By Planes The closest international airport would be Edmonton which is approximately 360km east of Jasper.  The next favorite one is Calgary, approximately 480km south east of Jasper.  Vancouver is another major city if you are planning on doing a loop of the Canadian Rockies.

   Via Edmonton - The views are of farm lands and lakes until you reach Hinton (less than an hour away from Jasper), from here you will be blessed with a view of the Rockies.

   Via Calgary - You will reach Banff in about an hour and half from Calgary airport, use Calgary Rental Car and drive up the scenic Icefield Parkway.  If coming in the winter, this parkway can be closed due to weather, so look at the weather forecast and also call Parks Canada.

   Via Vancouver - This is a long day of about 10hrs drive.  A stop at Kamloops is often welcome. You will enjoy the beauty of Mt. Robson on a clear day which is about an hour drive from Jasper. You might think about a Train, it is not the fastest means of transportation, but it is senic and relaxing. A Plane to either Calgary (5-6hrs)or Edmonton (4-5hrs) and you will have to tack on a transfer with a bus or shuttles.

By Train    The train comes in three times a week.  A very relaxed way to travel if you have time to spare.  The ride is comfortable and this gets you right into the heart of Jasper without messing around with transfers. You can also bring a bigger load of luggage if you travel with someone that must bring everything!  The train is connected from east of Canada to the west coast.   note: There is no train service from Calgary to Jasper.

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By Bus

Tour Companies    Just to name a few, there are many tour operators that come though Jasper and we do not have the full listing of them all.  You can probably find some companies in your own home town.  The ones listed here are local operators that can cater to your special request and sometimes have space if your other options are not available.

• High Country Helicopters Ltd. (Helicopter Tours Book Direct)
• Rocky Mountain Fishing Adventures (Fishing Guide)
• Alpine Art Eco-Tours ( Guided Eco Tours )
• Jasper Adventure Centre ( Guided Tours )
• Tonquin Valley Backcountry (Horseback, Backcountry Cabins)
• Tonquin Adventures (Horseback, Backcountry Cabins)
• Skyline Trail Rides Ltd. (Horseback, Backcountry Cabins)
• Blue Creek Outfitter (Fishing and Horse Guide)
• Snowfarmers ( Snowmobile Reports )
• Maligne Rafting Adventures (Rafting Tours)
• Jasper Rafting Adventures (Rafting Tours)
• Jasper's Whitewater Rafting Company (Rafting Tours)
• Rocky Mountain River Guides (Rafting Tours)
• Jasper Raft Tours (Rafting Tours)
• Jasper Wedding Services (Directory)

Rental Car Companies    If you need assistance or to drop off the vehicles.  There are several rental car companies in town. This way of travel is the best way to travel without the restrictions on schedules. Parks Canada would like to thank you in advance by asking you to fork out $$$ for a "park pass" to enter and stay in the National Park.  Those Park gate attendants will greet you with a smile (maybe if your lucky) and give you information about the area, if we did not cover it on this site www.explorejasper.com.

• Calgary Rental Car (by Rental Car Momma)

Biking  Great time to cycle in Jasper National Park.  The Tours are excellent and you get the feel of the area up close. Having a guide on your biking trip will enhance your enjoyment of your trip. Highly recommended.

• Edge Control ( Rental and Retail )

Motor homes
    Rent motor homes from Edmonton, Calgary or Vancouver and drive your self contained unit to Jasper.  There are winter hookups at Wapiti Campground.  In the summer, reservations to the campgrounds are recommended, the catch is that Parks Canada only reserve a certain amount of lots and the rest is first come first serve.  If you are smart and know someone that lives in Jasper, you can ask someone to drive a vehicle to the campground and save the spot until you arrive!

 

Hitch Hiking   

Still to this day, We are not sure how legal it is to hitch hike in Alberta, but many younger adventure travelers choose this mode of travel. This mode of travel is the most inexpensive way too get around but not recommended by us.  It can get pretty scary out there!

Taxi Local transit is taxi. There are a couple of taxi companies here not using meters, so you can arrange a price with the individual driver. Sometimes there are set rates for common destinations. It never hurts to ask.

Heritage Cabs - 780 852-5558 or Jasper Taxi - 780 852-3600

Jasper Etiquettes

Dogs: Many trails in the winter has been closed to dogs. Parks Canada claims that the dogs disturb the wildlife in the trails that they have closed. The summer trails are also affected in some areas. You will have to find out the specific closed trails from Parks Canada. Dogs should be leashed at all times, or at the very least under your strict control.

Municipality bylaws enforces the leashes on your pets plus they have set aside a dog "pooh" park beside the aquatic centre. So carry a doggie baggy when walking your dog.

Bicycles: Trail riding is a major part of Jasper's lifestyle, but there are rules. There are many trails in the park and even a skate/bike park near the Activity Centre. Most of the trails are marked on the Parks Canada official map. Friends of Jasper also has created trail maps that list the "official" trails. There is a group trying to push for more trails to become official. Get more information through the local bike stores like Freewheel Cycle or Viscious Cycle.

Municipality bylaws enforces the "riding on sidewalks" rule. If you are caught riding on a sidewalk, you can be fined. Bike helmets are not enforced, but highly recommended. The other one that they like to catch you on is riding against traffic, specially on Patricia Street (the only one way street in Jasper).

Skateboarding: Municipality bylaws enforces the "riding on sidewalks" rule. This one has been rumored to carry a fine of $75 plus the option of confiscating the board. Riding on Patricia Street between Hazel ave and Miette ave is NOT allowed.

Automobiles: If you have a vehicle in town, they should have a valid Parks Entry pass or a Resident Pass displayed on the vehicle. The parking in the downtown core is maximum 2 hour or less according to the posted signs. There are marked Handicapped and Emergency zones which are enforced. There are specific parking lots to accommodate the excess vehicles. There are no charge for parking.

If you have a motor home (recreational vehicle), there is parking across the tracks on Hazel Ave (the only set of lights within the town).

All parking lots does NOT allow overnight parking, unless authorized by the Municipality of Jasper.

Parking in the same direction as the traffic flow is also encouraged.

In a small town, you will notice that many cars get stopped by pedestrians and they might start to chat, if this happens and it is safe and there is room to go around the vehicle, it is recommended.

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Jasper National Park is located in western Canada, established in 1907.
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains just east of the Continental Divide, the park is famous for the beauty of its alpine scenery. Ice-capped peaks, mountain lakes, mineral hot springs, a noted ski area, and glaciers, including part of the great Columbia Icefield, are main attractions. Wildlife is plentiful and includes black bears, elk, moose, mule deer, and mountain goats.

Area, 10,878 sq km (4200 sq mi).
Jasper National Park.

RELATED LINKS:

• Maligne Canyon Restaurant / Tea House (Restaurant / Souvenir)
• Jasper Hawes ( Boutique )
• Coquihalla Gifts ( Souvenir )
• Maligne Canyon Restaurant / Tea House (Restaurant / Souvenir)
• High Country Helicopters Ltd. (Helicopter Tours Book Direct)

 

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