Jasper Park Information Centre National Historic Site

Overview

About Jasper Park Information Centre National Historic Site

Jasper’s historic stone-and-timber Information Centre is both the park’s welcome mat and one of the townsite’s most photographed buildings. Set on a treed green across from the heritage railway station, it’s the best first stop for maps, permits, and real-time advice on trail conditions, campsites, and what’s actually worth your time.

Why stop

Expert trip-planning help from Parks Canada staff
Photogenic stone-and-timber landmark right in the town center

Heads up

Gets crowded in peak summer, with slower service midday
Parking across the street can be limited and paid

Built in 1913–1914 from locally quarried stone and heavy timber, this picturesque building helped set the “rustic” architectural tone for Jasper and other Canadian national parks. Its steep gables, varied rooflines, and handmade feel make it as much a sight as a service stop. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1992 for exactly that influence and heritage.

Parkwolf’s verdictWhy It’s Special

Map

Where it is

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Full map

Visitor centerJasper Park Information Centre National Historic Site52.87727, -118.08062

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Local know-how

Tips for visiting Jasper Park Information Centre National Historic Site

Go right at opening for the shortest wait and fastest planning help.
Bring your must-do list; staff will prioritize it to current conditions.
Expect paid parking in the town core—have a plan before you arrive.
Restrooms are across the street, not inside the building.
Use the lawn for a quick picnic while you sort maps and permits.

Plan your stop

Before you go

Best time to visit

Arrive early (opening to mid-morning) or late afternoon to dodge peak lines.
Weekdays are calmer than weekends in July–August.
Photographers: morning light flatters the stonework; evenings can be lovely on the lawn.
In shoulder seasons and winter, you’ll get quicker service and more breathing room.

8 active Jasper alerts

ClosureWildfire-impacted areas and facilities closedStay out of closed wildfire-impacted areas and facilities in Jasper National Park; closures protect public safety after the 2024 wildfire and remain in effect while recovery and safety work continues.Official details
Closure93A (Wabasso Road) no through travel during roadworkFrom mid-October to early November 2026, plan for 93A (Wabasso Road) to be accessible from the south entrance only; no through travel is expected during roadwork.Official details

See all 8 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Jasper Tour Guide

Your drive to Jasper Park Information Centre National Historic Site, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Jasper National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

See the Jasper audio tour

Recorded for this place

Jasper Townsite Overview and Highlights

Listen

“You're now approaching the town of Jasper, the park's main hub. If you need any advice or maps, the historic stone Information Centre is the best place to go.”

Plays as you drive up to Jasper Park Information Centre National Historic Site in the Parkwolf Jasper Tour Guide.

More about Jasper Park Information Centre National Historic Site

What You’ll FindKnowledgeable Parks Canada staff who can fine-tune your hiking, paddling, skiing, and…

Knowledgeable Parks Canada staff who can fine-tune your hiking, paddling, skiing, and sightseeing plans, plus help with maps and permits.
A compact Friends of Jasper gift shop and interpretive displays inside the rustic interior.
A grassy front lawn that doubles as a casual picnic and gathering spot.
Public washrooms located nearby across the street, and parking in the town core just opposite the building.

A Bit of History & ArchitectureDesigned by Edmonton architect A. M.

Designed by Edmonton architect A. M. Calderon, the building originally served as the park superintendent’s residence and administrative office. The use of local materials and a deliberately handcrafted look established the style that echoed through later park structures. Today, it remains the townsite’s architectural showpiece and a focal point for visitors.

PracticalitiesLocation: 500 Connaught Drive, directly opposite the railway station in central Jasper.

Location: 500 Connaught Drive, directly opposite the railway station in central Jasper.
Hours: Typically 9 am–5 pm and open year-round; hours can vary seasonally.
Parking: Across the street in the town core; spaces fill during summer rush and are often paid.
Food: No café inside, but you’re surrounded by restaurants and coffee shops within a short walk.
Wayfinding: Recent improvements to on-site signage make it easier to orient and plan.

WildlifeYou’re in the heart of town, so wildlife isn’t the focus here—though elk or deer occasionally…

You’re in the heart of town, so wildlife isn’t the focus here—though elk or deer occasionally wander the green. For real viewing, ask staff for current hot spots and safety guidance.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Jasper

All Jasper wildlife maps

174 sightingsGrizzly BearMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

43 sightingsCaribouMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

40 sightingsGray WolfMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

12 sightingsCanada LynxMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

315 sightingsMooseMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

1,028 sightingsElkMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Jasper. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.