Last Updated on March 25, 2023 by Igor Karni
Jasper National Park is the largest national park within the Canadian Rocky Mountains and is located in Alberta, Canada. With mountains, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and more, this is a highly visited tourist destination for cyclists, hikers, and winter sports enthusiasts.
If you are thinking of visiting Jasper National Park by electric bike, this article will tell you everything you need to know before you embark on your adventure!
Are e-bikes allowed in Jasper National Park?
Yes! E-bikes that fit under the official definition of “pedal-assist e-bikes” are permitted on all trails and areas where traditional bicycles are permitted in Jasper National Park.
An official pedal-assist e-bike must only provide power assistance when the bike is being pedaled. Additionally, the e-bike must not generate more than a 500W maximum power output, and it must stop its power assistance when traveling at a maximum of 32 km/h (20 mph).
Lastly, e-bikes with a throttle are not considered pedal-assist e-bikes and are thus only allowed to be ridden on roads, not trails.
Read also: What are e-bike rules and regulations in Canada? And, What to do with e-bike insurance in Canada – in this article.
How is Jasper National Park organized, is it ready for cycling?
Jasper National Park is known for having a great trail system for cyclists. The park’s trails are well maintained and connected and are considered to be ideal for experiencing the park’s scenic landscapes while avoiding large crowds.
Cyclists should be aware that official trails are marked with yellow diamonds, and that this extensive trail system is regularly maintained by park staff.
Alternatively, wildland trails are marked as such, and while cyclists are allowed to use these trails, these trails are not maintained, nor are they shown on park maps. If a trail is not signed, cyclists are not allowed to ride on it. This is primarily because riders may get lost, increase the landscape’s erosion, and disturb wildlife.
Parks Canada advises cyclists to share the trails, be aware of wildlife, follow proper trail etiquette, and ride within their capabilities.
Where to stay during the trip?
There are plenty of places to find shelter in Jasper National Park, ranging from campgrounds to hotels and lodges. If you are looking to get the camping experience while on your e-cycling adventure, some campgrounds include the Wapiti Campground, Wabasso Campground, Pocahontas Campground, Whistlers Campground, Whistlers oTENTiks, and Columbia Icefield Campground. Many campgrounds require advanced booking, so be sure to plan out your stay ahead of time!
If looking to stay at an inn, hotel, or hostel, options include the Athabasca Hotel, Jasper Downtown Hostel, Park Place Inn, Tonquin Inn, Whistlers Inn, Jasper Inn & Suites, and Astoria Hotel. Check out Booking.com for more options.
If you prefer a rustic cabin or lodge for your stay, options include the Tekarra Lodge, Glacier View Lodge, Pyramid Lake Resort, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, and Bear Hill Lodge.
For a full list of campgrounds, hotels, or other shelter options, view Jasper National Park’s recommendation list here.
Where to eat? Or should I take my food with me?
Though it is advised to pack food and snacks with you on your e-bike trip in Jasper National Park, there are also plenty of restaurant and food spots to check out.
For on-the-go options, you can visit SnowDome Coffee Bar, Bear’s Paw Bakery, Lou Lou’s Pizzeria, and Jasper Wafflato. For sit-down restaurant options, top choices include The Hearthstone Lounge, Harvest Food & Drink, The Raven Bistro, The Pines Restaurant, and Syrahs of Jasper.
This is just a handful of options – visit Trip Advisor’s full list of restaurant recommendations here!
What gear should I take on the trip?
If you are taking a day trip in Jasper National Park, essentials include a helmet, your e-bike charger, a backpack, water, food, safety gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, reflective clothing, front and rear lights and side reflectors, a first aid kit, and bear spray.
Read also: What to take with you an an e-biking trip? And, Can an e-bike pull a trailer?
Cyclists should also know how to use their bear spray, as riders are susceptible to sudden bear encounters due to the bike’s speed and relative silence while traveling.
Parks Canada advises riders to always stay alert, slow down, and yell ahead to alert bears of their presence, especially through dense vegetation, around corners, near streams, or on windy days.
Parks Canada also advises cyclists to tell someone where they are going and when they are expected back and to avoid traveling alone for optimal safety. Riders should also refer to Jasper National Park’s Information Centre for trail conditions, descriptions, and weather reports.
For multi-day adventures, riders should additionally bring an extra battery, multiple pairs of bike clothing and underwear, spare tires, a bicycle repair kit, a flashlight, identification, and a method of payment and/or booking or reservation information if staying at an overnight shelter. If camping, bring a tent, sleeping bag, cutlery, and dishware.
Where to charge my e-bike?
Currently, there are no official maps or list of e-bike-specific charging stations in Jasper National Park. However, there are various electric vehicle charging sites within the parks.
Riders may also be able to charge their e-bike at campgrounds, bike shops, and some cafés and restaurants; however, always ask permission beforehand. Cyclists should also always bring their charger with them, whether taking daylong or multi-day trips.
You can refer to sites like Chargehub or Chargemap for a full list of electric vehicle charging stations and their locations within Jasper National Park.
What kind of e-bike do I need to ride in Jasper National Park?
Since Jasper National Park is situated in the Rocky Mountains, this landscape is primarily mountainous. In order to safely and efficiently tackle this landscape, cyclists should use an electric mountain bike (eMTB) or an all-terrain e-bike.
Read also: How to select your first electric mountain bike? And, How much does a good eMTB e-bike cost?
Where can I rent an e-bike in Jasper National Park, or should I take one with me?
Yes, there are a few e-bike rental companies in Jasper National Park, which we will feature later in the article!
If you are bringing an e-bike with you, be sure that your vehicle abides by Alberta’s e-bike laws and rules (which are featured at the beginning of this article).
Read also: Best known e-bike brands in Canada. And, Best e-bike financing option in Canada.
What else I can do while on an e-bike trip Jasper National Park?
Jasper National Park is full of breathtaking wildlife and natural attractions. Aside from exploring the Rocky Mountains by e-bike, there are many other prominent sites to see while you are there.
This includes the largest glacially fed lake in the Rockies called Maligne Lake, a 360 view of giant glaciers on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, the stunningly photogenic Spirit Island, the Miette Hot Springs, the gorgeous Athabasca Falls, and Canada’s highest and longest guided aerial tramway called the Jasper Sky Tram.
For visitors who are fans of night sky viewing, Jasper National Park is also Canada’s largest Dark Sky Preserve. In October, travelers can check out the Jasper Dark Sky Festival (during which time, you may see the Aurora Borealis if you’re lucky!)
What is the best time of the year to visit Jasper National Park on an e-bike?
Cyclists are advised to visit Jasper National Park during its summer months to avoid overly snowy or icy conditions. Between June through August, daily highs can reach 19 – 21 degrees Celsius and can go as low as 6 degrees Celsius.
However, be aware that the summer months tend to be the busiest and most crowded. Quieter times of the year are March through May and September through November.
If choosing to travel during these colder months, cyclists should consult the Parks Canada Website and other Jasper National Park information centers to get a better sense of trail safety and weather conditions.
Resources to help plan your trip
The official Parks Canada website for Jasper National Park, which includes additional park rules and updates, can be found here.
For more travel resources and trip planning information, you can also visit Jasper National Park’s official tourism website here.
If you are looking to rent an e-bike while at Jasper National Park, one company that offers e-bike rentals is Jasper Sports.
Mountain Madness Tours is another company that both offers e-bike rentals as well as guided cycling tours, which may be a good option for riders who prefer more structured itineraries while on their trip.
For e-bike riders who are looking to map out their own routes while in Jasper National Park, a full list of road cycling trails can be found here, and mountain cycling trails can be found here.
Lastly, you can check out more of Jasper National Park’s attractions on Trip Advisor’s list here!
Read also: Check out Canada’s best travel destinations by electric bike.
Experience stunning views of Jasper National Park via this video:
Igor is a sustainable mobility and green energy advocate. His mission for Easy E-biking is to help make electric cycling simple, practical, and fun. Follow him on Facebook and LinkedIn.
