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There are many ways to see Jasper. From the comfort of a tour bus or deluxe railcoach to sitting astride a horse in a high mountain pass, the opportunities for exploration are endless.
A short walk through town will take you by the headquarters for many tour companies, wilderness outfitters, whitewater rafting companies and even dog sled companies, where you can inquire about tour dates and haggle over prices.
The town of Jasper sits at the north end of the Icefields Parkway, and is the northernmost mountain town in Alberta. The area is rich in history and natural resorces, not the least of which are the spectacular views. Photographers and nature-lovers will be delighted by both the mountain panoramas and abundant wildlife.
In the town of Jasper, there are many ways to get familiar with the park before you venture out into the wilderness. The Jasper Information Centre is a good place to start, and can give you a good overview of the park, its attractions and hazards. For local history, the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum gives you the background you need to fully appreciate the people who have called this area home for thousands of years and the history of the park itself.
If you don’t feel like tromping around on your own two feet, there are quite a few mechanized ways to see the park. A fine way to tour the mountains is aboard one of the luxurious cars of the Canadian Pacific Railroad sightseeing trains. Trips can last up to several days and take you on a journey through the mountains of Alberta and eastern British Columbia. Billionaire Bill Gates recently booked the entire train for a week, in order to have a little peace and quiet.
Brewster Tours runs a fleet of tour buses which shuttle visitors through Banff and Jasper. The motorcoaches are well-appointed, and have interpretive guides to explain points of interest. For a little extra adventure, you can sign up for Brewster's Snocoach tour of the Athabasca Glacier. SnoCoaches are huge tour buses with monster-truck tires for driving right up onto the surface of the glacier.
Those who want a closer look can get out and walk around on the surface of the ice itself. If you don’t particularly feel like crawling up onto the glacier, you can learn all about its history and unique geography at the Icefield Centre.
A good way to see the park at your own pace is in a rental car, but make sure you check road conditions before heading out, as many of the backroads are not regularly maintained.
In the summer, you can rent a mountain bike and explore the trails around Jasper. The Pyramid Bench and Five Lakes Trails are especially good for cyclists. In the winter, a snowmobile tour allows you to get far into the back-country with a minimum of effort. Horse-drawn sleigh rides are available in the winter at the base of Pyramid mountain, and in the summer you can take a multi-day horseback pack trip into the highlands behind Pyramid Mountain.
Fishing is allowed in the park, and there are many fine waters ready for anglers to wet their lines. Eastern Brook and Rainbow trout are the two most popular quarries, and can be found in many of the lakes and rivers. Make sure to purchase a Parks Canada fishing license and obtain a copy of the regulations before you head out on the water—or better yet, obtain the services of a guide to show you where the lungers hang out.
White water rafting expeditions are available both on the upper Maligne River and the Fraser River to the west from May to September.
Marmot Basin is the only downhill ski area in the park, and is one of the most spectacular in Canada. Well known for its uncrowded lift lines and plentiful fresh powder snow, it is a delight for both skiers and snowboarders.
Parker Ridge is a popular back-country area for self-propelled adventurers. Make sure that you have up to date avalanche information, proper gear and winter survival training before you head off the beaten track, lest a snowslide turn you into an icicle.
Summer and winter, Maligne Canyon is a popular excursion. Only a 10-minute drive from Jasper, the chasm is hundreds of feet deep, while only about 10 feet wide, and is filled with churning water in the warmer months. In the winter it freezes into a fantasyland of twisted ice, and makes for a spectacular walk.
No matter what you choose to do, make sure to consult with parks staff to ensure that you won’t run into any unexpected problems. The park is still very wild, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
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