Finally ready for a Jasper trip? We’ve got just the thing for you!

Jasper is a breathtaking destination with so many fun things to do for solo travellers, families, and friends. It’s the ultimate spot to complete your bucket list of outdoor adventures (I’ve completed half of my list!).

And we all know the best place to start is Calgary. We’ve covered info on transportation, driving stops, and travel tips to start your journey!

So, if you’re planning to visit this stunning place, our travel guide is here to make your trip smooth and enjoyable! 

How to Get from Calgary to Jasper

You can reach Jasper from Calgary by driving through the Icefields Parkway north of Banff for roughly five hours. A longer route is through Red Deer and Edmonton, which takes approximately seven hours.

Since Jasper is only hours away from Calgary, the alpine town has become a prime destination for residents looking for a scenic vacation. The rivers, forests, and mountains are perfect for individuals and families who want an outdoor adventure.

Best Time to Do a Calgary to Jasper Road Trip

The best time to do a Calgary to Jasper road trip is in the summer because of the warm weather and the roads won’t be covered in snow. But any season adds a new perspective to your visit.

There’s no bad time to visit Jasper because each season offers something unique. In the end, it all depends on your preference.

If you want warm weather, summer is the best time to visit Jasper because of the sunny days and chilly evenings. From June to September, there are more activities in store for you since it’s peak season.

The average temperature is 22.5°C, with July being the warmest month. You can swim in the lakes since they’re not going to be too cold, but still expect chilly water since this is the Canadian Rockies.

However, this is a popular summer destination, so expect lots of people. And since this is peak season, the prices for hotels and experiences are going to be higher than usual.

Winter visits in Jasper are particularly magical because of the frozen lakes and snow-capped mountains. The thing is, it’s going to be challenging to go to because of -8°C temperatures, icy roads, and avalanches.

Modes of Transportation from Calgary to Jasper

The only mode of transportation from Calgary to Jasper is by land. Driving is the only way to get there, which you can do by renting a vehicle, riding the bus, or booking a private transfer.

There are many modes of transportation if you’re travelling from Calgary to Jasper, which we’ll talk about below. But do note that you’ll have to spend your time on the road because Jasper doesn’t have an airport.

The closest airports to Jasper are the Edmonton International Airport, Calgary International Airport, and the Prince George International Airport in BC. From these airports, you’ll still have to drive for about four hours or more, depending on traffic.

If you’re not from Calgary, you can rent a car from the city or you can ride a private charter if you’re unfamiliar with Alberta roads.

We highly suggest not driving on your own if you’re not used and equipped because of the harsh road conditions, especially in the winter season.

Here’s the list of transportation modes you can choose from to get to Jasper from Calgary:

By Car

Cost: Less than $100 per day, depending on the vehicle type and model

Travel Time: Roughly 5 hours, depending on the route

Probably the most popular way of getting to Jasper is by driving because of the scenic roads. It’s also our favourite because it allows you to see and appreciate Alberta’s stunning landscape.

If you’re travelling to Calgary, you can head straight to Jasper from the airport. That is, unless you plan on staying in the city for a few days, then you can sleep at the best hotels and tour Calgary before your road trip.

You can easily rent a vehicle from the airport because there are plenty of car rental companies, such as Enterprise, Avis, Hertz, and Alamo.

You’ll find car rentals for under $100 a day, but keep in mind that bigger cars and luxury models will cost more. Try to look for car rental companies outside the airport, as these will typically cost less.

If you’re travelling in the winter, the vehicle must be equipped with winter tires (this is mandatory) when driving from Calgary to Jasper. It’s to ensure your car is equipped to drive in dangerous road conditions.

If it’s your first time driving in Canada and it happens to be in the winter, we suggest you take a step back and book a trip when the roads are safer.

Do check the road conditions before driving off. Some areas may be closed due to snow and ice conditions, construction, or active wildfires.

By Bus

Cost:

• Adult: $192 + taxes 
• Child 12 and Under: $126 + taxes

Travel Time: 8 hours

If you want to avoid driving on your own, you can ride the bus instead. Sundog Tours offers transportation via the Brewster Express from Calgary to Jasper and vice versa.

The only downside is there aren’t going to be many choices of pickup times, so you’ll have to arrange your Jasper itinerary based on that. On a good note, it’s a far more convenient option if you aren’t used to driving on the Trans Canada Highway.

Plus, the bus offers pickups from downtown Calgary hotels, the Calgary International Airport, selected major hotels in Jasper, and the train station.

The Jasper-Calgary Brewster Express will take eight hours and is available for all ages. Children aged 12 and under only cost $126 plus taxes, while adult tickets are $192 plus taxes, but prices are subject to change depending on the season. 

By Train

Cost: $122 – $376, depending on ticket type

Travel Time: 6 hours, 29 minutes

If you want to experience the train, you can ride Via Rail and enjoy a comfortable ride. This way, you can see more of the Canadian Rockies and get some photo opportunities.

However, it’s not the most convenient since there’s no direct ticket for a Calgary to Jasper trip. You’ll have to travel to the Edmonton Rail Station to ride the train, which will then take you to Jasper Train Station. This trip will take six hours and 20 minutes.

This mode of transport is not the most ideal if you’re only staying in Jasper for a couple of days since Via Rail has limited dates available. Therefore, this option is recommended if you plan on staying in Jasper for at least a week.

The one-way ticket starts at $111 for the Economy Plus and $367 for the Sleeper Plus Class. Depending on the date, the prices may change— avoid booking at the last minute because the tickets will be more expensive.

By Private Transfer

Cost: Approximately $825 – $1565, depending on number of passengers and vehicle type

Travel Time: Roughly 5 hours, depending on stops and route

If you have the budget and want a completely stress-free experience, renting a private charter is the way to go. Sundog Tours offers a private charter, which includes your own driver/guide who will also take you on the best sightseeing tours in Jasper.

This isn’t the most affordable option, though. The prices depend on the number of passengers and the type and model of the car.

To give you an idea, a sedan that will take you from the Calgary International Airport to Jasper costs roughly $1118. Bigger families and bigger cars will naturally cost more.

Driving Routes from Calgary to Jasper

The most popular and quickest driving route from Calgary to Jasper is through the Icefields Parkway on the way to Banff. This route will only take five hours of driving.

What makes travelling from Calgary to Jasper an interesting experience is the scenic roads. The beautiful views of the Canadian Rockies start on the highway, even when you’re not in Jasper yet!

Here are the routes you can take to Jasper. Whatever you choose will depend on your preference: do you want to get there fast or do you prefer taking in the beautiful landscape?

Banff National Park Route

Distance: 413 km

Travel Time: 5 hours

Directions*

*As of this writing, Google Maps may be inaccurate due to the Jasper wildfire

The fastest route (and probably the most well-known) has got to be via the Trans Canada Highway 1 and Icefields Parkway. From Calgary, drive to Trans Canada Highway 1 going to Banff, then to Icelands Parkway going north to Jasper.

Since you’ll be driving along Icefields Parkway, you’ll witness the breathtaking sights of the Canadian Rockies. It’s one of the perks of driving to Jasper.

This 413 km route will take about five hours or so. If you stop to check out some sights or attractions, you’ll need to add that to your travel time.

Red Deer and Edmonton Route

Distance: 665 km

Travel Time: Approximately 7 hours

Directions

*As of this writing, Google Maps may be inaccurate due to the Jasper wildfire

A longer route would be going north to Red Deer, taking an hour and a half. The best part about this is it’s the perfect blend of wilderness and city life.

You can also make a couple of stops in Red Deer or take a detour to Edmonton. Plus, the roads are well-maintained for an easy driving experience and there are many stops for bathroom breaks.

From Calgary, head west on Highway 11 (Queen Elizabeth II Highway) going to Red Deer. Continue on Gateway Boulevard going to Edmonton, then take a left to Yellowhead Highway.

Continue straight until you reach Jasper. Without stopping, this route will take you a little over six hours.

If you want to skip Edmonton, drive on David Thompson Highway, where you’ll reach Rocky Mountain House. Continue straight on Highway 22 until you get to Highway 11, then take a right on Icefields Parkway to Jasper.

Driving Stops on the Banff Route

Kananaskis Country, Canmore, and the Town of Banff are the easiest and most scenic driving stops you can visit during your Calgary to Jasper road trip.

So, one of the most exciting parts about visiting Jasper is you get to stop by various places (some are definitely worth the detour!) that will surely take your breath away. It’s the ultimate Alberta road trip for families and friends!

While there are a tonne of stops you can do, let’s talk about our most recommended ones:

Kananaskis Country

Location: Kananaskis

It’s no secret that Kananaskis Country is one of the most spectacular places in Alberta. If you’re up for a long trip, you can hike the trails because there are so many! Check out Sarrail Ridge Trail via Rawson Lake and Prairie View Trail.

You can even enjoy much-needed relaxation at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa. This alpine sanctuary is where you can indulge in hydrotherapy before you continue driving to Jasper.

Canmore

Location: Canmore

Canmore is one of those driving stops you actually have to stay in for a day or two. It’s not as crowded as Banff, so you can enjoy this place worry-free.

And since it’s not crowded with tourists, you’ll have a more peaceful time here. The hiking trails are not full of people, the shops don’t charge exorbitant prices, and you get the best views of the Three Sisters Mountains.

While you’re hiking the East End of Rundle (EEOR), you’re likely to see majestic creatures. Don’t forget to bring your camera because wildlife sightings are popular here!

Once you’re tired from all the outdoor activities, eat at our favourite restaurants in Canmore and see what they have to offer!

Banff

Location: Banff

The fastest route going to Jasper includes driving by Banff. Why not hit two birds with one stone and visit two national parks in Alberta?

Visiting the town of Banff is the perfect way to explore the place with limited time. Head straight to Banff Avenue and see the shops and restaurants or stay at a hotel for a few days before hitting the road again.

You can even visit the gorgeous Lake Louise, which is particularly wonderful in the winter when the lake is frozen. If you’re an adventurer, you can hike Cascade Mountain, which is just a 10-minute drive from Banff Avenue.

Sure, Banff gets crowded in peak seasons, but if you’re only stopping by for a couple of hours, it’s worth visiting. Why not reach the summit of Sulphur Mountain and take in the epic views by riding the gondola?

Driving Stops on the Red Deer/Edmonton Route

The Red Deer route on a Calgary to Jasper road trip takes you to urban driving stops, like Downtown Edmonton. From there, you can explore the city and do some last-minute shopping for your road trip.

If you’re taking the Red Deer route, there are plenty of driving stops in the urban area to give you a taste of what city life is like in Alberta. You can even take some detours that are sure to make your road trip fun and exciting!

Here are our recommended places to stop by along the Red Deer route:

The Donut Mill

Website: https://www.donutmill.ca/ 

Location: 123 Leva Ave, Red Deer County

Contact: (403) 347-8904

Operating Hours: Daily, 7 pm – 9 pm

Since you’re already in Red Deer, why not step out of the car and check out The Donut Mill? This popular local business is an Alberta hidden gem that serves the most delicious fresh donuts!

The Honey Dip is a must, as well as the Chocolate Orange, Apple Pie, and whatever their donut of the month is!

Downtown Edmonton

Location: Downtown Edmonton

From Calgary, you can take a detour to Edmonton before driving to Jasper. Since you’re already near, you can make this road trip a little longer and see what else Alberta has to offer.

The best recommendation would be to take a stroll downtown and check out local shops and restaurants. Go to Whyte Avenue (also called 82 Avenue) and Old Strathcona for the funkiest and tastiest shops.

Join in on Edmonton festivals (edmonton summer festivals) like the Pride Festival in August. Or visit the largest museum in Western Canada, the Royal Alberta Museum, also located downtown.

After your Edmonton stop, just take the AB-16 going to Jasper. This will take roughly four hours, so take note of that if you plan on taking a detour.

West Edmonton Mall

Website: https://www.wem.ca/ 

Location: 8882 170 St NW, Edmonton

Operating Hours:

• Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 9 pm
• Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm

Contact: (780) 444-5321

Can you say you’ve been in Edmonton if you haven’t visited the massive West Edmonton Mall? This place is the perfect stop to shop for supplies you might have forgotten!

Going to Jasper to hike or swim in the lakes? There are so many shops in WEM that you’ll find just what you need.

You can even stop by World Waterpark and enjoy a super fun time trying out all the slides or zip lining across the pool! Perfect stop for the kids!

What to Expect for a Calgary to Jasper Road Trip

When driving from Calgary to Jasper, you must expect traffic during peak seasons and icy roads in the winter. Wildlife crosses the roads on the highway, so keep an eye out and slow down.

• Expect traffic. Try to drive off early to avoid this, especially during peak seasons. You can also expect some roads to be closed due to weather conditions.

• During your drive, you’ll see wildlife along the Icefields Parkway. Don’t be surprised to see elk, bears, and moose during your drive. You’ll come across road signs, so you’ll know which areas are a particular favourite of the animals.

• Even in the summer, the Canadian Rockies can still surprise you with cold temperatures. Nights are usually chilly, so bring a light jacket or a thick sweater if you aren’t used to cold weather.

• You’ll need to purchase a Jasper National Park Pass, which is a requirement for all national parks in Canada. In the table below are the costs for each pass type:

Jasper National Park Pass
Adult	$11
Senior	$9.50
Youth	Free
Family/Group	$22
Commercial Group, per person	$9.35

Calgary to Jasper Road Trip Travel Tips

Some travel tips to ensure a safe Calgary to Jasper road trip are to check the road conditions and the weather and equip the vehicle for winter driving. 

Let’s talk about these travel tips in more detail for an overall relaxing and fun stay!

1. Check the weather app and the news for a safe journey—call 511 in Alberta for updated road information. In August 2024, the wildfires in Jasper caused an under evacuation order and the national park remained closed.
2. Make sure the roads are clear before driving to Jasper. Not all routes may be available due to road conditions, road closures, and natural disasters.
3. If you’re driving, remember to bring the necessary equipment. Snow tires or chains are mandatory when driving the Icefields Parkway from November 1 to March 31.
4. Avoid driving in the winter if you’re not comfortable. Driving on the highway during snow requires extra precautions— slow down when needed and watch out for black ice.
5. Stay in the coziest cabins in Jasper to complete your mountain escape. You’ll find lodging that can accommodate couples, families, and large groups.
6. Check out the best restaurants for a local dining experience. Jasper is not overflowing with tourists, unlike Banff, so you’ll most likely find seats for your group.
7. Have fun in Jasper!