Often regarded as Banff’s little brother, the small mountain town of Jasper stole my heart in a matter of hours. Since returning, I have been on a mission to encourage everyone to go and see it for themselves. For those that also find their happy place to be amongst mountains, here’s why you should make Jasper your next escape.
Small Town Vibe
Jasper has a small population of 4000 permanent residents. Despite the thousands of visitors that pass through Jasper each year, locals you meet during your stay will often recognise you and chat should you cross paths later during your trip. You truly feel part of the community, if only for a few days. Also the small town size means you are never more than 10 mins from anything you need. All the shops, restaurants and bars you could need are right on your door step.
Slow Pace of Mountain Life
The laidback atmosphere and slow pace of life in Jasper is contagious. Whether it’s the clean air, beautiful scenery or friendly people, it’s almost impossible to feel stressed here. This is the place to unwind and be mindful of the small joys in life that can be easily overlooked. I could, and did, while away a good few hours sipping a “Grandma’s Place” milkshake (the absolute best!) on a bench, looking at the mountain views.
Local Passion
The residents of Jasper are very proud of their home, rightly so, and are keen to show you all the reasons they love Jasper. Many have chosen to settle here after visiting a tourists themselves, and can give you the best tips on hiking trails, day trips and where to eat and drink. The town also has an interesting history and information points can be found all over town.
