Jasper

Jasper, a small town in the Canadian Rockies, sits at the heart of Jasper National Park's wilderness. You can trek through Maligne Canyon, paddle down the Athabasca River, and watch elk roam freely near the town center. As night falls, the town's Dark Sky Preserve designation allows you to see the Milky Way and constellations rarely visible in urban areas. With Maligne Lake's Spirit Island and the ancient Columbia Icefield nearby, Jasper showcases the natural wonders of the Rocky Mountains.

Location in the Canadian Rockies

Jasper is located in the Athabasca River valley within Jasper National Park, in western Alberta. The town is about 362 kilometers west of Edmonton and 290 kilometers north of Banff. You'll find Jasper at the intersection of Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) and Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway), making it a convenient stop on road trips from Edmonton or Calgary.

Natural Wonders Around Jasper

Jasper National Park is home to several remarkable natural sites. Maligne Lake, the largest glacially-fed lake in the Canadian Rockies, is ringed by mountain peaks and features the often-photographed Spirit Island. The Athabasca Falls demonstrate the force of glacial waters as they cascade through a narrow gorge. For a closer look at the park's geology, you can walk through Maligne Canyon, where the walls reach depths of up to 50 meters.

Year-Round Activities

In summer, you can choose from nearly 1,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails that cater to different fitness levels. Mountain biking options range from gentle rides to challenging mountain descents. When winter arrives, Jasper transforms into a snowy playground where you can try snowshoeing, ice climbing, or hit the slopes at the nearby Marmot Basin ski resort.

Wildlife Viewing in Jasper

Jasper National Park supports a wide range of wildlife. You might see elk walking through town, spot bighorn sheep on rocky slopes, or encounter black bears in meadows. For a more in-depth experience, you can join a wildlife tour led by experienced naturalists who will help you safely observe and learn about the local animals.

Stargazing in a Dark Sky Preserve

Since 2011, Jasper has held the status of a Dark Sky Preserve, as designated by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. This means the town maintains low light pollution, creating good conditions for stargazing. On clear nights, you can often see the Milky Way, identify constellations, and sometimes even witness the Northern Lights.

Exploring the Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield, one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world, is accessible from Jasper via the Icefields Parkway. You can take guided tours onto the Athabasca Glacier or walk on the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation platform 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley.

Relaxing at Miette Hot Springs

After a day of hiking or skiing, you can soak in the Miette Hot Springs, the warmest hot springs in the Canadian Rockies. The water temperature is kept between 37 and 40°C, allowing you to relax while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains.

Getting to Jasper

While there are no direct flights to Jasper, you can fly into Edmonton International Airport (YEG) or Calgary International Airport (YYC) and then drive or take a bus to the town. Jasper is also served by VIA Rail, with train connections to major cities. Once in Jasper, many points of interest are within walking distance, but renting a car is useful for exploring the national park.

Best Times to Visit

You can visit Jasper year-round, but the busiest season is from June to mid-September when warm weather allows for many summer activities. Winter (November to March) brings opportunities for skiing and ice climbing. Spring and fall tend to be quieter, offering chances to see wildlife and changing foliage.