Jasper National Park, Our first National Park Visit-Day 1 and 2

Our journey into adventure began in August 2020, when we checked off our first Canadian National Park on our bucket list. And for me, it is my home turf: Jasper National Park. I grew up in a small town just outside the park, called Hinton, Alberta. It’s where I made so many fond memories of outdoor exploration, and the beauty of this place has always held a special spot in my heart. While this wasn’t the first time my kids had visited Jasper, we decided to revisit this magical destination as part of a new life goal we’d set for our family.

For this trip, we opted for a week-long stay at Wabasso Campground, borrowing a trailer from family to make the experience a bit more comfortable. After packing up and preparing for the three-hour drive to the park, we were excited, but little did we know, the adventure would start with a few unexpected bumps along the way.

As we cruised down the highway, my husband noticed smoke billowing from under the trailer’s wheel. We pulled over, hoping it was just a fluke, but after a closer inspection, it became clear that things weren’t going as smoothly as planned. Four hours, and a fantastic favor from Kal-Tire later, we limped our way into Edson—still about 1.5 hours from our destination.

We decided to stay the night in Edson, but when we discovered the trailer wouldn’t be usable until after repairs, we called in a favor from my parents. They generously drove their own trailer out to Edson, ensuring that our vacation could continue as planned. With a slight delay, we were back on the road the next morning, finally heading toward Jasper National Park.

Arrival at Jasper National Park

The following day, we finally arrived at Jasper National Park and checked into our campsite. Since it was 2020, Covid-19 precautions were still in full effect, we quickly learned that the public showers and pools were closed. It was a small inconvenience, but we were determined to make the best of it. Our family spent the day exploring the beautiful campground, nestled right beside the picturesque Athabasca River. The serene surroundings made it easy to forget about any of the minor setbacks we’d encountered along the way. Below are a few images taken at the Campground, there are a lot of walking trails, sandy beaches along the Athabasca River, and parks for the kids.

Our First Adventure: The Jasper SkyTram Experience

After settling into our campsite, we kicked off our first big adventure: the Jasper SkyTram. As the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada, it offers an unforgettable way to experience the park from above. Prepare to be amazed as you take in a whole new perspective of Jasper’s stunning landscapes.

The quick tram ride takes you to an elevation of 2,263 meters, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On our way up, we were joined by a knowledgeable flight attendant who pointed out key sights and answered all of our questions. The kids especially loved learning more about the park’s unique geography and history.

At the top of the tram ride, we were treated to breathtaking views of six mountain ranges, shimmering turquoise lakes, and glacial-fed rivers. From this vantage point, we could even see the townsite of Jasper below. Our kids marveled at the sheer beauty of the area — it was a special moment to share as a family.

We walked along the boardwalk at the top of the tram station, capturing picture-perfect moments at every turn. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a 1.4 km hike to the summit of Whistlers Mountain. The hike is a bit steep, but it's well worth it for the 360-degree mountain views. Just be sure to bring extra layers, as the summit can be significantly colder than at ground level.

One tip for planning your visit: try to book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting on the weekend. The lines can get long, so booking online will save you time and help you make the most of your day. Jasper Skytram | Discover Jasper From New Altitudes.

Follow my next post for more Jasper National Park adventures.