Is Jasper expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Jasper is expensive in summer, when a limited number of hotel rooms meets heavy demand, and you also need a car and a park pass. A budget day is about C$130 per person, mid-range about C$335 and comfort about C$650; rooms, fuel and paid attractions are the main costs.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | C$45 | C$150 | C$300 |
| Food & drink | C$40 | C$75 | C$140 |
| Sights & tickets | C$20 | C$65 | C$130 |
| Local transport | C$25 | C$45 | C$80 |
| Per person, per day | C$130 | C$335 | C$650 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Jasper day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Parks Canada daily pass, per adult | about C$11 |
| Annual Discovery Pass, per adult | about C$75 |
| Maligne Lake cruise to Spirit Island | about C$90–110 |
| Jasper SkyTram, return | about C$70–80 |
| Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer and Skywalk | about C$100–130 |
| Miette Hot Springs | about C$17–20 |
| Pub dinner | C$25–40 |
| Room in Jasper town, summer | about C$250–400 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the largest cost, especially in July and August, when rooms in town often cost C$250–400. A rental car and fuel are essential because there is no public transport to most sights. The paid attractions (the Maligne Lake cruise, the SkyTram and the Ice Explorer) add up quickly, though most trails and viewpoints are free with the park pass. Alberta adds a 4% tourism levy and GST to room rates.
When it is cheaper
Rooms are much cheaper from October to May, outside the ski holidays, but many attractions, roads and boats are closed or limited outside summer.
How to spend less
- Buy an annual Discovery Pass if you will spend a week in the Rockies.
- Stay in hostels or campgrounds and book months ahead for summer.
- Choose one paid attraction per day and enjoy the free trails.
- Buy picnic food in town; there are few places to eat on the Parkway.
- Fill the fuel tank in town before driving the Icefields Parkway.
- Visit in September, when prices begin to drop and wildlife is active.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
Is Jasper expensive?
Yes in summer, mainly for rooms, the car and paid attractions.
How much does a day in Jasper cost?
About C$130 per person on a budget, C$335 mid-range and C$650 in comfort.
How much is the park pass?
About C$11 per adult per day, or about C$75 for the annual Discovery Pass.