aneckc

Is there anything to do IN Jasper other than the tram ride? It seems like all of the sights like Maligne Lake, Mt Edith Cavell hike, Sunwapta Falls, Goat Lookout, etc. all require a drive out of town. I will only have 2 nights in Jasper and would like to maximize my time there. Many thanks.

poss

I've not been to Japser, so I can't be of much help, but:
How about visiting the Jasper Park Lodge if you're not staying there? I mention this because when we'll be in Banff, we're not staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs, but since the hotel is supposed to be wonderful to visit, we've planned to walk over there, maybe for afternoon tea or something like that; walk the grounds, look at the handsome lobby, etc. I believe that Farimont JP is walking distance from Jasper and it's said to be a handsome place for a stroll around the lake, a picnic, whatever. Have fun!

Judy_in_Calgary

No, there is practically nothing to do in the town of Jasper (population 4,500). There are restaurants, so you would not starve, of course. But the core of "downtown" Jasper consists of about a couple of blocks.

Not even the tram is in Jasper townsite. It is 7 km (4.5 miles) outside of town.

The reason most people go to Jasper is to take in the beauty of the mountains, forests, lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, etc. Most visitors treat Jasper townsite as a place in which to sleep and eat.

Actually, Jasper townsite is nestled in beautiful scenery, ringed by mountains. It's just that you will pretty soon exhaust what the town has to offer.

I previewed my reply before posting it, and saw that poss had posted a message in the interim. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is <b>not</b> within walking distance of the town of Jasper. Furthermore, while Jasper Park Lodge's golf course and lake are pretty, the main lodge building at Jasper Park Lodge is not a baronial, Edwardian-era building like the Banff Springs Hotel.

If you have 2 nights in Jasper, you'll have only 1 full day there. It will be all you can do to fit in visits to Maligne Canyon, Maligne Lake and Jasper Tramway or Mount Edith Cavell.

poss

Thanks for correction, Judy. Either the concierge at JPL misled me, or I'm misremembering. I did ask that question because I wanted to make reservations at Andy's bistro or Tekkara, and we much prefer to walk to dinner than to drive. Perhaps the concierge said that it was easy BIKING distance to town? I do hope the grounds of the Lodge will be pleasant for strolling and relaxing between more vigorous outings.

Judy_in_Calgary

&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;I do hope the grounds of the Lodge will be pleasant for strolling and relaxing between more vigorous outings.&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;

Yes, poss, they are indeed very pleasant for that.