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Edmonton to Jasper: A Stress-Free Guide for Your Next Road Trip!
- What to Expect in Edmonton
- What to Expect in Jasper
- How does one get from Edmonton to Jasper?
- Step 1: Prepare for your trip
- Step 2: Start your drive to Jasper
- Step 3: Stop at cool destinations on the way to Jasper
- University of Alberta Botanic Garden
- Red Brick Common
- Galloway Station Museum
- Beaver Boardwalk
- Emerald Pond
- Step 4: Arrive in Jasper
- What are the other modes of transportation from Edmonton to Jasper?
- By Train
- By Bus
- By Private Charter
- Where to Stay in Jasper
- Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
- Whistlers Inn
- Pyramid Lake Lodge
With its spectacular landscapes and fewer tourists, it’s no wonder Jasper is a hot destination in Alberta! But not everyone is exactly in the know when it comes to visiting this scenic spot.
Can you imagine being on the road, enjoying the drive, humming to your curated playlist, and bam! You’re lost! It would be a nightmare not to end up in Jasper, you know!
And no, we’re not letting you take the wrong turn during your Jasper travel! Yikes, that’s like the start of a horror movie!
Don’t worry! We’ve got the ultimate guide on how to get to Jasper from Edmonton, complete with essentials to bring, cool stops along the way, modes of transportation, and places to stay!
What to Expect in Edmonton
Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, is a diverse city with a vibrant sports and entertainment scene. You can enjoy plenty of amenities for city living, like large malls and museums, while still experiencing a laid-back atmosphere.
With green spaces and the river valley, you don’t have to sacrifice nature while having an urban lifestyle. The River Valley Parks have over 160 km of pathways and 20 major parks, making it the largest urban park in Canada.
With its booming food scene, Edmonton has a diverse range of international flavours. Indulge in a delectable journey by tasting traditional Albertan food and innovative cuisines.
What to Expect in Jasper
As an alpine town, Jasper is for individuals who crave the outdoor lifestyle. Being the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, it’s home to abundant wildlife, lush forests, numerous hiking trails, and turquoise lakes.
It’s also perfect for stargazing and for hunting the northern lights since it is the second-largest dark sky preserve in the world! And as part of the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, you can cross this special place off your bucket list.
Jasper has a small community of 5000 but has an average of 2.4 million visitors each year. While it does get busy during peak seasons, it’s a much quieter tourist destination than its common alternative, Banff National Park.
How does one get from Edmonton to Jasper?
| Distance | 367 km |
| Travel Time | Via Car: 4 hrsVia Train: 6 hrs |
To get to Jasper from Edmonton, take the Trans-Canada Highway 16, also known as the Yellowhead Highway. This 367 km drive is the main east-west route to and from Jasper, taking 4 hours without traffic.
The only way to get to Jasper is by taking the road because it has no major airport. The closest is the Edmonton International Airport, then you can drive for 4.5 hours going to Jasper.
If you don’t have a personal vehicle, there are car rental companies at the airport. You can find them at the ground level, just outside Door 8.
Since the trip will take a while, you have to prepare for it. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with all the things you need to take note of for a hassle-free journey!
Step 1: Prepare for your trip
If you’re planning a trip to Jasper, you need to have everything covered. You’ll mostly do outdoor activities, so make sure you’re well-equipped for that.
Plan your schedule to ensure a smooth trip. Are you going hiking or do you plan to kayak the lakes? Make sure you bring all the essentials to avoid purchasing new items in Jasper, which can be a little pricier than usual.
If you want to explore Jasper, here are the essentials you should bring:
- Waterproof/water-resistant jacket
- Hiking boots with good ankle support
- Hiking poles
- Waterproof backpack
- Waterproof phone bag
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Quick-dry pants and shorts
- Wool socks
- Sunhat
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Water bottle
Remember you must also purchase a Parks Canada Pass, which is a requirement when entering Jasper National Park.
Here are the rates for the day pass:
- Adults (18-64): $11
- Seniors (65+): $9.50
- Youth (0-17): $0
It’s best to purchase your passes online for a hassle-free journey, which you can do so here. Print these passes and display them on the dashboard of your vehicle.
Step 2: Start your drive to Jasper
Fill up your gas tank and start your drive to Jasper. Your journey on the Yellowhead Highway (AB-16) will take 4 hours without stops and traffic, so make sure you have gas!
If you don’t want to visit scenic stops along the way, just continue on the highway until you reach Hazel Avenue, and then it’s only 2 minutes until you reach Jasper.
Step 3: Stop at cool destinations on the way to Jasper
If you want to make the most out of your trip, why not enjoy the best driving stops along the way? Here are our most recommended ones:
University of Alberta Botanic Garden
Media credit: uabotanicgarden
Time to Spend: 1 – 2 hrs
Distance from Edmonton: 25.5 km
Since you’re already driving in Edmonton, take a little side trip to Parkland County to visit the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. Established in 1959, this 240-acre land is home to 3 indoor showhouses and over 4000 plant species.
If you want to know what you can do in the botanic garden, check this out.
Red Brick Common
Media credit: redbrickcommon
Time to Spend: 45 minutes
Distance from Edmonton: 42.5 km
Around 50 minutes from Edmonton, this living museum is one of the best places to visit whenever you pass by Stony Plains. It’s the place to learn about the Western Canadian pioneer life, as well as our local history.
Admire the art gallery, exhibitions, and community garden. If you have extra time, check out the one-of-a-kind pieces at the vintage store or bring the kids to the toy library.
Galloway Station Museum
Media credit: gallowaymuseum
Time to Spend: 30 – 45 minutes
Distance from Edmonton: 202 km
If you enjoy looking at old, cool stuff, take a quick side trip to the Galloway Station Museum. It’s the perfect middle stop to stretch your legs and go to the washroom since it’s around the 2-hour mark.
Admire thousands of artefacts that played major roles in the history of Edson and its surrounding areas. See things you probably haven’t heard about, like a chicken guillotine!
Beaver Boardwalk
Media credit: seeing_newplaces
Time to Spend: 10 minutes
Distance from Edmonton: 292 km
Visiting Beaver Boardwalk gives you a jumpstart to your nature adventures in Jasper. This is the world’s longest freshwater boardwalk in the world, where you can also see Maxwell Lake.
You’ll most likely witness beavers doing what they do best—building dams and lodges!
Emerald Pond
Media credit: rthomps02
Time to Spend: 5 – 10 minutes
Distance from Edmonton: 345 km
A stunning place to visit, Emerald Pond is surrounded by the President Range mountains and forested shorelines. The blue-green lake is absolutely incredible to photograph, especially with the beautiful landscape.
If you don’t want to stop here, you’ll still see the pond on your way to Jasper. You’ll immediately know which body of water it is because of the green colour, while the one on the other side of the road is blue.
Check out the complete directions with all the stops!
Step 4: Arrive in Jasper
Once you arrive in Jasper, check in to your hotel and unpack so you can finally see the town. You can get acquainted with the place—see where the shops are.
The main street is Connaught Drive, where you’ll see a market, restaurants, and clothing shops. It’s a small town, so most places are within walking distance of each other.
Check this out if you want to see more of Jasper!
What are the other modes of transportation from Edmonton to Jasper?
Other than driving for 4 hours on the highway, you can also choose other modes of transportation to get to Jasper from Edmonton. Here they are:
By Train
Media credit: viarailcanada
Travel Time: 6 hrs
Pricing: $$
If you want a scenic journey without driving, you can sit back and relax on the train. VIA Rail offers trips from Edmonton to Jasper with 2 departure schedules per week. But this one is longer, taking 6 hours (you’re not the one driving, though!).
You’ll depart from Edmonton Train Station and arrive at Jasper Train Station on Connaught Drive.
This is also a more eco-friendly way to travel (and the easiest!), and you get free WiFi, food, and drinks! The price starts at $122, depending on the ticket type.
By Bus
Media credit: sundogtourco
Travel Time: 5 hrs
Pricing: $
Sundog Tours offers luxury transportation to Jasper that includes a restroom stop in Edson. You don’t have to drive but still get to enjoy the scenic views along the Yellowhead Highway.
Taking the bus will last approximately 5 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. There are 3 trips available per week.
This is not as expensive as the train, costing around $99 per adult. This is also a convenient option on your way back to Edmonton because it offers pickups in selected Jasper hotels.
Pickups are available daily at West Edmonton Mall and Edmonton International Airport, while it’s only during weekdays for downtown Edmonton.
By Private Charter
Media credit: sundogtourco
Travel Time: 4 – 5 hrs
Pricing: $$$
If you have the extra budget, Sundog Tours offers private charter services. This isn’t the most affordable option (it can cost over $1000), but you do get the luxury of travelling without strangers and you don’t have to wait on anyone.
With a diverse fleet of vehicles, you can choose the best and most spacious car. You can even pick a sightseeing tour in Jasper so you can visit cool destinations!
Where to Stay in Jasper
There are many hotels and Airbnbs in Jasper where you can have a comfortable stay. But here are our favourites, in case you want to check them out.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Media credit: fairmontjpl
Address: 1 Old Lodge Rd
Contact: +1 780-852-3301, [email protected]
Check-in & Check-out: 4 pm & 11 am
Pricing: $$$
Get the full experience in Jasper by staying in a hotel located right beside Beauvert Lake, where you can also kayak (rentals are available at Fairmont’s Boathouse). Luxury accommodation does go well with scenic views of the Rocky Mountains!
With its mountain-style cabins, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is a cozy place to stay. There are guest rooms, suites, and signature cabins that have plush beds, Nespresso coffee machines, and windows that actually open for fresh air!
If you’re travelling with your furry companion, you can stay in the pet-friendly room for an additional $50 per night. The hotel has a pet menu and pet-sitting services.
Whistlers Inn
Media credit: kelliscenic
Address: 105 Miette Ave
Contact: 780-852-3361, [email protected]
Check-in & Check-out: 3 pm & 11 am
Pricing: $
Whistlers Inn is situated in the heart of the town, which means you’re conveniently near many shops and restaurants. It has a pub and there’s a restaurant right next door.
With hypoallergenic duvets and pillows, you’ll surely have a comfy stay. The rooms have a cosy European-style decor, perfect after a long day of Jasper adventures.
There’s an outdoor hot tub that’s open year-round. The best part is you can relax while enjoying the mountain views.
Pyramid Lake Lodge
Media credit: pyramidlakelodgejasper
Address: 6 Km North On, Pyramid Lake Rd
Contact: +1 800-541-9779
Check-in & Check-out: 4 pm & 11 pm
Pricing: $$
Pyramid Lake Lodge will make your mountain getaway dreams come true. This alpine lodge is located right next to Pyramid Lake, which means you’re close to water activities and you’ll have magnificent views in the morning.
You can rent kayaks and canoes to paddle on the lake, bike for your mountain adventure, or warm up next to the fireplace in the lobby (there are complimentary drinks there, too!).
There’s no shortage of amenities, either. Relax in the outdoor hot tub and dry sauna, post your pics using the free WiFi, or get your morning exercise at the fitness centre.
