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Jasper - Travel to Canada's Rocky Mountain Paradise



 
 
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Old August 31st, 2006, 06:56 PM posted to rec.travel.usa-canada
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Default Jasper - Travel to Canada's Rocky Mountain Paradise

I found this tip and many more like it at www.splicker.com

Jasper - Travel to Canada's Rocky Mountain Paradise

Mention the Canadian Rockies, and most people instantly think of Banff.
As the main tourist destination in the Rockies, Banff is very much a
commercial town geared to tourism. But for those who like their Rockies
a little quieter, 250 kilometres north is paradise - the town of
Jasper.

July and August are the peak times to visit Jasper, but if you don't
mind colder weather and like your lakes frozen, you can avoid some of
the tourists by visiting in the few months either side. The weather can
be haphazard, so allow a little flexibility in your plans.

Six kilometres south of Jasper is Whistler Mountain. If you visit early
or late in the day, you will most likely hear the melodic sounds made
by the whistling marmots living on the lower slopes of the mountain.
Early birds can also get cheaper tickets on the Whistler Mountain
gondola. The terminus is at 2,500m, with spectacular views south to the
Columbia Icefields, and west to Mount Robson.

For those who prefer to look up at mountains, there are plenty of
beautiful lakes close to town, all surrounded by snow topped peaks.
Patricia and Pyramid Lakes, 8km north-west of town, are small and
quiet. They have beaches just begging for picnickers to sit on them and
admire the view after a tranquil lunch. Herds of elk and deer roam the
area, and if you're very lucky, you may spot a coyote or a black bear.

Maligne Lake is south of Jasper, and is the largest of the glacier fed
lakes. A boathouse from the 1920s completes the storybook setting.
There are a couple of excellent hikes in the area, taking full
advantage of the beautiful scenery.

Nearby is Maligne Canyon, a narrow cleft through the rocks filled with
roaring water during the spring thaw. It's also home to a very active
herd of big horn sheep, who can jump out of nowhere to startle
tourists.

For those visitors who like more leisurely pursuits, it is possible to
swim in Lakes Annette and Edith near town. Situated at around 1000m,
they are popular during the summer months, although it's still not
advisable to take a lengthy swim in the icy waters.

After a few hard days of sightseeing, go for a leisurely drive about
40km towards Edmonton. At the sleepy little town of Pocahontas (she
certainly got around!) take the turnoff to Miette Hot Springs. The
renovated spas contain two pools, and are a welcome respite for tired
bodies. On the way there you may be lucky enough to see mountain goats
beside the road, although they're more likely to be perched on a cliff
high above you.

Another excellent drive is route 93A, which was the original road
heading out of Jasper towards Banff. Now preserved as a scenic route,
the road offers a number of interesting stops. Keep your eyes open,
particularly during the quieter times early and late in the day,
because wild life abounds here. Mother bears with their cubs have been
seen chomping on berries right beside the road!

The aptly named "Meeting of the Waters" marks the place where two
rivers join together. During the spring thaw this meeting can make for
spectacular waterworks. Further along, it is worth taking the time to
visit Moab Lake. A pleasant walk ends with the magnificently sited
lake, mountains hovering in the background.

Skiers visiting in winter will certainly want to make the trip to
Marmot Basin, a popular ski resort south of Jasper on 93A. In summer,
however, it looks much the same as any other deserted ski field, except
for the breathtaking scenery.

One of the final stops before the road rejoins the main highway is the
Athabasca Falls. A raging torrent in spring, the fierce waters tumble
and crash over hundreds of smoothed boulders. The adventurouss can
explore further up the river, but wear shoes with a good grip.

When the time comes to leave Jasper, there are two major routes. Those
who arrived by train can continue their journey either east to Edmonton
and on across the Canadian plains, or west to Vancouver. This route
takes you on one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world,
with incredible scenery in every direction.

For those travelling by car, allow plenty of time to explore the 230km
Icefields Parkway which connects Jasper to Banff, with a slight detour
to Lake Louise. The road follows a valley through the Eastern Mountain
Ranges, and offers spectacular scenery and plenty of wildlife. By the
end of the day you'll probably have a stiff neck from craning upwards
to see the view.

The Sunwapta Falls are set in chunky terraces of rock, and it's worth
taking a short stroll to the viewing platform. Peyto Lake is a
beautiful glacial lake, but should only be visited when the snow
clears, otherwise the gentle uphill stroll can become a mammoth battle
through waist high snow drifts.

Another beautiful stop is the Tangle Falls. Intrepid visitors can do
some exploring here, rewarded by a close up look at the rushing waters.
The best known stop, however, is Athabasca Glacier. This glacier has
been steadily retreating for years, and there are date markers so you
can see the gradual regression. It is possible to take a truck ride on
the ice, or you can simply walk from the car park. Be warned - the
weather can change very rapidly during your visit, so be prepared.

The Weeping Wall is particularly interesting after or during rain, with
thousands of tiny waterfalls pouring down its rough faces. And for
those nature lovers with a penchant for moose, try visiting Waterfowl
Lake at either end of the day. It's home to a number of these huge
creatures.

The Icefields Parkway continues on to Lake Louise, the magnificent
setting for scenes in the movie "The Bodyguard". Finally the road
reaches Banff, leaving the peace and quiet of the wilder Jasper behind
for good.

Exploring the Canadian Rockies is a must for lovers of rugged, mountain
scenery. For those who want to experience the Rockies and its wildlife
as closely as possible to how it would have been centuries ago, Jasper
is the perfect base. The Rockies are waiting for you.

 




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