Jasper National Park:
Alpine Utopia!

By Andrew Penner, TravelGolf.com Staff Writer

After months filled with frigid air and endless snow, the frozen landscapes of Canada’s National Parks break through with crystal blues and emerald greens; a transformation occurs. In Jasper National Park this rebirth also grants visitors an opportunity to explore and experience one of the prettiest places on earth.

Jasper National Park was founded in 1907, however people have been living in this corridor for over 8000 years. Take a trip to Jasper and you’ll see why. The area boasts everything imaginable that should be included on a postcard from an alpine utopia. How do glacier fed lakes, 150-foot canyons, the highest peaks in the Alberta Rockies, and recreational adventures that are out of this world sound? Needless to say, the photo opportunities in and around Jasper are exceptional.

One of the most famous “pictures” from the park is up at Maligne Lake, a twenty-minute drive from town. Maligne Lake, a 22-km long aquatic paradise, is a clear blue glacier fed lake (the water in mountain lakes turns bright blue because of limestone in the water reacting with the sunshine). The picture of “Spirit Island” sitting peacefully on the water framed by pines and peaks in the background, (Spirit Island is 14 km into the lake and accessible only by boat) depicts perfectly the grace, elegance, and rugged charm of what Jasper National Park is all about. You’ll find numerous postcards, posters, and paintings from this famous landmark throughout the shops in Jasper.

Definitely, there is “spirit” of other sorts in this part of the world. The town of Jasper is home to many young travelers, explorers feeding at this mountain playground. In summer, the town awakens and swarms with voyagers from every corner of the globe. The cappuccino huts (with a table or two spilling out to the edge of the street) and clothing stores illuminated with the fabrics worn by transients, wayfarers, or those willing to overstep the standard business garb, cater to this crowd.

In the summer evenings, Jasper goes to bed a little later than most towns. Spots like “Pete’s on Patricia”, the “Athabasca Hotel”, and the “Astoria Hotel” are local watering holes that serve up entertainment until the wee hours of the morning. Jasper is by no means a glowing nocturnal haven reminiscent of the “big” mountain towns of Colorado, Montana or California (or Banff, for that matter). However, taking an evening stroll on the streets of Jasper in July certainly reveals a spirit that is anything but dead.

The area’s true “wildlife” is found not within the downtown core on a late Friday night (although bear, moose, elk, etc. frequently take leisurely strolls through town), but in the deeply gouged canyons, near the picturesque lakes, and on the rugged cliffs that frame this region. This area is home to more than 53 species of mammals. It’s almost certain that any visitor to the park will encounter bear, elk, moose, deer, eagles, among others.

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In summer, it’s not uncommon for numerous “bear jams” to take place on the main highway through Jasper – including the Icefields Parkway. “Bear jams” occur when there are high volumes of traffic slowing down and stopping around bears wandering near the highway. Conservation officers in Jasper are constantly warning tourists of the dangers of getting out of your vehicle (don’t even think about approaching a bear) or speeding through a “bear jam.” Vehicles or people could be jumping out onto the road at a second’s notice. Common sense can generally get you through most situations where wildlife and people have converged.

Bears are also often seen on the fairways of the Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course – a jewel of a course. Golfing in Jasper is a popular activity (it has been for years). Designed by a master of his time, this Stanley Thompson layout was good enough to attract the likes of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra for summertime golf getaways back in the 40’s and 50’s.

The course, which opened in 1927, is often regarded as one of the greatest mountain golf experiences in the world. With lush green fairways slanted up towards jagged snow-capped peaks and greens poised menacingly close to shimmering lakes and white-sand bunkers, the experience at the Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course is unforgettable. If you want to play Jasper, book your tee time early!

The golf course isn’t the only attraction at the Jasper Park Lodge. This elegant resort, dotted with quaint cedar cabins, is also a landmark in Jasper. Founded in 1915, the legacy of this resort is firmly rooted in Canada’s rich National Park history. The lodge is situated on the shores of Lake Beauvert - the setting alone seems to hold redemptive qualities. Guests can enjoy a peaceful stroll around the lake, outdoor Jacuzzis, massage therapy, and dining that is world-class.

The Miette Hot Springs, located 45-minutes from Jasper, also offer redemption in the form of their soothing waters. These natural hot springs are said to be the warmest of any hot springs in the Canadian Rockies – the water actually has to be cooled in order for patrons to get in! The Miette Hot Springs feature two hot pools, a cool bathing pool, gift shop and café. You’ll enjoy the views as you relax and swap stories in waters that have brought “healing” to thousands over the years.

The hiking in and around Jasper is unbelievable. Both Mt. Edith Cavell and Mt. Robson (the highest peak in the Rockies) are visible from “The Whistlers” alpine area. Take the Jasper Tramway up to this alpine zone and enjoy an environment different from anything you’ve ever seen. Another great short hike from Jasper is the Maligne Canyon hike. This hike takes you alongside a deep canyon with springs, caves, and bridges. You could spend a year around Jasper and not hike the same trail twice. Stop by at the Park Visitor Center and get all the information you need on hiking in the area (the “Info” center is located in the heart of town on Highway 93).

Jasper is a mountain Mecca with plenty of history and alpine culture. The area abounds with recreational opportunity. Grab your hiking boots, golf clubs, binoculars, fishing rod, and whatever else you’ve got stored in your garage, and head to a land that sings of alpine adventure – it’s no wonder Bing Crosby loved the area.

Getting There

Jasper is located in the province of Alberta, Canada. It is situated 192 miles west of Edmonton and 250 miles northwest of Calgary on Highway 93. The cities of Edmonton and Calgary offer international airports, car rentals, etc. Rent a car and make sure you drive through the Icefields Parkway on your way to or from Jasper!

For more information contact Jasper National Park at:

Jasper National Park
P.O. Box 10
Jasper, Alberta
T0E 1E0
Phone: (780) 852-6176