Jasper to Edmonton
 

We will be driving from Jasper to Edmonton as part of our trip. Is there anything that we should stop to see on the way there? Are there zny small towns where we can stop to have a bite to eat and stretch our legs a litle while?

Edson is the largest of the towns in between. I think it would fill the bill. It roughly half way.

The total distance is 366K. Of course Edmonton sprawls, so it depends on where you are going in Edmonton.

One is not what I would call next door to the other.

I live in Hinton, which is about a quarter of the way from Jasper to Edmonton, and I have travelled this route countless times.
As much as I love some of the scenerey in our area there is not much between Jasper and Edmonton.
Here's my recommondation ... When you are in Edson stop at TIM HORTONS on the east side of town. This is a Canadian icon? coffee and donut shop where us Canadians line up around the block for double doubles and 'roll up the rim to win' cups. Eh!

Hinton and Edson are the two main towns along the way from Jasper to Edmonton. There is also a rest stop area at Entwistle/Evansburg. In all three of these locations you will find the regular chain-type of fast food eateries, and lots of gas stations.

Hinton is a 45 minute drive from Jasper townsite, so you probably won't want to stop there. However, if you have time to make a slight detour, drive up highway 40 to William Switzer Provincial Park - there are some scenic spots (by the lakes) for a picnic. And Athabasca viewpoint (really a forestry lookout, I think) has a great view to the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.

By the way Bob, Hinton is actually larger than Edson (by about 25%).

Edson is probably the most conventiently-located place to stop because it is about halfway between Jasper and Edmonton (although a little bit closer to Jasper). Here is a website where you can search for information about the town:

http://www.edson-ab.worldweb.com/

The drive from Jasper to Edson is through alpine forests and then boreal forests, once you head further east from Edson you'll be driving through aspen parkland and then through some agricultural areas.

Enjoy your drive!!

I guess I was not thinking of Edson as being a logical stopping point because it is close to the Jasper Park line.

I was only there once because we usually reach Jasper by way of the Icefields Parkway.

edson is a common stop for a bit to eat between jasper and edmonton. but, it really is a dumpy town.
if you are looking for a spot to have a break...pack a picnic and stop at one of the campgrounds along the way. probably much nicer. if you stop in edson, there is a good pizza place - mountain pizza i think!!!