Jasper National Park, Alberta

By Caroline Shin
Staff Writer

It’s hard to leave your best friend at home while you enjoy your vacation at Jasper National Park. Lucky for you, dogs are allowed in the Canadian Rockies to roam freely through the wilderness.

Hiking with your Dog in Jasper

The Jasper Information Centre in the Jasper townsite has the latest policies on trail openings and dog safety as trail conditions change with the weather and season. The park staff will also inform you of bear spottings and trails dog owners should avoid because of potential wildlife conflicts.

Indulge your dog with a hike through the woods.

Some popular trails for dogs in Jasper National Park include:

● Whistlers Trail: A steep hike up Whistlers Mountain
● Forefield Trail: Leads close to the Athabasca Glacier
● Wynd Road: An unpaved road through mixed deciduous and coniferous forest near the town of Jasper

Some Canine History in Jasper

Dogs have long been a part of the Jasper’s history. Some of the earliest known paintings of Jasper National Park show dogs in one of the first encampments. The artwork, created by Henry James Warre, is dated as far back as May 1846-nearly fifty years prior to the region’s conversion into a national park in 1907.

As environment protection has become a global concern, Parks Canada has changed its policies. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times in Jasper National Park. Trail access is now more limited. Still, there are plenty of trails that you and your dog can hike together.

Word to the Wise: Make sure that your hotel accommodation allows pets.

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