Jasper National Park Feature

In Jasper it is possible to stand in a field of wildflowers, hike through a thick subalpine forest, and revel in the solitude of the fragile alpine zone all in one day. A wide array of plants occupies the parks' three life zones of montane, alpine, and subalpine. In fact, about 1,300 species of plants and 20,000 types of insects and spiders are part of the complex web of life in the Canadian Rockies.

Jasper's vast wilderness is one of the few remaining places with a full range of carnivores, such as grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, coyotes, cougars, and wolverines. There are also large populations of elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats among the park's nearly 53 species of mammals—which are often seen right from the roadsides. Each year hundreds of animals are killed along Jasper's highways, so it is vital to observe all speed limits and especially to slow down in special animal-sighting speed-zone areas. When hiking, keep your distance from wild animals and make a lot of noise as a means of avoiding contact with large mammals, especially bears.