to the east on top of each other. The same rocks There are fleabanes, vetches, oxytropes, violets, Jasper National Park appear as the rugged, precipitous cliffs and castel­ the western wood lily, wild blue flax, large- JASPER Alberta lated peaks of the Jacques and De Smet Ranges. flowered gaillardia, shooting star and the pasque (3) Mesozoic— flower, better known as the crocus anemone, Location These younger rocks are softer and have been which is also found on the prairies. Other wild- Jasper National Park lies along the eastern stripped off the higher mountains by the processes flowers are Macoun's gentian, bunchberry, twin- NATIONAL slopes of the Rocky Mountains with its townsite of erosion. They tend to be preserved only in the flower, wintergreens, asters, arnicas, water willow- 235 miles west of the City of Edmonton. valleys between the great palaeozoic mountain herb and its cousin, the great willow-herb or Its southern boundary crosses the vast Colum­ ranges, where they form areas of low, undulating fireweed, Indian paint brush, elephant's head, bia Icefield and the total Park area of 4,200 relief and where they can be seen in the steep pentstemon, larkspur, columbine and several interesting orchids such as the calypso, hooded PARK square miles makes it the second largest of the sides of some of the rivers, as for instance at ladies'-tresses, small white lady's-slipper and the National Parks in Canada. Snake Indian Falls. In places they have been round-leaved orchid. The detailed map in this folder has been pre­ crumbled and folded into structures called anti­ ALBERTA Some very interesting flowers are found around pared especially to assist visitors to identify clines and synclines. and above timberline (approximately 7,000 feet readily the various features of the Park. The great Columbia Icefield (150 square miles) altitude) among them red and pink mountain- is shared by Jasper and Banff National Parks. Much Purpose heath, white mountain-heather, forget-me-not, of it is above 8,500 feet in elevation and some mountain rhododendron, Arctic harebell, one- Jasper was established as a National Park be­ above 10,000 feet. It is the largest sheet of glacial flowered wintergreen, moss-campion, and northern cause its magnificent mountainous area was worthy ice on this continent outside of the Arctic Circle. gentian. of being preserved in its natural state for the use From this icefield many valley glaciers reach Some of the more common shrubs found in the and enjoyment of present and future generations. down to about 6,000 feet. One of the most spec­ Unique natural wonders such as the great gla­ Park are wild rose, buffaloberry, willow, alder, tacular of these, Athabasca Glacier, is easily juniper, shrubby cinquefoil, silverberry, Saskatoon ciers, the valleys carved by the Ice Age, the accessible from the Banff-Jasper Highway near primitively beautiful Maligne Lake, the puzzling berry, Labrador tea, red osier dogwood, and two the southern entry to the Park. Here there are kinds of bearberry. Maligne Canyon, and alpine meadows are here crevasses, cascades of meltwater, interesting for you to see in their native, unspoiled state. Glacial waters carve their way through solid rock water channels in the ice, rock tables, and mo­ A young cow moose in sanctuary. The park is administered on your behalf by the at Punch Bowl Falls. raines of several kinds. These and other interest­ National and Historic Parks Branch. ing glacial features may also be seen at Angel the history of the earth is represented in the rocks Glacier, on the flank of Mount Edith Cavell. The which were laid down in the Mesozoic, the time great masses of rock debris or moraines at both NATURAL FEATURES when reptiles dominated the earth and forests these places give a startling impression of the gradually approached those that we know today. power of erosion of glaciers. Geological The latest chapter in earth's history, the Cenozoic, A prime example of water erosion is Maligne The great movements within the earth's crust a time when mammals appeared and became suc­ Canyon. This great gash, almost 200 feet deep which have formed the mountains of Jasper cessful and, in quite recent geological times, man with nearly vertical walls less than 10 feet apart National Park have exposed rocks ranging in age appeared on the scene. in some places, has been cut through Palaeozoic from the most ancient to the most recent. Some Examples of these types of rocks are as follows : limestones by centuries of ceaseless wear by a of the rocks were laid down in the earliest defined (1) Precambrian and Cambrian— small stream of running water. era in the history of this planet, the Precambrian. Pyramid Mountain, six miles north of Jasper, At this time in earth's history the lands were Mount Athabasca and the Ramparts of Tonquin Plantlife naked of vegetation and in the seas there lived Valley, and Mount Columbia on the Continental only a very few primitive invertebrates and algae. The Park is in the montane plant zone, making Divide. All have characteristic pyramid or bee­ Many of the mountains in the Park display great it botanically one of the most interesting areas hive shaped summits. thicknesses of rocks which were laid down in the of the country. Plants characteristic of both the next era, the Palaeozoic. This was a time of (2) Palaeozoic— prairies and the mountains grow in profusion rapid development of living things with plants Mountains in the eastern part of Jasper Park, throughout the Park, with a few arctics in the spreading over the lands and a vast increase in Roche à Perdrix (Fiddle Range) and Roche higher altitudes to intrigue the botanist. The animal life. Fishes swarmed in the seas and the Miette (summit of Miette Range) show folded flowers present an ever-changing carpet of colour reptiles had appeared. A third major chapter in strata, broken into large fault blocks and thrust for most of the summer season. Most of the trees in the Park are evergreen. conducts tours and campfire talks to explain the Camping Inexperienced climbers should obtain the services At the lower altitudes Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, purpose and natural features of this National of a guide and full information concerning the There are 12 campgrounds readily accessible black and western white spruce are common. At Park. Many of these nature talks are illustrated necessary equipment. the higher altitudes Englemann spruce, western by coloured slides and motion pictures. Interesting to motoring visitors. Two of these, at Cotton­ white pine and alpine fir can be found. In some films of nature subjects are presented frequently wood Creek and Miette Hot Springs, are ser­ Pets viced campgrounds and a nominal charge is made valleys, and creeping up to the lower benches of in the evenings at the various campgrounds. Well for their use. Dogs and cats may accompany visitors into the mountains may be found aspen poplar, bal­ marked nature trails of a self-guiding type are the park. For the protection of park animals At Cottonwood Creek there are kitchen, laun­ sam poplar and birch which turn a brilliant gold laid out in various areas. Detailed information however, dogs must be kept on leash. in the autumn and make a striking contrast to about the park and the naturalist's program is dry, and washrooms facilities with showers. Elec­ the dark evergreens, while above, on the north­ available at the park information office. trical plug-ins for trailers are available. Motor Licence eastern slopes may be seen coppery-hued shrubs. At Miette Hot Springs, kitchens, washroom facilities and drinking water are available. Motoring visitors entering the Park are required Club-mosses, miniature forms of the giants of How to See the Interesting Features No charge is made for use of the other 10 to obtain a Park motor vehicle licence at the the coal age, are to be found at Sunwapta Falls campgrounds which provide individual tent sites, entrance. This licence is good in all the National and other localities in the Park. Small ferns are While roads lead to many of the interesting Park features, the best way to gain a full appre­ cooking facilities, drinking water and sanitary Parks for the entire season. quite rare. arrangements. ciation of nature in the Park is to use the trails. Motor-Boats A large number of visitors gain considerable satis­ Picnic areas and wayside tables are located Wildlife White-tailed ptarmigan in winter dress. faction from walking or riding over the more at various points throughout the Park as indi­ Boating is a popular pastime in the Park, The Park is a wildlife sanctuary in which wild than 600 miles of trails. Many areas of excep­ cated on the map. Some of these free picnic sites although visitors may operate motor-boats only animals are protected from hunting and trapping; Fish tional natural interest and beauty are within a have a kitchen shelter with firewood, water, and on Pyramid and Medicine Lakes. Boat trips on consequently, many have become accustomed to Modern methods of fish management are fol­ day's travel along the trails to the high lakes sanitary facilities. Maligne Lake are offered by private interests. close association with humans and have lost their and alpine meadows. For those with the time and fear of man. This permits observation of them lowed to improve the angling in lakes and streams in the Park. A regular stocking program is car­ inclination, Jasper is one of the chief outfitting Preservation at close range, but they are still wild animals and centres for trail riding expeditions in the Cana­ ried out from the fish hatchery under the guidance National Parks are selected areas set apart as should be viewed and photographed with caution. dian Rockies. Saddle and pack horses can be hired The larger mammals native to the Park are of the Canadian Wildlife Service. Rainbow, nature sanctuaries and special care is taken to locally and guides are available if required. maintain them in their natural state. For this reason, black bear, grizzly bear, cougar, elk, mule deer, Eastern Brook, lake trout and splake (which is a all birds, animals, wildlife, trees, rocks and fossils white-tailed deer, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain cross between lake and Eastern Brook trout) are For those visitors who must be satisfied with are to remain undisturbed. Even the wildflowers goat, and mountain caribou. distributed in Park waters. These are distributed shorter trips, interesting trails radiate from the are not to be plucked; they are to be left for others Some of the smaller mammals characteristic of according to fishing pressure and productivity of townsite. These trails (10 main ones in all) vary to enjoy. Feeding, touching, or molesting wild the Park are coyote, fisher, marten, short-tailed water stocked. The fish hatchery is situated beside from three to 20 miles. Detailed descriptions of each animals is not permitted. This is in the interests of weasel, lynx, wolverine, skunk, bobcat, pika, the Maligne River, a half mile above its conflu­ are contained in the folder Trail Outings at Jasper the animal as well as the human who could receive snowshoe hare, hoary marmot, several types of ence with the Athabasca River just five miles east which includes a large scale map of the area. serious injury. squirrel, pocket gopher, beaver, and muskrat. of the townsite. Visitors are welcome to inspect Please help protect your own Park for future the hatchery during working hours. enjoyment. It is part of your national inheritance. Birdlife GENERAL INFORMATION National Parks fishing licences are available at A Provisional Check-List of Birds to be found Prevent Fire in Jasper National Park names almost 200 varie­ the Park Information Centre, sporting goods stores, Park Administration ties and is available free upon request. These and from Park Wardens or campground attendants. A resident Superintendent is in charge of the Campfires may be kindled only in fireplaces range from the rarely seen, grotesque, stilt-legged Fishing Regulations change periodically and anglers Park. The protection of the Park and the visitor provided for this purpose and must be com­ pletely extinguished before campers leave the great blue heron to the impudent whiskey jack are advised to consult Park Wardens or the Park is in the hands of the Warden Service assisted by site. Visitors observing an unattended fire should (grey jay) which congregate around picnic areas Information Centre concerning these changes. the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Visitors and campgrounds. may obtain detailed information from the nearest attempt to extinguish it if possible and promptly Golden eagles and bald eagles are year round Park Warden. report it to the nearest Park Warden. residents. The bald eagle is not commonly How You Can Learn More About the Fire in a National Park can cause damage sighted but the golden eagle can often be seen Park Season which cannot be repaired in a hundred years. utilizing updrafts along the mountain slopes to The Park is open throughout the year, but it soar effortlessly beyond the range of most birds. is only from May to September that all the facili­ Mountain Climbing Hawks, woodpeckers, ptarmigan, warblers, and ties are in operation. During the winter all the For the protection of mountain climbers, all grouse are but a few of the many other birds To help you understand and obtain greater usual facilities of a town are available in Jasper travel off the Park trails must be registered with A variety of evergreens clothe the which are frequently seen. enjoyment from your park visit, a park naturalist townsite. the District Warden, before and after the climb. mountain slopes to tree line. JASPER NATIONAL PARK ALBERTA

JASPER AND VICINITY

REVISED 1967 PREPARED AT THE SURVEYS AND MAPPING BRANCH OTTAWA.

All boats operating in the Park must carry or ride into the back country seeing the land in A Brief History of the Park The present townsite, located on a boulder Hot Springs. One of these four springs gushes proper safety equipment and conform with Federal its primitive state. The Tonquin Valley with the Jasper was established as a National Park in strewn flat, was originally named "Fitzhugh" and from the rocks at a temperature of 126°F. Navigation Regulations. 1907 and for the earlier history of the area we the first building was erected in 1911. In that Amethyst Lakes and the stolid Ramparts tower­ must turn to the diaries and reports of the early year the first road—to Pyramid Lake—was con­ How to Reach the Park ing above them is one of many wilderness ex­ explorers and fur traders. Nearly 100 years before structed and in the winter of 1912-13 the first bridge in the Park—a log suspension type—was The Park is served by all usual methods of periences awaiting the person who wishes to get this, David Thompson the pioneer explorer of transportation—rail, air, bus, and motor car. As the western part of Canada discovered the Atha­ built by volunteers to cross the Athabasca River indicated on the accompanying map, a small away from highways. The Jasper-Banff Highway basca Pass and a practical route to the Pacific near Old Fort Point. air field 1\ miles north of Jasper townsite permits offers a splendid scenic drive. Maligne Lake is Coast. Over the years rivalry for the fur trade On the shore of Lac Beauvert in 1915 Jack landings of light aircraft during daylight. The between the Hudson's Bay and Northwest Com­ and Fred Brewster erected eight tent houses for another impressive feature. Until the road is Banff-Jasper Highway is open certain hours dur­ panies stimulated the use of this route known as summer use by park visitors. In 1921 these were ing the winter. completed to the lake, visitors drive to the end "La Grande Traverse" by great packtrains of purchased by the Canadian National Railways, trade goods and fur bales. Explorers, prospectors, of Medicine Lake and transfer to a concession­ which in the same year began construction of Jasper Accommodation engineers and missionaries came to know the Park Lodge. aire's bus for the final part of the trip. On broad valley of the Athabasca en route to Boat A variety of accommodation is offered in the The first trip into the Park by automobile Encampment and, via the mighty Columbia River, Issued Under the Authority of the Park, details of which are available at all park Whistlers Mountain, a cable car tramway takes occurred in 1923 when Charles Grant and R. L. information offices. Reservations are not made by to Astoria on the Oregon Coast. Among these Honourable Jean Chrétien, P.C., M.P., B.A., LL. L. Greene journeyed from Edmonton on the aban­ park staff. Nearly all facilities of a modern town visitors to the 7,350-foot level in an enclosed was an employee of the Northwest Company, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development doned railway grade of the Grand Trunk Pacific. are found within the park boundaries, the major­ 35-passenger car. In winter, there is skiing on Jasper Hawes, who took charge of the first trad­ ity being convenient to the main townsite. ing post at the outlet of Brûlé Lake. He soon In that year a scenic road was built to Mount The Queen's Printer, Ottawa, 1969 Whistlers and at Marmot Basin, the latter ac­ moved the post upstream to the outlet of Jasper Edith Cavell. In 1929 work commenced on the cessible by commercially operated snowmobile. Lake where it became known as "Jasper's House". Jasper end of the Banff-Jasper Highway and this When in 1907 several names for this new Park Park Enjoyment Accommodation and other commercial visitor was officially opened in 1940. In the eastern sec­ Because Jasper has a large area of wilderness, were suggested "Jasper" finally won out over tion of the Park a road was built in 1938 to it is ideal for the visitor who wishes to backpack services are available in the townsite. "Athabasca". provide convenient access for visitors to Miette

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