Jasper, Alberta

By Stephen Nelson
Staff Editor

When to go to Jasper

Jasper National Park offers some of the world's most beautiful scenery.

Summer activities in Jasper run from the beginning of May till the middle of October, depending on the weather in the Canadian Rockies, El Nino and Global Warming.

How to get there

The half-day train rides run year round, three times a week. Railway journey to B.C. interior is with the VIA Rail Skeena.
Return journey to Jasper with guided tour is by van with Jasper Adventure Centre.

Brewster runs daily buses (in summer) to Jasper from Calgary, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise.

Greyhound has regular bus service to Jasper from both Vancouver and Edmonton.

SunDog Tours runs daily shuttle service to Jasper from Edmonton and Edmonton airport.
Email: tours@sundogtours.com

Getting Around Town
Mr. Taxi

Fryatt Valley, Jasper National Park

Photo supplies, Rocky Mountain guide and history books
Jasper Camera & Gift
412 Connaught Dr.

Where to Eat
Papa George’s (Casual Fine Dining)
404 Connaught Dr.

Palisades Restaurant(Greek/Italian Casual Fine Dining)
401 Patricia St.

Lou Lou’s (Breakfast, Pizza, Poutine)
407 Patricia St.

Soft Rock Cafe (Breakfast, Pizza, Lunch)
632 Connaught Dr.

Smitty’s Family Restaurant
109 Miette Ave.

Stephen A. Nelson has been a journalist in Canada for more than 8 years, as the assistant features editor and religion editor at the Brandon Sun. He has also written for the Canadian Press and the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC)
He is currently a freelance travel writer for the Brandon Sun and its sister paper, the Winnipeg Free Press.

Tags: Jasper, Jasper Accommodations, summer activities
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Jasper, Alberta

By Stephen Nelson
Staff Editor

When to go to Jasper

You can get to Jasper by train, bus or automobile.

Summer activities in Jasper run from the beginning of May till the middle of October, depending on the weather in the Canadian Rockies, El Nino and Global Warming.

How to get there

The half-day train rides run year round, three times a week. Railway journey to B.C. interior is with the VIA Rail Skeena.
Return journey to Jasper with guided tour is by van with Jasper Adventure Centre.

Brewster runs daily buses (in summer) to Jasper from Calgary, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise.

Greyhound has regular bus service to Jasper from both Vancouver and Edmonton.

SunDog Tours runs daily shuttle service to Jasper from Edmonton and Edmonton airport.
Email: tours@sundogtours.com

Getting Around Town
Mr. Taxi

Fryatt Valley, Jasper National Park

Photo supplies, Rocky Mountain guide and history books
Jasper Camera & Gift
412 Connaught Dr.

Where to Eat
Papa George’s (Casual Fine Dining)
404 Connaught Dr.

Palisades Restaurant(Greek/Italian Casual Fine Dining)
401 Patricia St.

Lou Lou’s (Breakfast, Pizza, Poutine)
407 Patricia St.

Soft Rock Cafe (Breakfast, Pizza, Lunch)
632 Connaught Dr.

Smitty’s Family Restaurant
109 Miette Ave.

Spooners Coffee Bar & Eatery (Lunch)

Tags: Guided Tours, Jasper, restaurants, summer activities
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Jasper National Park, Alberta

By John McKiernan
Staff Writer

With the sun beginning to show itself around Banff and Jasper, the fan mail has almost doubled. That’s right, nearly four letters a week. The beautiful towns of the Canadian Rockies have a winter reputation with some of North America’s best winter activities but many forget that it is a practical paradise during summer. Masood from San Francisco is one of those who wants to know more about Banff and Jasper’s summer activities.

Hello Mr. McKiernan,

I am trying to plan a spur of the moment trip to Banff and Jasper National Parks in the next couple of weeks and was hoping that you might be the man to help me. This is a location I have been meaning to visit for some time now.

My question is:
1. Is this a good time to visit? I am from SF bay area and 50-60.
2. If it is pleasant to visit, then what are some must see spots in a 2-3 day visit?
3. Are all attractions accessible?

Thanks, Masood.

The Columbia Icefields in Jasper National Park.

Well, thankyou Masood for your letter and moreso for being the first person to refer to me as mister since the lawyers came after me.

Question 1: Is this a good time to visit?

Not being overly biased but it is always a good time to visit these Canadian havens. However, from your email, I take it that you aren’t looking for extreme snow boarding. Now is definitely a good time to visit. The weather is perfect, the crowds haven’t started arriving yet and there are gentle hikes that will allow you see some great wildlife and scenery. There are also many specials on accommodations and activities off-peak season.

Question 2: What are some ‘must-see’ sights for a 2-3 day visit?

I highly reccommend renting a car for a day or two and taking a cruise to see the Icefields Parkway. It is one of the worlds most spectacular mountain highways with so many animals and sights to see that you really have to try and remember that you are driving. Some of the best photos you will take will come from here. Also, if you fancy a bit of fishing, this is a good spot.
Location: North-south highway route between Lake Louise and Jasper. Fifty minutes west of Banff, two and a half hours west of Calgary, three and a half hours west of Edmonton.

Waterfowl Lake in the shadow of Mt. Chephren, Banff.

Another thing ‘not to be missed’ at this time of year is the Jasper Tramway, the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada. This is the most laid back and relaxed way of seeing the stunning views from above. It is also much more economical than renting a helicopter! The best time to go is early morning or late evening as the crowds are generally much slimmer and you have the views all to yourself.

Question 3: Are all attractions accessible?

Summer is the time to go if you are looking for accesible attractions. Whereas during winter, some hikes are closed or considered too dangerous for casual climbers, summer brings a whole new picture. Make sure to ask at your hotel about local conditions but most activities in Banff and Jasper are completely accesible especially if you rent a car. This gives you the independence to sightsee at your own pace. Hope you have a great trip!
.

Tags: Banff, Jasper, Jasper Activities
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Jasper National Park, Alberta

by Paul Peters
Editor, CanadianRockies.net

The Old Fort Point Loop trail is a fairly short and simple hike, offering great view of Jasper National Park and the surrounding Canadian Rockies. The hike also contains interesting geological features, and a bit of Canadian Rockies history.

View from the Old Fort Point Loop trail.

Old Fort Point is a prominent bedrock hill standing 130 m above the river. Rounded on its south side, cliffy on its north side, Old Fort Point is a classic roche moutonnée: a bedrock knob shaped by glaciers.

The loop trail over the top is steep in places, but it provides an excellent view of Jasper and its surroundings. The name Old Fort probably refers to Henry House, a North West Company cabin built near here in 1811, now gone but commemorated as a National Historic Site.

The quickest route to the big view at the top of the hill is up the stairs that start by the cliff. (The stairs lead to a Canadian Heritage Rivers plaque about the Athabasca.) But it’s a steep climb. Instead, we recommend the wide, easy path that begins behind the trail information kiosk. Follow Trail 1 up a short hill and on through the woods.

At 1.3 km you climb a very steep section, with 30 m of elevation gain in a short distance, beside an outcrop of the oldest rock in Jasper National Park. The layer is Precambrian, about 750 million years old. Take a close look at this unusual rock. It’s breccia, made of angular chunks of pink limestone.

What you’ll see:

Viewing clockwise: Mt. Edith Cavell (always snow-streaked) to the south, The Whistlers (mountain with the tramway terminal near the top).

From the trail, you'll see Mount Athabasca, one of Jasper's finest.

To the southwest, the valley of the Miette River leading west toward Yellowhead Pass and B.C., the town of Jasper across the Athabasca River, the reddish quartzite of the Victoria Cross Range

To the northwest beyond the town (the peak with a microwave relay station on top is Pyramid Mountain), Lac Beauvert and Jasper Park Lodge

To the north (other lakes visible northward: Annette and Edith), the gray limestone of the Colin Range to the northeast, rounded Signal Mountain and the cliffs of Mt. Tekarra to the east,

To the southeast, Mt. Hardisty (sloping layers) and Mt. Kerkeslin (layers bowed gently down).

Distance (on trail): 3.5 km return or 1-2 hours.

Distance to the trailhead from town: 1.6 km.

Trailhead: From town or from Highway 16, follow Highway 93A to the Old Fort Point/Lac Beauvert access road. Turn left, cross the Athabasca River on the old iron bridge, then park in the lot on the right.

Tags: Hiking, Jasper, Jasper Activities, trail
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Jasper National Park, Alberta

By Caroline Shin
Staff Writer

Jasper National Park offers spectacular mountain biking options–hundreds of kilometres of mountain bike trails and many road riding tracks in the Canadian Rockies.

5 Things to Know: Mountain Biking in Jasper

Mountain biking towards a view.

1. Trails range from easy to difficult and the biking season typically lasts from May to October.
2. Mountain biking in a Jasper National Park comes with certain responsibilities. Riding non-designated or closed trails, building new trails, or riding off-trail displaces Jasper’s wildlife and destroys soil and vegetation.
3. Avoid riding during extreme conditions; wet, muddy or very dry trails are more likely to be damaged.
4. Mountain biking is allowed only on designated bike trails. It is your responsibility to know where you can and cannot legally ride.
5. Help preserve the quality of Jasper’s trails. Ride, don’t slide – avoid skidding your tires by hard braking. Ride over obstacles, not around them. If obstacles are above your skill level walk your bike.

Tags: canadian rockies, Jasper, jasper national park, mountain biking
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Jasper National Park, Alberta

By Caroline Shin
Staff Writer

Jasper National Park’s camp grounds are spacious and clean— the perfect opportunity to wake up to clear blue skies and spectacular mountain views of Jasper’s world-renowned wilderness in the amazing Canadian Rockies.

Please view a Tourist Guide of Jasper National Park for maps and camping information.

10 Tips for Camping in Jasper National Park

1. Parks Canada operates all ten campgrounds in Jasper National Park.
2. During peak season, 1,772 camp sites are available in Jasper National Park with a variety of services.
3. The busy season lasts from June through September, and peaks in July and August. Jasper National Park has a very limited number of serviced (hook up) sites, which are only available at Whistler’s and Wapiti campgrounds. During high tourist season, hook up sites can fill before 11 a.m. and campers often line up early in the morning. Keep in mind that you may not be able to book a hook up site for your first night during this busy period. Upon arrival, campground staff will advise you on how to go about getting a hook up site for the rest of your stay.
4. Dates of operation vary. Summer camping begins in early May, with all campgrounds open by mid to late June. Summer campgrounds close in September and October.
5. The winter campground is at Wapiti.


Embedded in Jasper's wild beauty.

6. You can make reservations at the Pocahontas, Whistler’s, Wapiti and Wabasso campgrounds: (877) 737-3783. All other campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early.
7. Group camping is available for groups with a minimum of ten people and the group campsites can accommodate tents only. Call (780) 852-6181 for reservations.
8. Checkout time is 11 a.m.
9. Campers must purchase a camping permit at the campground kiosk or self register.
10. Campfires are permitted at most sites. A fire permit must be purchased at kiosks or self -registration booths.

Camping Fees for Jasper National Park

CAMPING – 1 Night

Group Camping – 1 Night

CAMPING SERVICES

BACKCOUNTRY USE AND CAMPING
Per Permit

Tags: camping, canadian rockies, Jasper, jasper national park
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Jasper National Park, Alberta

By Caroline Shin
Staff Writer

Climb higher and higher.

Explore the famed mountain peaks of Jasper National Park on foot… and by hand. With every mountain climbing grasp upwards, discover new centimeters of the Canadian Rockies and astonishing panoramic views of Jasper National Park.

Climb a huge section of the mountain range from the crest of the Continental Divide along the British Columbia-Alberta border on the west, to the edge of the prairies on the east.

Local mountain climbers distinguish between the higher, often glaciated alpine ranges along the Continental Divide, and the slightly lower, drier ranges to the east. The Icefields Parkway is a scenic highway that parallels the main Divide Range from Jasper in the north to Lake Louise in the south. Some of the most spectacular alpine peaks and glaciers on the continent are found along the highway.

Mountain Climbing in Jasper: When to Go

The rock climbing season can begin as early as May, when the cliffs at the lower elevations along the east side of Jasper National Park begin to dry off. A number of 8000′ peaks near Jasper townsite, in the Colin Range, can become available early in the summer. However, there still may be snow on approach trails and in some of the gullies in June.

The higher alpine peaks (9000′+) start coming to mountain climbing shape in late June and early July as the spring avalanches taper off. The period for difficult alpine climbs is very limited. North faces rock pitches are usually only dry for several weeks in August. Alpine ice climbing on steep ice faces and gullies lasts into September or early October. Avalanche hazards exist at any time of the year in alpine environments.

Popular Climbing Sites in Jasper National Park

This map provides helpful orientation in the vast expanse of Jasper National Park.

Whew, what a view.

Moderate-Level Mountain Climbing in Jasper

• Mount Wilcox and Sunwapta Peak: both at the South end of the Park, scrambling peaks in the Park with non-maintained climber-worn trails to their summits.
• Hawk and Pyramid Mountains: near the Jasper townsite, scrambling peaks in the Park with non-maintained climber-worn trails to their summits.

Difficult-Level Mountain Climbing in Jasper

• Rock Gardens and Lost Boys: two sport climbing areas with numerous high quality routes of limestone and quartzite, respectively. Access trails are not maintained, and overhead and underfoot dangers exist along the way.
• Meisner Ridge: in the Colin Range near the Jasper townsite, provides challenging multipitch limestone rock climbs with spectacular views from their summits.
• Ashlar Ridge: to the East, provides challenging multipitch limestone rock climbs with spectacular views from their summits.

Varied-Level Mountain Climbing in Jasper

• The Columbia Icefields is a spectacular glaciated plateau, which boasts some of the highest peaks in the Canadian Rockies. The Normal Route on Mt. Athabasca (II) or the Grand Central Couloir on Mt. Kitchener are challenging to both the novice and the expert. The quality of the routes combined with roadside access make an excellent climbing trip in Jasper National Park.
• The North Face Mt. Edith Cavell and the Japanese Route on Mt. Alberta are two additional alpine climbs that are among of the 50 Classic Climbs in North America.

Tags: Jasper, jasper national park, mountain climbing
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Jasper National Park, Alberta

By Caroline Shin
Staff Writer

Enjoy a picnic in Jasper's great outdoors.

The vastness of Jasper National Park invites myriad outdoors activities… such as picnicking in the Canadian Rockies! For a low-impact way of imbibing Jasper’s rich wilderness, take a hike or a drive, and then take a seat on your picnic blanket at the site of your choice.

You can use this map of Jasper National Park as a reference to the following recommended picnic sites.

Tags: canadian rockies, Jasper, jasper national park, picnic, picnicking
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Jasper National Park, Alberta

by Caroline Shin
Staff Writer

The thrill of ice climbing in Jasper.

Perfect for extreme thrill-seekers, Jasper National Park includes hundreds of ice climbs in the Canadian Rockies. The park offers every type of ice climb, from long alpine ice routes, to short bolted mix, and dry tooling routes.

The largest concentration of established ice routes can be found along the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper.

Ice Climbing in Jasper National Park: When to Go

Between December and March, ice routes are usually in their best condition. Since altitude and location influence mountain terrain, the earliest ice climbs can form by early October at higher elevations on the north and northeasterly faces of slopes. Many of these climbs, often considered alpine ice routes, can be found in the Columbia Icefields area. By late November, many of the waterfall ice climbing routes start to form. It is safest to climb avalanche-prone climbs during the earlier months of winter before the snow has accumulated in the alpine.

By mid-March, many of the lower elevation ice climbs start to melt, and in mid-April, only a few climbs remain.

Avalanches in Jasper National Park

Avalanche hazard is the gravest threat to ice climbers in the Canadian Rockies. The vast majority of routes are exposed to avalanche hazard for extended periods. Avalanches regularly kill ice climbers, so please exercise extreme caution when participating in this activity.

The Icefields Parkway (highway 93) passes through many avalanche paths, which are marked by avalanche signs at the start and end of the danger areas. Do not stop or park between these signs.

Jasper’s Ice Climbing Routes With No Avalanche Danger

Maligne Canyon

On your way up to Maligne Lake, park at the Maligne Canyon Tea House, and follow the trail to just past the second bridge where you can access the canyon. There is no formal hiking trail here. Several of the climbs can be accessed from above by rappel and/ or for setting up top ropes. Several people have fallen to their death in this location.

Enjoy ice climbing without the risk of avalanches.

If you enter the canyon you do so at your own risk. Dangers include:

• Falling ice and rock overhead.

• Thin ice underfoot with deep cold flowing water below.

• Slippery surfaces.

Tangle Falls Creek

Tangle Falls is located on the north side of Tangle Hill 7.4 Km north of the Icefields Centre along the Icefields Parkway. Park in the ploughed area close to the outhouses, and locate the accessible ice climbing route.

Panther Falls

Park in the plowed viewpoint to Bridal Veil Falls on the Big Bend hill along the Icefields Parkway. You can access the top of the climb from the north end of the parking area, or from below by following an often snow-covered summer trail through the timber below the south end of the parking area. There is no avalanche danger on the route, however, you will be exposed to some steep avalanche-prone slopes to access the climb.
To avoid these slopes, you may also rappel from the top of the climb to the base of the route.

Weeping Wall
Park in the ploughed parking area opposite the Weeping Wall 28.6 Km to the north of Saskatchewan River Crossing. A short walk takes you to the base of the route. Most climbers walk off to the left across the avalanche-prone Snivelling Gully to a rappel station from a tree. Rappel from Abalakovs and two chain anchor stations on skier’s right of the gully. Alternatively rappel your route.

Tags: Activities in Jasper, Ice Climbing, Jasper
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Jasper National Park offers amazing views and great accommodations to match.

Jasper National Park, Alberta

Jasper National Park has a wide variety of Canadian Rockies accommodations, ranging from the luxurious Jasper Park Lodge to beautiful campgrounds. Choose from a selection of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts in the towns of Jasper and Hinton, or from backcountry lodges and cabins elsewhere in and around the park. Below you’ll find a listing of some of the best lodging in Jasper National Park.

• Hotels/Motels
• Log Cabins
• Lodges and Resorts
• Bed and Breakfast
• Campgrounds

Valemount, B.C. is a little over an hour away and this quaint village has some accommodations as well.

Jasper Hotels and Lodges

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Is A Deluxe Hotel Located 225 Miles From Edmonton International Airport And 275 Miles From The Calgary International Airport. The Lodge Is A Full-service Resort With Many On-site Activities Available.

Website: Click Here!

Whistlers Inn

Whistlers Inn of Jasper, Alberta is centrally located in the heart of the Jasper National Park townsite and within walking distance of all shops, and outdoor activities. Our Jasper Inn boasts a cozy Jasper Canadian Rockies alpine atmosphere and features 63 spacious guest rooms for accommodation, many with breathtaking views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies ranges.

Website: Click here!

Mount Robson Inn

The Mount Robson Inn in Jasper National Park is a landmark Jasper hotel that boasts spacious rooms and suites, ski shuttle service, two outdoor whirlpools, and high speed Internet access. The on-site Mount Robson

Steakhouse offers both breakfast and dinner menus. Make your getaway perfect by booking your room at one of Jasper’s finest hotels.

Website: Click Here!

Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre Jasper

Nestled in the heart of Jasper National Park in Alberta, the “Four Star” Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre is Your Natural Choice when visiting Jasper, for business or pleasure. The Inn’s extensive facilities include an award winning restaurant and two lounges centered around a lush indoor atrium, as well as a heated pool, sauna, jacuzzi, Wellness Spa, fitness & business centres, and gift shop. All 153 cozy guest rooms are spacious, well appointed and most comfortable. The Sawridge Inn is also a favourite for weddings and conferences. Click here to book your Jasper vacation experience!

Rocky Mountain Escape

Experience your adventure among the natural wonders surrounding your cozy, intimate log cabin, nestled in the front range of the great Canadian Rockies.

A wide variety of nature excursions awaits the adventurer, guided by expert outdoorsmen. Discover behaviors and favorite haunts of wildlife abundant in the subalpine area. Discover wild plants and learn how the local people long ago used them. Marvel at mountain panoramas, silent clear lakes, secluded valleys and trickling spring-fed creeks.

Website: Click Here!

Jasper Inn – Alpine Resort & Restaurant

Jasper Inn is set amid the rugged beauty of Jasper National Park and the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. The Jasper Inn Alpine Resort & Restaurant of Jasper, Alberta, gives you exactly that – and so much more!

We offer the finest of resort accommodations, services and amenities as well as endless ideas for how to make the most of your visit.

Website: Click Here!

Book Jasper Accommodations Thru TravelNow.com
Promo Code: 266524

Chateau Jasper

Location : The Chateau Jasper Is Located In Jasper, Alberta, Canada; Adjacent To Jasper National Park; Adjacent To Jasper Town Center.

Hotel Features : Le Beauvallon Dining Room; Bonhomme Lounge; Heated Indoor Pool And Spa Tub; Complimentary Seasonal Ski Shuttle Services.

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Is A Deluxe Hotel Located 225 Miles From Edmonton International Airport And 275 Miles From The Calgary International Airport. The Lodge Is A Full-service Resort With Many On-site Activities Available.

Marmot Lodge

Location : The Marmot Lodge Is Located In Jasper, Alberta, Canada; Adjacent To Jasper National Park; Eight Kilometers From Patricia And Pyramid Lakes.

Hotel Features : Embers Steakhouse And Fireside Lounge; Indoor Pool, Sauna, Outdoor And Indoor Spa Tubs; High-speed Internet Access In The Lobby.

Lobstick Lodge

Location : The Lobstick Lodge Is Located In Jasper, Alberta, Canada; Adjacent To Jasper National Park; Five Kilometers From The Jasper Tramway.

Hotel Features : Wireless Internet Access Throughout The Hotel For A Fee; Country Inn Restaurant Serving Home-style Meals; Seasons Café Offering Beverages And Snacks; Skyline Lounge Boasting Panoramic Countryside Views; Heated Indoor Pool, Sauna And Steam Room; Three Outdoor And Two Indoor Spa Tubs; Guest Laundry Facilities.

Amethyst Lodge

Location : The Amethyst Lodge Is Located In Jasper, Alberta, Canada; Near Jasper National Park; Near Marmot Basin.

Hotel Features : Anthony’s Restaurant And Mountain View Lounge; Pets Allowed For A Fee; Meeting Rooms.

Tags: Jasper, Jasper Accommodations
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