general information

General InformationThe park is open all year, though weather conditions in winter make some portions inaccessible except to cross-country skiers and those on snowshoes. Some facilities are open only from May to June or September to October. A Parks Canada information center is in the townsite of Jasper at 500 Connaught Dr. It's open daily late March to late October, and Wednesday through Sunday the rest of the year.

Many hiking trails, including the 11.2-kilometre (7-mi.) trip to Valley of the Five Lakes and the loop to Lac Beauvert, depart from Old Fort Point, 1.6 kilometres (1 mi.) east of Jasper on Hwy. 93. The Valley of the Five Lakes also can be accessed from the trailhead on the Icefields Parkway, 9 km (6 mi.) south of the townsite.

Hikers and skiers interested in Jasper National Park camping backcountry must have a valid backcountry use permit. These permits are available at the Parks Canada information center in Jasper and at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre from early June to mid-September.

Campgrounds are open varying durations, and limited camping facilities are available in winter. For more information, phone (780) 852-6176.

There are many ways to explore the park's features, either alone or with a guide. One- or multiple-day bus tours to tourist attractions within the park depart from Jasper. Several stables in the Jasper area offer 1-hour and half- and full-day trail rides from mid-May to mid-September and sleigh rides in winter.

Winter sports include curling, skating, skiing, tobogganing, ice climbing, snowshoeing and hockey. Cross-country skiing tours operate out of Jasper. Downhill skiing is available at Marmot Basin. Approximately 75 kilometres of cross-country trails traverse the park; trails are groomed from early December to March. Interpretive guides share their insights in theatrical productions. Wildlife and stand-up paddleboarding tours also are available. Self-guiding tour brochures are available at the Jasper National Park Information Centre, 500 Connaught Dr.; phone (780) 852-6176.

Note: Since hunting is illegal, some wildlife may have lost their natural fear of human contact. Be alert for animals on the highways both day and night, and never feed them. Fishing permits can be obtained at information centers, campgrounds and local sport fishing shops. Boats with electric motors (without onboard generators) are allowed on most road-accessible lakes unless signs indicate otherwise. Gas-powered motors are prohibited in the park. Boat launches are available at lakes Annette, Patricia, Pyramid, Maligne and Medicine.

ADMISSIONADMISSION to the park is $9.80; $8.30 (ages 65+); $4.90 (ages 6-16); $19.60 (up to seven people arriving in a single vehicle). An annual pass, valid at Jasper and more than 100 other Canadian national parks and historic sites, is available.

PETSPETS are allowed in some areas of the park but must be leashed, crated or physically restrained at all times. A fenced area for leashed pets is located on Sleepy Hollow Road adjacent to the industrial park.

ADDRESSADDRESS inquiries to the Jasper National Park Information Centre, Jasper National Park, P.O. Box 10, Jasper, AB, Canada T0E 1E0; phone (780) 852-6176. For other area information contact Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 98, Jasper, AB, Canada T0E 1E0; phone (780) 852-3858.