| Mention the Canadian Rockies, and most people | | | | Further along, it is worth taking the time to |
| instantly think of Banff. As the main | | | | visit Moab Lake. A pleasant walk ends with |
| tourist destination in the Rockies, Banff is | | | | the magnificently sited lake, mountains |
| very much a commercial town geared to | | | | hovering in the background.Skiers visiting in |
| tourism. But for those who like their | | | | winter will certainly want to make the trip |
| Rockies a little quieter, 250 kilometres | | | | to Marmot Basin, a popular ski resort south |
| north is paradise - the town of Jasper.July | | | | of Jasper on 93A. In summer, however, it |
| and August are the peak times to visit | | | | looks much the same as any other deserted ski |
| Jasper, but if you don't mind colder weather | | | | field, except for the breathtaking |
| and like your lakes frozen, you can avoid | | | | scenery.One of the final stops before the |
| some of the tourists by visiting in the few | | | | road rejoins the main highway is the |
| months either side. The weather can be | | | | Athabasca Falls. A raging torrent in spring, |
| haphazard, so allow a little flexibility in | | | | the fierce waters tumble and crash over |
| your plans.Six kilometres south of Jasper is | | | | hundreds of smoothed boulders. The |
| Whistler Mountain. If you visit early or | | | | adventurous can explore further up the river, |
| late in the day, you will most likely hear | | | | but wear shoes with a good grip.When the time |
| the melodic sounds made by the whistling | | | | comes to leave Jasper, there are two major |
| marmots living on the lower slopes of the | | | | routes. Those who arrived by train can |
| mountain. Early birds can also get cheaper | | | | continue their journey either east to |
| tickets on the Whistler Mountain gondola. | | | | Edmonton and on across the Canadian plains, |
| The terminus is at 2,500m, with spectacular | | | | or west to Vancouver. This route takes you |
| views south to the Columbia Icefields, and | | | | on one of the most spectacular train journeys |
| west to Mount Robson.For those who prefer to | | | | in the world, with incredible scenery in |
| look up at mountains, there are plenty of | | | | every direction.For those travelling by car, |
| beautiful lakes close to town, all surrounded | | | | allow plenty of time to explore the 230km |
| by snow topped peaks. Patricia and Pyramid | | | | Icefields Parkway which connects Jasper to |
| Lakes, 8km north-west of town, are small and | | | | Banff, with a slight detour to Lake Louise. |
| quiet. They have beaches just begging for | | | | The road follows a valley through the Eastern |
| picnickers to sit on them and admire the view | | | | Mountain Ranges, and offers spectacular |
| after a tranquil lunch. Herds of elk and | | | | scenery and plenty of wildlife. By the end |
| deer roam the area, and if you're very lucky, | | | | of the day you'll probably have a stiff neck |
| you may spot a coyote or a black bear.Maligne | | | | from craning upwards to see the view.The |
| Lake is south of Jasper, and is the largest | | | | Sunwapta Falls are set in chunky terraces of |
| of the glacier fed lakes. A boathouse from | | | | rock, and it's worth taking a short stroll to |
| the 1920s completes the storybook setting. | | | | the viewing platform. Peyto Lake is a |
| There are a couple of excellent hikes in the | | | | beautiful glacial lake, but should only be |
| area, taking full advantage of the beautiful | | | | visited when the snow clears, otherwise the |
| scenery. | | | | gentle uphill stroll can become a mammoth |
| | | | battle through waist high snow drifts.Another |
| Nearby is Maligne Canyon, a narrow cleft | | | | beautiful stop is the Tangle Falls. Intrepid |
| through the rocks filled with roaring water | | | | visitors can do some exploring here, rewarded |
| during the spring thaw. It's also home to a | | | | by a close up look at the rushing waters. |
| very active herd of big horn sheep, who can | | | | The best known stop, however, is Athabasca |
| jump out of nowhere to startle tourists.For | | | | Glacier. This glacier has been steadily |
| those visitors who like more leisurely | | | | retreating for years, and there are date |
| pursuits, it is possible to swim in Lakes | | | | markers so you can see the gradual |
| Annette and Edith near town. Situated at | | | | regression. It is possible to take a truck |
| around 1000m, they are popular during the | | | | ride on the ice, or you can simply walk from |
| summer months, although it's still not | | | | the car park. Be warned - the weather can |
| advisable to take a lengthy swim in the icy | | | | change very rapidly during your visit, so be |
| waters.After a few hard days of sightseeing, | | | | prepared. |
| go for a leisurely drive about 40km towards | | | | |
| Edmonton. At the sleepy little town of | | | | The Weeping Wall is particularly interesting |
| Pocahontas (she certainly got around!) take | | | | after or during rain, with thousands of tiny |
| the turnoff to Miette Hot Springs. The | | | | waterfalls pouring down its rough faces. And |
| renovated spas contain two pools, and are a | | | | for those nature lovers with a penchant for |
| welcome respite for tired bodies. On the way | | | | moose, try visiting Waterfowl Lake at either |
| there you may be lucky enough to see mountain | | | | end of the day. It's home to a number of |
| goats beside the road, although they're more | | | | these huge creatures.The Icefields Parkway |
| likely to be perched on a cliff high above | | | | continues on to Lake Louise, the magnificent |
| you.Another excellent drive is route 93A, | | | | setting for scenes in the movie "The |
| which was the original road heading out of | | | | Bodyguard". Finally the road reaches Banff, |
| Jasper towards Banff. Now preserved as a | | | | leaving the peace and quiet of the wilder |
| scenic route, the road offers a number of | | | | Jasper behind for good.Exploring the Canadian |
| interesting stops. Keep your eyes open, | | | | Rockies is a must for lovers of rugged, |
| particularly during the quieter times early | | | | mountain scenery. For those who want to |
| and late in the day, because wild life | | | | experience the Rockies and its wildlife as |
| abounds here. Mother bears with their cubs | | | | closely as possible to how it would have been |
| have been seen chomping on berries right | | | | centuries ago, Jasper is the perfect base. |
| beside the road!The aptly named "Meeting of | | | | The Rockies are waiting for you.Travelling in |
| the Waters" marks the place where two rivers | | | | Canada is a much loved past time for the |
| join together. During the spring thaw this | | | | author. Check out or for more information. |
| meeting can make for spectacular waterworks. | | | | |