Experience Jasper, Edmonton and Métis Crossing

Itinerary best for

Relaxed Sightseers
Foodies
Culture Seekers

See Edmonton and Rocky Mountain highlights over five days—Rockies views, wildlife, fine dining and a guided introduction to Indigenous cultures.

This trip delivers the majesty of the Rockies without the hardcore hiking. From Edmonton, head to Jasper to ride the SkyTram, spot wildlife at dusk and taste your way through a downtown foodie tour. Learn Cree plant medicine from the Warrior Women, stargaze in a dark sky preserve and dig into Métis culture and cuisine at Métis Crossing.

At a glance

5-day itinerary
1,419 km (882 mi) total distance
15 hrs 56 mins drive time
Your starting point is in Edmonton

3 destinations

Starts in

Edmonton

Day 1 drive time: 4 hr 10 min, 396 km (246 mi)

Day 1

Jasper

Make the morning drive from Edmonton to Jasper, then enjoy the rest of your day in the magnificent Rocky Mountains.

A man and his daughter riding the SkyTram.

Couple hiking the trails on top of Whistlers Mountain

Jasper SkyTram

Hop on the Jasper SkyTram and soar up Whistlers Mountain to an elevation of 2,263 m (7,425 ft), enjoying stunning vistas of mountain ranges on your way. On a clear day, you can even see the white pyramid of Mount Robson in nearby British Columbia. Disembark, and summit Whistlers Mountain by hiking a 1.4-km (0.87-mi) trail.

Two cocktail glasses clink together at Evil Dave’s Grill in Jasper.

A Local Favourite

Dinner at Evil Dave’s Grill

A family-owned restaurant in the town of Jasper, Evil Dave's Grill is the perfect blend of sophistication and local flavour, offering global twists on central Alberta specialties like bison meatballs and green onion cakes (invented and beloved in Edmonton). Takeout, vegan and gluten-free options are available.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

Traveling with kids? Evil Dave’s Grill is child-friendly.

Day 2 drive time: 34 min, 24 km (15 mi)

Day 2

Jasper

Walk, ride, dine, commune with nature and gaze deep into space — you've never experienced the Rockies like this.

Scenic view of submerged rocks in the clear waters of Lac Beauvert in Jasper National Park

Breakfast at The Great Hall

Savour homey, modern Canadian fare in the comfort of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. The Great Hall offers classic hot and cold breakfast dishes, from omelettes to overnight oats. During the summer months, take in unparalleled views from the sunny patio overlooking Lac Beauvert. No reservation required.

Two elderly women smiling as they listen to an Indigenous guide talking about the tree they are pointing at.

Wapakwanis Plant Walk (Warrior Women)

Move to the heartbeat of Mother Earth, learn to read the language of the land, and listen to wisdom of the Cree people. On this 90-minute walk, guided by the Warrior Women, you’ll start with an exploration of Jasper's ecology and Indigenous medicinal plants, then learn how to make medicine of your own.

Four friends dining and enjoying a meal with a wooded forest view behind them

Downtown Foodie Tour

Departing daily from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the Downtown Foodie Tour isn't just a convenient late lunch option, it’s a chance to get a taste of Rocky Mountain culture. On this 1.5-km (0.9-mi) guided walk, you'll visit four Jasper restaurants and sample four handpicked dishes while listening to local lore.

A mountain goat and kid in Jasper National Park

Jasper Wildlife Discovery Tour (Sundog Transportation and Tours)

Spend the early evening on an informative and awe-inspiring wildlife tour of Jasper National Park. Discover local hidden gems all while seeking out the region’s original inhabitants. Elk, deer, bear, moose and mountain goats are just some of the many wild animals you’ll encounter roaming the park near dusk.

Young couple outside looking skyward at the Jasper Planetarium

Jasper Planetarium and Telescope Experience

Get a glimpse of the primordial sky above the Rockies at the Jasper Planetarium, located in the world’s largest easily-accessible dark sky preserve. You’ll gaze through powerful telescopes, see and touch meteorites, and learn the anatomy of an aurora and how to photograph the Northern Lights and Milky Way.