Population: 5,236
Jasper, Alberta is the townsite and park headquarters for Jasper National Park. Jasper National Park Information Center is housed in the historic 1914 building that originally housed park administration offices. The center offers maps, brochures, permits and visitor information, plus a gift shop. Open year-round. Phone 780-852-6176 or email [email protected].
A year-round international tourist destination, Jasper offers accommodations ranging from bungalows to luxury lodges like the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. There are a variety of places to eat and drink in town. Jasper Brewing Co. is a fun stop because it is the first brewery to open within a Canadian national park. There is also plenty of shopping in the compact, pedestrian-friendly town center.
Public parking for cars and RVs is available along Connaught Drive. There is a dedicated RV and trailer parking lot on Hazel Avenue between Connaught Drive and Yellowhead Highway 16.
Attractions
Jasper’s Marmot Basin is a popular ski area in winter. Jasper also offers a variety of summer activities, such as fishing, hiking, horseback riding, river rafting, and boating. In addition, Jasper has many well known attractions like the Jasper Skytram, Miette Hot Springs pools, scenic Pyramid Lake, and boat tours on Maligne Lake. Central to Jasper is the train station. VIA Rail offers train tours to Dunster and McBride.
Camping
Jasper National Park campgrounds nearest to Jasper are located on Highway 93/Icefields Parkway south of town. Whistlers (781 sites) is 1.5 miles/2.4 km and Wapiti (364 sites) is 2.6 miles/4.2 km south of Jasper on Highway 93. Wabasso (231 sites) is 4.6 miles/7.4 km south of Jasper on Highway 93, then 5.6 miles/9 km southwest on 93A. These are very popular campgrounds, therefore, it is important to reserve ahead. To make reservations, phone 1-877-737-3783 or visit https://reservation.pc.gc.ca. These campgrounds are usually open early May to late October.
East of Jasper on Yellowhead 16 are Snaring River (62 sites), 8.5 miles/13.7 km, and Pocahontas (140 sites), 28 miles/45 km, on Miette Hot Springs Road.
