Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is a scenic 45 minute drive away from Mountain River Lodge. Along the way, watch for wildlife such as moose at Moose Lake, bears along the side of the road foraging for berries, and the large herd of wapiti (elk) that have made the valley floor of Jasper National park home for over 10,000 years. Jasper is the largest of Canada’s Rocky Mountain Parks. It spans 10,878 square kilometers (4200 square miles) of broad valleys, rugged mountains, glaciers, forests, alpine meadows and wild rivers along the eastern slopes of the Rockies in western Alberta. There are more than 1200 kilometers (660 miles) of hiking trails (both overnight and day trips), and a number of spectacular mountain drives. Jasper joins Banff National Park to the south via the Icefields Parkway, and joins Mount Robson Park to the west.
Jasper National Park is the largest of Canada’s Rocky Mountain parks. Jasper spans 10,878 square kilometers (4200 square miles) of broad valleys, rugged mountains, glaciers, forests, alpine meadows and wild rivers along the eastern slopes of the Rockies in western Alberta. There are more than 1200 kilometers (660 miles) of hiking trails (both overnight and day trips), and a number of spectacular mountain drives. Jasper joins Banff National Park to the south via the Ice fields Parkway.
The Columbia Ice field borders the parkway in the southern end of the Jasper Park. It’s the largest of the chain of ice fields along the Great Divide separating Alberta and British Columbia. This 325 square km accumulation of ice feeds eight large glaciers. Visitors are warned NOT to walk out onto the glacier. Guided tours are available. Large numbers of elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer and other large animals, as well as their predators make Jasper National Park one of the great protected ecosystems remaining in the Rocky Mountains. This vast wilderness is one of the few remaining places in southern Canada that is home to a full range of carnivores, including grizzly bears, mountain lions, wolves and wolverines.
More attractions and activities around Jasper National Park:
On the shore of Lake Beauvert is one of the crown jewels from days past, when in the early 1900’s the Canadian National Railroad Company built resorts in the remote mountain wilderness. Stroll around the property, and enjoy a pot of the best coffee on the outdoor decks overlooking the lake. Golfers can enjoy the links, rated as o
Canada’s longest and highest aerial tramway. This gondola whisks you up Whistler’s Mountain to an elevation of 2285 metres (7500 feet) for stunning vistas of mountain peaks as far as the eye can see. A hiking trail leads you up the summit of the mountain where you can see Mount Robson on a clear day, over 80 km away. Gift shop and cafés are available. www.jaspertramway.com
Located 1 hour drive from Mountain River Lodge.
These natural hotsprings are the hottest in the Canadian Rockies, and have to be cooled to a comfortable temperature for you to enjoy. As modern as any pool, the days of bathing on the rocks and in mud are no longer, but it is very enjoyable non the less. The facility includes 2 hot pools, a cool pool, and a café.
Swimsuits and towels are available to rent.
Located 2 hour drive from Mountain River Lodge.
Just a few kilometers outside of Jasper town heading east, you will find the road to Maligne Canyon and Lake. Although the Canyon is just a few minutes on this road, the lake itself is 65 km further. One of our favorite walks, don’t miss the interpretive trail as it winds its way from the start at the Teahouse across 6 bridges where you can stare down the deep gorge and feel the spray of the thunderous Maligne River below. Then continue by car to mysterious Medicine Lake, a place of old Indian legend. Due to a unique drainage system connected underground to other lakes, the water level changes from season to season… sometimes it actually disappears completely! Your final destination is at the end of the road, where you are at the start of spectacular Maligne Lake. Stretching 22 km long, it is the second largest glacier-feed lake in the world. A one and a half hour boat cruise will take you past glacier-studded mountains to famous Spirit Island. See www.malignelake.com
Located 1 to 2 hour drive from Mountain River Lodge.
Few summits in Jasper Park can match this craggy beauty. A small, powder blue meltwater lake and beautiful Angle Glacier are easily reached by a short self-guided trail that winds its way through the moonlike terrain of rocks left behind by past iceages. Another longer trail leads to lovely alpine flower meadows.
Located 1.5 hour drive from Mountain River Lodge.
Among the most powerful and breathtaking falls in the Rocky Mountains, the Athabasca River thunders through a narrow gorge where the walls have been smoothed and potholed by the sheer force of the rushing water. Located a little more than 1 hour drive from Mountain River Lodge.
Sunwapta is Stoney Indian for “turbulent river”. At the falls, the river plunges in a cloud of spray into a deep canyon. A good place for a break, stop in the restaurant of the Sunwapta Lodge for a beverage and lunch, and don’t miss its gift shop with great gift and souvenir items. Located 1.5 hour drive from Mountain River Lodge.
You can’t miss this massive glacier as it almost touches the highway as you drive by. The largest icefield south of the Arctic Circle, shimmering glacial ice and snow cover some 386 sq km. (233 sq. miles). An exciting 55 minute informative Snocoach Tour will take you out onto the glacier for awe-inspiring views of icy crevasses in a comfortable 55 person specially designed bus. We highly recommend taking this tour if you want to see the glacier. Not recommended to walk on the glacier as the natural hazards of crevasses and ice pockets have claimed lives in the past. Located 2 hour drive from Mountain River Lodge.
Claims to be one of the most scenic routes in the world, this highway connects from Banff/Lake Louis to Jasper, and offers visitors non-stop ohhhs and aawwes!
Although it is 230 km long and can be driven in less than 3 hours, we recommend spending the better part of the day enjoying the many stops to view lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers. Get out of the car often and stretch your legs for those many “Kodak” moments!
Where the birds are
spring has sprung
Mount Robson Park
The Four Seasons at Mount Robson Mountain River Lodge 
