We periodically host or organize special events. Check this space for the latest info.
Dark Sky Festival! - open!
Animals of the Night Hike
Jasper National Park is the largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve in the World!
**NOTE: If the date you want has no availability, please email us to get on our waitlist**
Dates: Oct. 17-26th, 2025
Time: 18:30-21:00
Location: Yellowhead Museum Parking Lot
Min.-Max. # of Participants: 2-12
Cost: $50 ($40/ child 7-14 y/o) + GST
Come join Alison on this family-friendly night hike up on Pyramid Bench. You will have the opportunity to learn all about our nocturnal wildlife while we hike this scenic 4km route. There will be great views of our Dark Sky Preserve from the trail as well as the town lit up at night.
Details: Good hiking shoes will be mandatory as we will be out there in the dark, in possibly snowy conditions. Ice cleats and headlamps will be provided for everyone if necessary, but feel free to bring your own. Expect an elevation gain of around 100m.
NEW - summer themed hikes for 2020! (CLOSED)
Come celebrate our new Summer Themed Hikes with Joy & Sean every Saturday or Sunday morning! These are specialty hikes, created for each week, to bring Canadians together to discover and learn about the fascinating natural & cultural world in which we live.
So what are you waiting for? It’s free to sign up, so go ahead and reserve your spot today. If you’re from Alberta, receive a 25% discount!
Note: If a trip is already full, please call or email us and we’d be happy to put you on a wait list.
Alternatively, gather a group of 4 people and we can run any of the programs on a day that works for you!
Theme: indigenous peoples day
National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day recognising and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada.
Date: June 21st, 2020
Time: 09:00-11:00
Location: Sixth Bridge
Min.-Max. # of Participants: 2-8
Cost (cash only): $40 (Albertans: $28)
When Jasper Forest Park was established in 1907, the government of Canada began a program to eradicate any persons living on the land that is now called Jasper National Park. They were kicked out, seen as uncivilised barbarians less sophisticated than the White Man, and told never to come back again. On this hike, you will have a chance to learn about this dark chapter in our history as it relates to Jasper, as well as discover how the First Nation & Métis people utilized this land before colonialism.
Theme: Pollinator Week
*IMPORTANT UPDATE:*
Trail is closed due to flooding. Alternate route is Valley of the Five Lakes
National Pollinator Week is a time to celebrate pollinators and spread the word about what you can do to protect them here in Canada!
Date: June 28th, 2020
Time: 08:00-10:00
Location: Sixth Bridge
Min.-Max. # of Participants: 2-8
Cost (cash only): $40 (Albertans: $28)
Joy, a lover of all flowery things, will guide you on a trail we call the Flowers Loop. It’s a 2.3km gentle walk that takes you along the banks of the Athabasca River with stunning views and a trail filled with wildflowers. At the end of June, there are many unique varieties not found in most other places in the park. Learn how to identify these flowers, their medicinal uses and the importance of our pollinators in keeping these plants alive.
Theme: Canada Week
*IMPORTANT UPDATE:*
Trail is closed due to flooding. Trip cancelled. Update: July 2nd
Celebrate Canada’s 153rd Birthday by taking a walk in the past!
Date: July 5th, 2020
Time: 09:00-15:00
Location: Athabasca Pass TH
Min.-Max. # of Participants: 2-8
Cost (cash only): $70 (Albertans: $49)
Celebrate a Canadian icon and walk the footsteps of David Thompson. On Jan. 10th, 1811, David crossed the famous Athabasca Pass in an amazing attempt to beat the Americans to the coast to set up a trading post. A race between land and sea; Canada vs. America. Who will win? Come find out! The hike and storytelling will be done right on the Athabasca Pass Trail, following the same route as the pioneers once did over 200 years ago. It will terminate at the Whirlpool Campground, with views toward Athabasca Pass. The hike is 13kms long with minimal elevation.
Theme: Pine Beetle Awareness Week
The Pine Beetle has ravaged the Jasper landscape over the past 5 years. Where did it come from? And what can we do to stop it?
Date: July 12th, 2020
Time: 08:00-12:00
Location: Yellowhead Museum Parking Lot
Min.-Max. # of Participants: 2-8
Cost (cash only): $50 (Albertans: $37.50)
Hike: Approx. 8-10kms, +/-150m elevation
World Population Day is July 11th, an event aimed at raising public awareness on global population issues. We thought it would be appropriate to conduct a hike to raise awareness of the devastation Pine Beetles have left behind here in Jasper, and what were the causes related to this overpopulation. We’ll walk through the forests destroyed by the Pine Beetle and look at how these trees have reacted as well as the reaction of Parks Canada to try and protect our small community from being burned to the ground. Come join us to learn how a tiny insect can have such a massive ecological impact on our landscape!
Theme: Mystical, magical Maligne Canyon
Discovery the mysteries of Maligne Canyon’s unique karst system!
Date: July 19th, 2020
Time: 08:00-11:00
Location: Maligne Canyon Teahouse
Min.-Max. # of Participants: 2-8
Cost (cash only): $50 (Albertans: $37.50)
Hike: 3.5 kms long, +/-150m elevation
Do you know about the incredible mysteries of Maligne Canyon? Seen it with us in the winter but not in the summer? You have to see its transformation in the summer! Maligne Canyon is truly a one-of-a-kind place and a must-see for visitors to Jasper NP in all seasons. We’ve timed this hike to exactly when we think is best. So come join the locals and see the canyon through their eyes!
Theme: Rocks Rocks Rocks!
Kill two birds with one “stone” as you get to learn how to rock climb at the same time as learning about the geology of the area!
Date: July 26th, 2020
Time: 09:00-13:00 (note the time change!)
Location: Morro Peak Trailhead
Min.-Max. # of Participants: 2-6
Cost (cash only): $80 (Albertans: $60)
When you go out with a guide, either they know a lot about rocks and little about climbing...or a lot about climbing, and little about rocks. Well, today, you’ll get BOTH!
We’ll first talk about how the rocks were formed and the mountains were made. Then, experience rocks in a whole new way as you learn how to safely rappel, belay and climb at one of the most scenic crags in the country! No experience necessary. Please see our rock climbing page for more details, including new COVID-19 protocols. See you out on the rocks.…
Theme: Heritage Week
It’s Heritage Weekend! Come celebrate the long weekend by taking a walk in the past.
Date: August 2nd, 2020
Time: 08:00-14:00
Location: Sixth Bridge
Min.-Max. # of Participants: 2-6
Cost (cash only): $70 (Albertans: $52.5)
Walk the footsteps of the Overlanders, visit Moberly’s homestead and learn all about the brave pioneers that forged a path across this great province. Sean is a well-known storyteller, and you’re in for a real treat if you join him on this unique, one-way hike. This semi-remote trail is 15.5kms long and has a +/-200m elevation gain/loss. We shuttle the vehicle to make it one way!
Theme: Youth Week
International Youth Day falls on August 12th, so we’ve put together 2 days where it’s all about kids!
Date: August 8th & 9th, 2020
Time: 08:00-12:00
Location: Yellowhead Museum
Min.-Max. # of Participants: 4-12
Cost (cash only): $40 (Albertans: $28)
Here at Jasper Hikes & Tours, Joy & Sean are passionate about making sure kids have opportunities to get outside and connect with nature. As a result, we are putting together a Nature Scavenger Hunt! As we go for a hike, all the kids in the group will work together to try and find as many of the items on their list as possible. The harder they are, the more points they will be worth. Parents who choose to come can help explain an object on the list, but are not allowed to find anything for them and they are not to remove anything from the forest. Joy & Sean will go out the day before to create a high score, and the kids will have to try to beat the “Experts!” Fun for all ages :) Hike will be roughly 5kms long, +/-80m
Theme: flowers Week
Alpine wildflowers have the most incredible adaptations to survive. Dive into the world of flowers with Joy this weekend!
Date: August 15th, 2020
Time: 08:00-14:00
Location: Totem Pole (08:00) or Trailhead (09:00)
Min.-Max. # of Participants: 2-6
Cost (cash only): $70 (Albertans: $52.5)
Joy loves to hike, and when it includes flowers on the trail, she gets super excited! Every year, the wildflowers at Cavell Meadows bloom at a different time. This depends largely on snow level and rainfall, but this weekend will be one of the best chances to see these beautiful wildflowers up close and personal. And what better place to do it but at Cavell Meadows, with the mighty Mt. Edith Cavell looming in the background?!
This is no ordinary hike to the meadows, though. Joy will have a specific focus on alpine vegetation and how they are able to adapt in the harshest of conditions and the shortest of growing seasons. This is one of our more challenging summer weekend events, with about 500m elevation gain and 8.5kms of hiking. If you get really excited about wildflowers like Joy does, and are up for the hiking challenge, then this is the trip for you!
Theme: Migration Week
Migration season is in full swing this week, so let’s talk birds!
**unavailable until further notice!**
Date: August 30th, 2020
Time: 08:00-13:00
Location: Totem Pole (transportation hopefully included)
Min.-Max. # of Participants: 4-6
Cost (cash only): $75 (Albertans: $56.25)
This one you WON’T want to miss! Special guest, Kevin Van Tighem, a local expert in ornithology, is planning to accompany us as we go out in search of migrating raptors! You will get a chance to learn all about our birds, with a specific focus on birds of prey. Learn not only how to identify them, but also the fascinating and mysterious world of migration, along with the hidden dangers that come with it too. We will be driving to several of the best migratory sites in the park, with short walks to viewpoints. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera!
P.s. Kevin’s a renowned author, publishing numerous books, including a Birding Guidebook for Jasper National Park. He will hopefully be bringing a few copies along with him on the tour and may be able to sign a copy and sell it to you if you ask him real nice ;)
Theme: Sex In The City
It’s all about The Rut!
Date: September 13th, 2020
Time: 08:00-12:00
Location: Totem Pole (transportation hopefully included)
Min.-Max. # of Participants: 2-6
Cost (cash only): $50 (Albertans: $37.50)
Did you know, elk antlers can grow up to ½ cm/day! Did you also know that elk have injured more than 500 people in Jasper! Come join Sean on a drive in the park and learn all about these spectacular animals, how they’ve adapted to humans and the fun facts that accompany them. He’ll show you some of his “secret” spots to find wildlife too! Afterwards, the hope is to visit Wapiti Campground and take the 5km Wapiti Trail back to town, as long as it is safe to do so. This easy trail is suitable for all abilities, and is a one-way trail, finishing in the town of Jasper. We’ll walk right through the elk’s birthing grounds and follow along the mighty Athabasca River, an incredibly important Wildlife Corridor here in Jasper. Sex is in the air, so come watch the show!
Theme: Clean Up The World Weekend
Clean Up the World has engaged an estimated 35 million volunteers across 133 countries, making it one of the largest community-based environmental campaigns in the world!
Date: Sept. 20th, 2020
Time: 09:00-12:00 (note the change in time!)
Location: Maligne Canyon Teahouse (meet at far end of parking lot)
Min.-Max. # of Participants: 4-20
Cost: FREE!
Joy & Sean put together Shoreline Cleanups every year. It is a way for them to give back to the park and community in which they live. Come join them as they do their annual cleanup at Maligne Canyon! All gear provided (vests, pickers, buckets, gloves, etc.) This is a collaboration between Jasper Hikes & Tours & Parks Canada along with the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup program put on through the Vancouver Aquarium. Come join us and help beautify our park!
Theme: National Forest Week
Every year, National Forest Week (NFW) highlights a specific theme or aspect of Canadian forestry. This year’s theme is “Healthy Forests - Healthy Future.”
Date: September 27th, 2020
Time: 08:00-12:00
Location: TBD
Min.-Max. # of Participants: 2-8
Cost (cash only): $40 (Albertans: $28)
Ah yes, autumn. A time of change. Trees change colour, Canadians get ready for winter, and the animals prepare for hibernation. Come join us for a hike where we will celebrate the beautiful forests as they change colour. The focus will be on our tree species, how to identify them, the unique qualities and adaptations they have for harsh Canadian weather, and what this means for the Trembling Aspen, a deciduous tree that is arguably the most adaptable of them all. Expect 8-10kms and about 80m of elevation gain/loss. Locations based on where the colours are on display the best.
Theme: Animals of the Night Hike
Jasper National Park is the largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve in the World!
**NOTE: If the date you want has no availability, please email us to get on our waitlist**
Dates: Oct. 16-25th
Time: 18:30-21:30
Location: Yellowhead Museum Parking Lot
Min.-Max. # of Participants: 2-10 (or 5 groups of people)
Cost (cash only): $50 (Albertans: $37.50)
Come join Joy and Sean on this family-friendly night hike up on Pyramid Bench. You will have the opportunity to learn all about our nocturnal wildlife while we hike this scenic 4km route. There will be great views of our Dark Sky Preserve from the trail as well as the town lit up at night.
Details: Everyone is required to bring a flashlight (fully-charged phone is fine) for safety; however, we plan on not using them for much of the hike. We will rely on our eyes adjusting to night vision instead. A dim, red light or red cellophane wrap is acceptable and if you have a headlamp that can switch between the two settings, that's ideal. Good hiking shoes will be mandatory as we will be out there in the dark, in potentially snowy conditions. Expect an elevation gain of around 100m.
Theme: Geocaching extravaganza!
There are over 3 million geocaches scattered across this globe. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or never heard of the activity until now, this event will be worth every penny!
Date: Oct. 16-25th
Time: 10:30 & 12:30
Location: Lake Annette Loop Trailhead
Min.-Max. # of Participants: 3 groups of people/teams
Cost (cash only): $50/group
Using satellites orbiting around Earth, you will learn how to use a GPS on your phone to locate boxes hidden along the trail. This will be a multi-cache whereby we will give you a question related to the Dark Sky and coordinates to your first box/cache. You must find the answer to the question located in the hidden box along with a new question and coordinates for the next one. There will be seven hidden caches scattered along the trail, all with fascinating facts about the night sky. In addition to the answers to these questions, there will be critical letters found within the answers in each box. After all seven caches have been found and all seven critical letters acquired, your goal will be to unscramble those letters to solve your final clue and earn some Dark Sky related swag as a winning prize! This multi-cache and puzzle will only be available during the Dark Sky Festival. Come join us, learn more about our night sky and have fun on this family-friendly adventure in Jasper National Park!
Important Note: You must have either a handheld GPS unit or an app downloaded on your phone that allows you to plug in GPS coordinates. Gaia GPS is the best program. GPS & Maps is a free app that can be used. If you do not own a smart phone or a handheld GPS unit, we do have a couple spares that can be used for the event. Please let us know ahead of time if you need to borrow a GPS device.
previous trips:
Fossil ridge geology hike
october 1st, 2019
Amazing hike yesterday! Parks Canada, 🙏thank you for giving us permission to access this incredible fossil site. This place is such a special and unique area to visit. Thank you to Rob for sharing his incredible knowledge of geology and explaining it in a way all of us could understand. And of course, thank you to Wendy and the Interpretive Guides Association for helping to bring this trip to fruition. What a great way to spend a day in the mountains—same time next year?
Punchbowl falls & miette hot springs cleanup
june 15th, 2019
We had a great day today as 8 volunteers, including one of our guests, came to help clean up the Miette Valley. All kinds of garbage were found, from swords to mud flaps, plastic garbage bags to metal nails. Cigarette butts were the most common item, for a total of 226, and two full bags of recyclables were donated to the SPCA, all totaling 29kgs of trash. Thanks for all the hard work everyone!
maligne canyon shoreline cleanup event
September 30th, 2018
UPDATE:
What a day!! A million thank yous to Jasper locals, former local and visitors alike for all the rubbish and odds and sods collected along the steep walls, pathways and parking lots of the one and only Maligne Canyon! 45 people gifted their time and energy and shed the canyon of over 1,500 pieces of unwanted weight and unsightly extras. We are overwhelmed. 😊 here are some stats:
Total garbage picked up = 1,869 pieces!
Most unusual = Car dashboard with cupholders!
Three Most common = Food Wrappers (776), Cigarette Butts (348), Gum (201)
Funniest = 2 pacifiers!
Heaviest = 1 full sandbag
See the following link for more information:
Photo Credit: Parks Canada / KGedling
Struggles of Canadian Wildlife
…and this is why we do what we do!
Photo Credit: Parag N.