Jasper National Park is Canada’s largest national park and a true outdoor lover’s paradise. It offers rugged mountains, extraordinary glaciers, and abundant wildlife, making it a prime destination for guided tours. What sets Jasper apart from other parks is its wild, untouched feel and the variety of ways visitors can explore. Whether you’re interested in a serene boat cruise, an adrenaline-pumping whitewater raft, or a wildlife spotting adventure, Jasper’s tour options are diverse and high-quality. We especially love the Maligne Lake Cruise for its iconic Spirit Island, and the wildlife tours, which get you close to elk, bears, and moose, often with expert guides sharing fascinating stories. These experiences let you connect deeply with the landscape and its creatures, making your visit memorable.
If you’re trying to decide which tours to prioritize, remember that Jasper offers everything from leisurely boat rides to thrilling whitewater adventures, with options suitable for families, solo travelers, and seasoned hikers alike. The wide variety of tours ensures there’s something for every interest and fitness level. Keep reading—we’ll walk you through each of the best options, highlighting their unique appeal and helping you find your perfect match.
1. Jasper National Park: Maligne Lake Cruise With Guide
Cruise on Jasper’s largest glacier-fed lake and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies. This tour includes a short walk to admire the famous Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in the region. Your guide shares stories about the early explorers and the lake’s natural history, adding depth to your experience. For about $85, you get a 1-day excursion that combines leisurely scenery with informative commentary, rated 4.8/5 from hundreds of reviews. The boat glides past towering glaciers and rugged peaks, giving you a chance to take spectacular photos. The highlight is undoubtedly Spirit Island, a tiny dot in the middle of an expansive lake, often mist-shrouded but always breathtaking. Ideal for those who love scenic cruising combined with brief walks and cultural insights, this tour offers excellent value for its memorable scenery.
Bottom Line: A peaceful, picturesque tour perfect for photography lovers and those wanting a relaxing day on one of Jasper’s most iconic lakes.
2. Jasper National Park: 2-Hour Whitewater Rafting
This grade 2 whitewater adventure on the Athabasca River provides a lively introduction to rafting. For $75, you’ll spend two hours navigating gentle rapids while soaking up panoramic mountain views. It’s rated 4.9/5 from over 300 reviews, making it a popular choice. The river is designated a Canadian Heritage River, so along the way, you also learn about its cultural significance. The experienced guides keep safety a priority while pointing out local wildlife and natural features. This trip is great for first-timers or those seeking a fun, active way to experience Jasper’s wilderness. The calm sections between rapids offer chances for photos of the rugged peaks and maybe some wildlife, like eagles or elk, in the distance.
Bottom Line: An energetic yet accessible adventure that’s perfect for families or anyone wanting a taste of whitewater without the thrill of extreme rapids.
3. Jasper National Park: Evening or Morning Wildlife Watch Tour
Spend three hours searching for Jasper’s iconic animals on this wildlife watching tour. Whether in the morning or evening, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned coach through the park’s scenic landscapes, with hopes of spotting elk, bears, moose, sheep, and deer. This tour boasts a 4.6/5 rating from nearly 700 reviews, highlighting its popularity. Your guide’s local knowledge helps you locate animals—sometimes amidst stunning mountain backdrops—and offers fascinating facts about their behavior and ecology. Many travelers appreciate the relaxed pace and the chance to see animals in their natural habitat, especially during dawn or dusk when animals are most active. The small-group setting fosters personal attention, making it easier to hear and ask questions.
Bottom Line: A relaxed way to see Jasper’s wildlife in their natural environment, ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
4. Jasper: Jasper National Park Easy 2-Hour Rafting Trip
This family-friendly rafting trip offers a gentle 2-hour float down the Athabasca River. For $64, you get a safe, comfortable experience suitable for all ages, with guides doing the rowing and commentary. Rated 4.8/5 from 283 reviews, it’s a top choice for families or anyone wanting a relaxing introduction to rafting. You’ll glide past scenic mountain views and possibly spot wildlife like eagles or deer, all while learning about the natural environment from your guide. The specially designed 25-foot oar-driven rafts ensure stability, making it a worry-free adventure. It’s a great option if you want the thrill of floating on a river without the adrenaline rush of whitewater.
Bottom Line: An easy, scenic float perfect for families, beginners, or those wanting a calm, nature-filled tour on Jasper’s rivers.
5. Jasper National Park Tour: Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake and Spirit Island
This full-day guided tour explores the spectacular Maligne Valley, including Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake. For about $67, you’ll visit multiple scenic spots, with options to enjoy a boat cruise to Spirit Island (seasonal) or a guided hike at Maligne Lake. Rated 4.5/5 from over 470 reviews, it’s praised for its comprehensive coverage of the region’s highlights. The day includes short walks, wildlife spotting, and natural history lessons. The drive along the Maligne Valley is stunning, with opportunities to see bears, moose, and other wildlife. The boat ride (if chosen) offers unbeatable photo ops of Spirit Island, while the hike provides a closer connection to nature. The tour’s standout is the seamless combination of scenery, wildlife, and cultural stories.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, immersive experience ideal for travelers who want a mix of sightseeing, wildlife, and optional boat or walking adventures.
6. Jasper National Park Family Friendly Rafting Adventure
Rated 4.9/5 from 145 reviews, this family-friendly rafting trip is perfect for introducing kids to Jasper’s rivers. For just $74, you’ll float down the Athabasca River over five beginner-friendly rapids. This 2-hour adventure combines fun splashes with scenic mountain views. Guides are experienced and certified, ensuring safety and enjoyment for all ages. Between rapids, look out for wildlife and enjoy the peaceful river scenery. The tour emphasizes family fun, making it suitable for kids and those new to whitewater rafting. It’s an excellent way to combine adventure with natural beauty without the intensity of more challenging rapids.
Bottom Line: A safe, fun experience that’s especially suited for families seeking a memorable day on Jasper’s rivers.
7. 5-Hour Fraser River Rafting in Jasper National Park
This more intense rafting trip on the Fraser River is ideal for thrill-seekers. For $105, you’ll tackle Class 3 rapids over five hours, with breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies along the way. Rated 4.9/5 from fewer reviews, it’s a longer, more adrenaline-pumping option. You’ll also have opportunities to spot spawning salmon, as the Fraser hosts one of the world’s longest salmon migrations. The guide’s expertise ensures safety during the challenging rapids, making it perfect for those with some rafting experience or physically fit travelers eager for a challenge. Expect spectacular views, wildlife sightings, and an invigorating ride.
Bottom Line: For adventure lovers craving a full day of whitewater action amid stunning wilderness, this tour hits the mark.
8. Jasper: Winter Wildlife Bus Tour in Jasper National Park
Rated 4.6/5 from 63 reviews, this winter tour takes you deep into Jasper’s wild winter landscape. For $65, you’ll experience the thrill of spotting bears, elk, wolves, and more from the comfort of a small, heated bus. The tour emphasizes personalized attention and visits areas less accessible on your own. Your guide, well-versed in local wildlife, shares stories and natural history as you travel along snow-covered roads. This experience is perfect for those visiting in winter, offering a chance to see animals adapted to cold. The moderate 3.5-hour duration makes it manageable for most travelers, and the winter scenery is simply breathtaking.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for winter visitors wanting a comfortable, informative wildlife encounter.
9. Morning Jasper National Park Wildlife Tour
This early-morning tour is tailored for wildlife enthusiasts. For around $64.51, you’ll explore Jasper’s most wildlife-rich spots in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Rated 4.5/5, it’s praised for its expert guidance and the chance to see bears, moose, sheep, and more. The guide carefully chooses routes based on seasonal animal movements, maximizing your chances of sightings. The early start (8:30 am) aligns with animals’ active times, especially during spring and summer. The small-group format allows for a more personalized experience, and the scenic drive offers great photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: Perfect for early risers and wildlife lovers wanting a carefully curated, intimate experience.
10. Jasper National Park Tour Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake with Walk
This comprehensive 6-hour tour takes you through Maligne Valley, stopping at Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake. For about $67, you’ll enjoy short walks and wildlife spotting, with options for a boat cruise or guided hike. Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews, it’s highly praised for its in-depth exploration. You’ll learn about the natural and human history of the area, with plenty of photo stops and chances to see moose, bears, and coyotes. The highlight is the guided walk at Maligne Lake, offering a close-up view of the scenery and wildlife. The drive along the scenic route adds further views of the mountains and forests.
Bottom Line: A great choice for those wanting a full day of scenic viewing, gentle hiking, and wildlife encounters.
11. Banff: Explore Banff & Jasper National Parks (4-Days)
This multi-day tour combines the highlights of both Banff and Jasper. For $1,076, you’ll experience iconic sights like Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Peyto Lake, with stops at scenic viewpoints and a stay along the Icefields Parkway. Rated 5/5 from 3 reviews, it’s perfect for travelers with the time to indulge in a deep exploration of Western Canada’s wilderness. The tour also includes visits to Kelowna and its vineyards, adding a cultural touch to your natural adventures. This is an excellent option for those wanting a hassle-free, organized trip covering the best of the Rockies with comfortable accommodations.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive, multi-day experience of the Rockies with diverse activities and scenic drives.
How to Choose the Right Jasper Tour for You
When selecting a Jasper tour, consider your interests, fitness level, and time constraints. If you love serene scenery and iconic views, the Maligne Lake Cruise offers unforgettable photos. For families or those new to whitewater, the easy rafting trip provides a safe introduction to river adventures. Wildlife enthusiasts should look at the wildlife tours and consider whether a winter wildlife bus tour fits their visit. Budget, time, and interest in active or relaxed experiences will help narrow your choice.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like the 4-day Rockies adventure, which fills up quickly during peak seasons. Consider weather and seasonal wildlife activity—spring and summer are excellent for wildflowers and animal sightings, while winter offers a peaceful, snow-covered landscape.
Jasper National Park offers a rich palette of guided experiences, whether you prefer a peaceful boat cruise, a wildlife safari, or an adrenaline rush on the river. For nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, these tours provide memorable ways to explore one of Canada’s most stunning natural areas. Be sure to plan ahead and book your preferred experience early—these are the kind of trips that turn a good vacation into an unforgettable journey.