Jasper is the wild side of the Canadian Rockies. It's the largest national park in the range, covering more than 2.7 million acres of western Alberta, and it's part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Banff and several neighboring parks. Around every bend there's another postcard view.

Hike beneath the glaciers of Mount Edith Cavell, then walk the edge of Maligne Canyon, where the river has carved a deep, narrow gorge. Watch for wildlife as you go. Caribou, moose and even the elusive wolverine call the park home. The town of Jasper makes an easy, friendly base, with plenty of guided tours and excursions. In winter, the park becomes a snow lover's playground, with skiing at Marmot Basin and snowshoeing deep in the backcountry.

A wildfire in 2024 affected parts of the park and town, so some areas may still be closed. I'll check current conditions, plan your route and pair Jasper with Banff and the Icefields Parkway for one of the most scenic drives in the world.