Jasper National Park is in the Alberta Rockies region of Alberta, Canada . It has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is the largest of Canada's Rocky Mountain Parks, spanning 10,878 square kilometres (4200 square miles) of broad valleys, rugged mountains, glaciers, forests, alpine meadows and wild rivers along the eastern slopes of the Rockies in western Alberta. There are more than 1200 kilometres (660 miles) of hiking trails (both overnight and day trips), and a number of spectacular mountain drives.

Understand

History

During the winter, when energy is at a premium and food is more difficult to acquire, caribou need our consideration! Avoid skiing or traveling through areas where you have observed caribou or fresh sign of caribou.

Small numbers of caribou winter along Highway 93. Watch for roadside signs and slow down.

• Give them space. If you see caribou do not approach, observe them and move on.
• Report observations to park staff. Include information on the number of animals observed, time, date, location, snow depth and condition and how the animals responded.
• Leave your dog at home when you go into caribou country.
• Don't follow caribou tracks.
• Take photos only from a distance.

Climate

Jasper is the largest and most northerly Canadian rocky mountain national park, part of a spectacular World Heritage Site. Comprised of delicate and carefully protected ecosystems, Jasper's scenery is non-the-less rugged and mountainous. In this special corner of Canada you can thrill to the thunder of Sunwapta Falls, enjoy the serene beauty of Mount Edith Cavell, connect with nature along 1,000-plus kilometres of trails, experience Athabasca Glacier up close or just resign yourself to a relaxing soak in Miette Hot Springs.

Flora and fauna

Jasper National Park protects over 10,800 square kilometres of the Rocky Mountain ecosystem which includes a diversity of wildlife,frogs, plants, rivers, lakes, glaciers, turtles and magnificent mountains.

Getting there

Car

Highway 16 (Yellowhead) bisects the park east-west. Hinton is 69 kilometers and Edmonton is 350 kilometers to the east. Valemount is 110 kilometers to the west. The only other way into the park is from Lake Louise in the south via the Icefields Parkway.

Train

Via Rail provides commercial rail travel from Edmonton and Vancouver . There is also the private Rocky Mountaineer tourist train.

Air

The closest International Airport is in Edmonton (IATA : YEG), 350 kilometers east of the park.

Sleep

For lodging right in Jasper, please see the Jasper article.

Lodging

• Maligne Canyon Hostel, +1 780 852-3215. South-east of Jasper on Maligne Lake Road . This is a rustic hostel nestled next to the beautiful Maligne Canyon. There is no running water or electricity. $15 HI members, $20 non-members.
• Athabasca Falls Hostel, +1 780 852-3215. 30km south of Jasper on the Icefields Parkway . Another rustic hostel with no running water, there is power however. Located near the spectacular Athabasca Falls. $15 HI members, $20 non-members.
• Beauty Creek Hostel, +1 780 852-3215. 86km south of Jasper on the Icefields Parkway . This is another rustic hostel. Award winning, and world famous for service and the pancake breakfast. Very close to the Columbia Icefield . $15 HI members, $20 non-members.
• Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, +1 780 852-3301. Follow the signs on Highway 16. Turn left (if coming from the east) or right (if coming from the west) onto the black steel bridge over Athabasca River and follow the road. This is the only full service hotel outside of Jasper Township. Has a world-class golf course on site, also a world-class restaurant. Expect to pay world-class prices.

Camping

There are 10 designated camping sites throughout the park. There is an interactive map available online with information and fees. It is illegal to camp outside of designated areas without a special backcountry pass.

• Whistlers, 3.5km south of Jasper.
• Wapiti, 5.4km south of Jasper. This is the only campground open in winter.
• Wabasso, 16km south of Jasper.
• Pocahontas, 45km east of Jasper.
• Snaring River, 13km east of Jasper.
• Mount Kerkeslin, 36km south of Jasper.
• Honeymoon Lake, 52km south of Jasper.
• Jonas Creek, 78km south of Jasper.
• Columbia Icefield, 106km south of Jasper.
• Wilcox Creek, 107km south of Jasper.

Fees/Permits

All visitors stopping in the park (even just for gas) require a park permit. If you are driving straight through the pass is not required. Day passes and annual passes are available.

• Day pass: $8 adult, $4 youth, $7 senior, $16 family.
• Annual pass: $55 adult, $27 youth, $47 senior, $109 family.

Additional variable fees are required for camping and backcountry exploration. See the official website for a current schedule.

A Park Pass is also required for anyone travelling the Icefields Parkway (#93) between Lake Louise and Jasper.

Get out

Travel south on the Icefields Parkway to Banff National Park .