Jasper National Park Wildlife Tour

Observe wildlife such as elk, bear, moose, sheep and deer!

Rates

Adult:** $79

Ages 16+

Child:** $59

Ages 5-15

Young Child:** $0

Ages 0-4

Includes complimentary hotel pick up & drop off

Duration

3 hours

About

Get out early to make the most of your day. Wildlife sightings in Jasper National Park are most frequent in the early morning and during the evening. This vehicle-based, guided tour offers the opportunity to observe wildlife such as elk, bear, moose, sheep and deer at the dawn of another day.

Exploring the scenic valley, you will gaze out large windows while passing stunning views of the mountains and surrounding wilderness.As you meander slowly down the valley, you will gaze out large windows while passing stunning views of the mountains and surrounding wilderness to capture your memories through photograph from either inside of the minibus or occasionally by a short walk at the discretion of your guide.

Your local guide will use their expertise to select the route based on seasonal wildlife movements increasing your chances of encounters. Along the way, you’ll learn valuable insights into the challenges of managing and protecting wildlife within the national park. Our guide will be eager to answer your questions, as they passionately share the magic of Jasper’s wild side, bringing the stories of the animals to life.

Jasper National Park is a wild and natural environment. While wildlife sightings are frequent, everyday is unique. We succeed in spotting wildlife on 95% of our tours.

Pick-Up Information

Complimentary pick-up is available from selected accommodations within the Jasper Area. Please note the pickup time for your specified location below.

Downtown Jasper locations including** – Astoria Hotel, Athabasca Hotel, Bear Hill Lodge, Jasper Inn and Suites, Chateau Jasper, Crimson Hotel, Downtown Hostel, HI Jasper Hostel (Sleepy Hollow Rd), Lobstick Lodge, Maligne Lodge, Marmot Lodge, Mt Robson Inn, Park Place Inn, Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre, Tonquin Inn, Train Station & Whistlers Inn – please wait outside the main lobby 15 minutes before your tour's departure time.

Outer-lying properties including** – Alpine Village, Beckers Chalets, Jasper House Bungalows, Patricia Lake Bungalows, Pyramid Lake Resort & Tekarra Lodge – please wait in front of the main office 30 minutes before your tour's departure time.

Whistlers Campground** – please ensure you are waiting outside the campground registration centre 30 minutes before your tour's departure time (our bus cannot enter the campground).

Wapiti Campground** – please ensure you are waiting on the corner of Hwy 93 Icefields Parkway at the campground road entrance, 30 minutes before your tour's departure (our bus cannot enter the campground)

Pine Bungalows** – pickup will be between 5-10 minutes after your tour's specified departure time. Please wait for pickup in view of the main entry arch at the exact departure time (our bus cannot go under the arch).

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge** – pickup will be 15 minutes after your tour's specified departure time. Please be waiting outside the front entrance doors to the main lobby.

Jasper Approved Home Accommodation** – We can provide pickup from private B&B style guesthouses within the immediate Jasper townsite. Please specify the guesthouse name & exact street address. Please wait outside 15 minutes before your tour's departure time.

Meet at our Downtown Location** – Those staying outside of our pickup area should meet at Two Brothers Totem Pole, located across the street from the Jasper Park Information Centre lawn (500 Connaught Drive). All day parking is available in the parking lot adjacent. Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour's specified departure time.

FAQ's and What to Know

• **How big is the bus?**

We use air conditioned, RV-style buses with large windows. These buses hold maximum 24 passengers.

• **What route does the tour take?**

Our wildlife guides are in constant communication about wildlife movements and patterns within Jasper National Park and will choose their route each day accordingly. Typically they will choose a mixture of main highways and smaller local roads. The tour travels on registered paved roads and does not travel off-road. As the guide will be doing their best to maximize your chance to find a variety of wildlife, they may aim to cover a wider area and reach a number of specific spots where different animals have been frequenting. Other times, the area they cover may be smaller. This is always dependant on the observed animal movement patterns at that time.

• **What are we likely to see?**

In the summer season, elk, deer, big horn sheep, bears and bald eagles are the most common animals to be sighted, while occasionally, you may also spot moose, mountain goats or coyotes. In the winter season, we often spot elk, big horn sheep, coyotes and occasionally moose or wolves. With the animals being wild, we can never make guarantees as to what you’ll find on each tour however having this flexibility of route, along with the local knowledge of the guide, increases your chances of encounters. You’ll also have the chance to learn interesting facts about the animals, their behaviours and habitats as your guide provides commentary and answers your questions along the way.

• **Is it a walking tour?**

This is primarily a vehicle-based tour. Occasionally there may be an opportunity to get off the bus for closer viewing or a short walk. This decision is made by the guide and will be based on the location of animals & in keeping within guidelines as set by Parks Canada.

• Is the morning or afternoon better?

Typically the animals tend to be most active in both the early morning and evening so there isn't any real difference between the two times. Generally we would suggest choosing the time that matches best with your schedule. While with wild animals the sightings do vary from day to day, going with a local guide at their most active time of day increases your chances for encounters.

• **What should I bring?**

A detailed confirmation email will be sent after booking is completed, and will included pick up locations, what to wear, what to bring, and specific information for the tour

WHAT TO BRING

• Dress comfortably for the forecasted weather and temperature.
• Bring a small bottle of water. You are also welcome to bring a light snack, such as a granola bar.
• We recommend eating before your tour and avoiding strict dinner plans immediately afterward, as the tour may occasionally run longer depending on wildlife activity and road conditions.

BEFORE YOUR TOUR

• There are no washroom facilities on the bus. If you think you may need a washroom stop during the tour, please let your guide know in advance so they can plan an outhouse stop where possible.
• The tour operates in all weather conditions, so please come prepared for the day's weather.
• If travelling to Jasper from outside the area, please allow extra driving time for possible traffic delays.
• All departure and pickup times are in **Alberta Mountain Time**. Guests travelling from British Columbia should adjust their time accordingly.
• **Travelling by VIA Rail?** Please allow plenty of time between your scheduled train arrival and tour departure, as VIA Rail trains can experience significant delays. Tours cannot be held for delayed trains.

ABOUT YOUR WILDLIFE TOUR

• This is a **vehicle-based wildlife tour**. Wildlife sightings are frequent but cannot be guaranteed, as Jasper National Park is a wild and natural environment.
• For guest and wildlife safety, and in accordance with Parks Canada regulations, wildlife viewing takes place from inside the vehicle.
• The tour travels on paved roads and does not travel off-road. Your guide selects the route each day based on seasonal wildlife patterns and recent activity to maximize opportunities for wildlife viewing.
• Tour duration is approximately **3 hours** but may vary depending on wildlife activity, traffic and road conditions.

TRAVELLING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN?

This tour is designed primarily for adults and older children, with educational commentary throughout the approximately 3-hour experience. Wildlife encounters occur naturally and intermittently, so **we do not generally recommend the tour for children under 5**.

Children and infants under 5 are still welcome. A seat must be purchased for every passenger, regardless of age. If travelling with an infant, we recommend bringing an appropriate child restraint that can be safely secured using the vehicle's seat belt.