Jasper National Park of Canada

Yellowhead Corridor Travel Guide

Closeup of Big Horn Sheep, Jasper National Park
© Parks Canada

Directions

The Yellowhead corridor stretches east-west across the width of Jasper National Park. From Jasper townsite, Highway 16 (the Yellowhead Highway) leads west 26 km to the British Columbia boundary, and east 51 km to the eastern park boundary.

Yellowhead Corridor Map

Season

Open all year.

Wildlife Viewing

Opportunities to see elk, sheep, bears, deer and other animals along the Yellowhead corridor are excellent. Remember that watching wildlife, especially beside the road, comes with responsibility. For your protection and their survival, please:

Safety

The Yellowhead corridor is a busy transportation route. Use caution when sightseeing and be vigilant for wildlife on the road. Dangerous traffic jams often occur when wildlife is viewed near the roadside. Please use caution near any animal jam, stay in your vehicle, use a telephoto lense to take a picture and quickly continue on your way so others may enjoy the opportunity also.

Sheep, elk and deer are common along Highway 16, and they frequently cross it without warning. Drive with caution, especially at sunset, sunrise and at night. Posted speed limits vary near areas where wildlife commonly gathers. For your safety and the protection of park wildlife, please observe all speed limits.

Other

The community of Jasper is the only service centre on Highway 16 in Jasper National Park. To the east, outside the park, lies the town of Hinton. To the west, in British Columbia, services are available at Mt. Robson, Tête Jaune Cache, Valemount and McBride.

Tips

The west boundary of the park is also the British Columbia-Alberta border and a time-zone change.

Time

Allow 60 minutes to drive from the east park boundary to the community of Jasper, factoring in a few minutes to stop and watch wildlife. The driving time between the community and the west boundary is about half an hour.

Highlights East of Jasper Townsite

• The Yellowhead corridor intersects (from east to west) the foothills, front ranges and main ranges of the Canadian Rockies
• The Athabasca River, designated a Canadian Heritage River in 1989 because of its abundant wildlife habitats and contribution to Canadian history.
• A cold mineral spring carrying the distinctive smell of hydrogen sulphide at kilometre 20.5 east of Jasper.
• Sand dunes at Jasper Lake, at kilometre 27 east of Jasper.
• Bighorn sheep and mountain goats, common at Disaster Point, kilometre 39.5 east of Jasper. Please don't stop in the middle of the road but use the parking area provided.
• Jasper House National Historic Site, the plaque is located at Disaster Point, kilometre 39.5.
• Pocahontas townsite, the Coal Mine Interpretive Trail and Roche Miette, located at kilometre 43.

Highlights West

• Henry House National Historic Site, the plaque is located on Highway 16 east approx. 14 kilometres from Jasper overlooking the Athabasca River.
• The Yellowhead Pass National Historic Site, the plaque is located at kilometre 11.5.
• The continental divide, located at the western park boundary at km 22.