Jasper National Park

About

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in Canada's Rockies, spanning 10,878 km2 (4,200 sq mi). It is located in the province of Alberta, north of Banff National Park and west of Edmonton. The park includes the glaciers of the Columbia Icefield, hot springs, lakes, waterfalls and mountains.

Jasper was named after Jasper Hawes, who operated a trading post in the region for the North West Company. Before this it was referred to as Fitzhugh. The park was established on September 14, 1907 as Jasper Forest Park, and was granted national park status in 1930, with the passing of the National Parks Act.

Animals that can be found in Jasper Park are Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Moose, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer, Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Elk, Caribou, Coyotes, Beavers, Pikas, Hoary Marmots, Wolves, Cougars, and Wolverines. The most common birds that fly around this park including raptors are spruce grouses, Great horned owls, bohemian waxwings, golden eagles, white-tailed ptarmigans, bald eagles, and evening grosbeaks. Canada geese and red-necked grebes mostly float on Maligne Lake.

Jasper National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, together with the other national and provincial parks that form the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, for the mountain landscapes containing mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, canyons, and limestone caves as well as fossils found here.

Some of the park's scenic attractions include Mount Edith Cavell, Pyramid Lake with Pyramid Mountain, Maligne Lake, Medicine Lake, and the Tonquin Valley. Other attractions are the Marmot Basin ski area; the Snocoach tours of the Athabasca Glacier, an outlet glacier of the Columbia Icefield; Athabasca Falls; the Jasper Skytram, Hiking, and numerous other outdoor related recreational activities (such as fishing, wildlife viewing, rafting, kayaking and camping). The Miette Hot Springs are located close to the northeast entrance. The Miette Hot Springs are created by an extremely hot spring cooled by the mountain to temperatures suitable for humans.

The Icefields Parkway is a highway 230 km (140 mi) in length from Lake Louise, Alberta in Banff National Park, to Jasper, Alberta. The highway parallels the continental divide, providing motor and cycle access to the mountains. The Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls are both accessible by the road.

Park Services & Attractions

What Can I do in Jasper National Park?

Popular resources for Hiking, Camping and Winter fun in Jasper, Alberta.

Hike Jasper

Camping in Jasper

Jasper in January

Locating and Travelling to Jasper.

Jasper Map and Directions

Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada

Wildlife

Jasper wildlife's diversity reflects the wide range of habitat, protection, elevation and climate.

Camping

Parks Canada manages 2,000 campsites and 90 backcountry campgrounds in Jasper, Alberta.

Hiking

Hikers visiting Jasper delight at the Park's beautifully wild area's ability to make one truly feel alive.

Jobs

A great way to extend your stay in Jasper National Park is by becoming a team member of the Jasper, Alberta workforce.

Restaurants

Jasper, Alberta's beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park offers the small town charm and dining hospitality to meet the needs of famished hikers, R&R seekers, and 5 Star diners' alike.

Accommodations

Looking for accommodations in Jasper, Alberta? There is a wide range of Hotels, Motels and B&B's to help you enjoy your stay.

Jasper, Alberta

Canada

Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies comprises a vast wilderness area of Alberta province defined by glaciers, lakes and peaks like 11,033-ft.-high Mt. Edith Cavell. The Icefields Parkway, a road from the town of Jasper, passes subalpine forest and the immense Columbia Icefield. Outdoor activities like hiking, camping and skiing are popular. Native wildlife includes elk, moose, bighorn sheep and bears. Major river systems originating in the park include the Athabasca and Smoky rivers (part of the Arctic Ocean basin).