Mt. Athabasca from a distance. Photo by John E. Marriott.

The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most popular sightseeing areas of the Columbia Icefields in the Canadian Rockies and at Jasper National Park. It’s the most visited glacier in North America, and a definite must for those looking for big, bold and beautiful natural scenery.

Easy to spot and jaw-droping in size, Athabasca’s impressive length of 6 kilometers is measured between 90 to 300 meters thick. What’s surprising to most is that the glacier actually moves several centimeters per day over the three bedrock steps and down towards the valley.

Both standard buses and snow coaches tote travelers up for a closer look, and the Icefield Interpretive Center is a lodge and ticket sales area for the glacier. However remember to follow designated path signs, as deep crevasses are hidden in the glacier.

Visitors shouldn’t miss a stop at Athabasca Glacier because it won’t be around forever. It’s estimated this glacier recedes at 20 to 30 meters per year, and has lost over half of its volume in the past 125 years due to a warmer climate.

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The beautiful look at Mount Athabasca at Jasper National Park. Photo by John E. Marriott.

Jasper as a national park has many special features and extras that make it stand out as the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Its geography, physical features and wildlife create a breathtaking and thrilling place for visitors.

Geography

Located in the province of Alberta and just north of Banff National Park, Jasper’s closest Canadian city is Edmonton. The park spreads almost 11,000 square kilometers and bringing in almost 2 million visitors on a good-weather year.

Physical Features

There’s a natural wonder around every corner in Jasper. The famous Columbia Icefields offering spectacular settings like Athabasca Glacier and the Cavell Glacier in Mount Edith Cavell. Still reflections of the surroundings are inspiring views created from Pyramid Lake, Maligne Lake, Lake Edith and others. Fierce waterfalls like Sunwapta, plus thrilling, raftable rivers flowing through limestone caves and canyons are just some of the unique and special settings visitors stumble upon.

Jasper’s amazing assortment of landscape won it a spot on the preservation list as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. This classification not only ensures Jasper’s significance as a physical location, it also draws worldwide attention to its natural beauty and importance.

Wildlife

Jasper’s abundance of wildlife is well known throughout the country and holds an impressive list of creatures. Travelers will be in awe by simply driving and spotting elk, moose and many types of deer. Look a bit closer at the rocks and the in cognito fur colors of mountain goat or bighorn sheep will begin to pop out.

Around the rivers are estuaries full of trout, beaver, and an array of birds. Even the fierce predators and kings of the mountains like black and grizzly bear, gray wolf and mountain lion are spotted from afar. Its what makes Jasper an ideal place for some serious wildlife watching, however taking necessary cautions are heavily encouraged and educated from locals.

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Just like all national parks in the North American Rockies, Jasper National Park requires visitors to purchase a park pass upon arrival. Here’s the basic info travelers need to know when it comes to park passes.

What is a park pass?

An actual “park pass” is a permit that allows visitors to visit any a national park in Canada during the time period in which it is valid. All visitors must buy a park pass, as the correlating fee contributes to maintenance of scenic parkways, day use areas, updating information and public safety, trails and interpretation sites.

Anyone visiting, stopping for picnics and viewpoints, or visiting lakes and villages must purchase a pass. Anyone traveling the Icefields Parkway (aka Highway 93) also must purchase a park pass.

What are the fees

Fees vary on a number of factors. However here is a recent chart listing:

Adult: Person 17 to 64 years of age

Senior: Person 65 years of age or over

Youth: Person 6 to 16 years of age

Family/Group: Up to seven people arriving in a single vehicle in a national park.

School Groups: Students of elementary and secondary schools.

Daily:

Adult $ 9.80

Senior $ 8.30

Youth $ 4.90

Family/Group $ 19.60

Commercial Group, per person $ 8.30

School Groups, per student $ 3.90

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Jasper National Park has a wide range of weather and climate because of the Canadian Rockies‘ varying altitude and unique geographical location. Here’s a brief description on what to expect.

Although a natural enhancer to the beauty and scenery, visitors should be prepared for sudden temperature drops and occasional afternoon showers. Mountainous terrain means prevailing winds, shade from mountains, and glacier wind.

Altitude has a general rule to follow: the higher the elevation the colder the temperature. A typical guess is a 1.7 degree Celsius drop for every 300 meters of gained elevation. The air becomes thinner and the vegetation changes form until tree line is reached.

Summer days are long but the season overall is short, with July being the warmest month and temperatures hovering around 22.5 degrees Celsius. However mountain tops bring in quick thunderstorms and things cool down real fast. A good idea is to always have a long sleeve nearby.

Spring arrives in the valley towns by April and enjoyable temperatures last all the way to October’s fall. Winter has it fair shares of stormy weather, but snow clouds often leave to reveal crisp mountain air and a fluffy blanket of snow.

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Mountain bike around Mount Edith Cavell

The Canadian Rockies is known to have some of the best mountain biking in North American, and Jasper National Park keeps this reputation alive by offering hundreds of miles and kilometers of mountain biking trails ranging from easy to difficult for bikers of all levels.

From May to October biking enthusiasts can chose from an endless array of designated trails winding around and through the beautiful wilderness of Jasper National Park. Though it’s advised to avoid biking during extreme conditions, the variety of challenging terrain is always a pleasant surprise for athletes wishing to spend adventure time in Jasper.

Those who are looking for an adrenaline pumping trail in Jasper but need equipment can find rentals at Freewheel Cycle Jasper. The rental shop is also stocked with trail guides specifying in detail which trails are open to mountain biking.

Beginners and new intermediates should check out the Athabasca River Trail, a 23-kilometer course cruising behind Jasper’s golf course and along the peacefull Athabasca River.

Intermediates will like Mina-Riley Lake Loop (9km), while the more advanced mountain bikers should give Saturday Night Lake Loop (27km) a go.

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Rainy day hikes are just as majestic and beautiful as any other day.

Just because the rain comes in doesn’t limit the activities, indoors and out, to take part in at Jasper National Park. The Canadian Rockies are an enjoyable place year round, and despite the conditions there’s always something to do. Jasper National Park lodge and hotel offerings are always a good time, but here’s a list of some other option to consider when clouds roll by.

Scenic Drives

Fill up the tank and cruise around by car. The mountainous landscape looks just as legendary and beautiful with rainy and swirling clouds as it does in the sun. Waterfalls, canyons, rivers and wildlife are just as noticeable and impressive, not to mention accessible.

Hiking

Grab a rain jacket and hit the trailhead — the wilderness stays outdoors regardless of weather. Visitors up for the thrill of continuing their outdoor activities in the rain can be pleasantly surprised of the cool air and peaceful solitude when grazing through the forests and fields on a rainy day. Cloudy skies lead to majestic views and settings from a fantasy land. And at the end of the day the rewards of a hot chocolate have never been more soothing and well-deserved.

Rafting Trips

Rafting the rivers at Jasper means plunging into water either way, and doing so in the rain definitely helps that the edge off those first chilly splashes. Race through the Athabasca, Fraser and Sunwapta rivers on rapids fun to navigate for all levels.

Miette Hot Springs Pool

Nothing beats a cold rainy day like soaking endlessly in a cozy hot springs pool. Steam rises through the air and patrons slowly sink into a state of relaxation. The Miette Hot Springs is the Candian Rockies’ hottest springs and located 61km east of Jasper. Open May through late November, it’s the perfect escape and soothing outdoor experience.

Indoor Activities

Jasper houses a number of indoor activities from recreation centers to endless shoping boutiques. The Chaba Cinema has two movie theaters, while the summertime also brings local theater performances. The Jasper Municipal Library is located at 500 Robson St and provides also internet access. The Jasper Aquatic Center has a 25-meter pool, waterslide whirlpool and more to try out, and those seeking a more pampered experience can indulge in the many spas in Jasper.

The Jasper Activity Center is full of sport activities, while those wanting to take it easy can stop by video rental stores like Video Stop and Tags. Lastly, Jasper has many captivating museums, such as the Den Wildlife Museum and the Yellowhead Museum and Archive.

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Climate is one of the most important factors when considering when to take your vacation in the Canadian Rockies, and what to bring. Below you’ll find the average high and low temperatures for Jasper, Alberta. Keep in mind that the weather varies quite a bit, despite what the averages say, and, per Murphy’s Law, it tends toward colder and and wetter than you had expected. The best advice is to be prepared.

Maligne Lake in the winter at Jasper National Park.

No summer experience at Jasper National Park is complete without a day on the water. From canoes to rowboats and motorboats, spending time gliding around the Canadian Rockies and Jasper’s pristine lakes only enhances the peacefulness outdoor lovers crave when vacationing at Jasper.

Maligne Lake is the center of boating activity and is a calm, enjoyable body of water to spend mornings and afternoons cruising on. Tour boats also travel around the lake, though both motor boats and paddle boats are welcome.

Boaters of all crafts should plan at least a night’s stay along the Maligne Lake. Visitors can stay up to four nights total along the lake while enjoying the daytime lake activities like boating around, fishing with friends or searching for local wildlife.

Rowboats and canoes are allowed on most lakes and ponds, though boaters with gas-powered boats have restrictions and should look into the according rules. Overall, boaters should remember that Jasper National Park lakes and rivers are sources for cold water, and to use extreme caution when swimming.

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Picnicking and camping go hand in hand on sunny days at Jasper.

Picnicking at Jasper National Park is a fun outdoor activity for all who visit the Canadian Rockies. From couples to families and groups, being outdoors in the Canadian Rockies can mean both active sports and relaxing afternoons.

When the time comes to head out of Jasper National Park hotel and lodge areas, there are dozens of locations to explore and picnic at Jasper National Park. From pull-offs with incredible views to hangouts by the lakes and trailheads, an afternoon al fresco can be as remote or as convenient as one wishes.

The many picnic sites below can help guide visitors towards some fun and beautiful locations catering to location and desired atmosphere. Click here to see the Jasper live webcam.

Highway 16 East

Name: Palisades Picnic Site

Distance from Jasper: 12.5km

Extras: 2 tables, toilet facilities, interpretive display

Name: Airport Picnic Area

Distance from Jasper: 14.9km

Extras: 19 tables with a fire box, a shelter, and group picnic sites.

Name: Athabasca Pass Pulloff

Distance from Jasper: 9.3km

Extras: 2 tables, toilet facilities, and a national historic site marker.

Maligne Lake Road

Name: Lake Annette

Extras: 45 picnic tables, 32 fire boxes, playground, changing rooms and more.

Name: Sixth Bridge

Distance from Jasper: 2.2km

Extras: 9 tables and fire boxes with toilet facilities and a sheltered areas.

Name: Fifth Bridge

Distance from Jasper: 3.0km

Extras: 5 tables with two fire boxes and toilet facilities.

Name: Maligne Canyon

Distance from Jasper: 6.1km

Extras: 5 tables with toilet facilities and an interpretive exhibit.

Name: Medicine Lake Viewpoint

Distance from Jasper: 20.2

Extras: 2 tables with an interpretive exhibit

Name: Beaver Lake Picnic Area

Distance from Jasper: 26.5km

Extras: 6 tables and fire boxes with toilet facilities.

Name: Bruce’s Picnic Site

Distance from Jasper: 35.8km

Extras: 5 tables and fire boxes with toilet facilities.

Name: Maligne Lake Lower Parking

Distance from Jasper: 41.8km

Extras: 8 tables and toilet facilities.

Name: Maligne Lake Picnic Area

Distance from Jasper: 41.8km

Extras: 14 tables with two fire boxes and an interpretive exhibit.

Name: Maligne Lake Boat Launch

Distance from Jasper: 42.2km

Extras: 2 tables with toilet facilities and an interpretive exhibit on bridge.

Icefields Parkway

Name: Athabasca Falls

Distance from Jasper: 29.9km

Extras: 10 tables with a shelter area, toilet facilities and an interpretive exhibit.

Name: Mt Christie/ Goat Lick Picnic site

Distance from Jasper: 40.5km

Extras: 5 tables and fire boxes with toilet facilities.

Name: Buck/ Osprey Trailhead

Distance from Jasper: 51km

Extras: 4 tables with toilet facilities.

Name: Bubbling Springs

Distance from Jasper: 59.2km

Extras: 5 tables and fire boxes with toilet facilities and a shelter.

Name: Tangle Falls

Distance from Jasper: 94.3km

Extras: 2 tables with toilet facilities.

Name: Icefields Centre Parking

Distance from Jasper: 103.1km

Extras: 4 tables with toilet facilities, and interpretive exhibit and historic marker.

Highway 93A

Name: Portal Creek

Distance from Jasper: 1.6km

Extras: 3 tables with toilet facilities.

Name: Otto’s Cache

Distance from Jasper: 11.4km

Extras: 9 tables and 2 pit-style grills with a shelter and toilet facilities.

Name: Meeting of the Waters

Distance from Jasper: 12.8km

Extras: 3 tables with toilet facilities and an interpretive site.

Name: Leach Lake

Distance from Jasper: 19.3km

Extras: 3 tables with toilet facilities and an interpretive site.

Mt. Edith Cavell Rd.

Name: Mt. Edith Cavell Parking Lot

Distance from Jasper: 14km

Extras: 3 tables, toilet facilities and an interpretive site.

Pyramid Lake Rd.

Name: Patricia Lake

Distance from Jasper: 4.6km

Extras: 3 tables and fire boxes with fresh water and toilet facilities.

Name: Pyramid Picnic Sites/ Beach

Distance from Jasper: 4.9 – 5.2km

Extras: 9 tables and fire boxes with fresh water and toilet facilities.

Miette Rd.

Name: Miette Picnic Area

Distance from Jasper: 17.7km

Extras: 9 tables and fire boxes with toilet facilities and an interpretive exhibit at the pool.

Old Fort Point Rd.

Name: Old Fort Point

Distance from Jasper: .6

Extras: 2 tables with toilet facilities and a historic marker at the top of the stairs.

Try horseback riding through Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a stunning vacation spot for those interested in pack trips and horseback trail rides. Horses have been a mode of transportation in the Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park for decades, from the early trail explorers to the modern-day equestrian enthusiasts.

Jasper’s 1200-kilometer space still offers itself as a World Heritage Site for horse travel amongst its visitors. Go even further on the rustic side and try horse camping in the Jasper backcountry. Campfires in the mountains under a blanket of stars are always a pleasant experience, and adding the nostalgic background of horses and tents only enhances the adventure Jasper National Park can offer.

Horseback Adventures Ltd. is Jasper National Park’s premier company for guided horseback vacations, trail rides and pack trips for Jasper National Park, Willmore Wilderness Park and Rock Lake Solomon Creek and Wildland Park.

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Grazing Permits ($1.90 per horse per night) and Wilderness Camping Permits ($9.80 per adult per night) can be purchased from the Information Center (780 852 6177). There are thee-night limit stays on most campsites, while others are only two, and if anything it can be arranged to hold horses in stables overnight at Jasper. Call 780 852 3121 for more information.

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Note: Horseback riding is permitted everywhere in Jasper National Park except the folowing locations:

Old Fort Point

Wilcox Pass

Sulphur Skyline

Self-guided trails at Mt. Edith Cavell (Meadows, Path of the Glacier Trails)

Lee Foundation Trail at Lake Annette

Whistlers Summit Trail

Maligne Canyon Trail

Mary Schäffer Loop (Maligne Lakeshore)

Miette Hot Springs Nature Trail (Sulphur Pass via Fiddle River Trail).

All park picnic sites, campgrounds or camping facilities accessible by motorized vehicle and public use areas within Jasper townsite.

The old mining and former townsite area at Pocahontas.

All designated public beach areas.

Backcountry:

Fryatt Valley

Geraldine Lakes

Merlin/Jacques Pass

Jonas Pass

Skyline Trail from Big Shovel Pass to Maligne Lake and on the lower part of the Watchtower Trail

Eremite Valley