Jasper, AB

The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is wild in every sense of the word. Its landscape covers an expansive region of rugged backcountry trails and mountainous terrain juxtaposed against fragile protected ecosystems as well as the world-renowned Columbia Icefield. It’s also chock-full of wildlife, home to some of North America’s healthiest populations of grizzly bears, moose, and elk along with thousands of species of plants and insects. Landscape: The park comprises rough-and-tumble mountains, valleys, glaciers, forests, alpine meadows, and rivers along the eastern slopes of the Rockies in western Alberta. More than 615 miles (990 kilometers) of hiking trails offer day and overnight trips. A number of spectacular mountain drives also beckon. Preserve: Established in 1907, Jasper protects what’s left of the wildlife that was once commonplace in the West. While other areas have seen a dramatic decline in wildlife, strong populations of plants and animals persevere here. The park’s elevation range, geology, geography, and climate serve as a safe habitat for a variety of species. World Heritage Site: Due in part to the incredible diversity of wildlife found here, Jasper is part of the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage site, one of 15 World Heritage sites in Canada. It is home to nearly 70 species of mammals whose health and survival depend on the park. That’s why it’s crucial that visitors make as few disturbances as possible.#jaspernationalpark