PLANNING YOUR TRIP SAFETY Information Sources Where to go? Voluntary Safety Registrations BACKCOUNTRY The Basics Playing it safe Main Contact The trip ideas on the back of this guide are a good start- If you plan to participate in an activity involving sig- your party’s abili- Parks Canada Trail Office ing point for selecting a hike that meets your needs and nificant risk, you may choose to register your trip in Select a trip which best suits All outdoor activities involve some degree of risk. Rap- Jasper Townsite Information Centre VISITORS’ GUIDE ties and experience, interests, equipment and the abilities. More detailed trail guidebooks and topo- person at the time you purchase your Wilderness Pass. idly changing weather, steep, rugged or unfamiliar Wilderness Pass, safety registrations (in person time you have available. JASPER NATIONAL PARK graphic maps are available through the park’s cooper- A safety registration ensures that a search will be ini- terrain, avalanches (at any time of year), cold, swift- only), trail reservations/information. flowing streams, canyons, rapids and waterfalls, gla- ating association, the Friends of Jasper National Park tiated on your behalf if you do not return by the date Familiarize yourself with the trail you have se- 500 Connaught Dr. cial crevasses, falling rocks and wild animals are all (see Information Sources) and bookstores. The best way and time recorded. lected. This includes using additional reference P.O. Box 10, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0 to begin your trip is with knowledgeable park infor- guides and topographic maps. Both are available backcountry hazards visitors may encounter. Caution Ph (780) 852-6177; Fax (780) 852-6152 mation centre staff, who can provide you with up-to- Safety registration is recommended for individuals or at park information centres through the Friends and self-reliance are essential. You or your trip leader e-mail: [email protected] date trail conditions, bear warnings and other essential small groups engaged in activities such as mountain- of Jasper National Park. should have a knowledge of natural hazards, experi- website: parkscanada.pch.gc.ca/jasper information. eering, canoeing, kayaking, skiing outside regularly ence in avoiding them and a plan to deal with them tracked routes and any activity on glaciers or icefields. Reserve the campsites you wish to use by call- successfully when required. Additional Contacts ing (780) 852-6177 (Jasper) up to 3 months be- We also recommend it for solo travellers without a Parks Canada Information, Icefield Centre Reservations fore your departure date. A non refundable res- local contact. The safety registration system is volun- Water (May 1 to October 15) Campsite reservations are advisable for busy trails dur- ervation fee applies and a modification fee for Wilderness Pass, safety registrations (in person tary, but becomes a binding agreement if you choose is a parasite carried by humans and ing the peak hiking months of July and August. Busy additional changes to your itinerary. Book early Giardia lamblia only), trail information. to use it. It is your responsibility to provide a compre- some domestic and wild animals. These parasites can trails include Skyline, Tonquin, Brazeau Loop and for popular campsites. 103 km south of Jasper on the Icefields Parkway hensive and accurate description of your route, includ- be in surface water and may contaminate the wa- Maligne Lake and Pass areas. You can make a reserva- any Ph (780) 852-6288; Fax (780) 852-6287 ing any side trips. You must report back immediately at a park infor- ter supply. Boiling water will destroy the organism. tion up to 3 months in advance of your trip by contact- Pick up your Wilderness Pass e-mail: [email protected] upon your return to a park info centre, or, if they are mation centre, or Parks Canada’s office in Special filters and iodine tablets can also be used to ing the townsite Trail Office (see Information Sources). A closed, call the Jasper Warden Office at 852-6155 (open Calgary, within 24 hours of your departure. At purify water. non-refundable reservation fee applies plus a modifi- 24 hours). Warden Office cation fee for additional changes to your itinerary. the same time, you will receive up-to-date infor- Information on mountaineering, ice climbing, You have chosen a very special place to enjoy a wil- mation on trail conditions and bear activity. Wildlife public safety. derness experience. Jasper National Park is the larg- Weather Ph (780) 852-6155; Fax (780) 852-4775 est and most northerly of Canada’s mountain national Wilderness Pass Be prepared to be self-sufficient during inclem- Never forget that park animals are wild and can be The most predictable thing about mountain weather parks. It protects more than 10,000 square kilometres ent and rapidly changing mountain conditions dangerous. Any animal can become aggressive if it Parks Canada–Calgary Service Centre Purchase of a Wilderness Pass is mandatory for any is its unpredictability. Rain or snow can fall at any time of the Rocky Mountains—a beautiful and dramatic by packing the right clothing and camping gear. feels threatened, so keep your distance—30 metres Information on all four mountain national parks overnight backcountry visit. It specifies the area/trail/ of the year and freezing temperatures are possible even landscape supporting a rich variety of plants and ani- from most animals, and at least 100 metres from bears. and others in the region. and campsites you are using and the number of people during the summer. The best way to deal with the Bring along a backpacker’s camp stove and fuel mals. The human history is interesting too. Many of Rm. 520, 220-4 Avenue S.E., P.O. Box 2989, Stn. M, and tents in your group. You must pick up your pass weather is to prepare for all conditions. For a detailed as well as two sections of 20 m rope to hang food the park’s backcountry trails were established by early Calgary, AB T2G 4X3 Ph (403) 292-4401 from a park information centre within 24 hours of your weather forecast, contact the Environment Canada and other tempting items so they are not within Bears travellers including First Nations people, fur traders, e-mail: [email protected] departure for updates on trail conditions, closures and Weather Office at (780) 852-3185 or visit the website at reach of bears and other wildlife. Both black and grizzly bears are of special concern to explorers and adventurers. website: parkscanada.pch.gc.ca other information. All Wilderness Pass fees (excluding www.tor.ec.gc.ca. backcountry travellers. You can significantly reduce Let a friend or family member know about your reservation and modification fees) are entirely refund- the risk of bear encounters by following the guide- Friends of Jasper National Park There are more than 1,200 kilometres of trails and 100 travel plans–or use the safety registration system. able until 10 a.m. on your proposed date of departure. lines on food storage and garbage provided in the Retail outlets at both Parks Canada information backcountry campsites in the park. Licensed commer- If your plans change, take advantage of the refund Transportation centres. P.O. Box 992, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0 Check the current weather forecast by calling section of this brochure and the cial services include three backcountry lodges, a Please, Leave No Trace policy and make your space available to others. Trailheads can be difficult to get to without a vehicle. (780) 852-3185. park wildlife safety publication Ph (780) 852-4767; Fax (780) 852-4799 number of horse outfitters, and many hiking/inter- Keep the Wild in Wild- Public transportation to outlying park trailheads is , available at park campgrounds and information e-mail: [email protected] pretive guides. The Alpine Club of Canada manages life! website: visit-jasper.com/friendsofjasper.html Wilderness Pass fees are used to fund the trail mainte- limited. Information centre staff can assist you with Check at the trailhead kiosk prior to your hike. centres. four alpine huts. nance, bridge building, campground maintenance, trip information about available options. It contains valuable information. planning assistance and other services backcountry us- Mt. Robson and Hamber Provincial Parks Read the rest of this guide carefully for additional P.O. Box 579, Valemount, B.C. V0E 2Z0 This guide will help you plan a hike that is safe, excit- ers have come to expect. Frequent travellers can pur- information on park opportunities, regulations, Remember—YOU are responsible Ph (250) 566-4325 (year round) 566-9174 (summer) ing low impact. Have a wonderful trip! chase an Annual Wilderness Pass valid in all four moun- and low impact travelling, information sources, wild- for your own safety. Reservations: 1-800-689-9025 tain parks for a full year after purchase date. life and more! website: elp.gov.bc.ca/bcparks Canada ON THE TRAIL What to Expect Guides and Outfitters Fishing Please, Leave No Trace! Pets Jasper National Park offers a range of backcountry Information centres can provide you with a list of Fishing is permitted in most backcountry lakes. A Pets may provoke confrontations with wildlife and af- experiences. In areas designated as semi-primitive local guides and horse outfitters. National Park Fishing Permit is mandatory. Fish- Garbage fect your safety. Dogs must be kept on a leash while in ing permits can be purchased at the park informa- a national park. They may be happier if left at home. you will find maintained trails and designated camp- Please–Pack it in pack it out! You are responsible tion centres and at several Jasper retail outlets that and sites with amenities like pit toilets, tent pads, food Travelling With Horses for everything you take into the backcountry and this sell angling supplies.