Jasper National Park offers many unexpected surprises for those looking to explore. Most people know Jasper for its natural wonders, but did you know that there are five National Historic Sites within the park boundaries? Two are connected to the fur trade, one to transportation corridors, and two are historic buildings, at least 100 years old, and still in use today.
Athabasca Pass
Athabasca Pass, traversed by David Thompson more than 200 years ago, played an important role in the fur trade and the early development of Canada. Learn more about this historic pass at a viewpoint about 25 kms south of town on the Icefields Parkway.
Hardy backcountry travellers can still make the journey through the pass today. Jasper House National Historic Site was a provision depot for brigades travelling west through Athabasca Pass, but slowly declined in use by the late 19th century. For the viewpoint, travel east of Jasper on Highway 16 just past the Rocky River bridge and take the short hike to the scenic view overlooking the Athabasca Heritage River and the historic site.
Yellowhead Pass National Historic Site
Yellowhead Pass National Historic Site straddles the Alberta-British Columbia border, stretching from the outskirts of the town of Jasper to the Fraser River, crossing into Mount Robson Provincial Park. One of the lowest elevation routes across the Great Divide (1,133 m; 3,317 ft.), the pass played an important role in travel and trade for Aboriginal people and early Europeans, and remains a key transportation route through the Rockies today. Stop at the picnic site at the provincial border, approximately 25 kms east of Jasper to learn more.
Maligne Lake Chalet and Information Centre
Jasper National Park’s two other historic sites are the Maligne Lake Chalet and Guest House and the Jasper Park Information Centre. Situated on the shores of the iconic Maligne Lake, the Maligne Lake Chalet’s rustic log buildings are representative of the early backcountry lodges of the Canadian National Railway. While the chalet is now accessible, other backcountry lodges continue to provide visitors with authentic wilderness experiences in the Rocky Mountain national parks.
Built in 1914 and located in the heart of the town, Jasper’s Information Centre is one of the finest and most influential examples of rustic design tradition among Canada’s national parks. Parks Canada, along with Tourism Jasper and the Friends of Jasper National Park, is located in the Information Centre. Today, staff work tirelessly to answer the many visitor requests they receive by email, phone, and in person.
Here are the three most common questions:
What is your favorite day hike?
Parks Canada staff recognize that each and every visitor is seeking a unique and personal experience in Jasper National Park through a range of recreational activities. Staff at the Information Centre have the expertise and up to date park information to help you plan your trip.
Some of our favourite picks include:
Discovery Trail: an easy stroll on the outskirts of Jasper. This 8-km hike around the town offers some great views and will connect you to a network of longer hikes in the valley or allow you to cut your hike short if you take one of the many exits back into town.
Old Fort Point: A not-to-be-missed hike with a picturesque view of the town and the valley, across the Athabasca River from town.
Cavell Meadows: Those seeking an alpine experience should try this hike. From the Edith Cavell parking lot, take the beautiful hike over glacial moraine, through sub-alpine forest to open meadows.
Maligne Lake: This area has a multitude of hikes as well. The Mary Schaeffer loop is a shorter hike that takes you to lovely views and forest. A longer and steeper option is the Bald Hills hike with amazing views of the Maligne Valley and the entire lake from the top.
What are the best things to see and do in Jasper?
Whether a novice or an adventure enthusiast, Jasper National Park has something to offer visitors of all ages and abilities. Gentle explorers can choose from an array of breathtaking biking, hiking and walking trails, along with paddling, fishing, and camping in our signature oTENTiks. Outdoor buffs can challenge themselves horseback riding, rugged mountain biking, or backcountry camping. Whichever category of explorer you are, a trip down the Icefields Parkway—one of the top 10 scenic drives in the world that connects Jasper with Lake Louise in Banff National Park—is sure to be rewarding.
Where can I see wildlife?
Wildlife sightings are a year-round treat across Jasper’s varied landscape, and what you are able to spot will vary season to season and day to day. Bear sightings are more common in the valleys in spring, and majestic bull elk can be seen rutting in the fall. Dusk and dawn are the best times of day for wildlife sightings.
Keep an eye out for the park’s 69 species of mammals—from a safe distance. Always stay at least 30 metres (three bus lengths) away from elk and 100 metres (10 bus lengths) away from bears. Do not feed wildlife in a national park—it is unlawful.
Visit the Jasper Visitor Information Centre or call 780-852-6176 for help with planning your next adventure!
Scat Seekers
This weekend marks the beginning of Jasper National Park’s new Scat Seekers volunteer program. More than 18 trained volunteers, park staff and other members of the public will be hitting the trails for the next two months, collecting samples of black and grizzly bear scat.
DNA from the scat contains valuable information about our bears and will be used in the future to help inform Parks Canada bear management actions in Jasper.
For details about this program or if you have questions, call 780-883-0486.
Parks Canada
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