Banff National Park

Travel Guide for Banff National Park & the Canadian Rockies

Menu
  • Places to Stay
    • Camping in Banff
  • Things To Do
    • Backpacking
    • Banff Wildlife
    • Biking
    • Golf Courses
    • Hiking
    • Skiing In Banff
    • Snowshoeing in Banff National Park
    • Summer Sightseeing Tours
    • White Water Rafting
    • Zipline Tours
  • Plan Your Trip
    • How To Get Here
    • Shuttle Service to Banff
    • Banff National Park of Canada Maps & Guides
    • Maps of Banff and Area
    • From Vancouver To Banff By Train
  • Eat & Drink
  • Shopping
  • Canadian Rockies
    • Webcams in Banff
    • Real Estate in Banff
  • Contact
    • Have a Picture You Want to Share?
  • Book Hotel
Menu


Introduction to Jasper National Park

Posted on March 6, 2009October 24, 2022 by K. Gordon

Quick overview of information about Jasper, Alberta

Jasper Townsite: 287km (178 miles) NW of Banff

Jasper has grown recently to become Canada’s largest mountain park. Less than 200 miles from its more well-known neighbour Banff, it was officially established in 1907. However, in the 1840’s, it already had a sort of guesthouse. An intrigued painter who visited the elusive guesthouse described it as “composed of two rooms of about 14 and 15 feet square. One of them is used by all comers and goers, Indians, voyageurs and traders, men, women, and children being huddled together indiscriminately, the other room being devoted to the exclusive occupation of Colin Fraser (postmaster) and his family, consisting of a Cree squaw and nine interesting half-breed children.”



Things have evolved a little in this beautiful park since then. Less busy than Banff, it attracts a sportier, outdoorsy crowd. Always on top of the agenda in Jasper National Park are hiking, biking, climbing, horseback riding, and rafting among many of the main activities. As would be expected in a fairly touristy area, there is no shortage of shopping and dining but it is not what really draws the crowds. The people you see around Jasper are quite different to the Banff traveller as they seem like they really came here to explore the mountains and not just to relax.

“I think Jasper has changed over the years but maybe not as dramatically as say Banff for example. Jasper is very proud of keeping its roots,” Lindsay Harman, regular visitor to Jasper National Park.

For more info, visit Jasper National Park page.

Related Articles

Shop Banff

Banff Sponsors

 

Search for Banff Info

Our Banff Activity Partners

Wild Warter

Yamnuska Mountain Adventures

Valley Zipline Adventures

Great Divide Nature Interpretation

WOW Banff

Golf Canada's West

The Banff Newsletter

Keep up to date on all the hotel deals, things to do, and latest news in Banff!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Banff Sponsors

 

Banff Sponsors

 

Find It Fast!

  • Ultimate Canadian Rockies Vacation Planner
  • A First Timers Guide to Banff National Park
  • Shuttle Service to Banff
  • Plan Your Trip to Banff
  • How to Get to Banff
  • From Vancouver To Banff By Train
  • Banff Alberta Maps & Guides
  • Maps of Banff and Area
  • The Must Dos in Banff Town
  • Webcams in Banff

Follow Us

Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Pinterest

Accommodations in Banff

  • Where to Stay in Banff National Park
  • Banff Bed & Breakfasts
  • Hotels in Banff
  • Banff Inns
  • Banff Lodges
  • Banff Hostels
  • Banff Campgrounds

Banff Activities

  • Things To Do in Banff
  • Zipline Tours
  • White Water Rafting in Banff
  • The Complete Guide to Wildlife Viewing in Banff National Park
  • Backpacking
  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Golf
  • Hiking

Plan Your Trip to Banff

  • Ultimate Canadian Rockies Vacation Planner
  • A First Timers Guide to Banff National Park
  • Shuttle Service to Banff
  • Plan Your Trip to Banff
  • How to Get to Banff
  • From Vancouver To Banff By Train
  • Banff Alberta Maps & Guides
  • Maps of Banff and Area
  • The Must Dos in Banff Town
  • Webcams in Banff
© 2023 Banff National Park • Advertise With Us • Privacy Policy

As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This site also participates in various other affiliate programs, and we may get a commission through purchases made through our links. Please read our complete Privacy Policy for more information.

hotels

deals

shuttles

activities