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:
Are you adventurous? Do you love nature and make opportunities to get out in it, closer to it, whenever you can? If you said yes to any of these questions, you should consider guided backcountry tours of Jasper National Park.
The majestic Canadian Rockies contain some of Canada’s best backcountry: rewarding trails with stunning views that make for incredible, guided hiking, walking, skiing, and snowshoeing experiences – whether you’re experienced or a hardy newcomer. There are even backcountry lodges for those interested in multi-day, overnight ski and snowshoe trips.
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Maligne Canyon, just north of Jasper, Alberta, is a beautiful place to visit, no matter the time of year but, in winter, the canyon’s river freezes up, creating a world like no other you’ve ever experienced but which you now can, via a Maligne Canyon Icewalk!
Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park, with steep, limestone walls that, in the summer, rushes with churning waters. Come the cold of winter, however, those same waters recede quite a bit, leaving stunning and beautiful formations of ice behind.
Imagine the kinds of formations you’re used to seeing in caverns – stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, soda straws and more – now picture these formations and others made entirely of ice. 30 meter-tall, frozen waterfalls ascending canyon walls aalong with other amazing, natural ice sculptures.
But that’s not all – the limestone walls of the canyon, themselves, reveal a their own secrets when the water recedes. View in wonder the strata that clearly illustrates the billions of years of gradual formation as well as the fossils embedded within – a paleontologist’s dream.
So secure a guide company, strap on some anti-slip cleats, and take an icewalk! Maligne Canyon Icewalk guides are knowledgeable and will not just show to you but also explain all that you see: the ice, the river, the canyon, the fossils. With washrooms, a restaurant and a gift shop nearby, there’s no excuse to not go!
Some guide services even offer night tours of the Maligne Canyon Icewalk – a truly, other-wordly experience as you view the canyon and its ice formations in the glow of a headlamp and, even more breathtaking, under stars!
Maligne Canyon Icewalk
Book your tour with one of these three, outstanding and knowledgeable companies:
• Jasper Adventure Centre
• Maligne Adventures
• Sun Dog Tours
Jasper Lodging
Mountain River Lodge has cabins and a bed and breakfast lodge. Make us your lodging choice during your visit to Jasper National Park – you wont regret it!
There are innumerable natural attractions in our area but one you wont want to miss is Athabasca Falls.
Athabasca Falls may not be very high in comparison to other falls – only 23 meters (under – but the volume of water that rushes over it makes it one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. Even on cold fall mornings, when river levels are often at their lowest, a great amount of water flows over the falls. Fed by the Columbia Icefield glaciers, the Athabasca River is the largest river system in Jasper National Park.
The Athabasca Falls formation is composed of hard quartzite above and softer limestone below, which accounts for the intricate carving and potholes of the short gorge. A steady mist collects to form a slippery film on much of the surrounding area but various platforms and trails situated around the attraction allow for safe observation.
The base of the falls is a starting point for some whitewater rafting tours that will transport you to scenic areas only accessible via the Athabasca. In the winter season, track-set cross-country skiing trails are to be found nearby.
Getting There:
Athabasca Falls is an hour and a half drive from Mountain River Lodge but through some absolutely breathtaking Canadian Rockies scenery. The falls have parking, a paved trail with picnic sites and restroom facilities.
Interested in Whitewater Rafting down the Athabasca?
Jasper’s Whitewater Rafting Company: www.whitewaterraftingjasper.com
Rocky Mountain River Guides: www.jasperrafting.com
Maligne Rafting Adventures: www.raftjasper.com
Jasper Raft Tours: www.jasperrafttours.com
Are looking for a way to see a lot of the Canadian Rockies without having to hike or mountain climb your way through the peaks? We have the ideal experience for retirees, those with limited mobility or individuals that want to experience the magic of the Canadian Rockies without “roughing it.” Take the train.
A truly glorious experience for anyone – families, couples and even those that love the outdoors. Riding the Rocky Mountaineer is sure to be an awe inspiring experience. Most people spend their trip with their nose pressed to the wide glass windows of the train, soaking in the scenery and absorbing interesting contextual information provided by the hosts. These storytellers recall history and myth about the surrounding landscapes.
There are a variety of tours that take you through Jasper, which is about 45 minutes from our Mount Robson Inn. The two main tours are called “Journey Through the Clouds,” which traverses the Western part of the Canadian Rockies, and “Rainforest to Gold Rush,” Rocky Mountaineer’s newest route which takes you through pristine wilderness from Whistler to Jasper.
Rocky Mountain Train Routes
Through the Clouds: The route includes two days on the train from Vancouver to Jasper (or reverse).
A waterfall in Jasper National Park
The trip costs $935 and includes two days of daylight rail travel, two breakfasts and lunches and one night hotel accommodation. A wonderful way to experience much more of the Rockies than hiking (unless you’ve got all summer), this can be a delightful way to start or end a Rocky Mountain vacation.
Rainforest to Gold Rush: The same trip as above, except this route runs between Jasper and Whistler. These trips are great to keep in mind for saving on airfare if you are coming from out of the area. If you fly into Whistler, ride the train to Jasper and then rent a car, you can have a nice balance of guided versus independent touring.
Either of these trips will be complete once you come and stay with us at our bed and breakfast in the shadow of the Rockies’ highest peak, Mount Robson!
One of the most popular winter activities in Jasper National Park is cross country skiing. It’s a great way to see the beauty of the park at winter and enjoy the solace of the snowy landscape.
The Canadian Parks system just put out a new cross country ski trails map. Here are some descriptions of the most popular trails.
Athabasca Falls
This staging area offers a network of over 20 km of ski trail, including level terrain and challenging hills that are sure to get your heart rate up. Pick one, or connect the trails and loops together to make a day of it!
Whirlpool Trail: Gentle terrain brings you from the parking lot to a junction at km 2.2– stay right and continue along this easy section until km 5.8, where the terrain begins to roll.
A moose at Moab Lake inside Jasper National Park.
Beyond this point the snow tends to improve as you climb towards Moab Lake.
Leach Lake Trail: Also known as the sunny side, this trail brings you to sparkling Leach Lake. Near Athabasca Falls, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Hardisty and Kerkeslin.
Geraldine Road: This winding road has plenty of ups and downs. You’ll build up a sweat as you climb, but bring an extra layer for the ski towards Mt. Kerkeslin, which will get your adrenaline rushing as you zoom down this slope.
Cavell Road
If you are ready for a workout, this winding route along the Astoria River Valley will work up your appetite! This route opens on February 16. 11.6 km to the Cavell Hostel.
Looking for Lodging Near Jasper National Park?
Our Rocky Mountains lodge is a scenic 45 minute drive away from Jasper National Park. Along the way, watch for wildlife like moose at Moose Lake, bears 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.
If you’re just joining us, we are sharing a Top 10 list of winter activities in Jasper National Park. Click through to see the first half of the list from our earlier post.
5. Observe Ice Formations at Maligne Canyon. With its frozen waterfalls, surreal ice formations and frosted limestone walls, Maligne Canyon is a magical place in the winter. Several local tour companies lead guided walks down into the canyon. The adventurous can ice climb with a certified mountain guide, or go on your own, if you have the skills. Maps and guidebook are sold at the information center and local outdoor shops.
6. Ice Skate. What could be more Canadian than pond skating? The ice is monitored and cleared for skating at Mildred and Pyramid lakes. Both locations offer free-skating ovals and rinks for shinny hockey. Once in a while, temperatures drop before the snow falls, leaving many ponds and lakes covered in a thick layer of transparent ice. In these conditions, it seems you are flying across the ice! Make sure you have the necessary safety information before heading out, Parks Canada does not monitor the ice.
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“Winter is a time of beauty. Snow and ice transform the mountains, forests, meadows, riverbanks and lake shores of Jasper National Park. It’s a quiet time. The summer crowds have gone, the leaves have fallen, migratory birds have headed south and the bears have retired to their dens. The pulse of nature does indeed beat slower at this time of year but the park is still very much alive.” – Parks Canada Website
Top 10 Winter Activities in Jasper
1. Tour the park via Automobile. Enjoy light to nonexistent traffic and beautiful, Alberta-blue skies! A top-notch highway maintenance crew makes winter in Jasper National Park a great time for sightseeing. Most scenic pull-offs are plowed and you can look for sheep, wolves and moose, especially along the Maligne Road. Bring a thermos of warm coffee or tea and watch caribou along the Icefields Parkway or elk on the Pyramid Lake Road. Road condition information is updated daily on the Jasper park website. Winter tires are recommended.
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Did you know that Jasper National Park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains Parks World Heritage Site? Four Canadian National parks and three British Columbia Provincial Parks reside within the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) site. The parks include mountains, glaciers and hot springs, as well as the headwaters of several major North American river systems including the North Saskatchewan, Athabasca, Columbia and Fraser rivers.The region is
In Jasper National Park
recognized for its natural beauty and wide array of flora and fauna.
Jasper National Park
This park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 because of the breathtaking mountain landscapes – mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, canyons, and limestone caves as well as fossils found here make it one of the world’s natural treasures. Jasper National Park is a scenic 45 minute drive away from Mountain River Lodge, a Mt. Robson Inn. Along the way, watch for wildlife such as moose, bears and a large herd of wapiti (elk) that have inhabited the valley floor of Jasper National park for over 10,000 years.
Mt. Robson Provincial Park
Mt. Robson Park was inducted into the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. Mt. Robson Provincial Park was recognized for its unspoiled natural landscapes and scenery. Mt. Robson itself holds geological and ecological significance; Mount Robson is the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. It rises 3000 meters from the valley floor to the summit. The surrounding mountain landscapes contain the habitats for rare and endangered species.
Mountain River Lodge at Mt. Robson
If you are thinking about a trip to this gem of a park, please consider our comfortable and relaxing Mount Robson inn accommodations. We have both a bed & breakfast lodge and a self-contained cabin. We would love to be your hosts.
While staying at our lodging near Jasper National Park, visit the Park to experience the largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world.
In this modern world, where nearly every peopled region is bright with electric lights at night, dark skies adorned with stars have become rare. 100 year ago, who would have thought that we would need Dark Sky Preserves (DSPs) to ensure future generations’ chance to see starlit night skies? We are lucky to have the largest DSP in the world so close by. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada designated Jasper National Park as a Dark Sky Preserve on March 26, 2011.
To promote awareness of the need for unlit night skies, the entire month of October is Dark Sky Month in Jasper. There will be sky-themed activities and events all month long. But the highlight event will be the October 12-14 Jasper Dark Sky Festival. This family friendly event will feature guest presenters, children’s activities and star gazing adventures.
Friday October 12 ~ 8:30-9:30 pm
The festival opens with a Starry Night Wine & Cheese reception and presentation. Come to the Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (1 OldLodge Road in Jasper). You can sip and nibble while enjoying a talk by Peter McMahon from Sky New magazine.
Saturday October 13 ~ 10 am-10 pm
Events start at 10 am with a telescope lesson. The day’s Space Cadet Fair will offer fun and educational events for children of all ages. There will also be astronomy presentations and a Night Sky photography exhibit with work by Yuichi Takasaka. The evening wraps up with stargazing, dinner at the Pyramid Lake Resort and the Pyramid Island Starlight Adventure.
Sunday October 14 ~ 10 am-12:30 pm / 2-4 pm Photography Session
The weekend ends with closing remarks plus a presentation and night sky photography session with Yuichi Takasaka.
To learn more about the festival and the Jasper National Park Dark Sky Preserve, please visit JasperDarkSkyFest.com and JasperDarkSky.org.
Our lodging near Jasper National Park is just the place to stay if you want to experience the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserve!
Helicopter Tours near Jasper National Park
On the drive to our scenic Mount Robson accommodations, visitors pass through the amazing forests and mountains of the Canadian wilderness. Hiking, biking and skiing are just a few great ways to experience the raw natural beauty of this area. There’s another unique way to see area attractions such as Maligne Lake, Mount Robson and Jasper National Park. Since 1996, High Country Helicopter Tours has been offering helicopter sightseeing flights as well as custom tours. There’s a good range of flights to choose from.
The Rocky Mountain Odyssey is the shortest trip available. Get a bird’s eye view of the Rockies’ eastern slope flight during the 18-minute flight.
Most popular is the half-hour Peaks and Passes flight. The dramatic views of the rugged mountain passes are absolutely awe-inspiring.
The 1-1/2 hour Explore Mount Robson flight is the longest tour. See the canyons, glaciers and deep valleys of Jasper National Park as you’ve never seen them before.
There are other sightseeing tours, all flown by experienced pilots who prioritize the safety of each guest. Click here to see the full list of available tours. Flights are offered year-round. Some packages, such as the heli-tour with hiking trip, occur only during the summer months. Of course, all flights are subject to cancellation due to weather conditions.
High Country Helicopter Tours also offer custom flights for personal or business-related gatherings. Just think of having a helicopter flight for your wedding, anniversary, company retreat or family trip! Combined with a stay at Mountain River Lodge, it would be an unforgettable experience.
Helicopters seat four guests in the Bell Jet Ranger or five guests in the Eurocopter A-Star. Keep in mind that sightseeing tours require a minimum of three guests, but custom tours can be booked for one to four or five guests depending on the helicopter’s capacity. To book a flight, contact the Operations Manager, Hjalmar Tiesenhausen at 1-877-777-4354 (toll free) or 1-780-852-0125 (local in Jasper). You can also learn more at www.hcheli.com.
Note: Due to Federal park regulations, take-offs and landings can’t take place from within Jasper National Park. All of High Country Helicopter Tours flights are conducted just east of the Park.
After a high flying heli-tour adventure, you can relax and unwind at our comfortable Mt. Robson lodging near Jasper National Park.
Cross-Country Skiing in Jasper National Park
Guided Backcountry Tours of Jasper National Park
Visit the Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives!
View the Extraordinary with a Maligne Canyon Icewalk!