Tag Archives: edith cavell

Overlooking Jasper townsite from atop the Whistlers - Jasper National Park, AB ©theexplorerslens.com

The days are growing longer and warmer.  Time to start thinking about our favourite summer hang out – Jasper National Park.

Here’s Ten Free Things to do in Jasper Nation Park this summer.

1. Go for a Hike

With 1200km of hiking trails Jasper National Park offers something for everyone of all abilities.  The Parks Summer Trails Guide is a good place to start.

2. Visit the Jasper Information Centre National Historic Site

Locacted off the main drag, across from the train station, this building is not only an architectural gem, it also is home to one of two Parks information centres within Jasper (the other is located within the Columbia Icefield Visitor Centre). If you’re looking for information about the Park this is where you want to be.

3. Watch Wildlife

While not as easy as a safari, most wildlife within Jasper National Park can be viewed from the comfort and safety of your car. Bighorn, elk, mountain goat, black bears and deer are often found roadside foraging. A visit to the aforementioned Information Centre will give you an ideal of where the critters are ‘hiding’. Safety first – please drive carefully and obey posted warnings – Keep the Wild in Wildlife.

4. Climb a Mountain

Our favourite – Mount Wilcox

5. Photograph Wildflowers

We consider the Edith Cavell area as one of the best areas for stunning wildflower photography opportunities within the Park.

6. Watch a Glacier Calve

Watch Angel Glacier along the Cavell Meadows Interpretive Trail calve house sized chunks of ice. Don’t get too close!

7. Take in the Local Art Scene

A number of truly remarkable artist take inspiration from Jasper’s beauty. Check out their work at the Jasper Artists Guild.

8. Go for a Swim

Horseshoe Lake, approximately 25km south of Jasper offers tranquil blue waters with a bit of a twist for the adventurous… cliff diving. Adult supervision highly recommended.

9. Spend a Night Star Gazing

If the daytime views aren’t enough look skyward after dark. Jasper National Park is the worlds largest dark sky preserve. Great for smores and star gazing. The Park operates special programs May through December with the Jasper Dark Sky Festival showcased in October – Parks Canada/Jasper National Park website

10. Touch a Glacier

The toe of Jasper’s Athabasca Glacier is easily accessible from the Icefields Parkway at the Columbia Icefields Interpretive Centre. Please take care and DO NOT climb on the glacier itself.

Bonus – Go for a Pinic

A hot summers day and Lake Annette go together like peanut butter and jam sandwiches. Located less than 10km from Jasper townsite, adjacent to the Jasper Park Lodge.