Jasper Overview
- Overview
- Attractions
- Events
- Facts
- Kids
Calling itself “the little
town in the big park”, Jasper’s slogan accurately captures the sense of awe and
grandeur that visitors feel as they approach. Snow capped mountains and
waterfalls suspended in clear blue ice are all part of the breathtaking winter
wonderland of the National Park that surrounds the hamlet of Jasper on all
sides.
Jasper National Park is the
greatest of the few remaining protected ecosystems remaining in the Rocky
Mountains. Large numbers of elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer and other large
animals live in the park and roam freely through it. Of course, the animal
population also includes their predators such as grizzly bears, mountain lions,
wolves, and wolverines.
There are over 1,000
kilometres of established backcountry trails in the park, which has a quota
system, a limit on the size of groups, a "Wilderness Pass" permit system and
special use restrictions. These safeguards ensure that the park is responsibly
used and its beauty and natural balance are preserved.
Jasper National Park offers
towering mountains, pristine lakes, forests, ice fields, waterfalls and hot
springs. It is similar to parts of Banff National Park, but in Banff, the
mountains seem closer together. The farther north you go into Jasper, which is
the largest of the Rocky Mountain parks, the more likely it is that some of
Alberta's meadows and valleys will be in the foreground.
Winter festivals in Jasper
and nearby Banff showcase snowy weather sports such as skiing, sledding, and ice
skating against a backdrop of postcard-beautiful alpine scenery.
Exciting challenges await every level of skier.
Downhill skiers can find excellent conditions and uncrowded trails at Marmot
Basin (about 20 minutes from Jasper); while Nordic skiers can choose from a wide
variety of trails. Outdoor ice skating is another favorite with winter
travelers. There are also the Maligne Canyon "Crawl", sleigh rides,
snowshoeing, winter picnics, observing wildlife, and cozying up to a roaring
fire. For the more adventurous, snowmobiling, heli-skiing, and heli-snowshoeing
can be found just a short drive outside the park.
Attractions within the park
include Mt. Edith Cavell, which is one of the park's tallest peaks, Angel
Glacier, the dramatic limestone gorge of Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake, and
the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. For a spectacular view, take
the Jasper Tramway, a narrated cable-car ride, to Whistler’s Mountain.
Other activities to consider
include hiking, camping, fishing, boating, white-water rafting, trail riding and
boat tours on Maligne Lake. If you have extra time, consider soaking in Miette
Hot Springs, where cold water must be added to the scalding spring water to
bring the temperature down to 103 F.
The Icefields Parkway enters Jasper National Park
from the south and is the connecting route to Banff National Park. It follows
the river valleys between the mountains, and its amazing scenery includes
turquoise lakes, thundering waterfalls, and glaciers. Jasper is known as
the jewel of the Rockies for good reason!.
