As we look towards new adventures in 2016, we鈥檇 like to take a moment to highlight a number of exciting milestones that happened in 2015 for Jasper National Park. Not only is the park on track for a record breaking year in terms of visitors for 2015, it co-hosted Canada鈥檚 largest professional cycling event, saw the opening of a new theatre and gallery exhibit at the Icefield Centre, the expansion and addition of new activities in both our summer and winter seasons and turned the page to look forward to the next 75 years for the iconic Icefields Parkway.
Tour of Alberta
Parks Canada, Tourism Jasper and the Municipality of Jasper are always looking to collaborate to raise the profile of the area as an all-season tourist destination.
One of the activities that visitors and residents alike can enjoy at any time of year is biking. This healthy outdoor pursuit is perfect for Jasper National Park. Jasper received international attention in 2015 as it co-hosted the first ever mountain stage of the Tour of Alberta cycling race.
The town was buzzing with visitors and spectators on hand to enjoy the race and associated festivities. On the first day, the cyclists travelled along Highway 16 to the Miette Road, finishing at Miette Hot Springs. On the second day, the athletes did a few laps around town for fans and spectators before venturing on to Highway 93 where the race finished at Marmot Basin. Parks would like to thank everyone for their participation and cooperation during this amazingly successful event, which enhanced Jasper鈥檚 brand for years to come.
Summer Activities
Camping is an iconic Canadian experience. Parks is proud that families from coast to coast to coast choose to create lasting memories in their national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.
After selling out in 2014, 10 additional oTENTiks were built at Whistlers Campground bringing the number of cozy tent cabins in Jasper National Park to 21. In addition, a new backcountry camping experience was made available in June: Hidden Cove鈥擩asper鈥檚 newest paddle-in only campground. Situated along the spectacular shores of Maligne Lake, this new campground saw many new visitors and locals alike who travelled by canoe or kayak. Also new to the park this summer was guided paddleboarding鈥攁 water activity that has become exceptionally popular.
Winter Activities
The winter season is now well underway and with new expanded trails and activities, there is no better time to explore Jasper. From fat biking to snowshoeing to cross-country skiing, Parks offers many trails with all adventurers in mind (check it out online at: pc.gc.ca/jasperwinter).
New this year is Marmot Meadows Winter Hub, equipped with a winterized cook shelter and fire pits for warming up outside. It鈥檚 a great place to spend the day, where people can cross-country ski, skate or take in some interesting winter programs such as tipi teachings, dark sky snowshoeing or fire starting and bannock making.
The more adventurous type can now camp at Whirlpool Winter Camp. In 2015 a winterized cooking shelter and new privy were built, and fabulous groomed cross-country ski trails were tracked right outside the tent pads or RV parking area. For more information, make sure you pick up the new winter guide, it is available at the Jasper Information Centre.
The Icefields Parkway, the first 75 years
One of the most scenic drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway closed out its first 75 years in style. A special motif was designed to commemorate the anniversary and a historic photo exhibit with images dating back to before the road was built is featured at the Glacier Gallery in the Icefield Centre, located along the route.
The short film 鈥淭hrough Ice and Time鈥�, from internationally acclaimed director Alar Kivelo, was also presented for the first time in Parks Canada鈥檚 new theatre at the centre. Several local stakeholders and partners also engaged in the celebration, sharing stories through social media using #IP75.
More to come in 2016
Parks has been working hard to promote its visitor offer to encourage more Canadians to experience and learn more about our environment and history and we are already working hard to ensure that 2016 will be yet another year to enjoy new activities in Jasper National Park.
It begins early in the year with the 27th annual Jasper in January Festival. Parks will be offering 鈥減ay for two, stay for three鈥� days (the third consecutive day free) at our east, west and Parkway gates from Jan. 15 until Jan. 31.
In addition, the interpretive team will be serving up many unique winter programs at Marmot Meadows Winter Hub during Jasper in January and for the entire winter season.
Plans are also in place for a new festival in February built around the Family Day long weekend. For a list of activities taking place in Jasper this winter, visit: pc.gc.ca/jasperwinter.
Parks Canada
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