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. 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 we come in! We’ve combined our own experience with hints and tips from locals and tourism experts, to bring you the lowdown on 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, we’ve got you covered!
Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!
Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.
Best Airbnb in Jasper: Riverside Family Suite
Admire the gorgeous scenery of Jasper National Park in this rustic cabin on the Icefields Parkway. It’s only a two-minute drive from the town of Jasper – so you won’t be too far from civilization. The best thing about this cabin is it’s proximity to wildlife, so you’ll be able to watch the animals right from your doorstep!
Best Hostel in Jasper: Jasper Downtown Hostel
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.
Best Hotel in Jasper: Jasper East Cabins
What better way to take in the relaxing atmosphere of Jasper National Park than from your very own cabin? This lodge hosts a collection of cabins, where you can enjoy the privacy of your own space whilst benefiting from the added convenience of staying in a hotel.
The Athabasca River is only a short walk away – and the dramatic mountain landscapes can be seen from the front door.
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.
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.
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.
Jasper’s Top 4 Places to Stay in
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 neighbor.
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, we 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 traveling 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 our top pick if you don’t have a car, since it’s so easy to get to via train or tourist bus.
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!
We’ve got more information about each destination below. It’s not the easiest decision to make, so we’ve also included our top accommodation and activity picks in each to help you figure out your itinerary.
Want a good deal? Be sure to pick up an ‘America, The Beautiful Pass‘, it’s $80 and gives you entrance to every National Park in the US for 12 months, plus a whole heap more!
The USA is blisteringly beautiful. It’s also blisteringly expensive! Visiting two national parks in day can run you $70+ in entry fees.
Orrrr… you kick those entry fees to the curb, buy an annual ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for $79.99, and get unlimited access to ALL 2000+ federally managed sites in the States totally FREE!
You do the math. 😉
Buy the Pass!1. Icefields Parkway – Best Place to Stay in Jasper for a First Visit
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.
Family Cabin in Icefields Parkway: Riverside Family Suite
Nestled along the Wapiti Trail, this quaint cabin is perfect for hikers. The Athabasca River runs right behind the home, creating a peaceful atmosphere amongst nature. It’s part of a larger resort, so you’ll still get to enjoy your home comforts throughout your stay.
Guests can enjoy the rustic furnishings and interior design. Though it only has one bedroom, there are extra beds in the living room sleeping up to six guests overall.
Scenic Hostel in Icefields Parkway: HI Beauty Creek
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.
Rustic Lodge in Icefields Parkway: Sunwapta Falls Lodge
This charming little lodge is a great choice for those that 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.
Things to See and Do in Icefields Parkway:
- Columbia Icefield is a must-visit during the fall and winter – you can take a snowcoach ride to the top of the glacier for unique scenery.
- 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 beginners and families.
- Take a trip down to Peyto Lake, where you can spot native wildlife and enjoy picnics in the warmer months.
2. Downtown Jasper – Where 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. 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 tourism companies in the area offering hiking, cycling and bus excursions around the most iconic sights.
Friendly Hostel in Downtown Jasper: Jasper Downtown Hostel
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.
Roomy Lodge in Downtown Jasper: Pine Bungalows
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.
Modern Guest Suite in Downtown Jasper: The Rosehip House
Located right in the heart of Downtown Jasper, this apartment is only a short walk from some of the most popular hiking trails. Although it is attached to a larger house, it’s fully self-contained and has a separate entrance.
Nevertheless, this set-up means you get to enjoy cheaper rates compared to other apartments in the town. It’s also super spacious and comes with contemporary furnishings.
The Rosehip House is one of our favourites in Jasper National Park but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Things to See and Do in Downtown Jasper:
- Ride the Jasper Tramway – this is a laid-back way to take in the town center 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.
- There are also some great bars and restaurants along the drive – we recommend Dead Dog Bar & Grill in particular.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI3. Miette Hot Springs – Best Area in Jasper for Families
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’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.
Spacious Cabin in Miette Hot Springs: Jasper East Mountain Home
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.
Cozy Chalet in Miette Hot Springs: 118 Two Bedroom
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 cozy 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.
Comfortable Lodge in Miette Hot Springs: Jasper East Cabins
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.
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 a huge lake for kayaking on.
4. 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.
Best Hostel in Lake Louise: HI Lake Louise
This is another fantastic Hostelling Internationals 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 Kicking Horse River rapids.
Luxury Hotel in Lake Louise: Fairmont Château 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.
Quirky Campervan in Lake Louise: Airstream Glamping
Glamping is a great way to get close to nature without compromising on home comforts. Airstreams are popular camper vans that are known for their luxurious interiors. This one is located five minutes outside Lake Louise, and a 20-minute drive from Jasper.
Airstream Glamping is one of our favourites in Jasper National Park but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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).
- Taste some hearty local cuisine from The Station Restaurant, built within the former train station’s walls.
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected. It’s just that easy.
Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Jasper National Park
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Jasper National Park is a stunning place to stay in Canada, right in the heart of its section of the Rocky Mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is quieter than the other national parks in the area, making 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 accommodation in Alberta.
If we had to pick one place as our favorite 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.
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.
We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options for your upcoming trip to Jasper National Park!
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? Want to be featured in our list? Email [email protected] to find out how.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
