Return to travel: Experience authentic Jasper this summer
`Massive outdoor playground' has more to it than meets the eye
With restrictions loosening, Albertans have once again caught the travel bug. For those seeking a trip off the beaten track, Jasper has what you’re looking for.
“People are no longer taking travel for granted,” says Estelle Blanchette, one of the ten tour operators who have come together to create a campaign to encourage travellers to explore Jasper like never before. “Visitors want to do things that are more authentic, more meaningful. They want a more personalized experience. They can do that with us.”
As small, locally run businesses, operators are able to offer the personalized tours that bigger companies lack.
“Jasper has a unique local vibe. You won’t feel like you’re a tourist with us, you feel like you’re hanging out with the locals,” says Blanchette.
These small guiding companies promise a side of Jasper that few travellers
have seen. From motorcycle tours to backcountry hikes to dog-friendly rafting trips, these tours offer visitors a chance to experience a new side of the famous tourist destination.
“The things that are on your bucket list? You can do them here,” says Blanchette. “You can repel down a crevasse on a glacier, because there’s a company in town that offers that.”
Jasper has something for everyone.
For the adventurous traveler, there’s Rockaboo Mountain Adventures, which offers rock climbing experiences for all levels. High Sights
Guiding offers multi-day backcountry hiking trips for those who want to explore Jasper’s unique terrain.
Foodies will enjoy Jasper Food Tours, which offers a “Peak-nic” — a mountaintop cooking class with a panoramic view.
The whole family can enjoy Jasper Raft Tours’ float down the Athabasca River, or Wild Current Outfitters’ canoe trip, which includes snacks and a historical perspective on Jasper. Or take a
trip to the stars with Jasper Planetarium and experience one of the largest dark sky preserves in the world.
Get to know Jasper’s colourful history with Sundog Tours, taking a scenic tour of the town in a 1939 retractable roof Jammer. For a totally different view, take the Jasper Motorcycle Tour, riding in the sidecar of a Harley Davidson.
Active travelers will enjoy Rocky Mountain River Guide’s exhilarating rapids rafting trip. There’s also
Journey Bike Guides, a oneof-a-kind mountain biking tour through the best trails in Jasper National Park.
“Why do I love Jasper? There’s a million reasons,” says Blanchette. “It’s a massive outdoor playground.” Take a walk on the wild side in Jasper this summer.
For more information on exploring Jasper and how to support small local operators, visit