Maybe you just got to Jasper National Park and want to do something, anything in this outdoor paradise before the day ends. Maybe it’s your last day, and you’ve got just a little time left to spare, and want to fill your vacation. Here’s 5 ideas for short hikes you can enjoy with 1 – 2 hours of time.

The Maligne Valley offers beautiful views for Jasper vacations.

If you want to get a quick peak at Jasper, be sure to check out the Jasper webcam.

1. Pyramid Bench: This is a great network of trails you’ll find just on the edge of town. Offers great views and chances to see wildlife, especially in the fall.

2. Lake Annette Loop: Another great trail just outside of the town of Jasper. Great views, great trail. Not much more to say.

3. In-town hiking: You don’t have to even leave town to experience the beauty of Jasper National Park. Jasper townsite is surrounded by great mountain vistas, and there are plenty of great places to relax, enjoy a beer or some icecream (or both) and take in the scenery.

4. Old Fort Point Loop: A cool short hike that takes you to the top of a geological curiosity, a big lump of rock the glaciers left behind that now provides a great vantage point for seeing and photographing Jasper.

5. Maligne Canyon: Offers great views, lots of trials, opportunities for photography, and seeing wildlife. This is really more of a “must-see” when it comes to Jasper National Park.

Jasper National Park is known for many great outdoor activities, and fishing is certainly high on that list. Not only will you find that the fish are biting, but the views are inspiring, and will certainly make a fly fishing vacation to Jasper something to remember. Watch the video below for more info on fishing in Jasper, and check out the Jasper webcam for live views of the town and surrounding park.

Jasper National Park holds some of the best you’ll find for outdoor adventure, sightseeing and natural beauty. With the Columbia Icefields, Jasper is famous in the Canadian Rockies for it’s amazing glaciers. Watch the video below to get a quick tour of this geologial phenomenon you’ll find in the park. To see some live video of the town and surrounding parkland, visit the Jasper webcam.

Jasper National Park is an amazing place for lots of outdoor activities, one of the best being mountain horseback riding. Horses have been a great way to get around in the Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park for long time, and going on a tour is a great way to experience how Jasper might have felt to pioneers, and is awesome for getting way out into this huge wilderness.

Horseback is a great way to see the Canadian Rockies.

Camping via horseback is a great way to get out really far into Jasper’s backcountry, where you can sit around 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:

• 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
• 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.

Jasper, Alberta- The Sawridge Inn in Jasper offers top notch lodging in the Canadian Rockies beauty of Jasper National Park. Check out their day spa for massages and herbal wraps to make your Jasper vacation relaxing. Amenities include sauna, tanning beds, hot tubs, exercise rooms, swimming pool and more. Watch the video below to get the full scoop on the Sawridge Inn. Click here to visit the Sawridge Inn!

Camping in Jasper National Park

Camping is a great way to experience the Jasper wilderness.

By Michele Kadison

Staff Writer

Rockies.com

JASPER, Alberta (Rockies.com) – Jasper National Park’s camping grounds are spacious and clean, and
present the perfect opportunity to immerse oneself in Jasper’s
world-renowned Canadian wilderness.

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 camping sites are available in Jasper
National Park with a variety of services.

3. The Canadian busy season lasts from June through September, and peaks in July and August.

4. 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 am 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, Jasper campground staff will advise you on how to go about getting a hook-up site for the rest of your stay.

5. Dates of operation vary. Alberta’s summer camping begins in early May, with all campgrounds open by mid to late June. Summer campgrounds close throughout September and October. The winter campground is at Wapiti.

6. You can make reservations at the Pocahontas, Whistlers, Wapiti and
Wabasso campgrounds. All other Jasper 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. Group campsites can accommodate tents only.

8. Checkout time is 11 a.m.

9. Campers must purchase a camping permit at the Jasper campground kiosk or self-register.

10. Campfires are permitted at most sites. A fire permit must be purchased at kiosks or self-registration booths.

For more information on Canadian Rockies accommodations: Click here!

For more information on Canadian Rockies activities: Click here!

Jasper National Park Opening Hours 

By Caroline Shin
Staff Writer

Rockies.com

Beautiful Fryatt Valley in Jasper National Park

JASPER, Alberta (Rockies.com) – Jasper National Park, the glacial jewel of the Canadian Rockies, is open year round, and has the following hours of operation. All major travel routes are accessible throughout the year. However, adverse Canadian weather conditions may result in temporary closures.

July and August make up Jasper National Park’s peak season. Visitors who plan on coming to Jasper during these months should book their accommodations well in advance.

Information Centres Hours of Operation

The Jasper National Park Information Centre is located at 500 Connaught Drive. It is open seven days a week.
Tel : (780) 852-6176
Trail Office: (780) 852-6177

April 4- June 12: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
June 13 – Aug. 31: 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sept. 1 – Sept 30: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Oct 1 – Oct 31: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
November 1 – April 4: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Parks Canada information desk at the Icefield Centre is located 103 km south of Jasper. It is open seven days a week during the summer months.
Tel : (780) 852-6288
Fax: (780) 852-6287

May 1 – June 13: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
June 14 – Sept. 2: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sept. 3 – Oct 15: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
October 16 – April 30 – CLOSED

For more information on Canadian Rockies accommodations: Click here!

For more information on Canadian Rockies activities: Click here!

Jasper National Park for Kids

By Caroline Shin
Staff Writer
Rockies.com

Rafting is fun for the whole family in Jasper National Park.

JASPER, Alberta (Rockies.com) – Good old fun for the whole family, Jasper National Park offers children many exciting activities in the great Canadian Rocky Mountains. There is plenty to see and do so kids won’t get bored. The Jasper Information Centre provides detailed information on kid-friendly adventures, maps and hiking trail guides.

Recommended Kids’ Activities in Jasper National Park

Hiking: Take the kids on a hike. The Discovery Trail, located on the perimeter of the city of Jasper, and Lake Annette Loop are trails that are short, fun and easy. Just make sure to bring plenty of water.

Snowtubing: Enjoy Jasper’s fresh powder with a thrilling ride downhill on a snow tube.

Guided Tours: A hands-on learning experience for the whole family, local guides will share their knowledge of Jasper’s nature and wildlife.

Museums: Learn about Jasper history at the Yellowhead Museum or see the many wildlife displays at the Wildlife Den in Whistler’s Inn.

Around Town: Take in the shops, ice cream parlors and restaurants in Jasper. The town itself has a beautiful mountain backdrop. Try the latest green transportation: the Jasper Pedi-Cab.

Scenic Appreciation

Columbia Icefield: This is a stunning Jasper must-see. You can go out onto the glacier in an ice buggy. Older kids will enjoy a river float trip, which is a fun way to spend the day.

The whole family can enjoy a pleasant hike through Jasper National Park.

Maligne Canyon: You can walk over six bridges for views of the Canadian limestone gorges and waterfalls.

Maligne Lake: Start at the Maligne Lake Lodge, overlooking the lake, where you can relax on the deck over a nice lunch.

Jasper Tramway: Open in warmer months, Canada’s highest aerial tram is the Jasper Tramway just outside of Jasper. A seven-minute 3,300 foot ride takes you to an altitude of 8,000 feet. A guide shares the history of Jasper as you look out over the spectacular Canadian Rockies scenery of Jasper and the entire Athabasca Valley.

Rafting: Raft the Athabasca River. The water comes from the ice fields so in the spring, it’s cloudy white with icy chunks and late in the summer, it is crystal clear. Try floating up the river in a 20-person raft that even a young child can handle. The Athabasca has only gentle Class II rapids.

Fishing: Rent fishing rods and gear at the boathouse.

Horseback Riding: In warmer months, take a morning or afternoon trail ride that heads out from the Maligne Lake Lodge to the top of the Bald Hills. The rides are from three to four hours long, so this is best for older kids. They will appreciate the wildflower-covered meadows and views of ice-capped mountains that Jasper offers along the way.

For more information on Canadian Rockies accommodation: Click here!

For more information on Canadian Rockies activities: Click here!

Jasper Recommendations

By Stephen Nelson
Staff Editor

Rockies.com

JASPER, Alberta (Rockies.com) – Jasper National Park offers some of the world’s most beautiful scenery.

The Tangle Falls are a beautiful place to picnic in Jasper National Park.

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

Jasper half-day train rides run year-round, three times a week. Railway journeys to the British Colombia interior is with VIA Rail Skeena.

Return journey to Jasper with a guided tour is by van through 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.

Getting Around Town

Mr. Taxi

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)
407 Patricia St.

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

Smitty’s Family Restaurant
109 Miette Ave.

For more information on Canadian Rockies accommodations: Click here!

For more information on Canadian Rockies activities: Click here!

Tying the Knot in Jasper

Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada is one the most scenic and romantic

Use the stunning scenery of Jasper as a backdrop for your wedding pictures.

wedding destinations in the Canadian Rockies. Jasper is especially popular because it is less crowded than Banff National Park and the town of Jasper has a small town flavor that is quite unique.

Here at Rockies.com, we’ve compiled a list of sponsors who can help you plan and enjoy that special day.

Bonner Photography

Bonner Photography brings weddings alive all throughout Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Canmore and the Kananaskis region. John Bonner is an award-winning Canadian photographer who will make this special day one to remember.

Website: Click Here!

Harp Angel – Harpist – “Your Wedding Music Specialist”

Harp Music will create a magical musical atmosphere for your Banff or Jasper wedding. Imagine a harpist in a mountain meadow, castle hall, quaint church, picturesque terrace, mountain resort or any of the many beautiful venues found in Banff National Park, Jasper National Park and Bow Valley area.

You may pick all the music, some of the music or you can just leave it up to the Harp Angel. Please visit their website for information, CDs and samples of wedding harp music.

Website: Click Here!

For more information on Canadian Rockies accommodations: Click here!

For more information on Canadian Rockies activities: Click here!