Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is located in northwestern Alberta, Canada. The park has a surface of 393 km² and is contiguous with Banff National Park to the east, creating one large “conservation area” that spans almost 3 000 km². About at the heart of this area lies the town of Jasper. The park gets its name from the Jasper House Hotel, which was built in 1813 by the North West Company on the banks of the Athabasca River. The park contains mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, forests, and meadows.
Compared to the other Rocky Mountain parks, this may be considered a jewel for more than one reason. The location is a little further from the heavily visited Banff National Park, and so it is not nearly as crowded in the peak seasons. It is easily accessed from Edmonton if you were to fly directly there.
The township of Jasper is a quaint village nestled in the Rockies and offers all of the amenities needed for an extended visit. The Jasper Sky Tram is second to none, the highest and longest guided tramway in Canada, taking you to an elevation of 2,263 meters or 7,724 feet with incredible sweeping vistas of six mountain ranges spattered with glacier-fed-lakes. View Mt. Robson, the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, to the north. There is still a 1.4 km hike up to Whistlers Peak and from there for the experienced hiker on to Indian Ridge, a 12.7 km round trip. Just be sure to be back for the last tram at 6 pm.
Visit Maligne lake where you can hike or rent kayaks, canoes or rowboats. Or enjoy a wonderous two hour Maligne Lake Guided Cruise in a heated boat surrounded by high Rocky Mountain crags, a wonderful way to enjoy the afternoon, cruising the beautiful glacier-fed-waters of Maligne Lake.
The Maligne Lake backcountry route is located in the northeast area of the park and provides easy access to Maligne Lake and the surrounding mountains. This route offers backcountry hikers a wide range of landscapes, including glaciers, mountain peaks, and alpine meadows.
The backcountry of Jasper National Park offers endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and backpacking. With backpacking trips lasting between 3 to 7 days, backcountry enthusiasts can experience the backcountry trails at their own pace.
Backcountry enthusiasts can choose from four main regions: Tonquin Valley, Maligne Lake area, North Boundary Trail, and Miette Hot Springs backpacking routes. Each region offers facilities available for backcountry users, as well as different scenery.
The Tonquin Valley backcountry route is a rugged, isolated, and mountainous area located in the southern part of the park. It offers hikers an abundance of wildlife sightings and backcountry camping opportunities.
The North Boundary Trail is located in the northwest area of the park and provides backcountry hikers with views of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
The Miette Hot Springs backpacking route is located in the east area of the park and offers backcountry hikers access to the Miette Hot Springs. This route is known for its backcountry hiking and backcountry camping opportunities.
There are a large variety of hiking trails for all levels of hikers, from beginner to experienced. The most popular trail in the Park is the Maligne Canyon hike. This moderate hike takes hikers through a narrow and steep-sided canyon, with waterfalls and limestone formations. Other popular hikes include the Mary Schaffer Loop, Cavell Meadows, and Valley of the Five Lakes.
Site Descriptions: Find various campsites and trails with detailed information on the area.
Trails and Trip Ideas: Just that, a treasure trove of information on 2 and 3 day trips as well as reservation and backcountry permits.
For visitors who are looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience, Jasper National Park offers activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and mountain biking.
Jasper National Park Attractions
1. Maligne Lake
2. Athabasca Falls
3. Pyramid Lake (Maligne Lake)
4. Miette Hot Springs
5. Sunwapta Falls
6. Whirlpool River
7. Jasper townsite
8. Mount Robson
9. Tonquin Valley
10. Maligne Canyon
Jasper National Park Lodging
There are a variety of places to stay in Jasper National Park, from campgrounds to hotels to backcountry lodges. Some popular places to stay in the park include Maligne Lake Lodge, Miette Hotsprings Resort, Jasper Park Lodge, and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
Camping Resources: Camping, biking and hiking resources.
Be prepared when entering the backcountry. See Wilderness Survival Essentials section with info on your gear, weather in the mountains, wildlife, protection from wildlife and more.
Trip Planning will make all the difference in setting up your vacation.
Camping in Jasper National Park is a popular way to experience the park. There are campgrounds located throughout, and most campgrounds offer RV parking, as well as tent camping sites. Backcountry camping permits are required, and backcountry campers must follow all park rules and regulations. Campers should be aware that sudden weather changes are common in the mountain environment and should come prepared for all types of weather.
Disclosure
Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. I am endeavoring to find you the best of the best as well as alternate options. I try to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.