Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Jasper – the rugged, untamed beauty of the Canadian Rockies! With its impressive network of multi-purpose trails and an abundance of wildlife, Jasper is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. And the best part? Many of the trails in Jasper are open to hikers, horseback riders, and cyclists, making it the premier destination for off-road cycling in all of Canada. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to take on some green, blue, or black-rated trails, there’s something for everyone in Jasper. Plus, with many trails starting directly from the townsite, you won’t have to worry about lugging your bike around by car or bus. And with a special cycling trail map (free from the info office), you can easily plot out looped trails that allow for plenty of opportunities for hiking, swimming, canoeing, or even grabbing a cup of coffee along the way.
But that’s not all that Jasper has to offer. Some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the area, like Miette Hot Springs and Maligne Canyon, are just a short hike away. And with so much to see and do in this stunning park, it’s important to leave a little room in your itinerary for unexpected diversions. Whether it’s taking in the beauty of a sparkling lake, embarking on a snowshoe tour, or watching a majestic moose wander by, there’s always something to marvel at in Jasper. As the largest of Canada’s Rocky Mountain parks, Jasper is sure to captivate you with its stunning landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. So why wait? Start planning your adventure in Jasper today!
Viewpoints on Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is a beautiful and vast protected area in Alberta, Canada, offering a variety of stunning viewpoints. Some of the most popular viewpoints in the park include:
- Maligne Lake: This iconic lake, known for its stunning blue waters, offers a variety of viewpoints along the Maligne Lake Road and on the trails leading up to Bald Hills and Opal Hills.
- Pyramid Lake: This beautiful lake, located just outside the town of Jasper, offers several viewpoints along the Pyramid Lake Road that offer stunning views of the lake, the surrounding mountains, and the Athabasca River.
- Mount Edith Cavell: This mountain, located just outside the town of Jasper, offers a viewpoint at the summit that offers panoramic views of the town, the Athabasca Valley, and the surrounding landscape.
- Miette Hot Springs: These hot springs, located in the Foothills area of the park, offer a viewpoint that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the Athabasca Valley.
No matter which viewpoint you choose, you’re sure to be treated to breathtaking views of Jasper National Park and its surroundings.
Admission fees
Visiting Jasper National Park is easy and convenient, with three main road entrances to choose from. The East Park Entrance is located on Highway 16 between Jasper and Hinton, while the West Park Entrance can be found on the same highway, 24km west of Jasper Town. And for those coming from Banff National Park, the Icefields Parkway Entrance is just 6km south of Jasper Town on Highway 93. No matter which entrance you choose, be sure to have your park pass ready at the entry gate.
Admission to Jasper National Park is affordable, with fees starting at just $10 for adults, $8.70 for seniors, and free for kids under 17. Families can enjoy the park for only $20. Additionally, there may be additional fees for campground use, backcountry camping, and fire permits. Check out the Jasper National Park website for the latest fee information and to start planning your visit today!
Camping in Jasper National Park
If you’re planning on camping during your visit to Jasper National Park, there are several options available to you. Three of the park’s 10 campgrounds – Wapiti, Wabasso, and Pocahontas – accept advance reservations, while all other campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to front-country camping, Jasper also offers the opportunity for backcountry camping, a great way to immerse yourself in the wilderness and truly experience all the park has to offer. However, be sure to reserve your backcountry campsite in advance, as Parks Canada limits the number of hikers on each trail. Both front-country and backcountry campsites can be reserved via the Parks Canada website starting in late January each year.
If roughing it in a tent isn’t your thing, Jasper also offers a few huts and lodges that provide a unique wilderness experience without the hassle of setting up camp. Located on a good day’s hike from the nearest road, these alpine-style retreats offer a cozy place to rest after a day of exploring the park.
Did you know about Jasper National Park?
- Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, covering an area of over 27.971 square kilometers / 10,800 square miles.
- The park is home to an array of wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, elk, moose, mountain goats, and wolves.
- Jasper is home to the highest mountain in the Rockies, Mount Robson, which stands over 3.657 meters / 12,000 feet tall.
- The park is home to the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains, the Columbia Icefield, which stretches across over 518 square kilometers / 200 square miles.
- Jasper is home to the largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world, making it an excellent destination for stargazing and astronomy.
- The park is named after Jasper Hawes, a clerk for the North West Company, who established a trading post in the area in 1813.
- The park was officially established in 1907, making it one of the oldest national parks in Canada.
- Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its exceptional natural beauty and cultural significance.
- The park is home to over 1609 kilometers / 1,000 miles of hiking trails, making it a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- The park is home to the Jasper Tramway, the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada, which takes visitors to the top of Whistlers Mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Accommodations in Jasper National Park
When it comes to finding a place to stay in Jasper National Park, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. In addition to hotels, motels, and campgrounds, the town of Jasper itself has over 100 B&Bs in private houses, all of which are listed on the Jasper Home Accommodations Association website. With prices ranging from $75 to $275 in high season and amenities like kitchenettes, private entrances, and cable TV, these B&Bs offer a cozy and convenient way to experience the park.
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However, it’s important to keep in mind that Jasper gets very busy in July and August, so it’s a good idea to make reservations well in advance if you’re planning to visit during those months. Not only will this ensure that you have a place to stay, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your accommodation is taken care of, allowing you to focus on all of the exciting activities and adventures that Jasper has to offer.
Google Maps Jasper National Park
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