Jasper National Park Information
For Jasper National Park information, the residence of Jasper’s first superintendent, a beautiful old stone building dating to 1913, is now used by PARKS CANADA as the JASPER VISITOR CENTRE (Connaught Dr., 780/852-6176), right downtown. The staff provides general information on Jasper National Park and can direct you to hikes in the immediate vicinity.
TOURISM JASPER (780/820-1006) has a desk in the building, and the friendly staff never seem to tire of explaining that all the rooms in town are full. As well as providing general information on the town, they have a large collection of brochures on activities, shopping, and restaurants.
Also in the building is the FRIENDS OF JASPER NATIONAL PARK store, selling maps, books, bear spray, and souvenirs. Look for notices posted out front with the day’s interpretive programs.
Jasper’s two newspapers, THE FITZHUGH and JASPER LOCAL, are the best sources of local news.
The official TOWN OF JASPER website lists current events, weather conditions, and loads of helpful links, is also worth checking out.
Books and Bookstores
If you’re interested in local history, purchase the History of Jasper by Meghan Power, a detailed but readable history of the town and park that includes lots of historic photos. Other Jasper books include:
Images of Jasper (light weight photo book)
Maligne Lake (history and photos)
Canadian Rockies Trail Guide (hiking guide for all of the Canadian Rockies)
Icefields Parkway (photo book)
Parkways of the Canadian Rockies (driving guide for all of the Canadian Rockies)
Housed in Jasper’s historic Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment building and a 2013 extension, JASPER MUNICIPAL LIBRARY (500 Robson St., 780/852-3652) holds just about everything ever written about Jasper National Park.
Head to the FRIENDS OF JASPER NATIONAL PARK store (780/852-4767) in the Jasper Visitor Centre or the museum for a good selection of books on Jasper National Park’s natural and human history.
Jasper National Park Pass
Permits are required for entry into Jasper National Park. A DAY PASS is adult $10.50, senior $9, to a maximum of $21 per vehicle. It is interchangeable between national parks and is valid until 4pm the day following its purchase.
An annual DISCOVERY PASS, good for entry into national parks and national historic sites across Canada, is adult $73, senior $62, to a maximum of $146 per vehicle.
Passes can be bought at the Jasper Visitor Centre, both ends of the Icefields Parkway, at the East Gate, and at campground kiosks, and online at the Parks Canada website.