At the heart of Jasper townsite is a log and stone building, a classic example of Rustic architecture found in many Canadian national parks. Here, in the Jasper Park Information Centre, friendly park experts offer insights on front and backcountry exploring, hiking trails, camping, paddling, wildlife viewing and skiing. To help you make the most of your stay, you can also get details on special events, weather conditions, and pick up maps and permits. The Friends of Jasper Gift Shop and Tourism Jasper are also on site, making the Info Centre a one-stop destination to plan your adventure.
Constructed in 1913, the Information Centre and former administration building for Jasper National Park stands attractively in the middle of a mountain garden across from the Canadian National Railway (now VIA Rail) station. This is a subtle hybridization with the railways. The railway station is itself more rustic than gothic, as is the Jasper Park Lodge hotel. Canadian National Railway did not favour Railway Gothic as much in the mountains as it did in the cities (for example, the Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon and Hotel Macdonald in Edmonton). At the time it was completed, the charming, rustic Information Centre and its gardens would have been a steam train passenger’s first sight of the town of Jasper.