Now Is the Perfect Time to Visit Jasper.
I first traveled to Jasper in mid-April last year—a slightly awkward season when winter activities had just ended and summer adventures hadn’t fully begun. But in hindsight, I’m grateful I went early. Jasper in the shoulder season was quiet and serene, as the forests slowly awakened from their long sleep.
This time of year, though, is ideal. You can enjoy mountain biking, take the town shuttle to the scenic SkyTram, and soak in views that stretch far beyond the valley.
People often ask me: “You stayed in Jasper for over a week—would you go back?”
My answer has never changed: Absolutely. And not just once. I want to experience it in full summer bloom—and again under a blanket of snow.
Lately, Jasper’s home province, Alberta, has been in the national spotlight again, especially following Canada’s recent federal election. Some outsiders view Alberta as conservative, insular, even unwelcoming to those from other provinces. I was warned that Eastern license plates or a distinct Toronto accent might earn me an unfriendly glance. It reminded me of stories I’d once heard about certain attitudes in the U.S.—not something I expected to encounter in a country as open, peaceful, and gentle as Canada.
But thankfully, that wasn’t my experience in Jasper. Aside from a frustrating encounter at the car rental counter on day one, nearly everyone I met was kind, easygoing, and helpful. Maybe that’s because many Jasper residents aren’t originally from Alberta—they’ve moved there from British Columbia or even farther away. They carry a traveler’s mindset: open, curious, unbothered by where you’re from.
In winter, Jasper is a snow-covered wonderland—ice climbing, skiing, frozen lakes, glacier hikes. I caught the tail end of the ski season and was already amazed. Summer, however, feels like stepping into a living postcard: mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking through alpine meadows, lakeside picnics. And if you’re lucky enough to visit the famed Fairmont resort, you can tee off at a lakeside golf course surrounded by the Rockies. That kind of beauty and freedom is hard to find in city life.
The Rocky Mountains may stretch across several towns, but if you’re traveling by train from Toronto, Jasper is a must-stop. Most Calgary-bound tourists go by bus. Jasper, however, sits right on the historic VIA Rail route—a journey rich with Canada’s railway soul. I still dream of one day riding the full cross-country route, from Toronto to Vancouver, watching the landscapes shift and the seasons turn through a train window.
On my last day in Jasper, I visited the local museum. By chance, it was open. I left with two secondhand books in my backpack, and somehow, that quiet moment—between souvenirs and stories—felt like my entire trip in miniature.
What I miss most about that trip—and what still aches a little—is the HI Jasper Hostel.
It was a newly renovated hostel, just five years old, with bright, spacious rooms and private bathrooms in every unit—something I later realized is rare, even in far pricier accommodations. The shared kitchen was massive, fully equipped, and felt like everyone’s second home. Someone once started with just flour and baked a steaming hot pizza from scratch; someone else made a hearty soup and passed it around to strangers like old friends. Even I, a total novice in the kitchen, was taught by a kind older lady how to sear a perfect, juicy steak.
There was even a free shelf of soon-to-expire food. For two days, I picked up meals from a local church in town—simple but generous help that saved me quite a bit of money.
All those small, warm, everyday moments… they’re gone now, lost to the wildfires that swept through last year.
The hostel no longer exists—but I’ll never stop missing it.
I chose the train again for my return. I really do love train travel.
Onboard, I witnessed sunrises that suddenly painted the entire window with color, and sunsets that faded gently while the horizon burned gold. That kind of rhythm—the slow unfolding of a landscape—is something planes can never give you.
If you’re planning a train journey, I’d recommend going east to west, from Toronto to Vancouver. It’s longer, but that just means more chances to get off and explore. We stopped in Winnipeg to browse a local market, grabbed dinner in Edmonton, and once even convinced the train to wait 30 minutes for us because half the economy car was traveling together. The staff didn’t mind. They smiled and looked the other way.
Life on the train is rough around the edges—but full of charm. Every time the train stopped for 15 or 20 minutes, we’d race to the nearest supermarket to restock. I vividly remember dashing in with a woman I’d just met onboard—she picked up bread and cheese, I grabbed a spicy green pepper sausage I’d never tried before… and to my surprise, it was delicious.
Some might call me silly. After all, I spent days sitting in a regular seat, and the fare wasn’t much cheaper than a sleeper cabin.
But I don’t regret it.
Yes, sleepers are comfortable—but they also miss out on moments that make the journey unforgettable.
Like the man traveling across Canada just to witness a total solar eclipse.
The elderly woman who refuses to fly and always visits family by rail.
Or the lake maintenance worker who shared stories of the fish he’s caught.
Sleeper car passengers rarely get off the train as often, because many of the smaller stops don’t even have proper platforms—only economy cars get those temporary steps. And they don’t gather like we did at night, huddled in the dome car under blankets, playing chess and swapping life stories under the moonlight.
Jasper is a place that reminds me how vast the world can be—and how warm people still are.
Even though some of the views are gone, even though the fire took away a place I loved, I know I’ll keep returning.
Because Jasper isn’t just about the mountains and lakes. It’s about a journey stitched together with trains, shared kitchens, moonlit conversations, and the kindness of strangers.
If you’re planning your own escape, maybe it’s time to hop on that train. Who knows—our paths might just cross somewhere between sunrises and stations.
🎥 Want to see more?
Check out my travel videos on my channel [insert YouTube or platform name here]—where I’ve captured snowy mornings in Jasper, the light through train windows, and all the little moments that made the trip unforgettable.
I’ll keep sharing more stories from Jasper and the road that leads there—some full of wonder, others full of heart.
Stick around—you might just find the spark for your next adventure.