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National park · Canada

Jasper National Park

Pay the Parks Canada entry fee (about CAD 11 per adult per day) and give Jasper 2 nights: Maligne Canyon and the valley lakes on day one, Mount Edith Cavell or a Valley of the Five Lakes walk on day two; skip the Maligne Lake cruise unless you want Spirit Island, and drive the Icefields Parkway south rather than backtracking.

Not field-verifiedUNESCO World Heritage 1984Some areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026
Map to the park
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Directions
From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

10,878 km²

approximate

Established

1907

Best months

Jun–Sep

UNESCO

World Heritage

Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
  • North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
  • North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
  • North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
  • Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
  • Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
  • Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.

At a glance

Country
Canada
Area
10,878 km²
About 10,878 km² (4,200 sq mi); the largest of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks (check).
Established
1907
Best months
Jun–Sep
Permits
For some areas

Jasper is the largest of Canada's Rocky Mountain parks and the quietest of the big three, because it sits 3.5 hours north of Banff on the same highway. The town of Jasper is inside the park, so you sleep among the mountains rather than commuting to them. Trails run from 20-minute canyon boardwalks to multi-day backcountry routes, and the Icefields Parkway south to Lake Louise is one of the best drives in the country. Wildlife is real here: elk, bighorn sheep and both black and grizzly bears share the valleys, so food storage and distance rules are not optional.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

  • UNESCO World Heritage · 1984Part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site.

Size and age

10,878 km² · national park since 1907

About 10,878 km² (4,200 sq mi); the largest of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks (check).

Why go

  • The town sits inside the park, so trailheads and lakes are minutes from your bed.
  • More than 1,000 km of trails, from flat lakeshore loops to the Tonquin Valley.
  • The Icefields Parkway south to Lake Louise passes glaciers, waterfalls and the Columbia Icefield.
  • Quieter than Banff: fewer buses, easier parking, and dark skies over the townsite.

When to go

12-month verdict
  1. JanAvoid
  2. FebCaution
  3. MarCaution
  4. AprCaution
  5. MayGo
  6. JunBest
  7. JulBest
  8. AugBest
  9. SepBest
  10. OctGo
  11. NovCaution
  12. DecCaution
  • JanDeep cold; most services closed
  • FebSki and ice-climb season; -20°C nights
  • MarSnow persists on trails
  • AprMelt and mud; lakes still frozen
  • MayLow trails open; some snow up high
  • JunLong days; waterfalls full; snow lingers on passes
  • JulWarmest and busiest; book everything
  • AugWarm; wildfire smoke possible
  • SepClear, cooler, thinner crowds
  • OctLarches turn gold; early snow possible
  • NovShoulder season; many places shut
  • DecWinter driving; short days

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year
Wildlife and nature calendar for Jasper National Park
WhatJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Elk and bighorn sheep along Highway 16 and the townsite edgesMay–Octnonononoyesyesyesyesyesyesnono
Black and grizzly bears in valleys and berry slopesMay–Oct · Carry bear spray on trails and make noise.nonononoyesyesyesyesyesyesnono
Mountain goats at roadside mineral licksJun–Sepnononononoyesyesyesyesnonono
Larch colour in the high meadowsSep–Octnonononononononoyesyesnono

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

How to get there

From Edmonton

Drive Highway 16 west via Hinton; airport at Edmonton (YEG).

3.5–4 h

Open the page →

From Calgary

Drive the Icefields Parkway north from Lake Louise; longer but far more scenic.

5–6 h

From Banff and Lake Louise

Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway) north; fuel at Lake Louise and Jasper only.

3.5–4 h

From Vancouver

VIA Rail's The Canadian to Jasper station, or fly to Edmonton and drive.

19–20 h by train

Zones and sectors

Zones of Jasper National Park
ZoneWhat is thereAccess
Jasper townsiteShops, hotels, hostels, the visitor centre and the only fuel in the park.Open; walkable centre.
Maligne ValleyMaligne Canyon, Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake, east of town.Open; road plowed in winter to the canyon.
Mount Edith Cavell and Cavell MeadowsAngel Glacier, meadows and the steep Cavell Road.Road open roughly June to October; check status.
Icefields Parkway corridorAthabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, glaciers and the Columbia Icefield.Open year-round; winter conditions can close it.
Miette and the east gateHot springs, Miette campground and the road toward Hinton.Open; springs seasonal.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation
Sketch map of 10 approximate points in Jasper National Park, north up12345678910
Approximate positions across the park, from the townsite to the Columbia Icefield, for orientation only.
  1. 1Jasper townsite and visitor centre · Town≈52.877, -118.081Map ↗
  2. 2Maligne Canyon · Trail≈52.920, -118.004Map ↗
  3. 3Medicine Lake · Viewpoint≈52.871, -117.801Map ↗
  4. 4Maligne Lake · Beach≈52.727, -117.639Map ↗
  5. 5Mount Edith Cavell trailhead · Trail≈52.687, -118.056Map ↗
  6. 6Athabasca Falls · Viewpoint≈52.665, -117.885Map ↗
  7. 7Sunwapta Falls · Viewpoint≈52.532, -117.646Map ↗
  8. 8Columbia Icefield · Viewpoint≈52.199, -117.246Map ↗
  9. 9Miette Hot Springs · Sleep≈53.130, -117.772Map ↗
  10. 10East gate near Hinton · Gate≈53.221, -117.837Map ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

TrailsEasy1–2 hMaligne Canyon loopPaved and fenced along the rim with bridges over the gorge; icy in winter but walkable with traction.
TrailsEasy2–3 hValley of the Five LakesAbout 4.5 km of rolling forest to five small lakes; the easiest good hike from town.
TrailsModerate2–4 hMount Edith Cavell and Cavell MeadowsPath of the Glacier is short and paved; the meadows loop climbs steeply. Road is narrow and seasonal.
Boat tripsEasy1.5 h cruiseMaligne Lake and Spirit IslandThe island is reachable only by boat; a shoreline trail north of the boathouse is quieter.Booking: Book online in summer
ViewpointsEasy30–45 minAthabasca FallsPaved paths and viewing platforms over a narrow gorge; quick stop on the parkway.
CultureEasy2 hMiette Hot SpringsHot pools fed at about 54°C and cooled to roughly 40°C; open May to mid-October.
ViewpointsHard2–3 hJasper SkyTram and Whistlers summitCable car most of the way, then a steep exposed walk; weather changes fast.
TrailsExpert3–4 daysTonquin ValleyClassic multi-day route to the Ramparts; river crossings and mud.Booking: Backcountry permit required

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

CAD ranges · check
Fees for Jasper National Park
ItemRangePerNote
Parks Canada entry, adult, per dayCAD 11person2026 estimate; buy at a gate or online (check current rate).
Parks Canada Discovery Pass, annual adultCAD 75–80person2026 estimate; pays off on a multi-park trip.
Maligne Lake cruise to Spirit IslandCAD 95–130person2026 estimate; book ahead in July and August.
Jasper SkyTramCAD 55–65person2026 estimate; summit walk is steep and exposed.
Miette Hot SpringsCAD 15–20person2026 estimate; open roughly May to mid-October.
Front-country campsite, unservicedCAD 25–35night2026 estimate; serviced sites cost more.

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Park entry pass permit or guide

Buy at a park gate, the Jasper visitor centre, or online; display it on your dashboard.

Backcountry camping permit permit or guide

Reserve through Parks Canada before you go; camping outside designated sites is illegal.

Fishing licence permit or guide

A national park fishing permit is needed for any lake or river in the park.

Maligne Lake cruise no permit

Book online in summer; walk-up seats are unreliable in July and August.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more
Food storage
Keep all food and scented items in a vehicle or bear-proof container; never in a tent.
Wildlife distance
Stay at least 100 m from bears and 30 m from elk, sheep and deer; stay in your car for roadside sightings.
Drones
Not allowed anywhere in the park without a permit (check).check
Camping
Only in designated campgrounds or with a backcountry permit; random camping is illegal.
Fires
Only in provided fire pits; check for fire bans before you light anything.
Pets
Keep dogs on a leash at all times; most trails and all backcountry routes exclude them.

Where to stay

In the park

Jasper townsite

Hotels, motels, hostels and restaurants; the only fuel and full services in the park.

In the park

Whistlers and Wapiti campgrounds

The two large front-country campgrounds south of town; Wapiti stays open in winter.

In the park

HI-Mount Edith Cavell and HI-Beauty Creek

Rustic hostels with no running water or electricity; propane kitchens, outdoor toilets.

In the park

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Full-service lakeside resort east of town with a golf course.

Near the park

Hinton

Cheaper motels 45 minutes east, outside the park.

Safety

Bears high

Carry bear spray where allowed, travel in groups, call out on blind corners, and never run.

Winter driving and avalanches high

Check road reports before the Icefields Parkway; closures can come without warning.

Cell coverage medium

Download offline maps; signal is patchy on Highway 93 and absent in the backcountry.

Weather swings medium

Take layers and rain gear even on short hikes; snow is possible any month at altitude.

Wildfire smoke medium

In July and August check air quality; smoke can close trails and obscure views.

Accessibility

  • The Jasper townsite, visitor centre, Maligne Canyon upper paths and Athabasca Falls viewpoints have paved, wheelchair-accessible routes.
  • The SkyTram summit, Cavell Meadows and most backcountry trails are steep and not suitable for limited mobility.

Visiting lightly

  • Stay on marked trails; alpine plants take years to recover from a single bootprint.
  • Pack out everything, including food scraps, and use bear-proof bins.
  • Book shuttles or car-share to Maligne Lake in peak season to cut parking pressure.
  • Keep your distance from wildlife; a photo is not worth an animal losing its fear of people.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Jasper National Park?

About CAD 11 per adult per day in 2026 (roughly USD 8), with lower rates for children and seniors and a family or group rate per vehicle. A Parks Canada Discovery Pass (about CAD 75–80 per adult for a year) is better value if you also visit Banff or other national parks. Buy at a gate or online and display the pass.

What are the best hikes in Jasper National Park?

For a short day: Maligne Canyon (1–2 h, easy) and Valley of the Five Lakes (2–3 h, easy). For something bigger: Cavell Meadows below Mount Edith Cavell (2–4 h, moderate, seasonal road) or the Path of the Glacier for a short paved option. Serious walkers head to the Tonquin Valley with a backcountry permit.

When is the best time to visit Jasper National Park?

June to September for hiking, with July and August the warmest and busiest. September is the sweet spot: clear air, fewer people and the larches turning in October. Winter is for skiing and ice climbing, and many services close from November.

Do I need a reservation to visit Jasper?

No reservation is needed to enter the park, but campgrounds, the Maligne Lake cruise, the SkyTram and hotels sell out in July and August. Backcountry camping needs a permit booked in advance.

Can I see the Columbia Icefield from Jasper?

Yes, but it is about 100 km south on the Icefields Parkway, roughly 1.5 hours each way. Most people see it while driving between Jasper and Lake Louise rather than as a day trip from town.

Is there fuel inside the park?

Only in the Jasper townsite. Fill up before heading south on the Icefields Parkway or east toward Hinton, and carry water and food for the drive.

Related

Travel to Canada National park passes

Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go

Sources