JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Snowcapped peaks, vast icefields, beautiful glacial lakes, soothing hot springs, thundering rivers, and the most extensive backcountry trail system of any Canadian national park make Jasper a stunning counterpart to its sister park, Banff. Lying on the Albertan side of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper protects the entire upper watershed of the Athabasca River, extending to the Columbia Icefield (and Banff National Park) in the south. To the east are the foothills, to the west the Continental Divide (which marks the Alberta–British Columbia border) and Mount Robson Provincial Park. Encompassing 10,900 square km (4,208 square miles), Jasper is a haven for wildlife; much of its wilderness is traveled only by wolves and grizzlies.

The park’s most spectacular natural landmarks can be admired from two major roads. The Yellowhead Highway runs east–west from Edmonton to British Columbia through the park. The Icefields Parkway, regarded as one of the world’s great mountain drives, runs north–south, connecting Jasper to Banff. At the junction of these two highways is the park’s main service center—the town of Jasper. With half the population of Banff, its setting—at the confluence of the Athabasca and Miette Rivers, surrounded by rugged, snowcapped peaks—is a little less dramatic, though still beautiful. But the town is also less commercialized than Banff and its streets a little quieter—a major plus for those looking to get away from it all.

Many of the park’s campgrounds are accessible by road, while others dot the backcountry. Hiking is the number one attraction, but fishing, boating, downhill skiing and snowboarding, golfing, horseback riding, and white-water rafting are also popular. The park is open year-round, although road closures do occur on the Icefields Parkway during winter months due to avalanche-control work and snowstorms.

Columbia Icefield: Don’t miss this glacial area at the southern end of Jasper National Park. Take the Ice Explorer tour to get a close-up view of this natural wonder. (read more)

Wilcox Pass: Escape the crowds lingering around the Icefield Centre on this hike, where the panorama of the Columbia Icefield is laid out in all its glory. (read more)

Mount Edith Cavell: Although this peak is visible from various points within the park, no vantage point is as memorable as that from its base, reachable by road from Highway 93A (page 206). For a neck-straining view, take the Cavell Meadows Trail. (read more)

Maligne Canyon: Easy access makes this attraction extremely popular. Visit before 9 a.m. to miss the tour bus crowd. (read more)

Maligne Lake: The most famous body of water in Jasper National Park. And for good reason—it’s simply stunning. Take a tour boat to Spirit Island or hike the Lake Trail (Mary Schäffer Loop) along the lake’s eastern shore. (read more)

Astoria River/Tonquin Valley: A trail up the Astoria River leads to the Tonquin Valley, one of the park’s most spectacular sights. If you aren’t equipped for backcountry camping, consider riding in on horseback and staying at one of two wilderness lodges. (read more)

Opal Hills: The vast majority of visitors to Maligne Lake area don’t travel past the lake’s shoreline. Go beyond the ordinary on this trail, which provides stunning views of the whole Maligne Valley from alpine meadows. (read more)