Banff vs Jasper: Which One Is Best For You? (Tips From a Local)

If it’s your first time planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies, this question can be overwhelming. There are so many amazing places and goose bump moments to experience in each of these destinations.

If you’re doing your Banff vs Jasper research, you know this is a difficult question to answer!

But I got you.

Since I live within a few hours of Canada’s beloved Rocky Mountains, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to each of them dozens of times over the last few years.

I’ve done my fair share of playing around in my (extended) backyard…everything from road trips and snowboarding and hiking, to hot spring dips and craft brewery sips.

Alberta is an incredible province with so many things to do.

In this post, you will find a basic overview of Banff and Jasper. Then, I compare activities (both summer and winter) and accommodation options and choose my winners for each category.

Both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park are beautiful and welcoming places to visit for different and similar reasons. I hope everyone can visit them both, but I know it’s not always attainable.

So if you do have to choose only one place to visit, this guide will help you break it down into what’s most important for you! Thus, helping you solve you Banff vs Jasper debate!

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Jasper National Park: an Overview

Mountains in Jasper National Park along the Athabasca River, Alberta, Canada

Jasper, Alberta is at the north end of the Icefields Parkway and was voted the best ski town in North America is 2018 by USA Today. It has one major ski resort called Marmot Basin. It’s 20 minutes from the town site.

The Jasper town site is smaller, quieter and less busy than Banff. I like the shopping better in Jasper, as most of the shops are locally owned, and not branded franchises you find everywhere else.

Jasper has many accommodation options ranging from budget motels and hostels, to mid range hotels and luxury hotels. There are also several cabin-style options on the outskirts of town.

Jasper has a great mix of beautiful hikes and turquoise lake viewing. Spirit Island on Maligne Lake is one of the most photographed spots in the national park (you can take a small cruise to get there).

Athabasca Falls are worth a visit and Maligne Canyon is a well-known gem. You can also do an ice walk in Maligne Canyon in the winter.

Jasper is also a designated Dark Sky Preserve, so star lovers and nighttime photographers will love the lack of light pollution. You might get lucky and be able to view the northern lights depending on the time of year.

the green northern lights dance behind a mountain againast a starry night sky

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Banff National Park: an Overview

Banff is the most well known destinations in Canada’s Rocky Mountains, and is a much larger area than Jasper. What’s different in Banff compared to Jasper is that there are a few different towns to visit within.

The small village of Lake Louise is about 30 minutes outside of Banff and is a must visit spot if you’re in the area.

And Canmore is a town just outside of the national park which is a great spot for saving money on accommodations.

There are several ski resorts to visit, Sunshine Village Ski Resort, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay Ski Resort are all world class ski resorts. Mt. Norquay is the closest to Banff, followed by Sunshine Village, then Lake Louise being the furthest, about 45 minute drive away.

the snowy mountain peaks at sunshine village ski resort

Banff National Park has many options for outdoor recreation activities like hiking, waterfall viewing, swimming, canoeing.

As far as the best time to visit Banff? Any time of year! But for summer activities, I recommend either the end of May or mid-September. These are just on the edge of busy peak season, so you won’t get the crowds but you still get the nice weather.

And if you want winter magic – try early December or the end of January for good snow (and frozen lakes) and less tourists!

The Town of Banff has high end shopping and many options for spa and luxury hotel experiences. Compared to Jasper, there are more dining options to choose from.

I would also say based on size, there are more iconic viewing points that are easily accessible by short hikes or walks compared to Jasper.

Photo Credit: Paul Zizka via Banff Lake Louise Tourism

You might also like: 8 Magical Winter Experiences in the Canadian Rockies

Jasper vs. Banff: A Comparison of Things to Do

Summer Activities in Jasper and Banff

Summer Hiking

Easy Hikes – Winner: Banff

One of the best easy hikes in Banff is the hike to Johnston Canyon.

Banff also has more options for accessible hikes that offer spectacular views. Tunnel Mountain is easily accessible from downtown. Hoodoo Trail from surprise corner provides another beautiful viewing angle.

And the Bow River Walk is a short 20 minute stroll that still provides stunning views.

Jasper easy hike runner up: Mount Edith Cavell Hike.

Advanced Hikes – Winner: Jasper

I find that Jasper offers lots of hiking trails with unique scrambles and more views of jagged mountain tops. Check out the Sulphur Skyline Trail or Wilcox Pass Hike.

Banff advanced hike runner up: Ha Ling Peak. This hike is actually just outside of Canmore, which is only 20 minutes from Banff. Being outside of the national park means you also don’t need to purchase a park pass.

It’s quite popular, but that also means no bears!

The trail head has a large parking lot with a few outhouse washrooms as well. And the views from the top are stunning! It took us about 2 hours to get to the top.

Canoeing on Turquoise Lakes

Winner: Banff

Most people want to experience canoeing on Lake Louise, but it’s expensive and the wait times are crazy. For postcard perfect views of turquoise water, go canoeing at Moraine Lake (about an hour north of Banff).

For mountain lakes that are little less busy, I recommend heading to Lake Minnewanka or Emerald Lake Lodge instead.

Here you can stay at the beautiful lodge, go canoeing or go for a hike, enjoy a hot tub and a hot meal all without having to drive anywhere!

Photo Credit: Jake Dyson via Banff Lake Louise Tourism

Jasper canoeing runner up: If you are wanting to canoe in Jasper though, my recommendation is Pyramid Lake Resort.

It’s actually very similar to Lake Louise, with its emerald waters enclosed by mountain peaks and a beautiful lodge in the background.

Jasper Tip: Not into canoeing but still want to see epic turquoise lakes? Visit the Valley of the Five Lakes hiking area. You pass by 5 gorgeous lakes in different shades of turquoise.