Ottawa - It was man's push to the Pacific coast that led to the creation of the natural preserve now known as Jasper National Park. On July 20, Canada Post will issue a domestic rate stamp to mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of this jewel in Canada's crown of green spaces.
When it became clear that two transcontinental railways would soon pass through the Athabaska Valley, steps were taken to create a forest sanctuary to encompass and protect the more northerly mountains of the region. On September 14, 1907, the Jasper Forest Reserve, later known as Jasper National Park, was established.
Jasper is the largest of Canada's Rocky Mountain Parks. It is 10,878 km² of Rocky Mountain ecosystem and hosts Maligne Lake, the largest glacial-fed lake in the Canadian Rockies. Some of the park's mountain peaks reach up to 3,000 m in height.
Today, more than two million visitors each year come to marvel at the sight of the glaciers, hot springs, waterfalls, mountains, wildlife, and many other natural wonders and cultural treasures this national park has to offer.
An avid camper, graphic designer Saskia van Kampen seized the opportunity to capture the striking landscapes in this wilderness. The diversity of flora and fauna found in the park is what inspired her unique selvage design.The most recent stamp issued by Canada Post honouring Terra Nova National Park was also designed by van Kampen.
The 52-cent stamp will be offered in booklets of 10 stamps and Lowe-Martin will print 3,000,000 stamps on Tullis Russell paper using lithography in 6 colours. Lowe-Martin will also print 25,000 unique gutter strips available in booklets of 10 stamps each. This collector piece is comprised of sections from the Terra Nova National Park and Jasper National Park stamps booklets. The stamps measure 47.25 mm x 26.25 mm (horizontal), are general tagged on all four sides, and use pressure sensitive gum. The Official First Day Cover cancellation reads JASPER AB.
More information on this commemorative stamp is available in the Newsroom section of the Canada Post Web site; a high-resolution photo of the stamp is available in the Photo Centre of the Newsroom. The eight-stamp pane, souvenir sheet and Official First Day Cover will be available at participating post offices, online following the links on the Canada Post Web site (www.canadapost.ca) or by mail from the National Philatelic Centre. From Canada or the United States, call toll-free 1 800 565-4362; from other countries call 902 863-6550.
