Top 10 Interesting Facts about Jasper National Park

Spirit Island-Jasper. The shot is taken from the banks of where the ferry docks near Spirit Island – Jasper National Park. Spirit Island is seen in the foreground with the magnificent Canadian Rockies in the background. Photo by Kedarangirus – Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a National Park located in the Canadian province, of Alberta. This park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, with an overwhelming area of 10,878 square kilometers (4,200 square miles).

It covers an area of 10,878 km2 square kilometers (4,200 sq mi). Today it’s one of the most popular and visited national parks in the world. It is close to the city of Edmonton and not too far from the oldest and most beautiful national park in Canada, Banff National Park which is also located in the province of Alberta.

Jasper was named after Jasper Hawes, who operated a regional trading post for the North West Company. Before this, it was referred to as Fitzhugh.

The park was established on September 14, 1907, as Jasper Forest Park, and was granted national park status in 1930, with the passing of the National Parks Act. Jasper National Park includes the glaciers of the Columbia Icefield, hot springs, lakes, waterfalls, and mountains.

1. Visiting the Pyramid Island for amazing winter photos is recommended

View southwest from Pyramid Island. In front, Pyramid Lake. The second mountain on the left is presumably the Whistlers. Photo by Ymblanter – Wikimedia Commons

Pyramid Lake is my favorite in Jasper. In the winters, it is a scenic spot for morning strolls, snowshoeing, and even ice skating.

Getting to visit Pyramid Island for amazing winter photos is recommended. In this case, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beautiful landscape.

2. Curl up in a cabin for a romantic getaway

Canadian Rockies – Jasper National Park. One of many magnificent mountains in the Canadian Rockies is seen alongside a beautiful Canadian Flag fluttering in the breeze in the foreground. Photo by Kedarangirus – Wikimedia Commons

For a romantic getaway or a weekend of cozy self-care, book a cute cabin in the Canadian Rockies. In Jasper National Park, there are lots of year-round options to choose from.

They are perfect for long-term stays as well (welcome to your new work-from-home space!). Log cabins are beautiful and spacious, with a living room area, bedroom, and often a fireplace – what’s not to like!

3. Sunwapta Falls looks so magical, amidst all the snow

Sunwapta Falls Jasper National Park Canada. Photo by Bitan Banerjee – Wikimedia Commons

A little outside of the Jasper town is the stunning  Sunwapta Falls along the Icefield Parkway drive. If you have visited this spot in the summers, it deserves a winter trip!

Sunwapta Falls looks so magical, amidst all the snow. To get to the fall viewing area, there is a short walk from the parking lot. Ensure you are wearing proper snow boots (preferably with cleats!).

4.  Spa and dining at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Jasper National Park information center. Photo by Ymblanter – Wikimedia Commons

Jasper is home to the historical and luxurious Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, and it is a wonderful place to spend a day of pond hockey, star gazing, or just to relax and enjoy fine dining!

Winters are particularly special here. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge welcomes the festive season each year with seasonal menus, and by inviting Santa Claus into a snowy wonderland.

5. There are annual Christmas Vacation packages at Jasper Fairmont

Jasper National Park, Jasper Alberta, Canada. Photo by Amber Mac75 – Wikimedia Commons

Every year Jasper Fairmont offers reservations for Christmas Vacation Packages. Guests are given a deluxe suite for their stay and are welcomed to celebrate the holiday season in their stunning Emerald Lounge.

You can sit back and enjoy hot chocolate or mountain coffee by the fireplace, and also get to meet with Santa!

6. Christmas Eve is a great time to head to the Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park. Photo by Thomas Fuhrmann – Wikimedia Commons

The cabins and the restaurants are wonderfully decorated with red and green Christmas cheer. Every Christmas tree, chandelier, and column is wrapped in stunning lights. There is also a giant gingerbread house in the lobby (and you are allowed to walk through it!)

If guests are staying over on December 24th, there is in-suite decorations and ornaments too – to feel at home!

Christmas Eve is a great time to head there for events and dining. Children can put on stockings, and they are usually filled by the hotel ‘elves’ with gifts to take back home. There are Christmas carols, dancing, and rejoicing!

Inside the property, there are options for a romantic spa or pond hockey (one of the fun things to do in Canada in winter) at Lake Mildred.

7. Jasper town is quaint and fun to explore

Jasper National Park. Photo by Thomas Fuhrmann – Wikimedia Commons

Jasper is a haven for those who love to snowshoe. Head over to the Maligne Lake Area and enjoy some of the picturesque trails, as you snowshoe.

There are so many to choose from – like the Moose Lake Loop, Medicine Lake, or Beaver Lake. Enjoy a holiday menu at a local bar or café.

Jasper town is quaint and fun to explore. But its small-town charm comes with a side of big flavors! Try out some of the local restaurants with a holiday menu, and order a beer sampler!

8. Jasper National Park has a unique bio-diversity.

Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park. Photo by Stephanie Macleod – Wikimedia Commons

It is easy to spend a winter weekend in Jasper checking out the wildlife! The answer: a winter wildlife discovery tour.  

You can check out elks, deer, sheep, goats, coyotes, wolves, and moose en route as they enjoy the winter themselves. On a guided tour, you get to learn about Jasper’s unique bio-diversity.

9. Jasper is the world’s second-largest Dark Sy Preserve

Jasper National Park. Photo by Thomas Fuhrmann – Wikimedia Commons

 Jasper is the world’s second-largest Dark Sy Preserve.  The Jasper Dark Sky Festival takes place in October, but you do have a good chance of viewing the aurora borealis from September through mid-May when the hours of darkness are longer.

Just make sure you are in town, stay up for a bit, and look north to capture the gorgeous green dancing lights!

Medicine Lake and Pyramid Lake & Pyramid Lake Island are my top picks for stargazing in Jasper.

10. Go on a winter road trip along the Icefield Parkway

Jasper National Park. Photo by Thomas Fuhrmann – Wikimedia Commons

Snowy landscapes are breathtaking, and imagine a road trip through the stunning Rockies.

Embark on the Icefield Parkway drive, considered one of the most scenic in the world, and soak in those wintery views. Icefield Parkway connects Jasper National Park to Lake Louise (in Banff National Park).

For a shorter drive, head down Maligne Lake Road.