So many people go to Banff, but don’t venture north to Jasper National Park. For this reason, Jasper offers a respite from all the crowds, a laid-back vibe, and more chances to see wildlife. We chose to spend three nights here.

That said, some visitors find Jasper too rustic. The town is about half the size of Banff, so there are fewer restaurants and hotels. Additionally, wildfires in 2024 burned about a third of the town, and some sites, such as Mt. Edith Cavell and Maligne Canyon, remain closed.