Parks Canada wants to thank all residents and visitors for their patience and understanding as we work to contain the Excelsior Wildfire in Jasper National Park. The Maligne Valley is an important area, and we are working hard to minimise the impact on the community of Jasper and its visitors.
Public safety remains Parks Canada’s first priority, and a number of closures and restrictions within Jasper have been put in place. While this may require significant changes to your trip plan, it also creates an opportunity for you to explore some of the other incredible areas of the park.
Are you a day hiker?
The vast majority of Jasper’s day hiking adventures are open with no significant restrictions in place outside of the Maligne Valley. If you are looking for a short family hike, why not visit any of the Pyramid Bench trails, the Lower Sunwapta Falls or the beautiful alpine hike at Parker Ridge? Challenging hikes with amazing views abound—try the Sulphur Skyline, wander up Wilcox Pass or hike the entire way up Whistlers Mountain and enjoy an easy ride back down on the SkyTram.
Are you mountain biking?
Jasper offers one of the largest networks of multi-use trails in any national park in Canada. Drop by the Information Centre to pick up a brochure, then rent a bike in town and you’re on your way. Trails are rated by ability level, much like a ski hill Parks Canada wants to thank all residents and visitors for their patience and understanding as we work to contain the Excelsior Wildfire in Jasper National Park. The Maligne Valley is an important area, and we are working hard to minimise the impact on the community of Jasper and its visitors.
Public safety remains Parks Canada’s first priority, and a number of closures and restrictions within Jasper have been put in place. While this may require significant changes to your trip plan, it also creates an opportunity for you to explore some of the other incredible areas of the park.
Are you a day hiker?
The vast majority of Jasper’s day hiking adventures are open with no significant restrictions in place outside of the Maligne Valley. If you are looking for a short family hike, why not visit any of the Pyramid Bench trails, the Lower Sunwapta Falls or the beautiful alpine hike at Parker Ridge? Challenging hikes with amazing views abound—try the Sulphur Skyline, wander up Wilcox Pass or hike the entire way up Whistlers Mountain and enjoy an easy ride back down on the SkyTram.
Are you mountain biking?
Jasper offers one of the largest networks of multi-use trails in any national park in Canada. Drop by the Information Centre to pick up a brochure, then rent a bike in town and you’re on your way. Trails are rated by ability level, much like a ski hill rates its terrain. There are lots of blues and blacks if you are looking for an adrenaline filled ride, with several connected greens that link up the town with the best of Jasper’s viewpoints.
Are you backpacking?
Jasper’s iconic Tonquin Valley is open and incredibly popular. For shorter backcountry excursions, some great trips include the Fryatt Valley and Geraldine Lakes. If you are looking for a short backcountry jaunt, head for Jasper’s spectacular Big Bend.
Are you kayaking or canoeing?
There is no shortage of lakes in Jasper. Rent a canoe or kayak on Lac Beauvert or Pyramid Lake. Check out the new stand-up paddleboarding offer on Lake Edith. You can also try something new and put your family in a canoe on Honeymoon Lake or Leach Lake for a quiet paddle.
Are you fishing?
The stretch of Athabasca and Miette rivers are open and offer great scenic places to fly fish. Boat access for canoes is available on Talbot Lake.
The biggest bodies of water on Pyramid Bench are Patricia and Pyramid lakes, which offer some classic fishing locations and often a good size trout to reward your efforts.
Are you picnicking and relaxing?
Lakeside enjoyment abounds in Jasper. Visit Lake Annette or Pyramid Lake for the best beaches in the Canadian Rockies, including water that’s warm enough to swim in. Venture beyond the busy lakes and experience the solitude that comes from a picnic at Leach Lake or Mount Christie picnic areas.
Miette Hot Springs has a day-use area that’s great for a big group, especially when it’s combined with a dip in the hot pools and a walk to the source of the springs.
Are you looking for a waterfall fix?
Check out the plunging waters of Athabasca Falls or Sunwapta Falls. There’s also the roadside delight of Tangle Falls near the Columbia Icefield.
Go with a guide!
Some of Jasper’s best known adventures are best done together. Meet new friends and experience the other side of Jasper, whether it be rafting, horseback riding, hiking or looking for wildlife with a certified interpretive guide.
Speak with a Tourism Jasper representative at the Jasper National Park Information Centre for more information on a guided trip.
For the latest information on what’s open or trip planning ideas, visit the Parks Canada website at www.pc.gc.ca/jasper, drop by the Parks Canada Information Centre in Jasper (open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and at the Columbia Icefield Centre (open 10 a.m. to 5p.m.), or follow us on Facebook (@JasperNP) and Twitter (@JasperNP).
rates its terrain. There are lots of blues and blacks if you are looking for an adrenaline filled ride, with several connected greens that link up the town with the best of Jasper’s viewpoints.
Are you backpacking?
Jasper’s iconic Tonquin Valley is open and incredibly popular. For shorter backcountry excursions, some great trips include the Fryatt Valley and Geraldine Lakes. If you are looking for a short backcountry jaunt, head for Jasper’s spectacular Big Bend.
Are you kayaking or canoeing?
There is no shortage of lakes in Jasper. Rent a canoe or kayak on Lac Beauvert or Pyramid Lake. Check out the new stand-up paddleboarding offer on Lake Edith. You can also try something new and put your family in a canoe on Honeymoon Lake or Leach Lake for a quiet paddle.
Are you fishing?
The stretch of Athabasca and Miette rivers are open and offer great scenic places to fly fish. Boat access for canoes is available on Talbot Lake.
The biggest bodies of water on Pyramid Bench are Patricia and Pyramid lakes, which offer some classic fishing locations and often a good size trout to reward your efforts.
Are you picnicking and relaxing?
Lakeside enjoyment abounds in Jasper. Visit Lake Annette or Pyramid Lake for the best beaches in the Canadian Rockies, including water that’s warm enough to swim in. Venture beyond the busy lakes and experience the solitude that comes from a picnic at Leach Lake or Mount Christie picnic areas.
Miette Hot Springs has a day-use area that’s great for a big group, especially when it’s combined with a dip in the hot pools and a walk to the source of the springs.
Are you looking for a waterfall fix?
Check out the plunging waters of Athabasca Falls or Sunwapta Falls. There’s also the roadside delight of Tangle Falls near the Columbia Icefield.
Go with a guide!
Some of Jasper’s best known adventures are best done together. Meet new friends and experience the other side of Jasper, whether it be rafting, horseback riding, hiking or looking for wildlife with a certified interpretive guide.
Speak with a Tourism Jasper representative at the Jasper National Park Information Centre for more information on a guided trip.
For the latest information on what’s open or trip planning ideas, visit the Parks Canada website, drop by the Parks Canada Information Centre in Jasper (open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and at the Columbia Icefield Centre (open 10 a.m. to 5p.m.), or follow us on Facebook (@JasperNP) and Twitter (@JasperNP).
Parks Canada
Special to the Fitzhugh