Jasper NP is Ranked Canada’s #1 National Park by U.S. News and World Report:
Jasper National Park is by far the best place to experience the Rocky Mountains. The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies offers endless opportunities to hike, bike, boat and more. Jasper also holds the unique distinction of being the world's second largest dark sky preserve, with excellent conditions for stargazing. To soak up the best of Jasper, drive down the famous Icefields Parkway, considered to be one of the most scenic drives in the world (U.S. News)
There is wildlife teaming throughout Jasper NP -- bears, wolves, caribou, elk, moose, mountains goats, bighorn sheep and much more.
It’s not enough to keep your eyes on just the road when cycling Canada.😟
Alberta’s Lynn Sugden wisely chooses oncoming traffic over the alternative.
The cycling and scenery of this park are absolutely extraordinary and we highly recommend a cycling-hiking-sightseeing trip of four or five days to this glorious natural wonderland.
Much of this page was created with the help of PJAMM’s good friend and contributor Lynn Sugden, Sherwood Park, AB, CAN.
FACTS OF INTEREST:
“Together, they exemplify the outstanding physical features of the Rocky Mountain Biogeographical Province. Classic illustrations of glacial geological processes — including icefields, remnant valley glaciers, canyons and exceptional examples of erosion and deposition — are found throughout the area. The Burgess Shale Cambrian and nearby Precambrian sites contain important information about the earth’s evolution.”
THE BEST BIKE CLIMBS IN JASPER NATIONAL PARK
LISTED BY PROXIMITY TO JASPER
Climb begins in Jasper.
This is a junior climb, but a climb none the less. The scenery at the lake is outstanding.
20 km/12.5 mi from Jasper.
Athabasca Loop is a must -
Ride 64 kilometers and climb a comfortable 575 meters.
8 km/5 mi from Jasper
Cycling Marmot Basin, Jasper National Park, Alberta, CAN.
This climb begins in the heart of Jasper National Park and offers many of the breathtaking views of majestic steep mountains that we see throughout this extremely scenic and popular national park. While the climb itself is moderately challenging, it is the magnificent views and peaceful surroundings that set this climb apart.
Ride 14 kilometers gaining 770 meters at 5.4% average grade.
The last 1.5 km are on dirt, but easily manageable on a road bike.
8 km/5 mi from Jasper.
Cycling Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, CAN.
Ride 40 kilometers gaining 815 meters at 1.6% average grade.
This glacially formed lake just 40 kilometers from Jasper is famed for its beauty and the azure color of its waters. The lake is an often photographed scenic representation of Jasper National Park.
MOUNT EDITH CAVELL SOUTH and NORTH
South 10 km/6 mi from Jasper; North 17 km/10.6 mi from Jasper.
Cycling Mount Edith Cavell, AB, CAN.
Ride 19 kilometers gaining 696 meters at 3.4% average grade.
Maligne Range of the Canadian Rockies.
This climb is not called Mount Edith Cavell for nothing! For most of this southerly climb, you are heading towards and in site of the mighty Mount Edith Cavell in Alberta’s incomparable Jasper National Park. Mount Edith Cavell is the most prominent peak located entirely within Alberta.
Mount Edith Cavell.
Angel Glacier is visible on north face of the peak.
40 km/25 mi from Jasper.
3.2 km/2 miles from Jasper
At 4 km, this is short climb. Nonetheless, the last 3 km are brutal. It gets it reputation as the last climb of the day after riding out to Athabasca Falls then climbing Mount Edith Cavell and/or Marmot Basin Ski Station.
South 153 km/95 mi and North 93 km/58 mi from Jasper.
The pass marks the boundary between Banff and Jasper National Parks. The pass is 5.6 km/3.5 miles up (south) from Columbia Icefield Discovery Center. This is in Jasper NP and it is a true climb. It gets its cycling traffic not from climb seekers but from day rides or cyclotouristes riding from Jasper to the Columbia Ice Fields. The pass marks the boundary between Banff and Jasper National Parks.
HOW TO GET TO JASPER:
WHERE TO STAY WHILE VISITING JASPER NATIONAL PARK:
Jasper is a quaint tourist town with lots of accommodations, cabins, and hotels.
PJAMM’s Alberta resident and Jasper/Jasper NP expert, Lynn Sugden’s first choice is Becker’s Chalets. Lynn’s room rate for June 2020 is $260 per night for one room with a double bed, sitting room, gas fireplace kitchenette, and bathroom with shower.
Lynn’s other recommendations are Tekarra Lodge and the nice, but pricier Pyramid Lake Resort and the all out first class is the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. There is also five-star camping at the Whistlers & Wapiti close to town (closed for construction until 2021), and Pocahontas (140 sites) and Wabasso (231 sites) campgrounds not far away. Reservations are a must June through September.
WHERE TO EAT:
Lynn’s recommendations:
THE FLATS (FOR THE MOST PART, ANYWAY):
THINGS TO DO IN JASPER - AFTER YOU DONE CYCLING FOR THE DAY: 🚴👍
GROCERY STORE:
The best grocery store is Robinsons AG on the corner of Connaught and Balsam.