Jasper National Park – Seasonal Sensations

Jasper Forest Park was established in 1907 on the Hudson’s Bay Company trade route from New Caledonia (Fort St. James) to Vancouver. 13,000 kilometers were set aside for the park at that time. It wasn’t until 1930 that Jasper National Park was established as a national park in Alberta. But since then it has included many wondrous sites for visitors to see; including the Icefield Parkway, Pyramid Mountain, The Jasper Tramway, Maligne Lake and canyon, the famous Spirit Island, Marmot Basin Ski Resort and many glacial fed emerald green lakes in the Athabasca River valley.

Jasper is a small town of about 5,000 people that doubles in size during tourism season – July to October. Hundreds of the town residents are employees at the various hotels and tourist attractions with the largest staff of about 500 people at the famous Jasper Park Lodge on the gorgeous shores of Lac Beauvert. JPL, as it is known locally, has been around since 1921 – though a lodge was on the same location much earlier than that. Originally owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway, Jasper Park Lodge is now under the famous Fairmont Hotels and Resorts umbrella.

In addition to the spectacular sites of Jasper National Park, you will see untouched wilderness and wildlife. Visitors should beware of elk, mountain goat and smaller wildlife roaming the town site of Jasper at will. It’s not uncommon to have to cross the street and walk on the other side to avoid the small herds of the hooved kind. But don’t get too close, these wild animals really are wild – keep a good distance with your camera.

Seasonal climates vary with mild summers and the occasional severe cold winter weather. Summer or Winter, there are many things to see and do no matter how avid an adventurer you are. Activities range from river rafting, lake boat tours, hiking and biking, snow shoeing, sleigh rides and of course fantastic deep powder skiing and snowboarding. No matter what time of year you visit, Jasper is more than worth while.