The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies offers pristine wilderness, the Columbia Icefield, and world-class dark sky preserve. Experience the Athabasca Glacier, Maligne Lake, and some of the best stargazing in North America at the annual Dark Sky Festival.
Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, covering 10,878 square kilometres of Alberta wilderness and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks cluster. The southern end of the park shares the Columbia Icefield with Banff, including the Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Maligne Lake, 48 kilometres south of Jasper townsite, is the largest glacially-fed lake in the Canadian Rockies; boat tours to Spirit Island offer the classic Maligne framing. Maligne Canyon, a short drive from town, is one of the deepest canyons in the Rockies and can be explored on a network of bridges over its turquoise narrows. The town of Jasper provides services, dining, and accommodation at roughly half the density of Banff, giving the park a less commercial feel despite its size. Miette Hot Springs, the hottest natural springs in the Canadian Rockies, are located 61 kilometres northeast of town and open seasonally. Jasper is a designated Dark Sky Preserve — one of the largest in the world — and the annual Dark Sky Festival in October draws astronomers and casual stargazers for guided viewings. Wildlife sightings are common along the Icefields Parkway, with elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears frequently seen near the road, and grizzly bears active in higher elevations from May onward.
Good to know
- Hours
- 24/7, visitor centers 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Best for
- nature lovers, stargazers, adventure seekers
Location
Jasper, AB T0E 1E0
52.8734, -117.9543 View on map
Highlights
- Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier — accessible glacier and glass Skywalk at the park's southern border
- Maligne Lake boat tours to Spirit Island — one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Rockies
- Maligne Canyon — deep turquoise narrows walkable on multiple bridge levels
- Jasper Dark Sky Preserve — annual October festival and year-round stargazing
- Miette Hot Springs — hottest natural springs in the Canadian Rockies, 61 km from town
Tips for visiting
- Drive the Icefields Parkway from Banff for stunning scenery
- Book glacier tours months in advance
- Visit in October for Dark Sky Festival
When to visit
July and August offer the warmest weather, open facilities, and active Maligne Lake boat tours. September brings autumn colour and the Dark Sky Festival with reduced visitor numbers. Winter (December–March) opens the park to cross-country skiing and icefield photography with minimal crowds.
Accessibility
The Jasper townsite has paved sidewalks and accessible services. The Athabasca Glacier Ice Explorer tour vehicle is accessible for most mobility levels. Maligne Lake boat dock and picnic areas are largely accessible. Maligne Canyon's lower bridges can be reached on a relatively flat path; upper canyon sections require steps.
Frequently asked questions
How long should visitors allow for Jasper National Park?
Two to four days allows time for Maligne Lake, Maligne Canyon, the Icefields Parkway, and wildlife drives. A full week suits hikers tackling backcountry routes like the Skyline Trail.
Is a Parks Canada pass required?
Yes. A daily park pass or annual Discovery Pass is required for vehicle entry. Passes are sold at the park gates and online.
When is the best time for wildlife sightings?
Dawn and dusk from May through October offer the best wildlife activity. Elk congregate near the townsite in September–October rut, and bear sightings along the Icefields Parkway are most frequent from May through July.