Jasper, Alberta: the town in 2026
The town of Jasper is the main visitor base inside Jasper National Park. It is also its own municipality, the Municipality of Jasper, which runs local services such as parking and buses. Parks Canada runs the park around it, and the two are separate bodies.
At the May 2021 census the town had 4,738 permanent residents, which is the figure from before the fire. Many visitors stay here for the lakes and the glacier trips. If you plan a day out, our Jasper National Park tours page compares the main options from town.
Rebuilding after the 2024 wildfire
Where the work stands.
Lightning started several fires on the evening of 22 July 2024, and the fire reached the town on 24 July 2024. About 30 percent of the structures in town were destroyed: 358 structures in the first survey, and an estimated 806 housing units were lost. This does not mean that a third of the park burned.
In autumn 2026, 374 lots were waiting for a rebuild. 73 of them were finished and ready to occupy, 98 were under construction, 50 had a building permit, 46 were in the application stage and 107 had no application yet. Soil clean-up has reached 371 of 375 lots with confirmed health clearance, and none has debris left. Rebuilding is not complete, and a finished lot is not automatically a new hotel. Our page on where to stay in Jasper explains the choices for a bed.
Our pick: a food walk in town
Tastings and a local guide through the centre, good in rain or in the evening.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours and day trips from Jasper
Boat trips, glacier outings, rafting and wildlife tours that start in or near town, with live prices and availability.
The town of Jasper: what to know
Station, stars and short walks.
The railway station
The historic station stands at 607 Connaught Drive. The building dates from 1925 and was recognized as a heritage railway station on 4 June 1992. It is a train station, not an airport. The nearest major airport is in Edmonton.
Rail travel to Jasper →Dark sky
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada named the area a Dark Sky Preserve on 26 March 2011. There is also a planetarium with a dome projection and telescope sessions. Clear skies are not guaranteed, and the northern lights cannot be promised.
Pyramid Island
The island is reached by a wooden bridge from the car park over a firm path of under 100 m. A loop of about 300 m leads around the island, with roots, stones and one small step back to the bridge.
Pyramid Lake guide →Old Fort Point and other walks
Old Fort Point is among the day hikes that are open. Check the current trail status first, since some paths near the town are still restricted.
Hiking guide →Parking and local buses
Prices and zones for 2026.
| Option | Price 2026 | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Street zones | CA$7 per hour | Paid from 1 May to 31 October; signs and time limits apply |
| Car parks, day rate | CA$28 | Pay by QR code, machine or app |
| Long-stay parking, Stan Wright Drive | CA$62 per 3 days | Minimum of 3 days |
| Local bus, single fare | CA$3 | Children up to 12 ride free |
| Local bus, day pass | CA$8.50 | Town Loop, Lodge Loop and Pyramid Loop |
| Hinton to Jasper bus | CA$15 single | Pay in exact change in Canadian dollars, or buy at local outlets or in the app |
The park pass does not pay for parking in town. If you arrive without a car, the local loops are the easiest way around, though they do not reach every sight. The municipality has different hours on 25 December and 1 January. For most visitors with a car, an all-day car park is cheaper than the street zones for a full day in town.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where to go next.
Jasper, Alberta: frequently asked questions
Who runs the town and who runs the park?
The Municipality of Jasper runs local services such as parking and buses. Parks Canada runs the national park around the town. They are separate bodies.
How many people live in Jasper?
4,738 permanent residents were counted in May 2021. That is a figure from before the 2024 wildfire.
Is Jasper rebuilt after the fire?
Not yet. In autumn 2026, 73 of 374 lots were ready to occupy and 98 more were under construction.
How much is parking in town?
CA$7 per hour in paid zones from 1 May to 31 October 2026, and CA$28 for a day in car parks. The park pass does not cover it.
Does Jasper have an airport?
No. The nearest major airport is Edmonton (YEG). The town has a historic railway station.
Can I see the northern lights in Jasper?
The area is a Dark Sky Preserve, which helps, but no one can promise a sighting.