The Parks Canada Agency Act states the purpose of Parks Canada is to protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage, and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of this heritage in ways that ensure its ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations.
Jasper has a diverse array of natural ecosystems ranging from icefields to grasslands
The park is composed of rugged mountain ranges, vast icefields, deep river valleys, alpine meadows, and coniferous forests. It protects more than 10,878 km² of pristine wilderness including a large portion of the Columbia Ice fields. The ice fields feed several glaciers including the Athabasca Glacier, which is one of the most accessible in the Canadian Rockies.
The park is of high ecological significance due to the large contiguous size of its natural systems
The large size of the park helps sustain an exceptional and diverse array of wildlife habitat. The park boasts an extremely rich and diverse fauna with grizzly and black bears, moose, caribou, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, wolves and over 200 species of birds. Jasper National Park is also an important migration corridor for many species of birds, such as the trumpeter swan, sandhill crane, and white pelican.
The protection of Jasper National Park ensures that these unique and fragile ecosystems are preserved
The diversity and size of these undisturbed natural landscapes is globally significant and is why UNESCO designated the park as a World Heritage Site. The park works with local communities, scientists, and other partners to protect the region's ecological and cultural heritage through management plans, research, conservation, education, and sustainable tourism.