Land of icefield glaciers, breathtaking mountains, and hiking tracks where wildlife roam free, Jasper National Park is a destination that must be on your bucket list.
Because this national park has so much to offer, people seem to drive towards it irrespective of any situation.
According to Parks.canda, In 2021, 2.1 million visitors came to Jasper National Park, which was an increase of approximately 23% over 2020.
So if this year you are planning to visit Jasper national park, you are on the right page!
We’ll are going to share the best things to do in Jasper National Park along with the best time to visit, best hotels to stay, things to bring, and much more so make sure to read till the end!
Summary
| Park | Jasper National Park |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1930 |
| Things to do | Hiking, Scenic Drive and many more |
| Hotels Near Jasper National Park | Maligne Lodge, Tekarra Lodge |
| Entry Fee | $10-$20 |
| Validity | 7 Days |
| Camping Location | Multiple Locations |
Where Is Jasper National Park?
Spanning approximately 11,000 sq km, Jasper National Park is located in the province of Alberta, in the west of Canada, within the mountain range that comprises the Canadian Rockies.
You can take the Trans-Canada Highway, which is also known as the Yellowhead Highway, to reach the park.
If you are traveling by air, then you can take a flight to Edmonton, Vancouver, or Calgary airport.
About
Jasper National Park is one of the oldest and most significant Canadian Rockies national parks, famous for its unparalleled natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Park is home to some incredible natural landmarks in Canada, including Mount Columbia, Maligne Lake, and diverse wildlife including grizzly and black bears, wolverines, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats.
Jasper National Park is a great place for explorers and adventurous souls seeking ultimate outdoor adventures in one place.
Approximately 2.46 million visitors come to the Park each year to enjoy many outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing, snowboarding, skiing, sledding, fishing, and much more.
History
The evidence of human occupation in the region dates back to 10,000 years ago in the Athabasca Valley.
Historians assert that indigenous people were forced out of the area to create a pristine tourist destination.
David Thompson was one of the earliest European explorers to discover the route to the western side of Jasper National Park, which played a crucial role in the North West Company’s Fur trade and construction of “Jasper House” in 1813.
In 1907, the federal government decided to create the “Jasper Forest Reserve” to protect the area surrounding Athabasca Valley, named after Jasper Hawes, a former operator of Jasper House.
In 1930, the reserve received the status of a national park under the National Parks Act. Encompassing 2,774,500 acres of land, it became the largest of all the national parks in the Canadian Rockies.
In 1984, Jasper National Park was designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site for its diverse landscape of mountains, waterfalls, lakes, glaciers, and abundant wildlife.
Read: Arches National Park
Things to Do in the Park
Jasper National Park offers an incredible variety of things to do and sights to see in Jasper. Here are five things you must see in the Park:
Icefields Parkway
Icefields Parkway is a scenic route between Lake Louise and Jasper that offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
This 230-km scenic road stretches from Lake Louise for 143 miles to Jasper in the north, showcases the magnificent landscape of the area, and features many stunning viewpoints.
Keep an eye for the wildlife while you drive the Icefields Parkway, as you might spot some grizzlies feeding along the roadside or even crossing the road.
Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake is another popular tourist attraction in Jasper national park. Also known as Beaver Lake, it is the largest glacially-fed lake in the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by magnificent mountains.
Visitors can explore the lake and enjoy the spectacular scenery from the comfort of a glass-enclosed cruise boat.
At the same time, a guide shares the history of the lake, explaining its geology, weather, flora and fauna, and wildlife.
The 90-minute boat tour through Maligne Lake is the best way to see one of the most iconic places in the Canadian Rockies and click some great photos.
Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls is one of the most incredible sights to witness in the Jasper National Park.
Located an hour to the north, off of the Icefields Parkway, amid the beautiful pine-filled forest, it’s one of the park’s tallest and most powerful waterfalls.
A phenomenal amount of water tumbles down this 75-ft tall cascade and crashes over the towering cliffs creating the roaring sound.
Numerous walkways take visitors to the falls, where you can safely enjoy the stunning views and photograph the falls.
Pyramid Lake
It is another stunning lake to visit which is worth visiting the Jasper National Park.
Nestled in the shadows of the mountains, including the iconic peak of Pyramid Mountains, Pyramid Lake is a great location to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunrises in the Park.
The lake is just a few kilometers long and has several hiking trails around its edge that take visitors to the surrounding wilderness.
Miette Hot Springs
Miette Hot Springs are among the top tourist attractions on the Canadian Rockies.
Situated at the eastern end of the Park, Miette Hot Springs is a great spot to relax and spend some quality time with family while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
The water of hot springs is rich in minerals, cooled to comfortable 40 degrees at the bathing pools.
Soaking in one of these hot springs, followed by a dip in the cold pool, will instantly lift your energy levels and mood.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the this Park is from June to mid-September, as the weather is moderate and tons of outdoor activities are available for visitors.
Those who want are more interested in spending some peaceful time admiring the spectacular beauty of the Park; mid-September to mid-October is the best time to visit.
Map
One of the most critical steps to begin your adventure is downloading the this Park’s map showing all the highlights, trails, directions, and visitor centers to plan your trip ahead of time.
Park’s map is available on NPS Website and can be downloaded for free.
Camping Locations
This Park is the second-largest dark sky preserve globally and makes a perfect camping spot.
There are 14 designated campgrounds in the Park, which allows both tent and RV Camping.
But remember, sites are first-come-first-served, so be sure to make your reservation in advance to avoid disappointment; for more information and make reservations click here.
Weather
The weather of the Park is predictable and don’t subject to sudden changes. Summers are hot and overpowering, with a daily maximum temperature of 22.5°C.
Winters are the most extended season comprised of varied cold stormy weather that can change quickly to mild cool wind.
The average maximum temperature during winters is around -9.4°C. The elevation level highly influences the climate; the higher the elevation, the colder the temperature.
Best Hotels Near Jasper National Park
There is a wide range of lodging options in Jasper and the surrounding area that offers all the amenities and services you need for a comfortable stay.
Here are some options worth considering a visit:
- Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
- Jasper Inn & Suites
- Tekarra Lodge
- Maligne Lodge
- Pyramid Lake Resort
Entry Fee & Passes
The entry fee for the Park is $10 per adult, $8.40 per senior, $20 per group/family, and $8.40 for the commercial group/per person. Entry passes can be purchased online or at the entrance of the Park.
Checklist of Things to bring
Here’s a list of essential items you must bring with you to the Park:
- Day Backpack
- Shirt/shorts/pants
- A wool sweater or fleece jacket
- Bathing suit
- Sturdy Hiking shoes
- Sun Protection items
- Rain gear
- Water filter
- Tent and sleeping bag
- Binoculars
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Knife
- Waterproof matches
- Toiletries
- First-aid kit
- Bear Spray
- Map & Compass
Read: Everglades National Park
FAQ
How much time should I spend in Jasper National Park?
Three days will be more than enough to see the top attractions, hike, and enjoy camping under some of the darkest skies.
Where did the Jasper National Park get its name?
The Park is named after Jasper Hawes, a manager who operated a trading post in the Northwest company.
Is Jasper National Park better than Banff?
When it comes to Jasper Vs. Banff, Banff National Park wins from a significant margin as it has more variety of things to see and do.
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