Bucket List: Jasper

The town of Jasper, Alberta was first established in 1813 as a major fur trade and supply outpost on a route toward what is now Vancouver.  It was named for one of the outpost's first managers, Jasper Haws.  Located in the Canadian Rockies within the Athabaska River valley, it's a place of majestic mountains and beautiful blue lakes.

The Canadian government was quick to protect the area in 1907 by creating Jasper Forest Park.  Soon afterwards the second transcontinental rail line was built, bringing more trade and adventure-seeking tourists.  The local Native Americans and Métis fostered an interest in cabin-building, a tradition that continues today.

Jasper National Park now extends over 11,000 square kilometres (4247 sq mi) and is the largest national park in the Rockies.  Its activities include back-country hiking and camping (in both summer and winter), mountain biking, and canoeing.  In 2011 the town was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve for its ideal conditions for amateur astronomers.

Town of Jasper site www.jasper-alberta.com

Discover Jasper Travel site www.jasper.travel