Jasper National Park of Canada wilderness guide

National Park · Alberta

Jasper National Park of Canada

Jasper National Park is a vast wilderness region in Alberta, Canada, renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, diverse wildlife, and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities.

National Park2,774,5004+ Trails

1907NATIONAL PARK

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

2,774,500

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Jasper National Park of Canada

Jasper National Park is a vast wilderness region in Alberta, Canada, renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, diverse wildlife, and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Jasper National Park, located in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, covering an area of over 4,000 square miles. The park is known for its striking alpine scenery, glaciers, hot springs, lakes, and rivers. Established in 1907, Jasper offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore an array of ecosystems, from dense evergreen forests to fragile alpine meadows. The park is a haven for wildlife, providing habitat for species such as elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain goats. Recreational opportunities abound, with activities ranging from hiking and camping to skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can explore the park's extensive network of trails, take scenic drives along the Icefields Parkway, and visit landmarks like the Athabasca Glacier and Maligne Lake. Jasper's rich natural beauty and accessibility make it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Field Guide · National Park

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Jasper National Park of Canada

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Athabasca Glacier✦ Maligne Lake✦ Mount Edith Cavell✦ Columbia Icefield

Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Jasper National Park of Canada

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Jasper National Park of Canada

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Jasper National Park of Canada

Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Jasper National Park of Canada

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Jasper National Park of Canada

Park Recreation

Skiing and Snowboarding

Available in Jasper National Park of Canada

Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Jasper National Park of Canada

Park Recreation

Canoeing

Available in Jasper National Park of Canada

Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Jasper National Park of Canada

Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Jasper National Park of Canada

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Jasper National Park of Canada.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Parks Canada pass required for entry.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.

Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.

Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.

Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).

Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Jasper National Park of Canada

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Whistlers Campground

The largest campground in the park, recently renovated, offering modern amenities including shower facilities.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Wapiti Campground

Situated along the Athabasca River, it is known for its beautiful views and convenient location near Jasper townsite.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Jasper National Park of Canada

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Jasper, Alberta

⌖ 0.18 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Jasper, Alberta

Jasper, Alberta is an adventurer's paradise in the Canadian Rockies. From hiking and paddling to skiing and wildlife viewing, Jasper’s pristine landscapes offer incredible outdoor experiences.

Summer and Early Fall

Hinton, Alberta

⌖ 41.71 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Hinton, Alberta

Hinton is a prime launching point for exploring rugged Rockies backcountry and river adventures. From hiking and biking to paddling and winter sports, it offers diverse outdoor experiences with fewer crowds.

Late Spring to Early Fall, Winter for skiing

Valemount, British Columbia

⌖ 50.22 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Valemount, British Columbia

Valemount is an adventurer’s haven, offering hiking, biking, and snow sports against the backdrop of British Columbia's stunning landscapes. Perfect for those seeking exploration and tranquility.

Summer and Winter

Tête Jaune Cache, British Columbia

⌖ 56.72 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Tête Jaune Cache, British Columbia

Tête Jaune Cache, BC is a gateway to rugged mountain adventures with hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and skiing. This quiet town near the Yellowhead Pass provides outdoors lovers a perfect basecamp surrounded by wilderness and rivers.

Late Spring to Early Fall for warm weather activities, Winter for skiing

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Jasper National Park of Canada

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Verified Outdoor Outfitters

Two Hours in a Harley Sidecar: Jasper’s Open-Road Rush Into the Canadian Rockies

ADVEXPEDITION

Jasper, Alberta

Bike TourADV Bookable

Two Hours in a Harley Sidecar: Jasper’s Open-Road Rush Into the Canadian Rockies

A guided, two-hour ride on a Harley Davidson™ sidecar from downtown Jasper that pairs open-road adrenaline with sweeping mountain scenery—this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and who the trip suits.

Bike TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Dawn and Dusk Wildlife Runs Through Jasper’s High Country

ADVEXPEDITION

Jasper, Alberta

Bus TourADV Bookable

Dawn and Dusk Wildlife Runs Through Jasper’s High Country

A guided minibus search of Jasper National Park that targets early-morning and evening wildlife activity and offers expert interpretation from a local guide.

Bus TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

E-Bike Safari Through Jasper’s Post-Wildfire Wilds

ADVEXPEDITION

Jasper, Alberta

E-BikeADV Bookable

E-Bike Safari Through Jasper’s Post-Wildfire Wilds

A 3.5-hour, 25 km guided e-bike tour around Jasper National Park that interprets wildfire recovery, wildlife and glacial lakes—this guide distills what to expect and how to plan.

E-BikePT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Athabasca Expressway: A Two‑Hour Raft Through Glacial River Valleys

ADVEXPEDITION

Jasper, Alberta

RaftingADV Bookable

Athabasca Expressway: A Two‑Hour Raft Through Glacial River Valleys

A guided, beginner‑friendly 2‑hour rafting trip that covers a 5‑mile (8 km) stretch of the glacial‑fed Athabasca River—this guide explains what to expect, how it runs, and the practical details for first‑time rafters and families.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Full‑Day Turn‑Key Rentals at Patricia Lake — 12 Hours of Paddle Time from Pure Outdoors

ADVEXPEDITION

Jasper, Alberta

RentalsADV Bookable

Full‑Day Turn‑Key Rentals at Patricia Lake — 12 Hours of Paddle Time from Pure Outdoors

A 12‑hour, turn‑key boat rental in Jasper that supplies canoes, kayaks or SUPs and all required safety gear, with flexible check‑in and a single return point.

RentalsPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Turn‑Key Half‑Day on Lake Annette — Summer Boat Rentals in Jasper National Park

ADVEXPEDITION

Jasper, Alberta

RentalsADV Bookable

Turn‑Key Half‑Day on Lake Annette — Summer Boat Rentals in Jasper National Park

A 5-hour summer rental that supplies canoes, kayaks and SUPs with all required safety equipment and clear check‑in/return procedures—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

RentalsPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Alpine for a Day: Renting the High Country Around Jasper with Pure Outdoors

ADVEXPEDITION

Jasper, Alberta

RentalsADV Bookable

Alpine for a Day: Renting the High Country Around Jasper with Pure Outdoors

Full Day Alpine Rentals in Jasper, Alberta—an operator-led rental offering that this guide consolidates into essential, practical facts for planning.

RentalsPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

A full-day on the water at Beaver Lake — turnkey rentals for canoes, kayaks and SUPs in Jasper

ADVEXPEDITION

Jasper, Alberta

RentalsADV Bookable

A full-day on the water at Beaver Lake — turnkey rentals for canoes, kayaks and SUPs in Jasper

A 12-hour summer boat rental from Pure Outdoors in Jasper that supplies paddles, PFDs and launch instructions so you can self‑guided paddle on Beaver Lake with minimal fuss.

RentalsPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Six Days of Alpine Rentals in Jasper — Pure Outdoors’ short-form access to the Canadian Rockies

ADVEXPEDITION

Jasper, Alberta

RentalsADV Bookable

Six Days of Alpine Rentals in Jasper — Pure Outdoors’ short-form access to the Canadian Rockies

A six-day alpine rental program in Jasper, Alberta, operated by Pure Outdoors; this guide collects the core facts travelers must confirm before they arrive.

RentalsPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Five Days of Alpine Gear in Jasper: a concise guide to Pure Outdoors’ rental offering

ADVEXPEDITION

Jasper, Alberta

RentalsADV Bookable

Five Days of Alpine Gear in Jasper: a concise guide to Pure Outdoors’ rental offering

Facts and practical notes for Pure Outdoors’ Five Day Alpine Rentals in Jasper, Alberta — what the five‑day rental is, where it’s based, and what to confirm before you go.

RentalsPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Four Days of Alpine Rentals in Jasper — Pure Outdoors’ short window into the high country

ADVEXPEDITION

Jasper, Alberta

RentalsADV Bookable

Four Days of Alpine Rentals in Jasper — Pure Outdoors’ short window into the high country

A four-day rental offering in Jasper, Alberta, operated by Pure Outdoors; this guide lays out what to expect, how to prepare, and who should consider the program.

RentalsPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Three Days in Jasper: Pure Outdoors’ Alpine Rentals

ADVEXPEDITION

Jasper, Alberta

RentalsADV Bookable

Three Days in Jasper: Pure Outdoors’ Alpine Rentals

A concise, factual guide to Pure Outdoors’ Three Day Alpine Rentals in Jasper, Alberta — what the offering is, where it takes place, and the practical details travellers should confirm before they go.

RentalsPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip