Jasper National Park in a wheelchair
Jasper National Park in a wheelchair? Definitely, yes! In 2017 my husband and I went on a stunning trip through British Columbia. First, we spent three days in Banff National Park. And then we drove towards Jasper along the world-famous Icefields Parkway. So here is my accessibility review for you.
After three beautiful days in Banff and Lake Louise, we left Banff National Park behind. We decided to take a short detour to Lake Emerald in Yoho National Park before continuing our journey to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway, which is an adventure on its own.
Lake Emerald & Cilantro Restaurant, Yoho National Park
Natural Bridge, Yoho National Park
General accessibility of Jasper National Park
First things first: Almost all of the sights we visited were entirely wheelchair-accessible. Furthermore, the viewing areas all have handicapped parking as well as wheelchair-accessible restrooms. There are also a few wheelchair-friendly trails, like the paved section of the Mary Schaffer Loop, Maligne Lake, Lake Annette Loop, and Pyramid Isle in Pyramid Lake.
Columbia Icefield
Columbia Icefield Visitor Center
Maligne Lake
Jasper (Museum, Skytram)
Lake Annette
Lake Edith
Miette Hot Springs
Sunwapta Falls
Athabasca Falls
(only one viewing spot)
Medicine Lake
(upper viewing area only)
Maligne Canyon
(upper part only)
Leach Lake on Highway 93a
(steps to viewing area)
Mount Edith Cavell
(very steep trail on the top)
Accessible Columbia Icefield
Columbia Icefield in a wheelchair, Icefields Parkway
Our first stop on our way to Jasper was Columbia Icefield, the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains. The scenery of the glaciers is indeed breathtaking! The Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Center is the starting point for the Glacier Adventure, where a massive ice explorer takes you directly onto the ice field of Athabasca Glacier. The tour is wheelchair-accessible. However, you have to call the Discovery Center in advance (Brewster +1 888 285 0376).
Athabasca Falls and Athabasca River
Next, we went to Athabasca Falls. There are a few more scenic viewpoints along the way to the famous falls. Upon arrival, I had to find out that, unfortunately, only the viewing area next to the parking lot is accessible because of some steps on the trail to the other side.
Finally, we moved on to Jasper taking Highway 93a instead of continuing on the Trans-Canada Highway. Highway 93a is much less frequented, and you pass through a fantastic landscape. The city of Jasper itself is small but pretty wheelchair-accessible. We spent two days in Jasper and drove to Medicine Lake, Lake Maligne, Lake Edith & Lake Annette and Miette Hot Springs.
Medicine Lake and Lake Maligne
Medicine Lake, Jasper NP
Maligne Lake in May 2017, Jasper NP
In mid-May, we were unlucky weatherwise while in Jasper. Lake Maligne was still covered in snow and ice, and the sky was sadly grey. But the lake surely is magnificent in the summertime.
Lake Annette
Lake Annette, Jasper NP
If you love to hike in a wheelchair, consider the trail around Lake Annette. Handicapped parking, two wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and a great picnic area are available.
Miette Road to Miette Hot Springs
Last but not least, my dream came true! Were fortunate and saw a black bear with her cup while driving along Miette Road. Miette Road is known for its regular bear sightings. Still, you can meet bears anywhere and anytime in Jasper National Park because it is home to several Grizzly and black bears. Bears are adorable mammals, but you should avoid bear encounters for your safety. Always respect those majestic animals by keeping your distance. It was a true pleasure to peacefully observe these two bears from the inside of our rental car, doors safely locked and windows closed.
Miette Road, Jasper NP
Summary
Summing up, I can clearly say that Jasper National Park is pretty wheelchair-accessible in most parts. Wheelchair users can equally enjoy most of the spectacular natural sights and major tourist attractions. So please give it a go and explore this beautiful park in the Canadian West.
Have you already been to Banff or Jasper National Park? How did you like it? Tell me more about your thoughts in the comment section below or get in touch by email.
Jasper National Park
I should be going to Banff soon and was debating if my Mom (she’s in a transport chair) wanted to go or not. Jaspar looks wonderful! I can’t believe you saw bears!
Hi Mallory!
I’m happy to read from you :-). Banff is definitely also very wheelchair-accessible, you can read the post about Banff here:
https://littlemissturtle.com/banff-lake-louise-wheelchair/
Both, Banff and Jasper NP are incredibly beautiful! Your Mom should go ;-)! We were so very lucky to see the bears on our last day!
See you soon,
Melanie | Little Miss Turtle
I’d love to go to both some day, to see bears in the wild would be wonderful. It’s good to know that these places are becoming more accessible for wheelchair users. Hopefully it won’t be too long before all national parks have the same facilities.
My daughter has been recovering from a knee injury all year and we’ve discovered how inaccessible some of the trails in New Zealand are. I’m glad you had a good time, a pity that not all the places were accessible though. Were you warned in advance that there were things like stairs or steep trails?
First of all, the pictures are out of this world! I have been to Banff National Park but no idea why I didn’t extend my trip to Jasper National Park. Secondly, I am so glad to see that many of the places are wheel-chair friendly (although not all). I am happy you had a good time!
I love that you got to see so many of the same sites as I did in Jasper. Many Canadian parks do a great job of ensuring a good deal of accessibility. And you do a great job of showing off one of the country’s best road trips!
What unbelievably stunning scenery and photography! Looks like some areas had really good accessibility in the Parks while others have some work to do. Great resource!
I’d love to go to Canada. Lake Annette looks absolutely stunning and I’d love to see wild bears
Epoustouflants ces paysages grandioses!
Tu as l’art, Mélie, de nous faire partager ton enthousiasme: grand coeur…
Une nature d’exception qui donne envie d’y aller que l’on soit sur 2 jambes ou en fauteuil car les canadiens n’ont oublié personne et tout un chacun peut profiter de la richesse de leurs paysages, de leur faune et flore.
L’on peut rêver et même y aller✈️.
Tes photos sont magnifiques, chapeau aussi au professionnel!
françoise
I can’t believe you saw bears!! I would be so unbelievably excited! And it’s great there is a selection of viewpoints that can be reached in the chair, although it would be nice if they did some work on the trails to make them more accessible too.
That top scene in Yoho NP is sensational. I can feel the cool water. Nice shot on the icefield road. You can feel the seclusion. Distressing to see how much it’s receded since 1925.
Such a beautiful part of the world. I visited only once many decades ago and would really like to go back with my husband. I am very encouraged to read your thoughts on accessibility — I don’t use a wheelchair but have some mobility uses and am very appreciative of accessible attractions and facilities. In some places we’ve visited, the natural landscape is not readily visited from roads or accessible paths and I have missed out. I love the photo ofyou infront of the Columbia icefield but a shame that you couldn’t similarly get to visit the Athabasca Falls.
Another great read! Thank you Melanie. The text flows so nicely and your photos are easy on the eyes.
The information in your articles is unique and you’re doing a spectacular job!
Kind regards,
Paul
Bonjour Mélanie
Et d’abord merci pour toutes ces images et informations. J’avais parouru ton blog et j’avais déjà apprécié sans laisser de messages (pas bien 🙂 )Nous partons dans 2 semaines à vancouver et nous allons passer dans ces différents parcs. Rosanne peut marcher mais pas très longtemps et ce sera notre 2ème grands voyages avec un fauteuil – nous sommes allé au Cambodge il y a 2 ans).
J’ai lu aussi avec intérêt ton passage à Tokyo que nous voulons retourner visiter (ainsi que la corée) au printemps 2019.
J’ai aussi vu tes informations pour l’af sud que nous avons beaucoup aimé (région de Knysna par exemple ainsi que le Cap mais en hivers local ce qui ne nous à pas permis de monter à Table Mountain).
Nous te ferons part de nos remarques sur les parcs à notre retour. Il semble que tu sois à Chicago, donc bonne visite et bonne continuation
A bientôt
Yves et Rosanne