The Jasper Information Centre is your best resource for exploring the area's history, but the bustling and modern info centre is also a heritage site, all its own! Formerly the home of legendary park superintendent Maynard S. Rogers (who served from 1913 to 1914 and again from 1917 until 1929) and the park’s main administrative offices, the building is interesting as an architectural landmark as well as an information resource. Rogers encouraged builders to imitate the mountains in a style that is harmonious and balanced but not perfect – just like the ridges of the local mountains. These days, you’ll find friendly staff with the latest hiking trail, wildlife, and weather updates – they’ll help you make the most of your stay in Jasper.Historical Buildings
Besides the info centre, there are a number of interesting historical buildings in Jasper worth visiting. The Heritage Railway Station – which underwent a recent interior renovation – the Jasper Post Office and the CIBC Bank building were all constructed in the same era as the Information Centre and with the same style that tries to imitate the natural lines of the mountains. The Friends of Jasper offers daily walking tours of these heritage buildings during the summertime. Sign up at the Information Centre.
Pocahontas Trail
The Jasper-area coal mine that operated in the early 1900s, along with the town that sprung up along with it, may be long gone, but walking the interpretive Pocahontas Trail brings the past alive again and there are a series of informative signs sharing the Pocahontas story. Up to 2,000 people lived here during the coal mine’s peak, which closed for good in 1921. Located below the scenic Roche Miette Peak, which dominates the eastern slopes of Jasper National Park, the views of the Athabasca River from here are excellent. It’s a great stop-off on the way to the Miette Hot Springs.
Ewan Moberly Homestead
A newly restored interpretive spot east of the Town of Jasper, this little-known heritage site tells the tale of Métis heritage in the Jasper area, before there were railways and roads. This is one of a number of Métis dwellings in the Upper Athabasca Valley that were lived in during the late 1900s. The unique dovetail log constructed home is an example of the many that once stood in the area. The Moberly Homestead and nearby gravesite were restored by Jasper National Park, family descendants and the Métis Nation of Alberta.
Old Fort Point
Just south of the Town of Jasper, this hill rising above the Athabasca River provides excellent views. It’s unlikely that a fort was ever located on the top of the hill here – the trail to the top is quite steep in places – but historians agree a fur-trading post did exist just downstream from here, and many trappers and explorers likely climbed the hill to scout the river. This is a great place for star-gazing or to watch the Northern Lights on a cozy winter evening.
