Take a trip to Okanagan Valley


Jasper - Travel to Canada's Rocky Mountain Paradise

Mention the Canadian Rockies, and most peopleFurther along, it is worth taking the time to
instantly think of Banff. As the mainvisit Moab Lake. A pleasant walk ends with
tourist destination in the Rockies, Banff isthe magnificently sited lake, mountains
very much a commercial town geared tohovering in the background.Skiers visiting in
tourism. But for those who like theirwinter will certainly want to make the trip
Rockies a little quieter, 250 kilometresto Marmot Basin, a popular ski resort south
north is paradise - the town of Jasper.Julyof Jasper on 93A. In summer, however, it
and August are the peak times to visitlooks much the same as any other deserted ski
Jasper, but if you don't mind colder weatherfield, except for the breathtaking
and like your lakes frozen, you can avoidscenery.One of the final stops before the
some of the tourists by visiting in the fewroad rejoins the main highway is the
months either side. The weather can beAthabasca Falls. A raging torrent in spring,
haphazard, so allow a little flexibility inthe fierce waters tumble and crash over
your plans.Six kilometres south of Jasper ishundreds of smoothed boulders. The
Whistler Mountain. If you visit early oradventurous can explore further up the river,
late in the day, you will most likely hearbut wear shoes with a good grip.When the time
the melodic sounds made by the whistlingcomes to leave Jasper, there are two major
marmots living on the lower slopes of theroutes. Those who arrived by train can
mountain. Early birds can also get cheapercontinue 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 spectacularor west to Vancouver. This route takes you
views south to the Columbia Icefields, andon one of the most spectacular train journeys
west to Mount Robson.For those who prefer toin the world, with incredible scenery in
look up at mountains, there are plenty ofevery direction.For those travelling by car,
beautiful lakes close to town, all surroundedallow plenty of time to explore the 230km
by snow topped peaks. Patricia and PyramidIcefields Parkway which connects Jasper to
Lakes, 8km north-west of town, are small andBanff, with a slight detour to Lake Louise.
quiet. They have beaches just begging forThe road follows a valley through the Eastern
picnickers to sit on them and admire the viewMountain Ranges, and offers spectacular
after a tranquil lunch. Herds of elk andscenery 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.Malignefrom craning upwards to see the view.The
Lake is south of Jasper, and is the largestSunwapta Falls are set in chunky terraces of
of the glacier fed lakes. A boathouse fromrock, 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 thebeautiful glacial lake, but should only be
area, taking full advantage of the beautifulvisited 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 cleftbeautiful stop is the Tangle Falls. Intrepid
through the rocks filled with roaring watervisitors can do some exploring here, rewarded
during the spring thaw. It's also home to aby a close up look at the rushing waters.
very active herd of big horn sheep, who canThe best known stop, however, is Athabasca
jump out of nowhere to startle tourists.ForGlacier. This glacier has been steadily
those visitors who like more leisurelyretreating for years, and there are date
pursuits, it is possible to swim in Lakesmarkers so you can see the gradual
Annette and Edith near town. Situated atregression. It is possible to take a truck
around 1000m, they are popular during theride on the ice, or you can simply walk from
summer months, although it's still notthe car park. Be warned - the weather can
advisable to take a lengthy swim in the icychange 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 ofThe Weeping Wall is particularly interesting
Pocahontas (she certainly got around!) takeafter or during rain, with thousands of tiny
the turnoff to Miette Hot Springs. Thewaterfalls pouring down its rough faces. And
renovated spas contain two pools, and are afor those nature lovers with a penchant for
welcome respite for tired bodies. On the waymoose, try visiting Waterfowl Lake at either
there you may be lucky enough to see mountainend of the day. It's home to a number of
goats beside the road, although they're morethese huge creatures.The Icefields Parkway
likely to be perched on a cliff high abovecontinues 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 ofBodyguard". Finally the road reaches Banff,
Jasper towards Banff. Now preserved as aleaving the peace and quiet of the wilder
scenic route, the road offers a number ofJasper 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 earlymountain scenery. For those who want to
and late in the day, because wild lifeexperience the Rockies and its wildlife as
abounds here. Mother bears with their cubsclosely as possible to how it would have been
have been seen chomping on berries rightcenturies ago, Jasper is the perfect base.
beside the road!The aptly named "Meeting ofThe Rockies are waiting for you.Travelling in
the Waters" marks the place where two riversCanada is a much loved past time for the
join together. During the spring thaw thisauthor. Check out or for more information.
meeting can make for spectacular waterworks.



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