5 Best Sights in Jasper National Park, Alberta

Opposite the Athabasca Glacier, this facility houses interpretive exhibits, a gift shop, and cafeteria- and buffet-style dining facilities. It's also the place to book glacier treks or skywalk visits. The summer midday rush between 11 and 3 can be intense. The 32 rooms at the Glacier View Inn, on the center's second floor, are available from early May to mid-October.

The knowledgeable and friendly staff at this site, 13 km (8 miles) northeast of Sulphur Gates, can assist with travel information for the region. Explore the free on-site museum to see casts of dinosaur tracks found in the area as well as fossils, archaeological artifacts, profiles of early settlers, and tools used by early pioneers. You'll also find displays about the plants, animals, and birds found in the Willmore Wilderness Park. The gift shop and art gallery sell the works of locals artists and writers. Outside are some historical buildings that are fun to explore. 

The 1914 cobblestone-and-timber structure that houses the Jasper Townsite visitor center is a superb example of rustic Canadian architecture. Parks Canada staffers here have information about trails, backcountry hiking, wildlife viewing, and interpretive programs. You can pick up maps, brochures, and other helpful materials as well. Parks Canada also operates an information desk at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, 103 km (64 miles) south of Jasper Townsite.

Located at the park's main entrance, this visitor center is the place to go for information, trail reports, informative brochures, detailed trail descriptions, and maps. You can watch informative natural history slide shows and participate in the evening interpretive program. It is open daily from mid-May to mid-October. There are bathrooms and a gift shop on site. 

Located in the Heritage Fire Hall, staff at the Tourism Jasper Visitor Information Centre can provide advice about tours, restaurants, and accommodations. The website also contains a vast amount of information about the park and the businesses and amenities within it.