6 Jasper National Park Hotels for the Ultimate Canadian Wilderness Escape

Boasting one of the country’s best resort courses, Fairmount Jasper Park Lodge is not just a golfer’s dream—there are outdoor activities within the 700 acres of unspoiled parkland to keep the whole family occupied. The grounds wrap around emerald Lac Beauvert, so you can canoe across still waters or stroll the one-hour walking trail. You might even spot a moose taking a swim! Should you want a change of scenery, you’re only a 10-minute drive to the town of Jasper—you can pop out for that latte and be back in time for a Glacial Massage and organic mud treatment at the resort’s nature-inspired spa.

For accommodation, you’ll find heritage log cabins and cedar chalets connected by paths, giving the place the charm of a mountain village. Greet the morning from the outdoor patio of your Fairmont Lakeview Room with a hot coffee under the radiant sunshine. Larger groups might opt for a luxury signature cabin, choosing between the rustic Point Cabin (it once hosted Marilyn Monroe) or the Gardner’s Cottage with its own outdoor fire pit.

Patio-hop to the one at on-site Orso Trattoria to dig into authentic northern Italian dishes—think arancini made with saffron risotto and braised veal. Carnivores will love Moose’s Nook Chophouse, which serves up hearty plates like bacon-wrapped Alberta bison tenderloin and pan-roasted veal chop with creamed spinach and crispy sweetbreads. Follow with a nightcap by the fire at The Emerald Lounge, where you can try an Old Fashioned spiked with Canadian maple syrup or local ales from the Jasper Brewing Company.

The owners of Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre have Cree First Nation roots, so you’ll get to experience their ancient culture during your stay. Walter’s Dining Room, named after the hotel’s founder Chief Walter Twinn of the Sawridge First Nation, fuses Canadian dishes with native influences and showcases local, seasonal produce. You’ll feast on sumptuous plates like slow-cooked Alberta beef ribs with roasted heirloom carrots, veal consommé and whipped Yukon Gold potatoes—all in the glow of the three-story cedar fireplace shaped like a prairie teepee. There’s also Hearthstone Lounge, with its stone fireplace and dining area made from hand-built log furniture, for more casual eats. Chomp on a sandwich filled with brisket brined and smoked for 48 hours, or savor a bowl of Annisabo—a traditional Cree-style pea soup with slow-cooked pork and dry-roasted corn crumble.

For some downtime, there’s the hotel’s own Mountain Wellness Day Spa. With the Rocky Mountain Rejuvenation package, you can while away the afternoon in a chamomile and lavender bath before being massaged with apricot body oil, then top off your treatment off with a cleansing facial. You’ll feel the scented eucalyptus steam room and Jacuzzi spa calling to you—just the ticket after a day’s hiking.

Back in your room, slip into a plush bathrobe and take a drink out on the private balcony of your Outdoor View Room to soak up the mountain views. When sleep calls, your Signature Sawridge Dreamers Wanted bed will lull you into a deep slumber to prepare you for the following day’s action—like a scenic 30-minute drive to roaring Athabasca Falls.

Aptly named, Pocahontas Cabins is just five minutes from the east gate of Jasper National Park and close to the original Pocahontas coal mine trail (a great spot for both easy climbs and more challenging hikes). You’ll have your very own standalone log cabin here, or you can opt for a one-bedroom suite in the main building if you’ve got your eye on the heated outdoor pool and sun terrace.

Come loaded with farmers’ market fare and cook up a storm in your cabin’s fully equipped kitchen. For al fresco feasting in the alpine air, communal smoker barbecues are waiting to be loaded up with chicken wings or pork ribs. Those who want a break from cooking can grab a table at Poco’s Café & Lounge for some Canadian comfort dishes like elk and bison meatloaf with buttermilk mashed potatoes, or a fried chicken waffle sandwich topped with pickled green beans, maple drizzle, and green apple slaw. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings from your table—black bears, mountain sheep, and goats have all been known to wander close to the restaurant.

Get into the vacation spirit with some fun family activities on-site like horseshoe toss, or putt your way around the outdoor golf course. You can spend snowy days playing board games and chess, or show off your skills at the snooker table. When you’re ready to get out and explore the area, Miette Hot Springs is a short drive away through soul-soothing scenery, where you’ll soak in natural hot water flowing from the mountains.

With exclusive access to Pyramid Lake in Jasper National Park, Pyramid Lake Resort is a secluded spot where you can get out on the water without the tourist crowds. Skim the crystalline surface by kayak, canoe or paddleboat, or follow the walking trail around the shores and nab a picnic table for lunch overlooking the Rockies. With Jasper National Park named a Dark Sky Preserve, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy some stargazing down by the lake or from the comfort of the resort’s outdoor hot tub. There are also nightly tours of the Jasper Planetarium, where you can peer through the largest telescope in the Rockies and (with some luck) gasp at the Northern Lights.

Nestled against a terraced hillside, all the guest rooms and suites at this chalet-style resort look out on Pyramid Lake and Mountain. Will you choose a cozy seat in front of your crackling fireplace or one on your balcony to fill your lungs with fresh mountain air? Either way, you’ll have a hot coffee waiting to be brewed in-room, and you can even bring the family pup into pet-friendly spaces.

Pines Restaurant offers breathtaking views over the mountains and lakes and is a romantic spot for that coveted sunset dinner. The seasonal menu features locally-inspired dishes—think roasted game hen with homemade stuffing or winter char with crispy rice cakes and brown butter. Match your feast of choice with a glass of Canadian red wine and finish with a white velvet chocolate martini made with crème de cacao and Godiva chocolate.

On a lively main street on the fringes of Jasper town, Marmot Lodge gets you close to the action but still retains that escape-into-nature feeling with its evergreen surrounds and mountain backdrop. Pick up some fresh groceries in town and whip up a light lunch of home-cooked goodies in your suite’s own kitchenette. Choice rooms even come with a rustic stone fireplace, so you can watch the flames dance while the snow falls outside. With the night, snuggle under fresh sheets and thick duvets for a sound night’s sleep in your double bed.

You’ll want to rise early in the morning for some laps in the lodge’s heated indoor pool or start the day toxin-free with a quick session in the on-site sauna. You’ll be fresh and ready for a hearty traditional breakfast at Embers Restaurant before heading out to majestic Sunwapta Falls (a lovely 45-minute drive). Even closer, you can book a seat on the Jasper Sky Tram for spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies 863 feet above the ground.

Come evening, pop back to Embers for mouthwatering Alberta AAA beef, elk, bison and other local game meats. Settle into a comfortable booth and order classic “chop house” dishes like a double-bone pork chop with signature mac-and-cheese or sriracha-and-Parmesan brussel sprouts. Lovers of sweet and salty should try the smoked ribs basted in homemade peach barbecue sauce, served alongside hot, hand-cut fries. Your nightcap of choice is close-by at the Fireside Lounge, too—once you sink into the soft leather sofa with the glow of the fire on your face, you might just stay put for the night.

Right off the Yellowhead Highway, Quality Inn and Suites Hinton is a 15-minute drive from Jasper National Park and in prime position for exploring the Alberta wilderness. You’ll find the winding Beaver Boardwalk less than five minutes away by car, where you can follow the walking trail through protected wetlands to spot native critters like red foxes, white-tailed deer, elk, and moose. Keep your eyes peeled for Canada’s adorably buck-toothed mascot!

Back at the hotel, you can make like a beaver yourself with a splash in the indoor heated pool. If relaxation’s more your game, sit back in the Jacuzzi spa to let the bubbles work their magic after a muscle-stretching day. The comfortable pillow-top bed back in your room will call to you for an afternoon catnap, or you can wander down to the lobby and snuggle up with a book in front of the crackling fireplace. Come nightfall, end the day searching for shooting stars from the quiet of your private balcony in choice rooms.

The friendly staff at reception can help you arrange a horseback riding tour through the forest and tip you off to the best spots for fishing or skeet shooting. Should you want to squeeze in a quick workout before you go, there’s an on-site gym stocked with fitness machines and free weights. You’ll be fully-fuelled for your indoor and outdoor adventures, too, what with a complimentary breakfast buffet brimming with fresh muffins, bagels, fruit, and waffles.