Jasper National Park is renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Dark Sky Preserves on the planet, making it a dream destination for stargazers and nature lovers. While its majestic peaks and serene valleys draw millions of visitors annually, there’s much about this iconic park that remains delightfully strange and lesser-known. Here are four weird and wonderful facts about Jasper that might just surprise you!
The Ice Ship: A Wartime Secret
Project Habakkuk was a bold and unconventional World War II experiment aimed at creating an unsinkable aircraft carrier made of ice. Conceived by British scientist Geoffrey Pyke, the project proposed using "pykrete," a mix of water and wood pulp, which was stronger than concrete and resistant to melting. The idea was to address the mid-Atlantic "air gap," where German U-boats threatened Allied supply routes. A prototype was built on Patricia Lake in 1943, measuring 60 feet long and weighing 1,000 tons. Despite its promise, the project faced engineering challenges, high costs, and advancements in aviation technology, leading to its cancellation. Today, remnants of the prototype rest at the lake's bottom, commemorated as a fascinating piece of wartime ingenuity.
Otters: Yes – Otters
Big black bears, stately mountain goats, sly foxes, and soaring owls. You expect to see all these and more in Jasper’s natural landscape...but did you know Jasper is also home to otters? River otters in Jasper are a rare sight. Despite their return to the region, it is still uncommon to see them. If you are one of the lucky ones, take a moment to enjoy the playful creatures as they frolic by the water.
Lights, Camera, Jasper! The National Park Brought Classic Movies to Life
Jasper has served as a backdrop for numerous films since the early days of Hollywood. The Country Beyond (1926) and Under Suspicion (1930) utilized iconic locations such as Maligne Lake and Mount Edith Cavell. The park also featured in The Emperor Waltz (1948) and River of No Return (1954), the latter starring Marilyn Monroe, who stayed at Becker’s Chalets during filming. Other notable films include The Far Country (1954), Wings of Chance (1961), and The Climb (1986).
The Valley of Fear Author Visited the Valleys of Jasper
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the famed creator of Sherlock Holmes, visited Jasper National Park twice, first in 1914 and again in 1923. Invited by the Canadian government, his 1914 trip was hosted by Colonel Maynard Rogers, the park's superintendent, and marked by his admiration for the Rockies, which he had long dreamed of seeing. Conan Doyle praised Jasper as a "great national playground," lauding its preservation for future generations. During his stay, he explored iconic sites like Pyramid Lake and Maligne Canyon, laid the cornerstone for a local church, and even threw the first pitch at a baseball game.
Go Explore Jasper National Park!
From rare animal sightings to Hollywood moments, Jasper offers a treasure of history and mystery. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or a dose of the extraordinary, Jasper welcomes curious minds and wandering hearts alike. Why not pack your bag and see these wonders for yourself? The park’s weird and wonderful secrets are waiting for you to uncover!
Nerissa McNaughton is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for Great West Media's Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
