10 Most Beautiful Places To See Photograph In Jasper Alberta Canada

You have dreamed about your Jasper National Park photography tour. You are asking, what are the most beautiful places to see photograph in Jasper National Park? Join us as we show you what we did to create a successful trip and how you can have your best trip ever!

Or, if you are not a photographer, you can still enjoy the incredible beauty of some of the most beautiful National Parks in the world.  You can follow along on our trip to see what we did so that you can create your own trip that is just right for you.   Check the planned trip itinerary from a previous post and see how we actually did following the plan.

Now let’s get going on the travel adventure of a lifetime.

Jasper National Park Canadian Rockies

10 Most Beautiful Places To See Photograph In Jasper Alberta Canada Canadian Rockies Trip Itinerary Two Week Trip Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park Map

The Town of Jasper

Jasper, an alpine town in Canada’s Alberta province, is the commercial centre of Jasper National Park. Amid the snow-capped Canadian Rockies, the park has glacier-fed lakes, forests and rivers. The Jasper SkyTram climbs to the summit of Whistlers Mountain, with views of downtown. The Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives presents exhibits on the fur trade, railway and early exploration of the park. – wiki

We visited the Jasper Historical Society Museum in downtown Jasper. The museum gave a wonderful history of the area and we learned so much.

Apparently elk, grizzly and all kinds of other assorted animals just roam through this location on a daily basis. This place is truly incredible.

Jasper Lutheran Church - Jasper National Park Alberta Canada - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Jasper Lutheran Church 

Our accomodations in Jasper were the cozy Jasper House Bungalows. The Jasper House bungalows are adorable collection of cabins right on the Athabasca river that flows through Jasper.

Jasper house Bungalows Jasper National Park Alberta Canada - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Jasper House Bungalows Jasper National Park

Peyto Lake

While of course it is true Peyto Lake is not in Banff, you will most likely have to pass it if you are coming up from Calgary if you happened to fly in there.   So if you get a chance, stop here.  It is amazing and you will be glad you did.

10 Most Beautiful Places To See Photograph In Jasper Alberta Canada Banff National Park Photography Tour Peyto Lake Banff National Park Alberta Canada

Peyto Lake Banff National Park Alberta Canada

Thank goodness we will have time to go back and explore the nooks and crannies of those incredible spots later on in our trip. One thing of note, we were surprised how small yet how crazy-busy Jasper was.  It was the most active town or city we had been in so far in Canada. It was significantly busier than Canmore.

So let’s get going with our list.

10 Miette Hot Springs

The Miette Hot Springs are created by 140 degrees F water that’s coming out of the mountain. They actually have to cool the water off to make it cool enough for humans to endure. They have two pools one at 120 degrees and another one that about 105 degrees.

The experience was so strange because the actual temperature outside was about 47 degrees F, so while it was a little chilly as you’re getting into the pool you are warm and comfortable within moments. We did notice that while we were in the pools we seemed to hear every language under the sun being spoken by people in the pools. I must say we felt very international.

9 Maligne Canyon

After our refreshing soak it was off to Maligne Canyon and then Maligne Lake. This excursion was meant to be a trip to spy out the sites that we would be exploring more deeply later. Turns out some of the sites are so amazing we had to start exploring right away.

10 Most Beautiful Places To See Photograph In Jasper Alberta Canada Maligne Canyon Falls Jasper National Park Banff National Park Photography Tour

I had no idea what Maligne Canyon actually was and I must admit I had a little bit of a bad attitude thinking that we should be going to more beautiful amazing places. Thank God my wife intervened and strongly encouraged me to take the hike.


Maligne Canyon Falls

The canyon is a river flowing very strongly which apparently has carved out this gash in the Earth’s surface. I was amazed at how deep it was and how fast the water was flowing through it. As we go lower into the canyon, we were able to get a better view of the river and it was a much more beautiful. From this view you can actually see the water flowing. The canyon certainly is worth your time and worth the hour or so long hike.

8 Jasper National Park Wildlife

We saw a herd of elk grazing and some of the more mature males were sparring with one another. Autumn is rutting season so the males are very active and put on a great show! We were able to get quite close and seeing them that closely made me feel very close to Nature.

10 Most Beautiful Places To See Photograph In Jasper Alberta Canada Elk Wildlife of Jasper National Park Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Elk, Jasper National Park Wildlife 

7 Pyramid Lake

So we decided to head into Jasper, the town proper and explore that area a little bit and see what we could see. We headed a little bit north of town to The Pyramid Lake area. We took a short hike around Pyramid Lake and we discovered that they were preparing for a wedding.

10 Most Beautiful Places To See Photograph In Jasper Alberta Canada Pyramid Lake Jasper National Park

Pyramid Lake Jasper National Park

My daughter had just gotten engaged so I was dreaming a little bit of how pretty it would be to have a wedding in that location. That was fun to think about and of course I had to capture some shots of the area.

10 Most Beautiful Places To See Photograph In Jasper Alberta Canada Aspen Woods BW Pyramid Lake Jasper National Park Alberta Canada - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Aspen Woods BW, Pyramid Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta Canada

6 Medicine Lake

As we were heading back towards Jasper from Maligne Lake, we drove along Medicine Lake or known by the locals as disappearing Lake.  It was raining but the sun was showing through the clouds and that made for a heart-stopping scene.

10 Most Beautiful Places To See Photograph In Jasper Alberta Canada Medicine Lake Disappearing Lake Jasper National Park Alberta Canada - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Medicine Lake Disappearing Lake Jasper National Park Alberta Canada

The day turned out to be another perfect day. We finished the day with a wonderful meal.

5 Maligne Lake Road

The trip back from the Maligne Lake surprised us with some emerald blue rivers flowing along these Giant Granite walls jutting straight up into the air. We will certainly be returning to capture this view again.

10 Most Beautiful Places To See Photograph In Jasper Alberta Canada Maligne Lake Road Incredible Views - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Maligne Lake Road

5 Athabasca River Views

As you return from a Maligne Lake adventure at the end of the day, en-route to the city of Jasper, you need to cross this incredible bridge over the Athabasca River.

10 Most Beautiful Places To See Photograph In Jasper Alberta Canada Crossing the Athabasca Jasper National Park - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Crossing the Athabasca Jasper National Park

In the background you can see Grisette Mountain, Mt Dromore and Mt Colin in the distance. This scene harkens you back to the age of the gold rush. Spectacular!

After some much-needed rest and a lovely dinner downtown Jasper, Anne and I went for a walk along the Athabasca river right out the back of our cabin.

Evening Walk Along the Athabasca - Jasper National Park Alberta Canada - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Evening Walk on the Athabasca River

It was on this walk that I believe the most inspired photography at the day occurred. It was partly because of the incredibly gorgeous scene and secondarily it was because of the great light. Jasper National Park is filled with incredibly gorgeous views around every corner.

As it was time to find dinner we were driving into the town of Jasper. We were greeted with a complete double rainbow right on top of the Athabasca River right in front of a range of mountains.

Rainbows Over the Athabasca Jasper National Park - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Rainbows Over the Athabasca Jasper National Park

We must be living right or something to be blessed with such an incredible View!

Athabasca Falls

Then it was time to hit Athabasca Falls.

The falls at this location were large and beautiful and interesting but my photography had just become uninspiring.

Athabasca Falls Jasper National Park Alberta Canada - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Athabasca Falls

4 Sunwapta Falls Canyon and Gorge

We headed off first to Sunwapta Falls Canyon and Gorge. The weather was slightly drizzling so I was a little concerned with the light that we were going to have available to us for photographing the scene. When I got to the scene I was a little bit disappointed by the numbers of people that were there. Maybe I was just getting a little bit tired and too many people can be a bit overwhelming. I started shooting a couple of different areas trying to find the best view and I was still coming up a little bit short.

 Sunwapta Falls Jasper National Park Alberta Canada - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Sunwapta Falls Canyon Gorge

Then my wife pointed out the view at the top of the falls. There was a little island in the middle of the river and the Falls coming down from that. From that particular view you get to see some action in the falls but you also get to see the background and the scene of behind the falls so in my opinion it becomes even more interesting. Good job honey! Thanks for using your keen eye and being patient with me!

3 Mount Edith Cavell

The drive up the mountain to the Edith Cavell hiking area is very narrow with many switchbacks. It made my lovely wife very nervous so I drove extra slow so that we would make it in one piece.

10 Most Beautiful Places To See Photograph In Jasper Alberta Canada Hiking Mount Edith Cavell Lake Jasper National Park Alberta Canada - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Hiking Mount Edith Cavell

We arrived to the parking area about 2 in the afternoon and at this point the lot was very full. Keep in mind we are in the middle of the Labor Day holiday weekend. We expected to see crowds all the time this weekend but this was the first that we actually saw significant crowd.

Hiking Mount Edith Cavell Lake Jasper National Park Alberta Canada - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Mount Edith Cavell Angel Glacier

The hike up to the best of viewpoint of Mount Edith Cavell is a moderately difficult hike but with a little bit of perseverance pretty much everyone can make it.

Check the Video on Mount Edith Cavell

At this viewpoint, you get to see the glacial Lake that forms below the waterfall of the Angel Glacier that is on top of the mountain. The view is breathtaking. It is certainly worth the hike.

2 Glacier Discovery Center

Of course on our way down to the Discovery Center we had to stop multiple times for any interesting view that struck us. The light was gorgeous that morning and we probably stopped ten or fifteen times before we arrived at the Discovery Center.

Incredible Beauty South of Jasper Hwy 93 - Jasper National Park Alberta Canada - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Incredible Beauty South of Jasper Along Icefields Parkway Hwy 93

The Glacier Discovery Center is basically a visitor center at the foot of multiple glaciers with a fantastic view up into the glaciers. We could have decided to buy a ticket for the ride up into the glacier.

Columbia Icefield Glacier - Jasper National Park Alberta Canada - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Columbia Icefield Glacier Jasper National Park

That would have been a wonderful time but we tend to frequently do the things that none of the rest of the crowd is doing.

1 Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is known for its boat tours that take you to some pretty incredible views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

10 Most Beautiful Places To See Photograph In Jasper Alberta Canada Iconic Maligne Lake Boat House - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Iconic Maligne Lake Boat House

Right from shore we were able to get some wonderfully gorgeous views, then we took a nice hike along the shore and and then it took us somewhat inland into the forest.

10 Most Beautiful Places To See Photograph In Jasper Alberta Canada Iconic Maligne Lake and Boat House II - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Iconic Maligne Lake Boat House II

We will certainly be returning to this location for the boat trip as the skies clear up a little bit more so we will get a more stunning view of the surrounding mountains.

On this particular day we noticed it was starting to dry up so we had a quick lunch and we headed out to Maligne Lake. We were able to get tickets for the tour and we were on our way.

10 Most Beautiful Places To See Photograph In Jasper Alberta Canada Maligne Lake and Boat House Jasper National Park Alberta Canada - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Maligne Lake and Boat House Jasper National Park Alberta Canada

The afternoon dried up just enough for the 40 minute boat ride out to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park Alberta Canada. From this location you’re able to capture the iconic shot of the Spirit Island in the foreground and a bowl of stunning Peaks and the glacier that feeds the lake in the background.

10 Most Beautiful Places To See Photograph In Jasper Alberta Canada Maligne Lake Spirit Island Jasper National Park Alberta Canada - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

Maligne Lake Spirit Island Jasper National Park Alberta Canada

The view is breathtaking and almost emits a shock wave of exhilaration through your senses to view it in person.

Gosh I love the wonders of creation!

Maligne Lake Recap

Kelsey, the boat tour guide at Maligne Lake was knowledgeable, fun, and the source of many wonderful stories. I would strongly recommend this boat trip. To me it was enough to capture what I needed to capture as a photographer and the longer much more expensive photography boat trip was not required but of course you would be able to capture some other scenes from that trip.

Basically as soon as we got off the boat it started raining again. Our timing worked out to be so perfect. To me, the rain is generally not a problem in this area if it’s not just a low flat ceiling. If it’s a dramatic mix of clouds and rain and some sun, those types of conditions create views that are just spectacular.

Bonus 1 Wilcox Pass Hike

So we decided to hike up Wilcox pass on the other side of the valley which would then give us our own basically private view of the Icefields.

Views From Wilcox Pass Hike - Jasper National Park Alberta Canada - Canadian Rockies Banff National Park Photography Tour

View of Columbia Icefield Glacier From Wilcox Pass Hike

The hike up Wilcox pass was a relatively rigorous four hour hike but it was certainly worth the effort. We were mostly alone for most of the hike and the views were breathtaking.

Check out videos of the Glacier and Wilcox Pass Here!

Lives Changed

Our lives have been changed because of the sights, sounds and the experiences we had in this amazing place. Our hearts will be hurting longing to return to the incredible beauty. For us, this is probably a once-in-a-lifetime trip but it is indeed a worthwhile trip because we were able to see and experience the overwhelming beauty of this place.

Plan Your Trip

If you’re looking to plan a trip like this for yourself be sure to check out the itinerary that we used for this trip. It is just a rough itinerary and we planned it with flexibility to so we could make adjustments based on weather and personal preferences along the way.

Conclusion

We certainly enjoyed ourselves on this trip and I hope we encouraged you to make the trip yourself. You will be forever changed and you will be so glad that you made the adventure.

Until next time, get out and capture the adventure!

 

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10 Most Beautiful Places To See Photograph In Jasper Alberta Canada

 

Written by Wayne Moran - Visit Website
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