5x scenic drives around Jasper National Park, Canada

Does anyone else have the problem that every new place they visit becomes their new favourite? And that you’re just absolutely convinced you need to live there? It happened to me on several occasions in Canada and especially when I stayed in the little town of Jasper in the Rocky Mountains. 

When I arrived in Jasper from the west of Canada, a huge snowstorm had already locked in the town on both the east and south side. It couldn’t drive the famous Icefields Parkway anymore (one of the most gorgeous highways in Canada) to Banff and temperatures had already dropped to -15°C at night. I wasn’t really prepared for that very Canadian winter in half September. Usually, around this time of year, the Rockies are still experiencing an ‘Indian summer’. But nope, not this year.

In the end however I was very content that I didn’t miss out on the many snowy views. As autumn hadn’t fully passed either, many mountains were both covered in foliage and snow. How lucky I was. Every road I was driving was just absolutely stunning, but the ones below in particular you shouldn’t miss out on while in Jasper! 

Here were my highlights, both in terms of wildlife and beautiful vistas!

1. The road to Medicine & Maligne Lake

If you only have one day in Jasper NP, make absolutely sure to include this drive in your itinerary! I had already heard the glacial-fed lakes were beautiful along this road, but I had no idea that the road to Medicine and Maligne Lake itself would be so special as well. I even drove it a couple of times. 

The driveway is located close to the town of Jasper and if you can spare an hour or two you should also include the famous hike to Maligne Canyon (more about this trail coming up in a few days).

If it works out schedule-wise, try to conquer the driveway at the end of the day. With a bit of luck you’ll be rewarded with very pinky skies! 

And you might even run into a moose, bighorn sheep or bear in here! That said, slow it down, wildlife is all around and you can really be surprised along the way. 

But even if you won’t see animals at all, the 45 minute drive is still absolutely worth it! Especially the scenery on Maligne lake – at the end of the road – is dramatic and you can hike a couple of trails (both easy and difficult) around the lake if you like.

Here’s a view on that dramatic beauty at sunset ↓

2. The road to Miette Hot Springs

Steep and a bit narrow from time to time, the road to Miette Hot Spring winds through a valley in the far north of Jasper. I thought it was really worth exploring, especially considering the reward at the end of the drive: the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies.

In here, water flows from the mountain at 54°C / (129°F) and is cooled to a comfortable 40°C (104°F). If I remember correctly entrance fee is only something like $6,- USD, which is an incredible low price considering this is Canada! The hot springs are opened from May 4th until October 8th. 

If you’re not into hot springs, the drive is still pretty cool. Apart from the springs, at the end of the road there’s also the possibility to hike the famous Sulphur Skyline Trail (8.8 km roundtrip) deep into the valley, or the short Source of the Springs (1.2 km roundtrip). 

Also take note, I saw this road can be rather slippery whenever Father Frost has been around! 

3. The road from Jasper to Pocahontas 

If you come from Jasper and you’re on your way to the Miette Hot Springs (yes, previous drive) you’ll get another scenic drive as a bonus! 

A local told me that the road (Highway 16) from Jasper to the north along the Athabasca river was her favourite drive around Jasper. The part to Pocahontas Cabins (were you need to turn right in case you visit the Miette Hot Springs) is the most scenic part of it anyway, so brace yourself for a scenic day if you’re doing both this and previous ride. 

The views are wide and there are a bunch of lakes along the highway on both sides that give you gorgeous mirror-like views on the surroundings.  

A bit north of Talbot Lake you can also find the place where the Europeans made their first settlement in the area. You can’t see the trapper’s cabin itself anymore, but on the same spot they’ve constructed a little lookout on the Athabasca river. Worth the little hike if you want to stretch your legs in between.

I also spotted a big herd of bighorn sheep (with a lot of juveniles) along this road, near Talbot Lake ↓ So stay on the lookout!

4. The road to Annette Lake

Well.. this is a mini drive! But the great thing about this trip is that it’s both close to town and that it includes many, many lakes! 

Within a short amount of time you can see Annette Lake (↓ first picture), Edith Lake (↓ second picture) and if you drive a little further also Mildred Lake ánd Lake Beauvert!

All of them have such super clear waters and if you have some extra time, you might even include a little walk around one of them. 

5. The road to Pyramid Lake

Another superb drive very close to the town of Jasper! Once you see the church in town you drive up (west) onto the Pyramid Lake Rd.

As it’s so easy to get there I drove this road almost every day. I’d usually start my morning here, just to see if I could spot some wildlife in the early hours. And I did! Every time I saw some elks passing by.

As it was mating season for the elk (in September) a ranger warned me not get to close to any of them, as the bulls can get pretty aggressive. He showed me a picture of one of his colleagues’ car that was pierced by a pair of antlers ?.

In general it’s advised to stay at least 30 meters / 100 ft away from them, but perhaps during these days even a bit more… 

Both Patricia Lake ↑ and the Pyramid Lake ↓ are just so pristine. 

There are some short trails in the area too if you want to explore the lakes in details. Especially don’t miss out on Pyramid Island! 

Or go for a canoe ride! You can rent those right at the start of the Pyramid Lake. 

6. Icefields Parkway

The queen of all scenic drives near Jasper is without a doubt the Icefields Parkway. It’s the classic Canadian Rocky Mountains route. But as there’s so much to see along the way, this drive requires a separate article… so stay tuned! 

Ah well… a first snappie in here: Peyton Lake along the Icefields Parkway ↓

Here’s where to this and my other favourite drives in and around Jasper! ↓