12 minute read
Sights
WATER SPIRIT
One of the most photographed places in the entire Canadian Rockies is Spirit Island. This out-of-the-way location features a small isthmus surrounded by the towering peaks of the Queen Elizabeth Range. This impressive backdrop has captivated people for millennia.
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Spirit Island isn’t actually an island. It’s an isthmus connected to the shoreline by a thin bridge of land. During the spring thaw, the waters rise enough to swallow this connection, making it a true island.
Various First Nations Peoples frequented Spirit Island and Maligne Lake. They visited during the summer to hunt and gather food. The Îyârhe Nakoda People view mountains as the physical representations of their ancestors. So Spirit Island, surrounded in its box canyon of impressive peaks, is a very rare location that holds particular significance. The Îyârhe Nakoda People still visit this sacred place. While it remains one of the most photographed areas in the Rockies, they ask that visitors stay on the maintained trails behind the island, focusing on that iconic view, rather than stepping foot on the isthmus itself.
Access to Spirit Island is limited. It's on a remote shore in a cold lake surrounded by high peaks and a glacier, 14 km/8.7 mi from the docks. There is no hiking access to the island, so it can only be reached on the water. The Maligne Lake Boat Cruise (p 95) is the easiest and most effective way to reach Spirit Island. Tours include photography packages and guided interpretation, so you have a better appreciation of the area. For the die-hard DIY, rent canoes or kayaks from Maligne Lake Boat House (p 95). The journey takes four hours each way, so it’s recommended for experienced paddlers.
DRIVING TOURS
ICEFIELDS PARKWAY 105 km/65 mi journey to the Columbia Icefield and Sunwapta Pass. One of the world’s most spectacular drives with stunning mountain scenery and abundant wildlife, including bighorn sheep and elusive mountain goats.
Follow Connaught Dr west. Across Hwy 16, the road becomes the Icefields Parkway/Hwy 93N.
Turn right onto Hwy 93A and take a 14.5 km/9 mi detour on Cavell Rd to Mt Edith Cavell. This mountain was known to the First Nations explorers as White Ghost for its snowy peak. The mountain’s European name honours a WWI British nurse executed for helping prisoners of war escape German-occupied Belgium. Walk the 1.6 km/1 mi Path of the Glacier interpretative trail for a close-up view of Angel Glacier.
At Athabasca Falls, 31 km/19 mi, Hwy 93A rejoins the Icefields Parkway. The Athabasca River is forced through a narrow canyon and over a cliff. There are picnic sites and a 20 min interpretive trail.
Goat Lookout, 37 km/23.3 mi, is a picnic site with a view of the Athabasca River Valley where natural salt licks attract mountain goats.
Sunwapta Falls, 53 km/33 mi, has a footbridge that provides the best view and a trail downstream along the canyon rim.
As the highway starts to climb south of Beauty Flats, a pullout on the right provides a photogenic view of Stutfield Glacier, 94 km/59 mi, spilling over the mountian's ridge. Tangle Creek tumbles down a limestone wall at Tangle Falls, 96 km/60 mi.
The Columbia Icefield, 103 km/64 mi, is one of the largest accumulations of glacial ice south of the Arctic. It covers 215 sq km/83 sq mi and is up to 250 m/800 ft deep. Its meltwaters flow west to the Pacific, north to the Arctic, and east to Hudson’s Bay and the Atlantic. This hydrological apex is one of two in the world; the other is in Siberia. Six major glaciers flow from the icefield. At the Athabasca Glacier, visitors can walk to the glacier toe or take a guided icewalk to learn about the importance of glaciers in the ecosystem. Rockies Heli Canada (p 99) offers Icefield tours from its heliport, outside the park off Hwy 11.
ALL ABOARD!
Travelling by rail provides a unique view of the mountains. Take the train tour with Sundog Tours (p 102) and enjoy sightseeing by rail, followed by a coach return with stops at the best spots. For a luxury experience in the mountains and beyond, book a journey with the prestigious Rocky Mountaineer. This deluxe train tour boasts excellent views through glass dome windows, guided interpretation, and the experience of a lifetime. -TJ
Across the road, the Glacier Discovery Centre offers lodging, dining and a gift shop. Hop the shuttle to the Glacier Skywalk (p 96), for a thrilling and informative stroll.
Sunwapta Pass, 107 km/66.5 mi, is where Jasper National Park ends and Banff National Park begins. It is 122 km/76 mi farther to Lake Louise, details in Banff Sightseeing on p 31.
JASPER TO MOUNT ROBSON The 90 km/56 mi drive to the Mount Robson Visitor Centre takes travellers to Mount Robson Provincial Park, a 215,000 ha/830 sq mi mountain showcase named after the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. From Jasper, take Yellowhead Hwy 16 west, 30 km/19 mi, to Yellowhead Pass atop the Continental Divide. Beyond is the Portal Lake picnic site. Soon after crossing into British Columbia is Yellowhead Lake. The highway crosses the upper Fraser River which eventually becomes one of Canada’s major waterways, draining 25% of the province west to the Pacific Ocean.
At the Moose Lake pull-out, waterfalls create a photogenic backdrop and the marsh is prime wildlife habitat. Take a short stroll to Overlander Falls.
At Mount Robson, find information, a restaurant, and a shop. The peak rises to 3954 m/12,970 ft across a flower filled meadow. It's the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
It's 32 km/20 mi farther to the town of Valemont. Before turning left onto Hwy 5, visit scenic Reargard Falls. During Aug and Sept, Chinook salmon travel 1200 km/746 mi upriver from the ocean to reach this spot.
MALIGNE LAKE ROADD
48 km/30 mi road to Maligne Lake is popular for its beauty and wildlife. Elk and bighorn sheep often graze roadside. Please stay in your vehicle when viewing wildlife.
TOUR THE MOUNTAINTOPS
Enjoy a bird's eye view of iconic peaks, alpine lakes, and historic landmarks with a sightseeing tour from Remote Helicopters (p 99). Take to the sky for a stunning 20, 30, or 60 minute flight or customize your trip and get your personal experience of a lifetime. It's perfect for weddings, engagements, or an extra personal touch. Based in Hinton, Remote is just a short drive from Jasper, making this an easy way to fly in the mountains. -TJ
From town, take Yellowhead Hwy 16 east for 2 km/1.2 mi. Turn right at Maligne Rd, cross the Athabasca River and pass Lodge Rd, which leads to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (p 114). Walk or bike the 1.5 km/0.9 mi loop around Lac Beauvert. Rent a boat or enjoy a drink on the terrace with a sublime view.
Return to Maligne Lake Rd and stop at Lake Annette. Walk the gentle lakeside path, have a picnic or enjoy the beach.
Turn right at Maligne Canyon and stop at the 6th Bridge picnic site where the Miette and Athabasca rivers meet. Pull in for a snack at Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen (p 110). Take a walk along the interpretive trail with six footbridges to see the 55 m/180 ft deep chasm or take a guided hike (p 102) to learn about the area, its unique geology and its history in Jasper National Park.
Medicine Lake, 32 km/19 mi, is a pullout with Maligne Range views and signs describing how the lake seasonally disappears. The road ends at Maligne Lake, the largest naturally formed glacial lake in the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy walking, boating, fishing, dining, and shopping, or take a cruise to Spirit Island (p 95).
PYRAMID LAKE ROAD
7.5 km/4.7 mi scenic drive to this popular area for swimming and sightseeing. Turn left off Connaught Dr onto Pyramid Lake Rd.
Cottonwood Slough, 2 km/1.2 mi, is a wetlands habitat with many different species of birds and wildlife. Access walking trails that traverse the forested Pyramid Bench.
At Patricia Lake, 4.8 km/3 mi, walk the Patricia Lake Loop and read the plaque describing an experimental iceberg aircraft landing strip built during WWII.
At the end of the road is Pyramid Lake, with a beach, boat rentals, fishing, and a restaurant. Reach Pyramid Island by footbridge and enjoy views of Pyramid Mountain that glows red at sunset.
HIKING & BIKING
COTTONWOOD SLOUGH is an easy 4.2 km/2.6 mi trail through a beaver-dammed wetland with shorter out-and-back options and chances to see wildlife including songbirds, waterfowl, osprey, eagles, beavers, otters, moose, elk, and deer.
DISCOVERY TRAIL 8.3 km/5.1 mi easy townsite loop with multiple access points. The gentle south portion by the main street is flat, paved, and gravelled. The north side follows the contours of Pyramid Bench. Moderate climbs lead to views of the Jasper townsite as well as the Athabasca, Miette, and Maligne river valleys. "Bear head" shaped interpretive signs explain Jasper’s rich history, culture, and ecology.
LAC BEAUVERT 3.9 km/2.4 mi easy trail begins at the south end of the lake near Old Fort Point. Access via Hwy 93A. Follow the lakeside trail past the golf course and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Cyclists can continue on roads or trails #7 and #4 to lakes Annette and Edith, and then Maligne Canyon.
LAKE ANNETTE 2.4 km/1.5 mi easy, flat loop around one of Jasper's warmest lakes. The scenic paved trail is excellent for walking or running and is wide enough for strollers or wheelchairs. There are benches along the trail to enjoy the views. Bikes not permitted.
MALIGNE CANYON 3.7 km/2.3 mi easy to moderate trail with interpretive signs and six bridges. The canyon is up to 55 m/180 ft deep. Best views are from 6th bridge walking upstream. Park at Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen (p 110) and walk 15 min across the 1st and 2nd bridges. No bike access from 1st to 5th bridge.
MARY SCHÄFFER LOOP at Maligne Lake. 3.2 km/1.5 mi easy loop, named for the famous explorer and surveyor who mapped the lake and surrounding area, naming many of the peaks. This interpretive trail follows the lakeshore by the historic Curly Phillips Boathouse, across meadows, and up a treed slope. Bikes not permitted.
MIETTE HOT SPRINGS TRAIL
0.7 km/0.4 mi easy interpretive trail to old pool ruins and the source of the hot springs. 1.9 km/1.2 mi further is a stunning display of alpine wildflowers at Sulphur Pass. Sulphur Skyline is a 4 km/2.5 mi moderate to difficult trail with views at Shuay Pass and the summit. Bikes not permitted.
OLD FORT POINT 1.8 km/1.1 mi moderate trail, 1.6 km/1 mi from town via Hwy 93A. Start up the stairs and climb through aspens to two summit lookouts with great views. Continue past the lookouts and turn left to make a loop. Bikes not permitted.
POCAHONTAS COAL MINE TRAIL
1 to 4 km/0.6 to 2.5 mi, easy to moderate trail. Begin 42 km/26 mi east of town at Hwy 16 and Miette Rd. Interpretive trail leads through 1900s mine ruins. The lower loop is paved. The upper trail has steeper sections with fantastic mountain views.
PYRAMID TRUNK TRAIL Moderate 7.5 km/4.7 mi trail parallels Pyramid Lake Rd and steadily rises to Pyramid Bench with great views. Begin behind the Jasper Yellowhead Museum (p 98) and end at Pyramid Lake.
SKYLINE TRAIL 44 km/27 mi moderate two-day backpacking trail, mostly above treeline. Stay midway at Shovel Pass Lodge, 1-877-852-7787. Park across the road from Maligne Canyon and take the Maligne Adventure's Hiker's Shuttle (p 102) to the trailhead for the easiest access. Bikes not permitted.
THE OVERLANDER 15 km/9 mi moderate trail, good for mountain biking. Follow the route used by gold seekers in 1862. Start at the 6th Bridge and follow the roadless side of the Athabasca River to Cold Sulphur Spring. Return the same way or take Hwy 16.
WHISTLERS SUMMIT TRAIL
1.4 km/0.9 mi moderate trail beginning from the Jasper SkyTram (p 102) upper station. Take the boardwalk and ensuing trail to the top of Whistlers Mountain. Enjoy the vistas at 2,463 m/8081 ft with a 360° view of six mountain ranges.
PEACEFUL PADDLES
Is there anything better than a day on the water? Rent canoes, kayaks, SUPs, and paddle boats from the boathouse at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (p 95) to enjoy Lac Beauvert. Explore the waterways of Jasper National Park and get your canoe, kayak, or SUP rental delivered from Pure Outdoors (p 105). Their hassle-free experience means you can spend more time on the water, and less time worrying about the details. -KB
PICNIC SITES
LAKE ANNETTE Offering a playground and a beach with shallow water, which is occasionally warm enough for swimming during the summer. A trail with scenic views rings the lake.
PYRAMID ISLAND A footbridge leads to lakeshore picnic sites, fire pits, and interpretive signs. A beach with boat rentals are nearby.
SIXTH BRIDGE A quiet forested spot where the Maligne and Athabasca rivers meet. Walk or bike the Overlander Trail (left) or follow the Maligne River to 5th Bridge and the canyon beyond.
TOWNSITE WALK
After visiting the Jasper Information Centre, cross Miette Ave to see the Den Wildlife Museum in the lower level of the Whistler’s Inn (p 115).
Cross Connaught Dr to the Jasper Heritage Railway Station, a working railway station with a 1923 CNR steam locomotive 6015 and a Haida-carved totem pole out front. The totem pole tells the story of two brothers who visit the mountains. One returns home while one stays behind.
Follow the 8.3 km/5.1 mi Discovery Trail. The trail’s three sections have signs interpreting railway history to the SW, peaks and people to the NW, and nature on the other side of town.
Head back downtown to see the Old Firehall, across Patricia St from the visitor centre. Continue past the Jasper Activity Centre and turn left onto Bonhomme St. Visit the Jasper Yellowhead Museum (p 98) with exhibits on the town and park history.
Across the street is the Jasper Fitness & Aquatic Centre (p 103). Go left at Elm Ave to the Library & Cultural Centre and visit the Jasper Art Guild Gallery (p 96) for exceptional local and regional art on display.
Return to Patricia St and Connaught Dr and enjoy the downtown scene with the best shopping, dining, and pubs.