Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies
Jasper National Park has been inspiring artists, photographers and visitors since 1907. It’s quieter and more remote than Banff National Park but the views are just as epic and there is no shortage of opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Jasper lies directly to the north of Banff National Park and stretches up to the border of Mount Robson Provincial Park in the northwest. The landscapes of Jasper feature icefields and canyons, whitewater rivers and waterfalls and wide open grassland valleys surrounded by some of the highest mountain peaks in Alberta.
The park is part of the Canadian Rockies UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural wonders of Jasper National Park include:
› Maligne Canyon
› Mount Edith Cavell
› Columbia Icefields
› Sunwapta Falls
› Miette Hot Springs
› Pyramid Lake
› Medicine Lake
Wildlife watching in Jasper National Park is particularly popular. The vast wilderness area supports a huge variety of animals and the park is the perfect place for a northern safari. Mammals that live in the park include wolves, coyotes, cougars, bears, bighorn sheep, elk, moose and mountain goats.
Summer and winter activities range from the mildly adventurous to exhilarating and exhausting.
If you don’t want to go it alone, there are numerous companies offering rentals, tours and activities at the major sites and in remote backcountry locations.
Main activities include:
› Whitewater rafting
› Hiking
› Mountain biking
› Horseback trail rides
› Snow shoeing treks
› Cross-country skiing
› Ice climbing
Jasper National Park is 4 ½ hours drive from the nearest city and Jasper is the most convenient option for accommodation within the park. If you’re travelling from Edmonton, Hinton, on the eastern outskirts of Jasper National Park, offers a cheaper selection of B&Bs and hotels.
Alternatively, there are 10 serviced campsites and 100 backcountry campsites within Jasper National Park for visitors looking for a truly rugged experience.
It’s more of an effort to get to Jasper National Park but if you want a quieter, less touristy experience, going the extra distance will be worth the effort.
Jasper National Park - Canadian Rockies
Tips: The Icefield Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper National Park is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. Allow plenty of extra time on the 230-km drive to take advantage of all the scenic viewing points.
Related sections: Canadian Rockies | Jasper | Skiing in Jasper