The town of Jasper, a small feel in the big mountains… the perfect family destination. You can spend your days exploring the woods, climbing mountains, swimming in hot springs, and wildlife watching. However, at some point, you’ll find yourself in the town just walking around. It’s lovely; your family will have a great time. But you can all have an even better time if you take note of these following tips.
Parks Canada Programming is great fun for kids:
During the summer season, Parks Canada hosts various activities and information sessions throughout the park. They have campfires, wildlife teaching, music and drama performances, geo-caching, cultural events, and more. In the past, Parks has set up an interactive area in the old fire hall – the cute white building just behind the information center. Their schedules and activities have changed from year to year, but in the past they have put up information posters on public bulletin boards and at the information center.
Quick Food does not have to be ‘fast food’:
When you are looking for a quick and affordable meal and would like to avoid unhealthy fast food, you should definitely try Patricia Street Deli. His little shop is tucked away behind Jasper Jewels and Pharmasave at 610 Patricia street. At Patricia Street Deli you can get tasty wraps and sandwiches made with fresh ingredients and yummy sauces. Really, these wraps are good! Another option for quick food and coffee is Wicked Cup on the west end of Connaught Drive, connected to the Maligne Lodge. They make the food on site and also have a sunny patio with comfortable seating (and some grass for kids to run around on). Finding parking close by is easier at Wicked Cup than downtown on Patricia Street in case time and walking any distance are concerns.
Know where to find a public washroom:
Nothing is worse than exploring around town and your toddler surprises you with “Mommy, we go poopies now!” For these times, know that there are public washrooms located across Connaught Drive from the Information Center, close to the intersection of Connaught Dive and Hazel Street, and at Centennial Park (washrooms only open in the summer).
Check out some local playgrounds to occupy the kids:
If your kids haven’t spent enough energy hiking the trails around town, or you are just stopping through and need a quick activity break, check out Centennial Park. You will find entrance to Centennial Park at the corner of Maligne Avenue and Turret Street. The playground is suitable for kids of all ages. There are picnic tables, shade trees, lots of space for running and equipment for climbing. And, best of all, the public washroom building is open in the warmer months. Your kids will also enjoy playing at Lions Park. It is located on Pine Avenue between Tonquin Street and Turret Street. Lions Park has a little gazebo and basketball nets along with the play structure. Both parks are completely fenced-in.
The town of Jasper has a special park for your dog too:
If your family trip includes Rover or Fluffers, then head over to the public dog park for some off-leash running and playing. The dog park is the large fenced in area just past Sleepy Hollow Road on Hazel Street. So, from the intersection of Hazel and Connaught, head south and park in the lot to your right. The dog park is across the road from Home Hardware. Chances are you’ll also meet some local dog owners and their pooches there too. It is illegal to have your dog off-leash in Jasper National Park, for the safety of your pet, yourselves, and other wildlife. But, you can be confident that your Fluffers will be safe running around in this high fenced area.
I do hope that these 5 tips will bring some added enjoyment for your next family trip to the town of Jasper. If you are planning a trip to Jasper National Park, you may also find these posts helpful. And, if there’s some information you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact me and ask.
- Your two day family itinerary for visiting Jasper National Park
- The ultimate bucket list of things to do in Jasper National Park
- Visiting Jasper in the Winter
- There’s more to cheap souvenirs and chocolate in the town of Jasper
- Top 5 family restaurants for Jasper
Heading to Jasper National Park and have some questions? Looking for accommodations or camping reservations? Anything, just ask!