HomeTrue North Blog

Fun Facts About Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Spread over a mountainous terrain of 4,200 square miles, the park comprises several geological features, such as glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, limestone caves, ice fields, and canyons. Dive into this article to explore some interesting Jasper National Park facts.

Visitors walk on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk's glass-floored cliff-edge walkway above the Sunwapta Valley in Jasper, Alberta

Canada is home to 37 national parks. National parks aim to protect biodiversity by conserving wildlife species and their ecological niches. Why visit one? Well, ecotourism is a growing industry these days. It not only boosts economic revenue but also increases conservation awareness.

Jasper National Park is home to thousands of native animals and birds, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, caribous, lynx, and pumas. You can also find several bird species, such as bald eagles, spruce grouses, and white-tailed ptarmigans. The park offers numerous recreational outdoor activities, such as rafting, hiking, skiing, and camping.

Canadian Train Vacations offers attractive packages to help you experience a memorable train journey. Our team of travel experts plan and book the entire trip based on your preferences. Enjoy a hassle-free journey to Jasper National Park and destinations around the Canadian Rockies. This article outlines 15 Jasper National Park fun facts you must know before undertaking a trip here.

1. Jasper is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

UNESCO declared Jasper National Park a World Heritage Site in 1984. The stunning and diverse mountainous terrain is home to several glaciers, lakes, canyons, waterfalls, peaks, limestone caves, and fossils.

Scenic view of forests and Mount Edith Cavell reflected in Cavell Lake in Jasper National Park

2. It's the biggest national park in the Rockies

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Almost 11,000 square km in area, this park is known for its alpine meadows and diversified geologic features. It is the 12th largest national park in Canada.

Highway with trees along both sides with view to picturesque snowcapped mountain

3. It was named a national park back in 1907

The government created the Jasper Forest Park reserve in 1907 to encompass 13,000 square km of terrain along the transcontinental railway through the Athabasca Valley. It received the status of a national park later in 1930.

4. It gets more than 2 million visitors a year

Jasper National Park is among the most-visited national parks in the Canadian Rockies. It sees over two million visitors annually. Its popularity increased after appearing in the Outside magazine ranking of the top 30 national parks globally.

A group of snowboarders walks through downtown Jasper in winter

5. There's almost 2,000 stunning lakes

One of the most interesting facts about Jasper National Park is that it is home to almost 1800 lakes! Some are easily visible, while others inconspicuously lie behind mountainous terrains. Famous lakes include Pyramid, Maligne, and Patricia Lakes.

Blue skies over a glassy Maligne Lake in the Canadian Rockies

6. It's home to the highest peak in Alberta

Mount Columbia is the tallest mountain peak in Alberta, Canada. Its highest point (3,747 m) lies within Jasper National Park. This peak is the second highest among the Canadian Rockies and the 28th highest in Canada.

View of glacier mountain peaks and clear lake at sunset

7. You can walk on a glacier

The most-visited glacier in North America, the Athabasca Glacier, lies in Jasper National Park. It is conveniently accessible and is part of the colossal Columbian Icefield.

Couple walking down an icy glacier in the Canadian Rockies

8. You can hike deep in a rocky canyon

Maligne Canyon Is the deepest accessible canyon (50 m depth) in the Canadian Rockies. A hike down the canyons takes about 1-2 hours. In the winter, you can walk along the frozen canyon floor.

Three people standing in the icy Maligne canyon cave in Jasper

9. It's home to a huge range of biodiversity

The three distinct eco-zones in Jasper National Park are alpine, sub-alpine, and montane. Varying altitudes and climate changes in each zone affect the kind of biodiversity.

View of turquoise water rushing through lush limestone canyon from trail

10. It was named after a voyageur

One of the Jasper National Park fun facts is the story of how it got its name. The park takes its name from Jasper Hawes. He took charge of a fur-trading post called Jasper House near the Athabasca River in 1817. He was an ardent voyageur. Later, in 1907, the name changed to Jasper Forest House. Subsequently, it assumed the name - Jasper National Park.

kayaks on dock near Pyramid Lake in Jasper

11. You can ride the longest aerial tramway

The longest guided aerial tramway, the Jasper Skytram, is a must-try here. Witness the panoramic views from an elevation of 2,263 m! Visit the Glacier Skywalk, a cliff-edge walkway leading to a glass-floored observation platform (918 feet high).

A small red tram car floats above the clouds over Jasper National Park

12. It's very festive at Christmas

If you plan to visit Jasper National Park in December, do not miss the vibrant Christmas cheer. The snow-covered mountain ranges and warm lights offer a feel-good ambiance of a white Christmas.

Mountains frame emerald lake surrounding island after snow in Alberta's Jasper National Park

13. It's the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve

Dark Sky Preserves are often in areas surrounding national parks and observatories, offering prime nocturnal views. There is a guided effort to reduce noise pollution, makign for spectacular sky watching. Jasper National Park is the second-largest dark sky preserve in the world. You can witness the magical view of the Aurora Borealis from September through mid-May.

A man looks through a telescope at the Jasper Dark Sky Festival

14. It's a significant water basin

Some significant river systems, such as the Athabasca and Smoky rivers, originate from Jasper National Park. The park also houses the Miette Hot Springs, the warmest springs (at 54°C) in the Canadian Rockies.

People soaking in Miette Hot Spings with a view of mountains and dense forest on a bright day

15. There are extensive efforts at conservation

Caribou conservation breeding is one of the most dedicated programs here to prevent the decline of these native species. About 82 species of songbirds exist here. The park rangers use bird banding techniques to track these songbirds and conserve their existence.

An elk buck running in the snow in the Canadian Rockies

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Jasper, Canada get its name?

Long ago, when the place was not yet famous as Jasper, it was only a small trading post surrounded by wilderness. The town and the park both got their names from Jasper Haws, one of the post managers and an eminent voyageur.

How big is Jasper National Park?

Jasper National Park spreads over an area of about 4,200 square miles. It is home to 1300 species of plants, 53 species of mammals, 40 species of fish, 277 species of birds, and 20,000 species of spiders and insects.

Does Jasper National Park have bears?

Yes, Jasper National Park has black and grizzly bears too. These bears are omnivores and scavengers and can live up to 30 years. Bears hibernate during winter. So, you can visit the park in summer or spring to spot a bear.

Fresh Tracks Canada Logo
Fresh Tracks Canada
Our team of Canadian Insiders love exploring Canada.

Get a brochure

Includes sample trip itineraries, route maps, and insider tips.
Get Your Brochure

Have a question?

We can answer any questions or make suggestions.
Schedule a Call
Cartoon polar bear speaking on the phone