Why The Red Chairs Stand Out
The Red Chairs are a signature feature of Jasper National Park, placed by Parks Canada in carefully chosen locations that frame the Canadian Rockies. Each pair offers a front-row seat to sweeping valleys, turquoise lakes, and jagged peaks without requiring strenuous hikes. Visitors sit in the oversized chairs for photographs or simply to absorb the silence and scale of the landscape. The vivid red color contrasts sharply with the evergreen forests and snow-capped summits, creating instantly recognizable images that define a trip to the Canadian Rockies.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early fall provides the most reliable access, when roads are clear and daylight is long. Early morning or late afternoon visits reduce crowds and deliver softer light for photography. Autumn brings golden larches and fewer people, while winter visits are possible only if you are equipped for deep snow and check current avalanche conditions. Shoulder seasons often reward visitors with clearer skies and the chance to have a chair to yourself.
How to Reach The Red Chairs
Most Red Chair locations lie within a short drive of Jasper townsite. Follow the Icefields Parkway or Maligne Lake Road, then watch for official signage and small parking pullouts. Some sites require a brief walk on maintained trails; others sit directly beside the road. A private vehicle offers the greatest flexibility, though guided tours and the park shuttle can drop visitors near popular clusters. Always carry a park map or GPS coordinates, as cell service is limited in many areas.
What to See and Do Nearby
Combine a Red Chair stop with other Jasper highlights. Pyramid Lake and its island viewpoint sit minutes away, while the Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls offer powerful waterfalls within a half-hour drive. Maligne Canyon and the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre extend the day’s itinerary. Wildlife sightings—elk, bighorn sheep, and occasional bears—are common along the routes connecting the chairs. Pack a picnic to enjoy from the seat itself while watching the changing light on the peaks.
Practical Considerations
Respect the chairs and surrounding environment by leaving no trace. Strong winds and sudden weather changes are normal; bring layers and rain protection even on sunny days. Tripods and drones are restricted in many locations, so plan for handheld photography. The experience is free with a valid Parks Canada pass, and the chairs remain available year-round when conditions permit.
