’s Inn.

Out About Town. Take in the shops, ice cream parlors and restaurants in town. The town itself has a beautiful mountain backdrop. Try the latest green transportation – the Jasper Pedi-Cab.

Scenic Appreciation.
● Columbia Icefield: This is a stunning Jasper must-see. You can go out onto the glacier in an ice buggy. Older kids will enjoy a river float trip, which is a fun way to spend the day. Maligne Canyon: You can walk over six bridges for views of the limestone gorges and waterfalls.

● Maligne Lake: Start at the Maligne Lake Lodge, overlooking the lake, where you can relax on the deck over a nice lunch.

● Jasper Tramway: Open in warmer months, Canada’s highest aerial tram is the Jasper Tramway just outside town. A seven-minute 3,300 feet ride takes you to an altitude of 8,000 feet. A guide tells the history of Jasper as you look out over spectacular scenery of Jasper and the entire Athabasca Valley

Rafting. Raft the Athabasca River. The water comes from the ice fields so in the spring, it’s cloudy white with icy chunks and late in the summer, it’s crystal clear. Try floating up the river in a 20-person raft that even a young child can handle. The Athabasca has only gentle “rapids.”

Fishing. Rent fishing rods and buy bait at the boathouse.

Horseback Riding. In warmer months, ride up the morning or afternoon trail rides that head out from the Maligne Lake Lodge to the top of the Bald Hills. The rides are from three to four hours long, so this is best for older kids. They will appreciate the wildflower-covered meadows and views of ice-capped mountains along the way.