What to Pack & Bring: Jasper National Park

Layering for Mountain Weather

Mountain weather has adaptability. Layering is your most important strategy for year-round conditions and significant temperature fluctuations.

Layer Components

Base Layer: Moisture-wicking fabrics (merino wool/synthetic) keep you dry. Avoid cotton.
Mid-Layer: Insulation (fleece, lightweight down/synthetic jacket) traps warmth.
Outer Shell: A Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants for rain, snow, and wind.

Seasonal Clothing Highlights

Specific clothing recommendations for each season, considering typical weather and activities.

Seasonal Guidance

Summer: Lightweight, quick-drying Base layers, Fleece, Rain jacket, Convertible pants. Sun hat.
Fall: Warmer base layers, thicker fleece/Down jacket, Waterproof shell, Durable hiking pants. Warm hat, insulated gloves.
Winter: Heavyweight base layers, multiple warm insulating layers (Heavy down jacket), insulated Snow pants. Thermal socks, balaclava, mittens.

Footwear Recommendations

Hiking Boots

Sturdy, Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support. Break them in before your trip.

For uneven terrain, rocks, mud.

Casual Shoes

Comfortable Walking shoes or Sneakers for town and paved paths.

For townsite exploration and easy walks.

Winter Boots

Insulated, waterproof winter boots with good grip. Rated for low temperatures.

For snowy and icy conditions.

Essential Documents

Important Papers & Copies

Keep your important documents organized and accessible. Both physical and digital copies assist your trip.

Valid passport and visa documentation (eTA printout). Keep secure in RFID-blocking wallet.
Travel insurance policy details: policy number, emergency contacts, coverage summary.
International driving permit (if home license not English/French).
Vaccination records and health documentation (doctor's letter for prescriptions).

Printed and digital copies of all reservations (accommodation, car, tours, flights).
Emergency contact information: family/friends names, phone numbers, relationship.
Parks Canada Discovery Pass or daily pass receipt.
Store digital copies on phone, cloud, and email for redundancy.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Prepare your devices for use in Canada.

Technical Specs

Voltage: 120 V, Frequency: 60 Hz. Plug Type: Type A & B.
Universal travel adapter if needed. Check if devices are dual voltage.
Mobile compatibility with GSM/LTE bands. Consider local SIM cards for better rates (Airalo).

Camera Gear & Power

Jasper's stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife have exceptional photography opportunities.

Photo & Battery Needs

DSLR or Mirrorless camera. Wide-angle and Telephoto lenses.
Tripod for low-light and astrophotography (Jasper is a Dark Sky Preserve).
Spare batteries (cold drains them quickly). Portable chargers/power banks (e.g., Anker PowerCore).

Apps & Data Management

Recommended Apps

Google Maps (offline maps), AllTrails (hiking maps), The Weather Network, Parks Canada App, bear safety guides.

Data Backup

Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or External hard drive for photos and documents.

Retailers for Tech

B&H Photo for camera gear. NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

Prepare a personal health kit to address common travel ailments and wilderness specific needs.

First Aid & Meds

Destination-specific first aid kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, Moleskin, Pain relievers, Anti-diarrhea, Electrolyte packets.
Prescription medications (original labeled containers, doctor's letter).
Over-the-counter meds: cold/flu, antacids, motion sickness remedies.

Outdoor Health Protection

Protect yourself from insects and sun, and ensure water safety.

Prevention Gear

Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (e.g., Repel 100).
Sun protection: High-SPF sunscreen, Lip balm with SPF, sunglasses.
Water purification: Portable water filter (e.g., LifeStraw) or purification tablets for backcountry.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Sickness Relief

Ascend gradually, allow body to acclimatize.
Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Over-the-counter pain relievers for mild headaches.

Motion Sickness Remedies

For winding mountain roads (Icefields Parkway).
Non-drowsy antiemetic medications.
Natural remedies like ginger chews.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking & Backpacking

Sturdy Hiking boots, layered clothing including Moisture-wicking shirts and rain gear. A comfortable Daypack and Hydration reservoir.

Bear spray (buy/rent locally).
Navigation tools (Headlamp, maps, GPS).
Trekking poles for stability.
Hiking socks.

Winter Sports

Insulated and Waterproof ski jacket and pants, base layers, warm accessories like a Helmet and goggles. Snowshoes for rentals.

Skis/snowboard, boots, poles (often rented).
Warm, insulated gloves or mittens.
Snowshoes for rent.
Thermal socks are necessary.

Jasper Specifics

Items unique to Jasper experiences. Important safety items and aids for comfort and spotting wildlife.

Bear spray: for backcountry safety.
Binoculars: for wildlife viewing.
Microspikes/Ice Cleats: for icy trails in shoulder seasons.
Trekking poles: for stability and strain reduction.

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Consider Renting

Bulky items like skis, snowboards, snowshoes, fat bikes, ice skates.
Canoes, kayaks, and whitewater rafting gear.
Saves luggage space and transport hassles.
Bear spray (cannot be flown, buy/rent locally).

Consider Bringing

Good quality, broken-in hiking boots.
Specialized layered clothing, especially rain gear.
Your Personal first-aid kit and preferred daypack.
Binoculars and camera gear.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items enhance comfort, security, and convenience during your trip.

Travel Aids

Neck pillow, Eye mask and earplugs for long journeys.
Security: RFID-blocking wallet/passport holder, Padlocks for luggage, Money belt.
Reusable Water bottle, Shopping bag, Cutlery set.
Region-specific: Bear Spray, Binoculars, Headlamp, Daypack.

Specialty Gear Comparison

Compare options for hiking and safety gear. Quality items make a difference in mountain environments.

Gear Quality Tiers

Hiking Pack: Budget (Quechua NH100), Mid (Osprey Talon 22), Premium (Arc'teryx Aerios 15).
Hydration: Platypus Hoser 2L, CamelBak Crux 2L, HydraPak Velocity 1.5L.
Rain Gear: Columbia Watertight II, Outdoor Research Helium, Gore-Tex Arc'teryx Beta LT.
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab 2 Vent Low, Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof, Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX.

Bear Spray Options

Frontiersman

Effective deterrent.

Counter Assault

With holster.

Sabre Frontiersman

Reliable choice.

No Flying

Cannot be flown on commercial airlines, buy/rent locally.

Items Difficult/Expensive Locally

Pre-purchase Suggestions

Specialized hiking or winter gear can be more expensive in Jasper.
Consider purchasing these items before your trip, perhaps online or in larger cities.
Certain medications or specific brand toiletries might be hard to find or cost more.

Bring What You Rely On

Your preferred first-aid supplies and over-the-counter remedies.
Any specific brands of toiletries you rely on for sensitive skin or personal preferences.
Any unique power adapters or converters not readily available.

Packing Smart

A good daypack (20-30 liters) is for daily excursions, for carrying water, snacks, extra layers, and a first-aid kit.

For backcountry or cold weather activities, Microspikes/Ice Cleats attach to footwear for grip on icy trails.

What to Pack & Bring