Jasper National Park forms the northernmost component of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks system, and is the largest, wildest and most forbidding of all the parks. With spectacularly jagged mountains, unusual geological formations and a history of adventure and conflict, it is the wild sister of its sibling, Banff. While Banff has been recognized as an international luxury destination for over a century, Jasper has been known for its harsh terrain, strange landforms and abundant wildlife.

Athabasca Falls
A spectacular waterfall in Jasper National Park.
At Athabasca Falls, the Athabasca River is compressed through a narrow gorge, producing a violent torrent of water. The falls are especially dramatic in early summer, when the river is swollen by snowmelt. Trails and overlooks provide good viewpoints.

Town of Jasper
The townsite of Jasper, in a valley carved by the Athabasca River, is located at the junction of the Icefield Parkway and Yellowhead Highway, and huddles against the eastern face of the Princess Lakes Bench and Pyramid Mountain. Only about 1,000 people call this town home all year long, but during the winter ski season and in the summer the population swells to 10 or 15 times its normal size, with visitors from around the world. Most of them come seeking the isolation and spectacular scenery that has made Jasper famous, as well as the exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

The town of Jasper is dwarfed by the vastness of the park stretching out on all sides and makes an excellent base for exploring the park's many attractions. Major roads run east, west and south of the town, and a drive along any of the parkways or highways will open up boundless outdoor opportunities.

Activities and What to See
Skiing, hiking and climbing are popular activities year-round, due to the high altitude glaciers and wide diversity of terrain. In the summer, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking are excellent ways to see the backcountry. If you are planning on coming to Jasper, don't forget your camera, as the snow-capped mountains and unique quality of light in the area make for very impressive photographs.

To the northeast of the Jasper townsite, the Athabasca River runs down the center of a valley, and separates the town from the Maligne Lake Valley to the east, as well as Maligne Canyon and the Jasper Park Lodge. The trails around the lodge and Maligne Lake are excellent for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Following the Yellowhead Highway north from town will take you out of the park and through the town of Hinton and eventually to Edmonton. Some of the most unusual landscape in the park can be found along this stretch of highway. A half-hour drive to the north lies Jasper Lake and the surreal Jasper Sand Dunes, as well as the Miette Hotsprings. The shore of Jasper Lake offers some exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, as bighorn sheep and mountain goats enjoy feeding and sunning themselves on the cliffs alongside the Yellowhead Highway. For a refreshing dip, stop by the Miette Hot Springs, located just off of the Yellowhead highway before Hinton. The 104-degree Fahrenheit water will soon chase the chill of the mountains away.

To the west of Jasper lies the Monashee Mountains, a rugged and isolated range. There are also whitewater rafting opportunities, and the chance to see Mount Robson, an imposing block of granite that is the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies.

To the south of town, you will find the Whistlers Gondola, Jasper International Hostel and Marmot Basin Ski Area. Further south is the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular drives in North America: a 300 kilometre stretch of highway winding toward Banff beneath soaring peaks and massive glaciers. It is undeniably a "wondertrail" with constantly changing views of more than 600 glaciers, six icefields and a cornucopia of mountains.