Jasper National Park
The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, with dark skies and abundant wildlife.
About Jasper National Park
Jasper spans about 11,000 km² of mountains, lakes, canyons and wild valleys, with the town of Jasper at its centre. It's known for wildlife viewing, Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls, hot springs and its status as a dark-sky preserve.
A brief history
Jasper House, established in 1813, was a fur trade post of the North West Company and later the Hudson's Bay Company. The area became Jasper Forest Park in 1907, a national park in 1930, and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. A major wildfire that began on July 22, 2024 destroyed about a third of the town's structures, and recovery continues.
RV tips
- A Parks Canada pass is required. Check current campground status, since some facilities were affected by the 2024 wildfire.
- Book campgrounds early in summer.
- Elk and bears are common near roads and town. Keep your distance.
Before you go: Hours, road conditions, campground availability, passes and fire bans change. Check the official source below, 511 Alberta and Alberta Fire Bans before you travel. National parks need a Parks Canada pass, and Kananaskis needs a Conservation Pass.
Campgrounds nearby
- Whistlers Campground (Parks Canada, typical about $47/night)
- Wapiti Campground (Parks Canada, typical about $47/night)
- Miette Campground (Parks Canada, typical about $36/night)
- Snaring Campground (Parks Canada, typical about $36/night)
- Wilcox Campground (Parks Canada, typical about $36/night)
Costs are approximate (checked October 2026). All Alberta campgrounds →
Sources & more information
Related trip planning: Alberta RV routes · Pre-trip checklist · Crown land camping