Small lake and marsh in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada

The magic of Jasper. Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada

Can you picture more than 4,200 square miles of protected wilderness? That's Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. Established in 1907 as part of a growing network of protected landscapes in the Canadian Rockies, it was designated a national park in 1930. The park reflects both conservation efforts and much older Indigenous connections, including those of the Nakoda and Secwépemc peoples. Its terrain ranges from glacier-fed rivers and alpine meadows to dense conifer forests dominated by spruce and pine.

Wildlife is ever-present. Elk move through open valleys, moose feed in wetlands, and the occasional grizzly bear or wolf is a reminder that this is their space. Caribou still roam parts of the park, though their numbers remain fragile. Do you hope to catch sight of the fauna? Trails range from short walks to multi-day backcountry routes. The Icefields Parkway offers access to glaciers and wide valley views, while Maligne Lake draws paddlers in summer. Winter brings cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. After sunset, Jasper's Dark Sky Preserve status reveals clear, star-filled skies.