Getting There -- Jasper is on the Yellowhead Highway System, linking it with Vancouver, Prince George, and Edmonton -- and is therefore an important transportation hub. The town is 287km (178 miles) northwest of Banff.
VIA Rail connects Jasper to Vancouver and Edmonton with three trains weekly; the Skeena line connects with Prince George and Prince Rupert on the Pacific coast. The train station (tel. 780/852-4102) is at the town center, along Connaught Street. The train tracks run due north before they start the long easterly sweep that leads to Edmonton. Also headquartered at the train station is the Greyhound bus station (tel. 780/852-3926) and Brewster Transportation (tel. 780/852-3332), which offers express service to Banff, as well as a large number of sightseeing excursions.
Visitor Information -- For information on the townsite, contact Jasper Tourism and Commerce, P.O. Box 98, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0 (tel. 780/852-3858; www.jaspercanadianrockies.com).
Orientation -- Jasper Townsite is much smaller than Banff. The main street, Connaught Drive, runs alongside the Canadian National Railway tracks, and is the address of the majority of Jasper's hotels. Patricia Street, a block west, is quickly becoming the boutique street, with new shops and cafes springing up. Right in the center of town, surrounded by delightful shady gardens, is the Parks Information Offices (tel. 780/852-6146). The post office is at the corner of Patricia and Elm streets. At the northern end of Connaught and Geike streets, a half kilometer (1/4 mile) from downtown, is another complex of hotels.
Getting Around -- For a rental car, contact National, 607 Connaught Dr. (tel. 780/852-1117). Call a taxi at tel. 780/852-5558 or 780/852-3600.
