The largest national park in the province of Alberta, Jasper National Park is over 11,000 km2 and home to some of Canada's most beautiful scenery and the Columbia Icefield. The park also makes up part of UNESCO's Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site
The towering peaks, glacial lakes, vast forests and meadows play host to some of the region's best preserved habitats and magnificent wildlife. In fact, the park is best known for its diversity of mammals (53 species), which includes bighorn sheep, mountain goat, moose, black and grizzly bears, wolf, lynx, cougar and wolverine.
A few of the park's highlights are the spectacular Athabasca Falls, Maligne Canyon and Mount Edith Cavell.
The towering peaks, glacial lakes, vast forests and meadows play host to some of the region's best preserved habitats and magnificent wildlife. In fact, the park is best known for its diversity of mammals (53 species), which includes bighorn sheep, mountain goat, moose, black and grizzly bears, wolf, lynx, cougar and wolverine.
A few of the park's highlights are the spectacular Athabasca Falls, Maligne Canyon and Mount Edith Cavell.
When to Go
Due to the landscape of the Rockies the weather plays a vital role when planning your visit to Jasper National Park. Winter is the longest season in the mountains and the most difficult to get out and enjoy the park's natural beauty. Here is our seasonal guide.
Spring - April to June - Spring changes with the altitude. At the lower altitudes, in the valley bottoms, the first signs of spring start to show in April, where as in the high peaks spring only arrives in June. This is fantastic time to see the birdlife of the mountains as they are busy preparing their nests and raising their chicks, while the bears emerge from hibernation and are searching the forests and meadows for food. Please take care near snow fields at this time of year as it can often be unstable and avalanches are a real possibility.
Summer - July and August - This is the easiest time to explore the natural wonders of the park with more reliable weather (although as in the mountains anywhere in the world, this can quickly change). The meadows are full of wild flowers and the wildlife is busy making the most of the plethora of food. It is a beautiful time of the year. The only issue is that schools are out and many families are out enjoying the park, meaning it can be quite busy in the more tourist-focused areas.
Autumn/Fall - September and October - As summer comes to an end, change is in the air and the magical colours of autumn (fall) come to the Rockies. The elk and moose are busy rutting and their calls can be heard across the valleys, adding an extra element of magic to the beautiful landscapes. This is without a doubt, one of the most magical times of year and it is quieter now the schools are back. It is important to pay attention to the weather forecast and ensure you aren't caught out by inclement weather.
Spring - April to June - Spring changes with the altitude. At the lower altitudes, in the valley bottoms, the first signs of spring start to show in April, where as in the high peaks spring only arrives in June. This is fantastic time to see the birdlife of the mountains as they are busy preparing their nests and raising their chicks, while the bears emerge from hibernation and are searching the forests and meadows for food. Please take care near snow fields at this time of year as it can often be unstable and avalanches are a real possibility.
Summer - July and August - This is the easiest time to explore the natural wonders of the park with more reliable weather (although as in the mountains anywhere in the world, this can quickly change). The meadows are full of wild flowers and the wildlife is busy making the most of the plethora of food. It is a beautiful time of the year. The only issue is that schools are out and many families are out enjoying the park, meaning it can be quite busy in the more tourist-focused areas.
Autumn/Fall - September and October - As summer comes to an end, change is in the air and the magical colours of autumn (fall) come to the Rockies. The elk and moose are busy rutting and their calls can be heard across the valleys, adding an extra element of magic to the beautiful landscapes. This is without a doubt, one of the most magical times of year and it is quieter now the schools are back. It is important to pay attention to the weather forecast and ensure you aren't caught out by inclement weather.
Getting there
Jasper National Park is one of the more remote areas of the Rockies in Canada, situated 370km away from the city of Edmonton and over 400km away from Calgary.
By Car
Typically we would suggest you arrive in one of the major conurbations of Edmonton or Calgary and hire a car to drive to Jasper National Park. It is quite a drive, but it is an adventure in itself. Alternatively, once you get to Jasper, there is the possibility to hire a car in the town itself. You can of course rent a campervan and enjoy the freedom that brings you.
By Bus
There is a daily bus service between Edmonton and Jasper.
By Air
You will have to fly to either Edmonton or Calgary and then either rent a car or alternatively catch the bus from Edmonton direct to the town of Jasper.
By Car
Typically we would suggest you arrive in one of the major conurbations of Edmonton or Calgary and hire a car to drive to Jasper National Park. It is quite a drive, but it is an adventure in itself. Alternatively, once you get to Jasper, there is the possibility to hire a car in the town itself. You can of course rent a campervan and enjoy the freedom that brings you.
By Bus
There is a daily bus service between Edmonton and Jasper.
By Air
You will have to fly to either Edmonton or Calgary and then either rent a car or alternatively catch the bus from Edmonton direct to the town of Jasper.
Where to Stay
There are numerous places to stay in and around Jasper, as well as countless campsites for the more intrepid traveller.
Why not combine with
We recommend you combine Banff National Park with the following destinations in Canada: