Posts Tagged ‘jasper national park’
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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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.
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.
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.
Click here for your Jasper National Park cowboy vacation!
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.
Click here to check out Jasper’s live webcam!
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
Scene of Jasper National Park
Those who want to experience camping in the Colorado Rockies outdoors but don’t have the necessary equipment at hand, cottage tents at Whistlers campground in Jasper National Park might be just what you need.
Perfect for first-time campers and families, these basic-furnished tents are 14 feet in length and 20 feet in width, and are high enough to stand in. The roomy, clean area inside and out include a picnic table, food locker, kitchen utensil locker, fire box and parking site for one vehicle. Spacious and comfortable like Jasper National Park hotels and lodging, but with a rustic appeal still cozy and clean.
Whistlers campground, though just three kilometers to Jasper, is located in a beautiful forest area that is peaceful and a perfect setting to get the vibe of what it’s like to “rough it” in the wilderness. These convenient cottage campsites even have fire boxes to set the mood as things wind down to a tranquil evening by the fireplace.
Each unique cottage tent includes one double bed and mattress and bunk beds with mattresses, so campers need only their own sleeping, but even bed linen is provided. In addition, two fold-out lounge chairs can each be made into a single bed if needed. Two electric wall lights are in each cottage tent, plus electric baseboard heating to keep things cozy on chilly nights. Add the extras like clothes hangers and cleaning supplies, and these tents define luxury camping.
To help keep the tents clean, pets are now allowed in the tents, and smoking is not allowed. It’s suggested that campers remove their shoes before entering, so consider bringing along a pair of slippers to shuffle around inside. Campers are encouraged to bring any food they wish, however this being bear country be sure to always store, cook and eat outside the tents.
Campground staff are ready to help campers get familiar and settled in these charming cottage tents. The cost of a rental is $90 per night, and there are three different tents to choose from (one is wheelchair accessible). Reservations can be made either online or by calling 1 877 737 3783.
This modern pizzeria has self-service and full-service areas. Choose from pizzas prepared in the regular or wood-burning oven with ingredients like hearts of palm, asparagus, blue cheese and smoked oysters (plus all the regulars). They also serve salads, pasta, burgers, and sandwiches. Check out their summer patio for great mountain views!
Jasper Pizza Place
402 Connaught Drive
Jasper, AB T0E 1E0
(780) 852-3225
This popular Jasper restaurant serves all the pasta and sauce you could ever want, plus beef, seafood, and chicken dishes. The homemade pastas include linguine with clam sauce, spaghetti carbonara and vegetable lasagna. They also serve desserts and wines. Check out their outdoor tables when the weather’s nice!
Miss Italia Ristorante
610 Patricia Street
Patricia Centre
Jasper, AB T0E 1E0
(780) 852-4002
Inside Jasper
- Getting to Jasper
- The Park
- History
- Accommodations
- Booking and Reservation
- Free Brochures
- Activities
- Jasper Back Country Adventures
- Jasper Backpacking
- Jasper Canoe Rentals
- Jasper Cruises
- Jasper Guided Fishing
- Jasper Guided Tours
- Jasper GPS Tours
- Jasper Heli-Hiking
- Jasper Hiking
- Jasper Horseback
- Jasper Interpretive Hikes
- Jasper Rafting
- Jasper Maligne Canyon Icewalk
- Jasper Snowshoeing
- Jasper Skiing
- Jasper Trekking
- Jasper Summer Tours
- Jasper Winter Tours
- Sightseeing
- Recreation
- Wildlife
- Weddings
- Maps
- Free Brochures
- Free Guides
- Free Golf Package Quotes
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