What is Jasper National Park Known For?
Jasper National Park largest national park in the Canadian Rockies located in the heart of the Jasper town. The park is spread across 11,228 square kilometres, rich in abundant wildlife, crystal clear lakes, breathtaking glaciers, deep canyons and crazy waterfalls. Often recognised as the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world.
Since the park includes multiple natural and scenic beauties, where adventure backpackers may seek alpine day hiking’s, skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife watching, Adrenaline Mountain biking, and paddle boarding activities. Due to its breathtaking natural beauties, vibrant outdoor options, and unique ecological environment, Jasper National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Related Search: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.
Jasper National Park History
Before going to more about Jasper National Park, we need to know the park’s past history and its ancient connections. Established in 1907, initially this park was made as a protected area to preserve Canada’s natural landscapes. But before that park had a long indigenous relationship where a number of Indigenous peoples were lived.
Dating back to 10,000 years ago in Athabasca valley (now eastern part of the park), Athabaskan group of tribes like Sekani and Dane zaa are lived. They are strongly involved in hunting and hoofing animals like elk. Later during the mid-1600s, one of the major tribes fully controlled this territory until the 1700s. Both these indigenous groups positively influenced the present cultural and historical legacy of the park.
But today the park passed many bills and regulations to prevent hunting and trapping animals. Additionally in 1921 Whirlpool chosen as a major water activity hub and 1911 railway constrictions helped to promote tourism and sustainability which are some of the prime things attracted millions of visitors in the 21st century.
Things to Do in Jasper National Park
There are multiple things which attract visitors around the world, especially from its breathtaking natural scenic views to multiple activities. Let’s see one by one;
1. Enjoy the Scenic Beauty of Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake is considered as the prime attraction under Jasper National park, where travellers can indulge in its turquoise waters and stunning skylines. This lake often recognised as the second largest fed lakes in the world, helps us to take perfect scenic photos and motorcycle tours. The interesting part of this Maligne Lake is anyone can enjoy the lake with Spirit Island (one of the most famous views for photography in the Canadian Rockies). The island is easily accessible through Maligne Lake Cruise, boat tours, and canoe rides where visitors can see the backdrop of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
2. Take a Hiking Trail at Athabasca Glacier
Another spectacular destination under Jasper National Park is Athabasca Glacier known for massive Columbia Icefields. Located where southern Jasper and Northern Banff are divided. Since Athabasca has easy access to the Icefield Parkways, Athabasca river and glacier surfaces, visitors could choose different hiking trails and guided tours to explore its breathtaking beauties. Ice Explorer Tour is the most popular and recommended guided tour (between 2 to 3 hours of time) showcasing every corner of the glacier. Never miss to step into the Athabasca Falls, considered as the powerful and scenic waterfalls where we can see carved layers of rock through nature.
3. Enjoy Jasper SkyTram
SkyTram is an aerial tramway normally you see in mountain regions. JasperSkyTram is operating 7,500 feet to the sides of the Whistler Mountains, considered Canada’s highest and longest ice sky tramways. Enjoying Jasper SkyTram could be great things to help visitors to capture entire Canadian Rockies under panoramic views. At a time Jasper SkyTram can accommodate up to 26 people including a flight attendant. Flight attendants help us to explain landmarks, importance and answer our questions.
4. Visit Malige Canyon
Under Jasper National Park where waterfalls, fossils, potholes, rare black swifts and stream outlets are located. Malige Canyon is carved into Palliser formations, a layer of limestone deposited in a shallow tropical sea around 365 million years ago. Some parts of the canyon can reach 150 feet depth and 7 feet narrow includes unique geological areas and diverse amounts of plant life. Visitors can reach the canyon through self-guided interactive 2 hiking trails and visitors also can take a stroll through the geological history of the area.
5. Take Dip at Miette Hot Springs
Miette Hot Springs is a mineral -rich spring under Canadian Rockies, exclusively for those who are looking to dwell in mineral rich pools. Located where natural hot springs waters flow from mountains at 54℃, later cooled 40℃ that help visitors to spend more time at the hot springs pool. During soaking, visitors spot peaceful panoramic surroundings and scenic drive of the wild Fiddle Valley. If you are not interested in soaking, you can walk along the spring’s trails and walk in Sulphur Skyline Trails or visit nearby gift shops or drink coffee at Fiddle Valley Cafe.
6. Wildlife Watching
Jasper has a vibrant climate season and breathtaking natural beauties, making it a heaven to watch diverse range of animals. Wildlife viewing is the most renowned activity in Jasper National Park, home to 53 sorts of mammals including a variety of habitats along with other flora and faunas. Under the park’s 11,228 square kilometres, we can see animals like Badger, Barred Owl, Bald Eagle, Beaver, Bighorn Sheep, Black Bear, Bobcat, Caribou, Elk, Mountain Lion and Moose. To get more real experience and to spot good numbers of animals visitors need to be there at early morning and evening time (recommended to visit during spring season). Jasperwildlifes tours help us to see what are the major animals and their features in Jasper National Park.
7. Walk at Glacier Skywalk
Those who are ready to walk in the glass floored observation platform in Columbia Icefield Skywalk this glacier skywalk is an ideal choice. This is a U-shaped Skywalk which stretches over the Sunwapta Valley to help us to enjoy a 360 degree aerial view of the park’s natural and scenic features such as snow covered mountains, glaciers and lakes. Icefied Glacier Skywalk is a total 1km of interactive walkway with guided tours nestled above the 280 meters above the valley. Those who are keen to experience views of glaciers, waterfalls, fossils, wildlife, canyon, lake and hot spring at a time then Skywalk could be the better option to you.
You can also read: Lake Louise.
When to Visit Jasper National Park?
Visiting Jasper National Park during right season is a crucial task in the entire park tour. Not every season is so pleasant and friendly to backpackers despite it being located in the high altitude, also each season showcasing some unique features and activities. According to Canadian Train Vacations, June to September is considered the most ideal season to visit, especially for hiking and walking. Lets see season by season;
1. Summer
Summer is considered the perfect season to explore the breathtaking beauties, especially for friendly atmospheres to outdoor recreational activities. Usually summer starts from June to September, when visitors could take hiking, wildlife watching, boat tours and mountain rides. Temperature usually ranges from the low 30s to 70s, also ideal for kayaking and paddle boarding’s.
2. Winter
Winter starts from December to February when most of the park’s mountains, landscapes and peaks are covered by the extreme snows. Since the place is covered by snow and too cold, the season is ideal to snowshoe, ski, snowboard, or ice climb activities. Visit landmarks like Pyramid Island, Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls to get a close experience glacier sceneries in Jasper.
3. Spring
Spring is also an enjoyable season like summer and more serene with fewer visitors. During spring some trails are open to backpackers to explore parks diverse valleys and take Athabasca River rafting. Spring is an ideal season to watch wildlife like deer, elk, bears and cubs.
4. Fall
Fall season helps visitors take hiking for adventure lovers, especially from a short distance from town site or scramble mountains. Same like spring, Fall witnessing less tourist traffic in Jasper National Park, but it is an ideal time to enjoy the beautiful fall colours of the parks through leisure hiking’s and mountain biking.
Note: Both Spring and fall season witnessing wildflower blooms and vibrant fall foliage.
Jasper National Park Tickets
| Adults (age between 18-64) | $11.00 |
| Senior | $9.50 |
| Youth (below the age of 17) | Free |
| Family/Group | $22.00 |
| Commercial Groups | $9.35 |
Jasper National Park Pass
| Adult | $75.25 |
| Senior | $64.50 |
| Family/Group | $151.25 |
Note:
- Ticket Prices and Passes are subject to change, so please visit Parks official website for updated versions.
- The official website of Jasper National Park also covers Camping Fees, Parking, Camping services and other major fees structures.
Related Articles: Yoho National Park.
Q: How big is Jasper National Park?
A: Jasper National Park spread across 11,228 square kilometers or 4,335 square miles, making it largest national park in Canadian Rocky Mountains and 2nd largest Dark Sky Preserves.
Q: Why was Jasper National Park Created?
A: Major reason to create Jasper National Park is to protect and preserve surrounding natural beauties and wildlife. Additionally park also make focus on protect mountains, glaciers, lakes, canyons and cultural heritages of the region.
Q: When was Jasper National Park Established?
A: Jasper National Park created in September 14, 1907 (national park act passed in 1930). During 1984, Park designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
