Morning Jasper National Park Wildlife Tour

Jasper , Canada

Morning Jasper National Park Wildlife Tour

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(47 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Get out early to make the most of your day. Wildlife sightings in Jasper National Park are most frequent in the early morning and during the evening. This vehicle-based guided tour offers the opportunity to observe wildlife such as elk, bear, moose, sheep, and deer at the dawn of another day.

As you meander slowly down the valley, you gaze out large windows while passing stunning views of the mountains and surrounding wilderness to capture your memories through a photograph from either inside of the minibus or occasionally by a short walk at the discretion of your guide.
Your local guide uses their expertise to select the route based on seasonal wildlife movements, increasing your chances of encounters. Along the way, you learn valuable insights into the challenges of managing and protecting wildlife within the national park. Our guide is eager to answer your questions as they passionately share the magic of Jasper’s wild side, bringing the stories of the animals to life.

Available options

Morning Jasper National Park Wildlife Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

As you meander slowly down the valley, you gaze out large windows while passing stunning views of the mountains and surrounding wilderness to capture your memories through a photograph from either inside of the minibus or occasionally by a short walk at the discretion of your guide.

Your local guide uses their expertise to select the route based on seasonal wildlife movements, increasing your chances of encounters. Along the way, you learn valuable insights into the challenges of managing and protecting wildlife within the national park. Our guide is eager to answer your questions as they passionately share the magic of Jasper’s wild side, bringing the stories of the animals to life.

Jasper National Park is a wild and natural environment. While wildlife sightings are frequent, every day is unique. We succeed in spotting wildlife on 95% of our tours.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

15 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

32 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

To request complimentary pick-up from your accommodation, please specify which hotel you are staying at. Pickup times vary therefore your exact pick-up time will be confirmed upon booking.

If you are staying outside of Jasper, please specify Jasper Downtown Location - at Two Brothers Totem Pole across from Parks Canada Information Center on Connaught Drive. Your meeting time will be 15 minutes prior to your trip’s departure time. All-day parking is located in the parking lot.

Viewing will be primarily from inside the minibus however, at the discretion of your guide there may be times where you have the option to step outside at viewpoints. A small amount of walking may be involved.

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

This tour is not recommended for young children: The Wildlife Tour is typically geared more towards adults, providing educational commentary along the way. While wildlife sightings are frequent, the experience differs significantly from a zoo visit. Due to the unpredictable nature of wild animals, sightings occur intermittently during the 3-hour tour and vary from day to day. Based on our observations, young children often become restless as there are no scheduled stops on this vehicle-based tour. Therefore, we recommend a minimum age of 5 years. Although not recommended, children and infants under 5 years old are welcome, provided a seat is purchased for them at the child rate (all passengers regardless of age are required to be allocated a seat on the bus). For those bringing infants, we recommend bringing a baby carrier which can be secured with the provided seat belts on our buses.

Jasper National Park is a wild and natural habitat. Wildlife Sightings are frequent but not guaranteed.

No Pets – Service Dogs with Valid Paperwork Only

Important notes

Hotel pick-up times vary and will be confirmed upon booking:

• Jasper hotels: wait outside the main lobby 15 min prior.
• Outlying hotels (Alpine Village, Beckers Chalet, Tekarra Lodge, Patricia Lake Bungalows, Pyramid Lake Resort): 30 min prior.
• Wapiti Campground: corner of Hwy 93 & Campground Entry Rd, 30 min prior.
• Whistlers Campground: outside main office, 30 min prior.
• Pine Bungalows: outside main lobby at departure time.
• Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge: main lobby doors, 10 min after departure time.
• Pick-up from B&Bs in Jasper town available—contact us directly.
• If your hotel is not listed, meet at Two Brothers Totem Pole (across from Jasper Park Info Centre, 500 Connaught Dr) 15 min prior.

Important:

• Tour length can vary due to wildlife or road conditions. Eat beforehand and avoid strict dinner plans afterward. Bring water and a light snack; there are no scheduled stops en route. There are no washroom facilities on the bus, but the guide can arrange an outhouse stop if notified in advance. Dress comfortably and for the forecasted temperature.

• Travel in a comfortable 24-seat minibus with large windows (max 21 passengers for extra space). This is a vehicle-based tour; Parks Canada requires all wildlife viewing from inside the vehicle.

• Guides adjust routes daily based on wildlife activity, using a mix of highways and smaller roads. The tour operates on registered paved roads only—no off-road travel.

• Jasper National Park is a natural environment; sightings are frequent but not guaranteed (success rate ~95%). Each day is unique.

• Operates in all weather. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Minimum numbers apply. In the rare event of cancellation due to low numbers, you will be offered an alternative date or full refund.

About Jasper

Jasper is a charming mountain town nestled in the heart of Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and dark-sky preserve, Jasper offers a serene and adventurous escape with a small-town charm.

Top Attractions

Jasper SkyTram

The Jasper SkyTram is a scenic aerial tram that takes visitors to the top of Whistlers Mountain, offering panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies.

Adventure 2-3 hours Moderate

Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is one of the most famous and beautiful lakes in Jasper National Park, known for its deep blue waters and stunning mountain backdrop.

Nature Half day to full day Free (boat tours and rentals cost extra)

Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest icefields in North America, offering visitors the chance to explore ancient glaciers and experience the thrill of walking on ice.

Nature Full day Moderate to expensive (depending on activities chosen)

Jasper National Park Information Centre

The Jasper National Park Information Centre is a great starting point for visitors, offering exhibits on the park's natural and cultural history, as well as information on activities and trails.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free

Marmot Basin

Marmot Basin is a popular ski resort located within Jasper National Park, offering excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the winter and hiking in the summer.

Adventure Half day to full day Moderate to expensive (depending on activities chosen)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bison Burger

A delicious burger made with locally sourced bison meat, often served with toppings like caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and bacon.

Main Course Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian options are available at some restaurants.

Elk Steak

Tender elk steak, often served with seasonal vegetables and a rich sauce, showcasing the flavors of the Canadian Rockies.

Main Course Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available at some restaurants.

Wild Blueberry Pie

A sweet and tangy pie made with wild blueberries, a local delicacy in the Jasper area.

Dessert Vegetarian and gluten-free options may be available.

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Snowboarding Snowshoeing Ice climbing Helicopter tours Scenic drives Wildlife viewing

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and all trails and facilities fully open. It's ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventures.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, French
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (MT) (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Jasper is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming community. However, visitors should be aware of the potential for wildlife encounters and the challenges of outdoor activities in a mountainous environment.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
• Dress appropriately for the weather and activities.
• Carry a map and compass, and inform someone of your plans when hiking or engaging in other outdoor activities.

Getting there

By air

Edmonton International Airport • 365 km (227 miles)
Jasper Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles)

By train

Jasper Train Station

By bus

Jasper Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Jasper Transit offers a local bus service with routes covering the town and some nearby attractions. The service is limited and primarily designed for residents.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi services

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Jasper Town Site Whistlers Old Fort Point

Day trips

Maligne Canyon

29 km (18 miles) • Half day to full day

Maligne Canyon is a stunning gorge with a series of waterfalls and turquoise pools, offering a variety of hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.

Athabasca Falls

33 km (20.5 miles) • Half day to full day

Athabasca Falls is a powerful and beautiful waterfall located along the Icefields Parkway, offering stunning views and a variety of hiking trails.

Sunwapta Falls

45 km (28 miles) • Full day

Sunwapta Falls is a series of waterfalls and rapids located along the Sunwapta River, offering a variety of hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.

Festivals

Jasper Dark Sky Festival • October Jasper Pride Festival • September Jasper Wildlife Festival • April

Pro tips

Visit the Jasper Information Centre for maps, brochures, and advice on the best trails and attractions.
Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day and year.
Bring bear spray and know how to use it, as bear encounters are possible in the park.
Book accommodations and popular activities well in advance, especially during peak season.
Take advantage of the park's dark-sky preserve by stargazing on a clear night.