Know before you go: Jasper National Park

Jasper gets very busy and crowded. Discover tips from Parks Canada pros to plan your visit and have the best experience possible!

Plan ahead

Book ahead of time

Reserve now to avoid missing out on your dream vacation. Whether it's a stay in a frontcountry campground, a permit for overnight camping in the rugged backcountry, a family-friendly canoe camp, or even a getaway in a historic ranch at the Palisades Centre, you can make a booking for everything you need!

Jasper is the busiest from June through September, with July and August being the fullest. Make sure you have a camping or accommodation reservation before coming to Jasper National Park.

Alternate accommodations

Jasper National Park is very busy during summer, if you are not able to secure a campsite, try Jasper's hotel or private home accommodation.

Be #ParksSmart

Be on the lookout for wildlife and give them lots of space. Please do not feed the animals. When on the trails, make lots of noise, bring bear spray and know how to use it. Learn our top tips to respect wildlife and stay safe.

Check for updates on seasonal and safety closures and make sure you pay attention to guidelines so everyone can enjoy the beauty of our National Parks and National Historic Sites.

Leave no trace!

Pick up your litter and dispose of it by using appropriate garbage containers or take your waste home. Keep a "bare" campsite. This means that visitors should always properly store food, garbage and other wildlife attractants when leaving their campsites unattended. This helps keep animals wild and keeps you safe.

Be road aware

Before embarking on your trip, visit 511.alberta.ca or dial 511 for the latest road conditions and closures. Consult the list of seasonal road updates in Jasper to see if any road closures might impact your trip. Expect delays and give yourself plenty of time for your journey to Jasper.

It's all about timing!

Want to avoid the crowds, see more wildlife and feel the true awe of nature away from selfie sticks and chatter? Get up before dawn or drop by at dusk, during the week days, to enjoy places like Maligne Lake, Maligne Canyon, Pyramid Island, and the Columbia Icefields.

"BYOB"… that is, 'Bring your own bike' or rent one! Biking saves you the time and stress of searching for a parking spot and waiting in traffic. Plus, one of Jasper's most unique and convenient offerings includes our easy connector trails from either the town site or campgrounds. These trails are family friendly and can get you from Whistlers and Wapiti campground to town in less than twenty minutes, or from the town site to some of our most popular locations in under an hour!

Jasper is just as great in the spring or fall, and most of your favourite summer attractions will still be open! Situated under the world's second largest dark sky preserve, look up 365 days a year and enjoy billions of stars dancing overhead.

Wintertime brings an endless variety of amazing adventures. From snowshoeing, skiing and skating to biking and winter walking. Needless to say, Jasper is a special place to visit year-round!

Visit Jasper's website for tips on the avoiding crowds.

Explore lesser known places

Avoid the crowds by heading to these beautiful and lesser known spots to enjoy the sense of wonder that being in nature in one of Canada's most popular national parks brings.

Lower Sunwapta

Explore the Icefields Parkway but steer clear of its hot spots; sure Sunwapta Falls has pretty epic views but so does Lower Sunwapta! Earn your selfie with a 2.6 km round-trip hike to Lower Sunwapta and you'll see fewer people but just as dazzling views.

Nigel Pass Hike

Beat the crowds and escape for a day of wilderness hiking from the Sunwapta Pass climbing a gentle 7 km above the tree line to the vast wide open spaces of the Jasper-Banff border along the lightly visited Nigel Pass.

An evening on Highway 93A

Take the road less travelled and enjoy a scenic drive on Highway 93A. Make an evening out of it with a picnic at 'Meeting of the Waters', where the Whirlpool and Athabasca rivers meet. End the day at Leach Lake, a quiet and serene lake that is a great place to dip your toes in the water off the dock, or go for a swim or a paddle while basking in the mountain views of Edith Cavell, Geraldine Peaks and Mount Fryatt.

Fort St. James

If your visit has you going west to British Columbia, Fort St. James is a little over five hours from Jasper National Park, and well worth the drive. Step back in time to explore the world of the European fur traders and Carrier First Nations in 1896 amongst Canada's largest collection of restored fur trade era wooden buildings. Beat the 'Escape the Fort' challenge or visit the Home Stretch Diner for a crowd-pleasing takeaway meal.

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