Jasper National Park wilderness guide

National Park · AB

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a renowned outdoor destination in the Canadian Rockies, famous for its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife.

National Park2,719,7894+ Trails

1907NATIONAL PARK

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

2,719,789

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a renowned outdoor destination in the Canadian Rockies, famous for its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Established in 1907, Jasper National Park spans over 4,200 square miles making it the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. The park's rugged landscape is characterized by towering peaks, expansive glaciers, dense forests, and alpine meadows. It is home to diverse ecosystems supporting wildlife such as elk, caribou, bears, and wolves. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore over 600 miles of trails, offering opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. Notable natural landmarks include the Athabasca Glacier, Maligne Lake, and Mount Edith Cavell. The park is also a part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, recognized for its natural beauty and geological significance. Each year, millions of visitors are drawn to Jasper for its panoramic vistas, recreational pursuits, and tranquil natural surroundings.

Field Guide · National Park

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Jasper National Park

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

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Athabasca Glacier - Accessible part of the Columbia Icefield.✦ Maligne Lake - Famous for its stunning azure waters and Spirit Island.✦ Mount Edith Cavell - Noted for dramatic glaciers and wildflower meadows.✦ Hot Springs - Enjoy the soothing waters at Miette Hot Springs.

Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Jasper National Park

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Jasper National Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Jasper National Park

Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Jasper National Park

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Jasper National Park

Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Jasper National Park

Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Jasper National Park

Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Jasper National Park

Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Jasper National Park

Park Recreation

Climbing

Available in Jasper National Park

Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Jasper National Park

Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Jasper National Park

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.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

National park 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

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

Wapiti Campground

Located near the Athabasca River with sites for tents and RVs, open year-round.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Whistlers Campground

Largest campground in Jasper, recently renovated with modern amenities.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Jasper National Park

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

⌖ 41.72 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

⌖ 50.19 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

⌖ 56.69 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

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

Verified Outdoor Outfitters

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

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

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