2-Day Private Tour in Jasper National Park

When it comes to experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of the Canadian Rockies, this 2-day private tour in Jasper National Park offers a convenient and comprehensive way to see some of the most iconic sights. While I haven’t taken this exact trip myself, I’ve read through the details and reviews, and it sounds like a solid choice for those who want to cover a lot in a short time without the hassle of driving or planning every detail.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the seamless logistics—since most of the driving and organizing are handled for you—and the chance to see multiple highlights in just two days, from glaciers to lakes and waterfalls. On the flip side, the price might make some pause, especially since not everything is included (like the Icefield Skywalk and lake cruise), so budgeting accordingly is a good idea.

This tour could work particularly well for travelers who want a structured, guided experience with a small group or private setting. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a convenient way to explore Jasper’s top sights without the stress of planning, but if you’re after a more leisurely or in-depth experience, you might want to consider longer stays or self-guided options.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines transportation, guide, and many highlights into a single package.
• Flexible customization: Upgrades and add-ons allow tailoring the trip to your interests and budget.
• Time-efficient: Packed with highlights over just two days, ideal for tight schedules.
• Includes transportation: Climate-controlled vehicle ensures comfort on the long drives.
• Some attractions extra: Not all stops include admission tickets, so budget for extras.
• Great for convenience: No driving stress or logistics to worry about.

The Details of the 2-Day Jasper Tour

This tour is designed to bring you face-to-face with the stunning scenery of Jasper National Park while taking care of the planning and driving. Starting early from Calgary (or Banff, if you prefer), you’ll be picked up by a climate-controlled vehicle and whisked away into the mountains.

Day 1: From Calgary to Jasper’s Highlights

Bow Lake is your first stop, roughly three hours into your journey. It’s a classic Canadian Rockies scene—glassy waters, towering peaks, and dense forest. We read that if you’re lucky, you might even spot a grizzly bear here, which adds a touch of wild adventure to the trip. It’s a peaceful spot perfect for taking photos or just soaking in the calm of the mountains.

Next up, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a seasonal attraction and a real highlight. Stretching 232 km through the heart of the Rockies, this area offers incredible views of glaciers and icy peaks. The Skywalk itself isn’t included in the base price—tickets cost around $37-$41 per person—but if you add it, you’ll get a chance to walk on a glass platform high above the icefield, feeling like you’re on the edge of the world.

Athabasca Falls doesn’t measure the tallest or widest, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with volume. It’s a powerful rush of water that comes from melting glaciers, and many find it an awe-inspiring sight. The roar of the water and the sheer force visible in the rocks and spray make it worth a quick stop.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Jasper town, which is charming and lively, offering a glimpse of mountain life with shops, cafes, and beautiful scenery. It’s a perfect place to relax after a day of travel.

Day 2: Exploring Jasper’s Natural Wonders

Your second day kicks off with a visit to Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. While the tour mentions an optional cruise (not included), it’s highly recommended if you want to truly appreciate the scenery—think crystal-clear waters framed by towering peaks and glaciers. It’s a classic Jasper experience.

Maligne Canyon is next, carved into limestone from 365 million years ago. The intricate formations and sheer depth make it a fascinating stop. The canyon is narrow, dark, and dramatic—an easy 30-minute walk that leaves you with plenty of photo opportunities.

Medicine Lake is another geological curiosity. Known as one of the largest sinking rivers in the Western Hemisphere, it disappears into underground caves and reappears later, making it a fun and mysterious stop. The lake’s changing levels and underground caves add an element of intrigue.

Peyto Lake, during summer months, is a breathtaking sight. Its bright turquoise water, thanks to glacial rock flour, makes it one of the most photographed spots in Jasper. Just a quick 20-minute stop, but you’ll probably want to linger here to soak in the views.

Finally, the tour concludes with the drive back to Calgary, passing through the mountains and seeing how they merge into the city skyline. The three-hour return trip allows you to reflect on two packed days of mountain scenery.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers bottled water and a friendly guide, plus the transportation and most stops. However, the admission to the Icefield Skywalk and the Lake Maligne cruise are extra, so budget around $37-$41 per person for the Skywalk and plan for the cruise if you decide to take it.

Accommodation is not included, so you’ll need to arrange that separately. Since the tour is private, only your group will participate, making it more personalized than a large bus trip.

Is it Worth the Price?

At just over $1,842 for up to five people, this tour isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s a fair ask considering the transportation, guiding, and access to several major sights. It’s especially convenient if you want a straightforward, guided experience that covers the highlights without the stress of driving or planning. If you’re someone who values comfort, convenience, and a guided approach, many find it good value.

That said, not everything is included—like the icefield Skywalk and lake cruise—and these extras can add up. If those are high on your list, you’ll need to factor that into your budget.

How Travelers Have Felt About It

From the reviews available, the general consensus is positive about the scenery and the ease of logistics. Travelers love the “beautiful lakes” and “breathtaking views” and appreciate the small-group, private setting. Some mention that the stops are brief, so if you’re looking for a more leisurely, in-depth exploration, you might find this a bit rushed. Others point out that the guide was friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience more enjoyable.

One reviewer noted, “We loved the way all the major sights were packed into two days, and the drive was comfortable and scenic.” But keep in mind that the admission to certain attractions is extra, so you should budget accordingly.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience of Jasper’s highlights in a short time frame. It’s ideal if you prefer to avoid the hassle of driving and organizing logistics, and if you’re okay with quick stops rather than deep dives into each site.

It’s good for small groups or couples seeking a private experience and for those who don’t mind paying for some extras. If you’re traveling with family or friends who share your interest in mountain scenery and don’t need a super relaxing pace, this could be a great way to see a lot without stress.

If you’re after a well-organized, scenery-filled escape into Jasper’s stunning landscapes, this 2-day private tour offers a convenient way to see the best of what the park has to offer. The itinerary hits most of the major highlights—lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, and mountain vistas—without overwhelming you with planning.

The price reflects the comfort and ease of a guided trip, but remember that some attractions require additional tickets. It’s a good fit for travelers who want a structured, small-group experience with the flexibility to customize as needed.

For those with limited time or who prefer a guided approach to see the iconic sights, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared for some extra costs if you want to include all the optional attractions.

How early do I need to be ready for the tour?
The tour starts at 7:00am, so it’s best to be ready a little earlier to ensure a prompt start.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group will participate, making it more personalized and comfortable.

Are meals included?
The tour mentions select meals are included, but specifics aren’t detailed, so plan for additional meals if needed.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, camera, sunglasses, and perhaps a light jacket—weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Can I join this tour if I have mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best to check with the provider directly for specific mobility concerns.

How much does the Icefield Skywalk cost?
Tickets are approximately $37-$41 per person and are not included in the base price.

What about the Lake Maligne cruise?
It’s an optional add-on and not included; plan extra if you want to take the cruise.

Is this tour family-friendly?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, but it’s primarily geared toward those interested in scenic sightseeing rather than family-specific activities.

How long are the stops at each site?
Stops range from about 30 minutes at Athabasca Falls to around 3 hours at Bow Lake and the Icefield area, giving you enough time to enjoy each spot.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, which is helpful if your plans change.

This tour offers an enjoyable, hassle-free way to experience Jasper’s top sights if you’re okay with a structured schedule and some extra costs for optional attractions. If you’re looking for a quick, scenic overview of the Canadian Rockies with the comfort of private transportation, it might just be the trip you’re after.