Paragliding and hang gliding

Reach new heights this summer in Jasper

Jasper National Park is a special place. Paragliding and hang gliding are permitted under specific circumstances. The procedures outlined in this document will help pilots minimize their impact on park wildlife and other environmental values, and avoid conflicts with other park visitors. Please familiarize yourself with this document and the Map of Areas Closed to Launching and Landing by Paragliders and Hang Gliders (PDF, 8.5 MB) before flying in Jasper National Park.

What is paragliding and hang gliding?

These activities are a form of mechanically-assisted flight, using a specialized parachute and harness (paragliding) or a fixed wing and rigging (hang gliding).

What should you know about paragliding and hang gliding in Jasper National Park?

• Motorized or towed launches are not permitted.
• You must be a member of HPAC to fly in Jasper National Park. Please maintain your membership or acquire temporary HPAC membership if you are a visitor to Canada. Please carry proof of membership when flying in the park. Visit Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association of Canada.
• Emergency landings are permitted in accordance with Transport Canada and Parks Canada regulations. Please report emergency landings to Jasper Dispatch (780.852.6155) and to HPAC, as per the established HPAC protocol.
• HPAC reports annually to Parks Canada on flights in the park. Please record your flight on the XContest website.
• Use your discretion when launching or landing in public areas. If it looks too busy, choose another location to launch or land.
• Get permission from the property owner before landing at a lodge, hotel or bungalow camp.
• You are welcome to use a helmet camera or other mounted camera during your flight, however drone use is not permitted anywhere in the park.

Protecting the park environment

• Use official trails to access launch and landing sites.
• Avoid disturbing wildlife—if wildlife is observed, fly away from the area immediately.
• If it is impossible to leave the area, increase your distance from wildlife to 1,000 m or greater, especially if the animals are reacting to you.
• Follow the wildlife flight guidelines in Jasper National Park.
• Raptors and other birds have been known to fly with paragliders. If a bird approaches you while you are flying, do not interfere with its flight or chase it.
• Plan your flight to avoid caribou critical habitat (see Map of Areas Closed to Launching and Landing by Paragliders and Hang Gliders for more information). Fly away from critical habitat in higher elevation areas of the park, towards valley bottoms.

Areas closed to launching and landing

Remember, you are responsible for your own safety.

• Always wear proper safety gear.
• Know your equipment.
• Be aware of the weather forecast.
• Plan your flight beforehand.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you are expected back.
• For more safety information visit HPAC.

Emergency

Call 911 (will not work on a satellite phone) or call Jasper National Park Dispatch office at 780-852-3100. Cell phone reception is unreliable.

For more information review our Guidelines for New Recreational Activities (PDF, 1.2 MB) or contact the Information Centre at 780-852-6176.