A gorgeous, rugged landscape combines with luxurious resorts to create the spectacular Jasper experience. Set in the Canadian Rockies, this quaint town was founded in 1811 by a fur trader. Bordering the Canadian National Railway, Jasper's slow pace allows visitors easy access to relax or set out on wilderness adventures in its pristine environment.Its enviable location within Jasper National Park is still within easy access of distinctive shops and restaurants among the country's largest Rocky Mountain park, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site! Its ice-blue lakes, th ... More
A gorgeous, rugged landscape combines with luxurious resorts to create the spectacular Jasper experience. Set in the Canadian Rockies, this quaint town was founded in 1811 by a fur trader. Bordering the Canadian National Railway, Jasper's slow pace allows visitors easy access to relax or set out on wilderness adventures in its pristine environment.
Engage in outdoor adventures at this luxury, lakeside hotel on 900 wooded acres – Have a grand Canadian lodge experience on the shores of sparkling Lac Beauvert in the snow-capped Rockies. The rustically elegant and charming accommodations embody peace, tranquility, and beauty. Family-friendly and offering an abundance of activities, the hotel is on both the 2007 Conde Nast Traveler "Gold List" and Travel + Leisure "T+L 500."
Located on the outskirts of Jasper with easy access to the town, this hotel features 2 restaurants, a sauna, massage therapist, sun tanning beds and laundry facilities all on the premises.
Its enviable location within Jasper National Park is still within easy access of distinctive shops and restaurants among the country's largest Rocky Mountain park, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site! Its ice-blue lakes, thick forests, and enormous glaciers remain, for the most part, a well-kept secret of the Great White North.
Please note that these times reflect flights to Edmonton; Jasper is a 3-hour drive from Edmonton Airport.
New York City 5.5 hrs
Boston 5.75 hrs
Miami 6.5 hrs
Philadelphia 5.25
Los Angeles 3 hrs
Chicago 4 hrs
Dallas-Fort Worth 4.25 hrs
San Francisco 2.5 hrs
Marmot Basin: Skiers and boarders of all experience levels find the perfect challenge down 53 trails in the Canadian Rockies. The Little Rascals Nursery Program entertains kids with certified supervision, so adults can play worry-free on the slopes.
Maligne Lake: Impressive glaciers and the natural grandeur are the backdrops for the many activities you'll find here. Favorites include a cruise to Spirit Island, horseback tours, and an expedition into Maligne Canyon, with its frozen waterfalls.
Located in west-central Alberta, the town of Japer itself is surrounded by the 4,200-square-mile Jasper National Park, a pristine nature preserve. At the foot of the Canadian Rockies lies a lush valley, where the town sits at the crossing of the Miette and Athabasca Rivers.
All 4 seasons are picture-perfect in Jasper. Warm sunny summers, mild blossom-filled springs, colorful foliage in the brisk autumns, and blankets of powdery snow in winters are the yearly pattern.
Spring average 60º
Summer average 72º
Fall average 57º
Winter average19º
Jasper is a year-round destination with different attractions in every season. High season extends from May through September, but winter is also a fun time to visit for skiing, ice-skating, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, and snowshoeing. There is never a line for the ski lifts, and an almost dreamlike quiet prevails.
This region is unequalled for its wild beauty and eco-tourism, and its status as an international tourist locale is due in part to its luxurious, romantic resorts.
Outdoor adventure reigns supreme with hiking, biking, canoeing, white-water rafting, skiing, and rock climbing providing invigorating challenges and a total break from routine!
Jasper National Park: This spectacle of nature encompasses an astounding 4,200 square miles of wilderness with more than 600 miles of hiking trails, glaciers and cliffs to climb, water sports, and a thriving community of diverse wildlife.
Sight Flight: Take a Cessna for a sightseeing ride above Jasper National Park and be rewarded with a thrilling bird's-eye view of this incredible preserve.
White-Water Rafting: Wild or mild - choose your speed! Float or plunge down the Athabsaca and Whirlpool Rivers on your own or with a guide who adds depth to the excitement with tales of local folklore and interesting points of geological and ecological interest.
Snowmobiling: Trails criss-cross the park and run along the Athabasca River. Go it alone or take a guided tour that can extend overnight to include camping in the wilderness.
Rock & Ice Climbing: Join a licensed mountaineer for a mano-a-mano with nature!
Jasper Tramway: Up, up and away! This aerial tram is a remarkable way to take in the beauty of Jasper's landscape. At the peak, the Treeline Restaurant is a casual eatery sporting a 360º view of the Rockies.
Ice Fishing: Over 20 lakes in the immediate area offer pike, trout, and other catches. Guided tours are available and include gear and transportation, or you can strike out on your own with a rental boat and some advice from locals.
Ski: Whether you prefer cross-country, downhill, heli-skiing, or snowboarding, Jasper has a powdery slope for you. Both beginners and advanced find trails to suit them.
Sleigh Rides: Nothing is more romantic than bundling under a cozy blanket as a horse-drawn sleigh takes you for a moonlight ride through pristine meadows and forests. Sip hot cocoa and listen to the jingle of sleigh bells as you glide along a winter wonderland.
Columbia Icefield: You won't find any other place like this outside of Alaska! This is a 400-year-old, 233-square-mile glacier field you can tour on a Snowcoach or with a guided Ice-Walk.
Mietle Hot Springs: Take a soak at this natural hot spring with 2 separate pools.
Art Galleries: Jasper's exceptional landscape has inspired painters and sculptors alike, and the area's connection with Native American peoples has also created an impressive legacy of singular artwork. Some favorites:
·Artist's Own Downstairs Gallery: Featuring watercolor and oil paintings by resident artists, as well as photographic art depicting the regional beauty.
·E&A Studios: Featuring sculptures of regional wildlife important to Native American culture, as well as Inuit jewelry.
·Our Native Land: Featuring Native American handmade crafts such as baskets, dolls, pipes, masks, totems, and clothing.
Jasper offers international cuisine and traditional Alberta "Wild West" fare. The combination of luxury and wilderness settings is reflected in the restaurants that vary from grab-n-go e
ateries, to romantic chalets with splendid views, to elegant banquet halls. Regardless of your choice, you can generally expect high-quality food and pleasant service across the board.
Gourmet
Becker's Gourmet Restaurant: Haute cuisine in a graceful dining room of wood and stone. Enjoy the view of Mount Kerkeslin and the Athabasca River as you nibble on French delicacies like morels in a pink peppercorn velouté or succulent lamb with red currant mint sauce. Delicious! Jasper National Park
Fiddle River Seafood Company: This cozy second-floor loft sports dark-hued walls, stripped pine woodwork, and decorative accents, all backdrop to brilliant West Coast-style seafood creations by chef Dale Nutt. Favorites include beer-battered cod with lemon-pepper fries, molasses-marinated salmon, and sesame-crusted salmon. There's also steak, fowl, and pasta for landlubers. Service is attentive and friendly, and a selection of wines is available. 620 Connaught Drive
Highly Recommended
Andy's Bistro: This homey, comfortable alpine-style restaurant is reminiscent of the chef's native Switzerland. Artistically presented dishes of fresh game, prime beef, and fish are the specialties, though there are several creative and tasty vegetarian dishes as well. 606 Patricia St, Jasper National Park
Denjiro Japanese Restaurant: Shoji screens and Asian textiles mark this warm and friendly Japanese restaurant, one of the first in Jasper. Tempura dishes, stir-fries, and katsu (breaded cutlets of pork, chicken, or beef) top the menu, and there are, of course, lots of sushi dishes. 410 Connaught Dr.
Local Flair
The Villa Caruso: The chef prepares AAA Alberta Black Angus steaks on their charcoal grill. Two fireplaces, a lounge, 3 patios, and riveting mountain views combine with hearty Western fare to give visitors an authentic Alberta experience. 640 Connaught Drive
Tekarra Lodge Restaurant: Located inside the Tekarra Lodge, this is the spot for unpretentious - but tasty - home cooking, from buffalo and beef meatloaf with forest mushroom gravy to grilled Black Angus beef filet mignon. The huge fireplace dominates the room, attracting loyal locals and celebrities alike. Highway 93A
Romantic
Sunwapta Falls Restaurant: This restaurant invites you to snuggle up with your beloved while an amiable staff serves you dinner by candlelight. Canadian and international cuisine is featured, and the chef takes particular pride in the home-baked breads and pastries. Jasper National Park
The Edith Cavell: One of the restaurants inside The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, this elegant eatery's giant windows give diners a stunning view over magnificent Lac Beauvert, Whistler Mountain, and Mount Edith Cavell. The food has earned an AAA Four-Diamond award by spotlighting such treats as Canadian Buffalo Steak, Mountain Spiced Rack of Fallow Venison, and Alberta Lamb. There is an extensive wine list. Reservations recommended. Old Lodge Road
Evenings in Jasper bring a chance to unwind with cocktails or microbrews in front of fireplaces, as well as a few hot spots for those who refuse to wind down until they collapse into bed! Somewhere in between are gently lively pubs with satellite sports TVs, pool tables, and music in the background.
Charlton's Chateau Jasper: Relax at this sophisticated lounge that has gentle music played by a harpist and yet enough spunk to counter with satellite sports TV.
Atha-B Pub: Live music for late-night dancing!
Whistler's Inn: This quaint pub has a big selection of ales on tap. Pool tables, wide-screen TV, and friendly locals make for a fun and engaging evening.
Progressive Dinner Party: This whirlwind party takes you on a 4-course dining journey in a horse-drawn sleigh! Sample Canadian specialties at a different restaurant for each course with an entertaining guide.
Jasper in January: Bring the family to this festival of wintertime fun when a Ski-a-Thon, Snowball Dance, and skating parties turn the town into a huge party! Fireworks blaze in the sky, there are sports competitions galore, and the Chili Bake-Off is a crowd favorite. January
Jasper Heritage Folk Festival: Enjoy the original ethnic music of Canada as well as bluegrass, country, traditional, blues, jazz, and contemporary sounds! Children have their own festivities, and craft vendors offer wonderful Native American wares. August
Jasper is a casual mountain retreat with almost no dress code at all! Only a very few of the finer restaurants will expect "smart dress." Your only real clothing concern is the weather. Wear sturdy but light fabrics for summer wilderness adventures, with boots and long pants for hiking. Spring, fall, and even summer nights often call for a light jacket. In winter, a full ensemble of heavy layers from boots to hat and gloves is essential.
We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.
Tax Refund: The GST (Goods & Services Tax) is reimbursable upon departure, but you must keep your receipts. Simply pick up a copy of the Tax Refund Application for Visitors at any Customs Office and most tourism centers, duty-free shops, and some hotels. The form is short and easy to fill out and, along with your receipts, is all you need to be reimbursed on the spot as you exit the country.
English and French are the regional languages, as Canada is officially bilingual.
The current is the same as in the US, so you will not need an adapter.
Drinking: The legal drinking age in the province of Alberta is 18.
Entry: A photo ID (such as a passport) is required to enter Canada, as is proof of US citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate). Visas are not required.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directlyfrom a US territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Canadian Customs: Visitors may enter Canada with personal effects duty-free provided that they declare them to the customs officials upon arrival and that the goods are not subject to restrictions. Persons aged 16 and over are authorized to take 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, and 2.2 pounds of smoking tobacco. Persons 18 and over may take 40 ounces of duty-free alcoholic beverages.
Cultural Property: Canada has restrictions to ensure that objects of historical, cultural, artistic, or scientific significance remain in Canada. To take objects that are more than 50 years old (or made by a person who is no longer living) out of the country - including artifacts, fossils, fine art, decorative art, rare books, or archival materials - you may require an export permit. You must check with the Movable Cultural Property Program, 15 Eddy Street, 3rd Floor, Room 13, Hull, Quebec, Canada K1A 0M5, phone 819-997-7761, fax 819-997-7757.
US Customs: US residents returning from Canada after a visit of 48 hours or more may return with $800 worth of duty-free articles for personal use. Up to 100 cigars (non-Cuban), 32 ounces of alcoholic beverages (travelers over 21), and 200 cigarettes per person may be included in the duty and not included in the basic exemption. Works of art are exempt, however, a receipt of purchase may be required.
Jasper Tourism and Commerce: PO Box 392, Patricia Street, Jasper, Alberta, Canada, phone: 780-852-3858