The geography and climate of a region usually inform you of the character of its inhabitants, and Jasper is no different. The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, the area is one of those rare places that humankind hasn't yet tamed: full of snow crested mountains, valleys clad with pine trees, and alpine meadows carpeted with wildflower and crawling with grizzly bears, wolverines and elk. It comes as no surprise that its inhabitants are just as wild: warm, enduring and resilient to the cold, you will find them in bars by fireplaces drinking craft beer in rooms adorned with animal heads. This is where you come for an adventure into the wild heart of nature, and our pick of the best places to stay in Jasper are the perfect bases to allow you to do just that!

The area is a fragile, protected ecosystem. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it teems with glaciers, waterfalls and rivers, as well as the world's second-largest glacial-fed lake, Maligne Lake, which you can explore by boat on a guided cruise of its waters. Nearby is the Glacier Skywalk - a feat not for the faint-hearted. It stands 918ft high, a walkway made entirely of glass. Not far from there is the Athabasca Glacier, which you can explore by booking a tour on an Ice Explorer, an enormous vehicle that will take you to the glacier's surface.

The area is truly a hiker's haven. Sitting in the shadow of the great peak of Mount Colombia, Alberta's tallest mountain, there are countless hiking trails, which are particularly lovely in the summer, when the green meadows bloom brightly with wildflowers.

What not to miss

• Look up at the sky and drink the stars: Jasper is the world's largest dark sky reserve, so the views are as clear as glass.
• Take a guided boat tour of Maligne Lake, the world's second-largest glacier-fed lake.
• Hike through the meadows, woodland and mountains.
• Spot wildlife, from grizzly bears and wolverines to mountain goats and elk.
• Take a Jasper SkyTram to the summit of Whistlers Mountain - the views are enchanting.
• Get to the top of the Glaciar Skywalk and stand awestruck at the cliff edge, some 918ft high.
• Book an Ice Explorer and explore the surface of the Athabasca Glacier.

This is an unmissable destination so in order to start planning your trip why not browse through our collection of the best places to stay in Jasper?

The best places to stay in Jasper

Alpine retreat

• Jasper Park Lodge: on the banks of Lac Beauvert, this luxury property marries rustic charm with modern sensibilities. Boasting a golf course, 8 on-site restaurants and a large pampering spa, it is great for couples and families alike, whatever the season.

For an apartment or cottage

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of cottages and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

• The best time to visit Jasper is during the summer when the temperatures range between 6 and 22 degrees. However if you want to experience the winter activities, you'll need to be prepared for low temperatures, which rarely get above freezing.
• Fly to Edmonton or Calgary Airport and get a bus or train to Jasper.
• If you want to rent a car, contact our partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Alberta.
• Browse through all our recommendations in Canada.
• Or contact one of our Gurus for advice.