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    Jasper National Park

    Canada

    Jasper National Park

    City

    Jasper National Park, covering approximately 11,000 km², is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Canada
    7. The Canadian Rockies
    9. Jasper National Park
    Jasper National Park, covering approximately 11,000 km², is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It stretches from the Columbia Icefield in the south to the Miette Hot Springs in the northeast; the town of Jasper lies at its centre. The park is designated as a Dark Sky Preserve.

    Sights in Jasper National Park

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Lac Beauvert

    1Lac Beauvert

    The Lac Beauvert, nestled in the heart of Jasper National Park in Canada, is famed for its distinctive, emerald-green waters. This unique hue results from the fine rock flour deposited into the lake by surrounding glaciers. The lake is set amidst a breathtaking landscape of dense coniferous forests and the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains, creating a picturesque backdrop.As a component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, Lac Beauvert offers not just visual appeal but also diverse leisure activities. You can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddling to soak in the water's serenity. A well-maintained loop trail also encourages leisurely strolls, where you can observe the local flora and fauna.Our Tip: To bypass the crowds and capture the optimal light, visit Lac Beauvert early in the morning or late afternoon. For striking photographs of the mirrored mountainscape, we suggest the lakeside areas away from the main trails, especially on the side opposite the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
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    Patricia Lake

    2Patricia Lake

    Patricia Lake in Jasper National Park offers a picturesque setting, surrounded by dense forests and with a stunning view of Pyramid Mountain. Its calm, clear waters reflect the surrounding landscape and invite visitors to enjoy relaxing hours. The lake is historically significant due to its role in World War II: a prototype aircraft carrier made of Pykrete, a mixture of ice and wood pulp, was tested here as part of the secret Project H.A.B.A.K.K.U.K. Divers can still discover remnants of these experiments on the lakebed today. You can go canoeing, rent a kayak, or explore the surrounding hiking trails here. Our Tip: Visit the lake in the early morning or late afternoon to take advantage of the best light for photos and to enjoy the tranquility of the place undisturbed. The lake is also an excellent spot for wildlife viewing.
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    Athabasca Falls
    Attraction

    3Athabasca Falls

    About 30 km south of Jasper, the Athabasca River forces its way through a narrow gorge of hard quartzite sandstone and plunges approximately 23 m. The Athabasca Falls are not particularly high but are very powerful; bridges and pathways lead to several viewpoints and through a former, dried-up riverbed. The parking lot is located directly off Highway 93A near its junction with the Icefields Parkway.
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    Maligne Canyon
    Natural Feature

    4Maligne Canyon

    The Maligne Canyon, about 11 km east of Jasper, is a limestone gorge up to 50 m deep and in places only a few meters wide. A path follows the rim and crosses the canyon on several bridges; in winter, guided tours lead over the ice at the bottom. The area was affected by the 2024 wildfire – check before visiting which path sections and bridges are open.
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    City walks in Jasper National Park

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Charming Jasper: A Walk Through the Mountain Town

    Discover Jasper, the heart of the national park of the same name, on a leisurely two-hour circular walk. This walk takes you to historic buildings and charming boutiques and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of this unique Canadian mountain town.

    ~2 Std.
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    Stops (7)

    Food and Drink

    The Raven Bistro

    Gehobenes Bistro mit modernem, künstlerischem Dekor, mediterraner Fusionsküche und raffinierten Cocktails.
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    Jasper Park Lodge

    Zimmer, Suiten und Hütten in einem gehobenen, rustikalen Resort mit Spa, Golfplatz und italienischer Küche.
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    Fiddle River Restaurant

    Restaurant in 620.
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    Jasper Brewing Company

    Bar in 624 Connaught Dr.
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    Famoso Italian Pizzeria - Jasper National Park

    Restaurant in 607 Patricia St.
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    Food and Drink

    Restaurants are almost exclusively in Jasper town; in the park, you'll rely on picnics.

    A picnic

    Picnic areas can be found at many lakes and viewpoints. Food must always be stored in the car or in bear-proof containers due to bears.

    Jasper Brewing Company

    The brewpub in town was the first brewery in a Canadian National Park.

    Alberta Beef

    Alberta is Canada's most important cattle province; you'll find steaks and burgers made from regional beef on almost every menu in the town of Jasper.

    Saskatoon berries

    The native berries of the Prairie Provinces end up in summer in cakes, jams, and desserts.

    Jaspers Historical Heritage

    Jasper National Park is deeply rooted in history, long before it became a protected area. For millennia, this area has been the traditional home of Indigenous peoples, including the Stoney Nakoda, Secwepemc, and Métis, who hunted, fished, and traded here. European presence began with fur traders and explorers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries; David Thompson was one of the first Europeans to traverse the passes.Established as Jasper Forest Park in 1907 and declared a National Park in 1930, the construction of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway from 1911 significantly shaped the development of the eponymous town of Jasper. Park architecture often reflects the 'Park Rustic' style, which utilizes natural materials like wood and stone to blend harmoniously into the landscape, visible in many early buildings and lodges. Cultural characteristics revolve around conservation and the appreciation of the mountain environment, which has always influenced visitors and residents.

    Getting around here

    Jasper National Park is a sprawling natural paradise, and exploring it without your own vehicle can be a challenge. Within Jasper Townsite, walking is ideal; the manageable town is very pedestrian-friendly and easy to explore. There are no public transport networks like subways or trams here. Instead, seasonal shuttle services and private tour operators offer connections to popular attractions like Maligne Lake, with early booking highly recommended.For maximum flexibility when exploring spectacular scenic routes, such as the Icefields Parkway, a rental car is the best option. Alternatively, a bicycle is a wonderful way to explore the area around town, and Jasper has various rental stations. Taxis are available in the Townsite, while ride-sharing services are rarely found in this remote region. Plan your trips carefully, especially during peak season, and remember the obligatory National Park Pass.

    Accommodations in Jasper National Park

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    Campgrounds in Jasper National Park

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      Sunrise over alpine peaks and a sea of clouds
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      • 1Lac Beauvert3 days
      • 2Patricia Lake4 days
      • 3Athabasca Falls5 days
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    Nearby

    Jasper

    Jasper

    Jasper is the only town in the national park of the same name, the largest in the Canadian Rockies and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. The small town originated as a railway station and is quieter than Banff. In July 2024, a wildfire destroyed about a third of the buildings in the town; reconstruction is underway, and some trails and facilities in the surrounding area were temporarily closed – check Parks Canada's current advisories before your visit.
    Icefields Parkway

    Icefields Parkway

    The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) stretches 232 kilometers, connecting Lake Louise in Banff National Park with the town of Jasper. The road passes over 100 glaciers, turquoise lakes like Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, and the Columbia Icefield, making it one of North America's most renowned scenic routes.
    Yoho National Park

    Yoho National Park

    An impressive national park, located directly west of Banff, known for its majestic waterfalls like Takakkaw Falls, the emerald-green Emerald Lake, and unique natural bridges.
    Banff National Park

    Banff National Park

    Founded in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Rocky Mountain Parks. Covering approximately 6,600 km², it encompasses the town of Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the southern section of the Icefields Parkway.
    The Canadian Rockies

    The Canadian Rockies

    The Canadian Rockies are a majestic mountain range known for their breathtaking alpine scenery, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, they offer unforgettable experiences for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, from spectacular hikes to picturesque scenic drives.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI