Rockies · Alberta
Jasper National Park
The wilder, quieter, darker-skied sibling of Banff.
Province
Alberta
Established
1907
Size
11,228 km²
Coordinates
52.87°, -118.08°
Family friendliness
Hidden gem
Photography
Overview
About Jasper National Park
Jasper is the largest national park in the Rockies and a UNESCO-designated Dark Sky Preserve. The Columbia Icefield, Maligne Lake's Spirit Island, and the Athabasca Falls anchor the highlights, but it's the sheer scale — and the wildlife corridor along the Athabasca River — that defines it.
Why visit
- Spirit Island on Maligne Lake — best reached by boat tour
- Columbia Icefield Skywalk and the Athabasca Glacier
- Dark Sky Preserve — the second-largest in the world
- Wildlife along Highway 16 (elk, sheep, bears, occasional caribou)
- Wildfire recovery: visitors are warmly welcomed back
Things to do
Plan your days.
Maligne Lake boat cruise to Spirit Island
boating
Wapiti & Whistlers campgrounds near townsite
camping
Edith Cavell Meadows hike
hiking
Pyramid Lake at golden hour
photography
Miette Hot Springs
interpretive
Dark Sky Festival (October)
stargazing
Marmot Basin skiing
winter
Athabasca Falls & Sunwapta Falls drive
scenic drive
Camping
Camping in the park.
- Whistlers — Canada's largest national park campground (recently rebuilt)
- Wapiti — open year-round with electrical sites
- Pocahontas — quieter, near Miette Hot Springs
- Backcountry: Tonquin Valley, Skyline Trail, Brazeau Loop
Best time to visit
- Spring
- May–June: waterfalls in full flow, fewer crowds, some passes still snow-covered.
- Summer
- July–August: all trails accessible, warmest days; book lodging months ahead.
- Fall
- September–October: Dark Sky Festival and golden aspens.
- Winter
- November–March: skiing, ice walks at Maligne Canyon, aurora viewing.
- Peak
- July through mid-August.
- Shoulder
- June and September.
Wildlife
What you'll see.
Highway 16 east of the townsite at dawn and dusk; Maligne Road for moose and bears in spring.
Common species
Elk · Bighorn sheep · Mule deer · Columbian ground squirrel
Signature species
Mountain caribou · Grizzly bear · Wolverine · Gray wolf
Wildlife safety
Active grizzly country — carry spray, follow seasonal trail closures, never approach an elk during rut (September–October).
Nearby communities
Where to base yourself.
- Jasper
- Hinton
- Valemount, BC
Nearby attractions
- Mount Robson Provincial Park (BC)
- Banff via Icefields Parkway
- Willmore Wilderness Park
Suggested itineraries
Pick a length.
weekend
Jasper townsite weekend
Maligne Lake cruise + Pyramid Lake + Athabasca Falls.
5 day
Jasper deep dive
Add Mount Edith Cavell, Miette Hot Springs and a Dark Sky evening.
road trip
Icefields Parkway south
Jasper → Columbia Icefield → Bow Lake → Banff.
photography
Dark sky weekend
Time visit to a new moon in September–October.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Jasper National Park.
Can I camp in Jasper National Park?+
Yes. Jasper National Park operates Parks Canada campgrounds with a mix of frontcountry sites and, on most loops, oTENTik or backcountry options.
Do I need reservations to visit Jasper National Park?+
Yes — campsite reservations are required during peak season and open via the Parks Canada Reservation Service in mid-winter.
Are dogs allowed?+
Yes — dogs are welcome on a leash (max 3 m) throughout the park, but must be supervised at all times and kept off closed trails and beaches with wildlife restrictions.
Is Jasper National Park family friendly?+
Our family score is 9/10. Excellent for families — wide trails, interpretive programs and accessible viewpoints.
When is the best time to visit Jasper National Park?+
July through early September for warmth and full access; September for aspens and Dark Sky events. Shoulder seasons reward visitors with fewer crowds and softer light, while winter opens its own set of opportunities (or, in the far north, closes road access entirely).
What wildlife can I see?+
Signature species include elk, bighorn sheep, mountain caribou and grizzly bears. Always keep at least 30 m from large mammals and 100 m from bears; carry bear spray on backcountry trails.
Can I bring an RV?+
Yes — designated loops accommodate RVs and trailers. Check site dimensions and service availability (electrical/water/sewer) when booking, as not every site offers full hookups.
How many days should I spend here?+
Three days minimum; five to combine Maligne Valley, Edith Cavell and an Icefields Parkway drive.
Nearby parks
