Spirit Island at Maligne Lake

Rocky Mountains of Canada.

Get in

Jasper National Park is the largest of Canada's Rocky Mountain Parks and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jasper spans 10,878 square kilometres (4200 square miles) of broad valleys, rugged mountains, glaciers, forests, alpine meadows and wild rivers along the eastern slopes of the Rockies in western Alberta. There are more than 1200 kilometres (660 miles) of hiking trails (both overnight and day trips), and a number of spectacular mountain drives. Most people enter the park via Edmonton.

Located in the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, Jasper is the shy cousin to bold, brassy Banff. Many prefer the more serene experience that it offers. Approximately four hours north of Banff and 4 hours west of Edmonton, capital of the province of Alberta. It can be reached by road or train. Highway 16, the Yellowhead Highway, connects Jasper to Edmonton, which has an international airport and is served by many major airlines. Highway 93, the Icefields Parkway, connects south through the Rockies to Lake Louise and onto Banff. Drivers will have to pay for a park admission pass as the town of Jasper is located within Jasper National Park. There are bus and train connections from Edmonton, Banff and Vancouver.

Those driving to the park should be aware that a park fee of $7/adult per night (max $14/carload per night) applies. Annual passes are available for $89.

Get around

No public transit. Bikes for rent in the summer. A few taxis available. Rental cars available.

Hitchhikers report that getting a lift in Jasper is very easy.

See

• Maligne Lake, which has regular boat trips to see the wonder of a lake with water two different colours in different parts.

Do

• Excellent camping in the summer. Cross Country and downhill skiing in winter - see http://www.skimarmot.com for downhill ski information.
  

  

  Marmot Basin ski map

Athabasca Falls

• Miette Hotsprings, [2], are an excellent place to go and relax after a day of hiking.
• Jasper Tram [3]
• Maligne Canyon [4] The river, up near Maligne Lake, flows in a mighty torrent. When it enters Medicine Lake (named in reference to bad medicine) it does so with great volumes. It does not, however, appear to flow out. Indeed, through the summer months Medicine Lake disappears until, in mid autumn all that is left is a thin channel that itself disappears into the shoreline.
• Athabasca Falls - The Athabasca River thunders through a narrow gorge where the walls have been smoothed and potholes are created by the sheer force of the rushing water carrying sand and rock. Parking and restroom facilities. Paved trail and picnic sites available

• Columbia Ice Field [http:columbiaicefields.com]
• Mount Robson (The parks namesake peak is the highest in the Canadian Rockies at 3954 metres. Mount Robson Provincial Park is 217,200 hectares of stunning mountains, valleys, and waterways. Forests of spruce, fir, balsam, cedar and alder are home to an abundant array of wildlife including mountain goats, moose, deer, elk, marmot and squirrels and chipmunks. The Rearguard Falls of the Fraser River is the furthest migration point of the Pacific salmon.

Buy

• No shortage of souvenir shops on the main street.
• Also, clothing, books, and plenty of outdoor equipment.
• Ski shops will also rent gear if you don't want to take your chances on the hills.

Eat

Something Else - Greek restaurant, that serves up a variety of cuisine, and pizza 621 Patricia St

Sorrentino's Bistro Bar - Italian restaurant, popular Canadian chain 96 Geike St

Denjiro Japanese Restaurant - Japanese cuisine, sushi 410 Connaught Dr

Becker's Gourmet Restaurant - French / Canadian cuisine

Kimchi House - Korean cuisine 1-780-852-5022 407 Patricia St

Jasper Brewing Company - Unique in Jasper, beer is brewed on-site 1-780-852-4111 624 Connaught Dr

Le Petit Marche - The elegant Brasserie features buffet, a la minute and carving stations, plus a la carte menu at the Chateau Jasper, 96 Geikie St

Earls - Western Canadian cuisine 2nd flr, 600 Patricia St (at Miette Ave)

Drink

Buckles Saloon Maligne Lodge, W end Connaught Dr 1 780 852-7074

De'd Dog Bar & Grill Bsmt, 620 Connaught Dr 1 780 852-9449

Villa Caruso Corner, Connaught Dr and Hazel Ave 1 780 852-3920

The 'B' Ale House 510 Patricia St 1 780 852-3386

Chateau Jasper 96 Geikie St 1 780 852-5644

Nick's Bar Juniper St between Connaught Dr and Geikie St 1 780 852-4966

Sleep

Budget

In the summer, there is excellent camping in the campgrounds operated by Parks Canada.

• HI: Maligne Canyon, Maligne Lake Rd (turn south off highway 16 just east of the townsite), 780-852-3215 or 877-852-0781 (fax 780-852-5560) [5]. Closed Wednesdays Oct-Apr, open all other times. Check-in between 5pm and 11pm, checkout by 10am. This small, 24 bed hostel, is an excellent place to get away from things for a while. Though it lacks running water, you'll not miss anything else...there's a good sized kitchen, a supply of drinking water, and a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. $15/person for HI members, $20/person for non-members.

Mid-range

There are numerous motels and inns within the town, as well as in Hinton, just outside the eastern entrance to the park.

• Mount Robson Inn 902 Connaught Drive, TEL:(780)-852-3327. A comfortable well equipped two storey motel style inn. All rooms have air conditioning, cable television, and plenty of room. Reasonable prices.

• Patricia Lake BungalowsPO Box 657 Jasper

780 852-3560

• Chateau Jasper Rates: CAD $140 - $462 — offers exceptional accommodations and amenities complemented by a young, personable staff who extend a warm and sincere welcome. Each guest room is beautifully appointed and retains the charm of the majestic Rockies. A restaurant and conference facilities are available on-site.

• Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre Rates: CAD $115 - $360

• Maligne Lodge Rates: CAD $86 - $473 — Come and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Maligne Lodge. A stones throw away from the historical locations of the town centre. 1 780 852-3143

• Mount Robson Inn Rates: CAD $94 - $325, offers 80 luxurious, well appointed rooms and suites.

902 Connaught Drive Jasper 1 780 852-3327

• Jasper Park Inn Rates: CAD $93 - $413 — Cozy and tastefully appointed fireside accommodation, comfortable amenities and casual fine dining amid the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

98 Geikie Street 780 852-4461

• Marmot Lodge Rates: CAD 70 - 260 Distinctive rooms and suites reflect a commitment to quality and fine detail. Look out upon the beauty of the mountains rising above the park-like grounds and the forests beyond. Featuring heated indoor pool, sauna and whirlpool as well as kitchen suites.

86 Connaught Drive 780 852-4471

Splurge

• Jasper Park Lodge, [6] Old Lodge Rd (turn south off highway 16 just east of the townsite, and make a quick right after crossing the river),780-852-3301 or 800-257-7544 (jasperparklodge@fairmont.com, fax 780-852-5107) [7]. The Jasper Park Lodge is the premier hotel in Jasper, and one of the most famous and storied mountain resorts in the Canada. Started as a tenting site in conjunction with the Grand Trunk Railway in 1915, it has grown into a renowned destination resort. $400 and up.

Get out