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