Interpretive programs and activities
Jasper National Park
We are excited to announce an exciting lineup of campground shows, campfire talks and fun activities for the summer of 2024.
These activities are open to all park visitors, even if you’re not camping.
Portions of Jasper National Park remain closed due to impacts from the Jasper Wildfire Complex. Please check for up to date information.
In the campgrounds
Whistlers Campground Theatre
Six nights a week
Catch 222: A Grizzly Bear Story from Jasper National Park
Mondays and Fridays in July, at 7:30 pm.
Thursdays and Sundays in August, at 7:30 pm.
Discover the real-life story of a young grizzly bear family as they try to solve the riddle of survival in a very busy park. Learn with fun sketches, activities and amazing behind the scenes video footage from Jasper National Park.
Parks Canada Speaker Series
Wednesdays at 7:30 pm
Have you ever wondered what happens ‘behind the scenery’ in Jasper National Park? Join us for stories of conservation and restoration from Parks Canada’s Resource Conservation staff - straight from the horse’s mouth.
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Speaker Series schedule
July 3 – Caribou Research and Monitoring
Join Madeline, a Resource Management Officer working on Jasper’s Caribou Recovery Team and discover how these cold-loving, snow-adapted deer are faring in the Rocky Mountain National Parks. The explore how the park monitors the health of the park’s remaining caribou herds and learn about the world’s first caribou conservation breeding centre being built right here in Jasper National Park.
July 10 - Vegetation Restoration
Join Marcia, Jasper’s Vegetation Restoration Specialist to discover how the park deals with non-native invasive species, plans and implements projects for ecological restoration, reforestation and native plant propagation.
July 17 - Ecological Monitoring and Species at Risk in Jasper National Park
There is a small team of biologists who work to monitor the ecological integrity of Jasper National Park and help to recover species at risk. Brenda Shepherd is the monitoring ecologist, and she will show photos and talk about how the team measures glaciers, birds, large mammals and more. She’ll also talk about recovering Endangered species like Whitebark Pine and Black Swifts.
July 24 - Aquatic Health
Water is the life blood of Jasper National Park. Join Griffin, a resource management officer on Jasper’s aquatics team who monitors the health of Jasper’s aquatic ecosystems.
July 31 - Human Wildlife Coexistence
Join Claire, a Resource Conservation Officer who works on the Human Wildlife Coexistence Team that keeps wildlife safe from all of us scary humans.
August 7 - Bear Research and Monitoring
How many bears are there in Jasper National Park? What are they doing? How do we know this stuff? Join Tracy, a Parks Canada Ecologist, for a Grizzly and Black bear research update. Population monitoring, habitat research current and past, from old school trail cameras and radio collars to high-tech satellite data, DNA, and everything in between.
August 14 - Resource Conservation Management
Big park, big science team! Join David, Jasper’s Resource Conservation Manager, for a broad overview of the all the science that goes in to protecting this beautiful national park and world heritage site.
August 21 – Wolf Research and Monitoring
What happens between wolves and elk in Jasper’s valley bottom affects caribou that live high in the mountains. Join Layla, Jasper’s Wolf and Caribou Biologist, for a look at the history of wolf management in Jasper National Park.
August 28 - Saving the Whitebark Pine
Join Resource Management Officer Nick to learn why this endangered tree is so special and how Jasper National Park and others are protecting and restoring this species to the landscape.
Birds Eye View
Thursdays and Sundays in July, at 7:30 pm.
Monday and Fridays in August, at 7:30 pm.
Join Dr. Brain and Dr. Smart on an adventure to meet five of Jasper National Park’s rarest birds. Together you will uncover why bird populations around the world are declining and what you can do to help!
Sharing the Stage
Most Saturdays in July and August at 7:30 pm. Some dates vary, see full schedule below.
This summer we are privileged to host programming presented by local Indigenous communities and organizations. Most programs are at Whistler’s theatre.
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Sharing the Stage schedule
July 6 - The People Who Shaped the History of the Athabasca Valley
Join Elder Ken Groat from the Upper Athabasca Elders Council, as he shares the stories and histories of the people that lived in this iconic valley from the 1790’s up to modern times.
July 13 - From Our Own Voice: The Oral History of the As’in’i wachi Neyiyuk
Join Shelley Calliou of Kelly Lake First Nation as she tells the oral history of the As’in’i wachi Neyiyuk and their occupation of Jasper House.
July 20 – The Story of the Rocky Mountain Cree
Join Frank Roan of the Mountain Cree as he uses stories and song to tell the history of the Rocky Mountain Cree in Jasper through trade, barter, and kinship.
August 1 – From Our Own Voice: The Oral History of the As’in’i wachi Neyiyuk
Join Shelley Calliou of Kelly Lake First Nation as she tells the oral history of the As’in’i wachi Neyiyuk and their occupation of Jasper House.
August 3 – Métis Jigging Workshop
Please note: this program will happen at Wabasso Campground Campfire Circle
Join us for the good medicine of Métis Jigging as we gather near the campfire circle at Wabasso campground. Lisa Shepherd, Métis Artist, will teach you a traditional jig step, the Red River Jig and some community dances. Be ready for an uplifting and joyful experience, as you engage in the original social networking.
August 17 - Ken Groat: Human History of the Athabasca Valley
Join Elder Ken Groat from the Upper Athabasca Elders Council, as he shares stories of the Moberly family from the end of the fur trade to their eviction from Jasper National Park.
August 24 –The Story of the Rocky Mountain Cree
Join Frank Roan of the Mountain Cree as he uses stories and song to tell the history of the Rocky Mountain Cree in Jasper through trade, barter, and kinship.
Wapiti Campground Family Fun Activities
Parks Canada Tent in Loop AA
Hey kids, looking for something fun to do? Bring your parents, your imagination, your energy, and join us for some family fun activities.
Survival Scavenger Hunt: Species at Risk Edition
Thursdays and Sundays in July, at 7:30 pm.
Fridays in August, at 7:30 pm.
Unleash your Wildlife Detective! Grab a GPS and navigate through Wapiti Campground on a thrilling family-friendly adventure, unravel the mysteries of endangered species, and make a positive impact as you uncover clues in this beautiful wilderness!
Race Against the Invaders: Aquatic Adventures for Junior Detectives
Fridays in July, at 7:30 pm.
Thursdays and Sundays in August, at 7:30 pm.
It’s a race against time to save Jasper’s waterways from Aquatic Invasive Species! Families will join interpreters in an evening of fun activities and learn about the threats to Jasper National Park’s lifeblood, our water.
Wabasso Campground Campfire Programs
Bring some marshmallows (we have the sticks) and join us around a cozy campfire for these visitor centered interpretive programs.
Animals Have Personal Spaces Too!
Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm
How close can strangers get to you before you feel uncomfortable? What if you were a momma bear, or a male elk defending it’s harem? How big would your personal bubble be then? Let’s talk about that.
Caribou Conversations: Saving Jasper National Park’s Iconic Herds
Saturdays at 7:30 pm (except August 3)
Join our passionate interpreters as they discuss Jasper's vanishing Caribou herds. Learn all about Parks Canada's new caribou conservation breeding center, located here in Jasper National Park. This program has it all, song, games, props, and captivating conversations with fellow visitors.
Métis Jigging Workshop
Saturday August 3 at 7:30 pm (one night only)
Kick up your heels and dance with Lisa Shepherd from the Métis Nation of British Columbia during this traditional dance workshop.
In Town at the Heritage Firehall
Jasper Safari
Due to the heat, Jasper Safari is on hold until further notice.
Thursday to Monday from 2 to 4:30 pm
Spin the wheel and get in tune with the seasonal changes in animals experience in the Canadian Rockies.
At Maligne Canyon
The Bears of Jasper
Thursday to Monday from 2 to 4:30 pm
Do you love seeing bears in the wild? Of course, just not face-to-face on a hiking trail right! Knowing what to do, and what not to do, in bear country is important for your safety, and may be a matter of life and death to a bear! Join us and discover how you can have the bear experience you crave without having a negative impact on the bears of Jasper.
Wildlife Patrol
On the Road from June to September
Living with wildlife interpreters can be found at busy day use areas, trailheads and on the road, patrolling for wildlife jams. These specialized interpreters help you have safe and memorable wildlife experiences and ensure we “keep the wild in wildlife”.
Look for their distinct van and follow their directions.
Wildlife safety exhibits
We have wildlife safety exhibits at Whistlers Campground and downtown Jasper. Take a selfie with your favourite wild animal panel. Play the Wildlife Safety Quiz. Share your highlights on social media.
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