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Adventure in Jasper

• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Jasper, Alberta.
An all-season mountain playground of spectacular vistas, pristine beauty and unmatched recreational opportunities, Jasper, located in Alberta's Rockies, offers a wide selection of tours, activities and adventures for all ages and abilities. A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of North America's largest natural areas, Jasper National Park is a world-class destination offering the best in accommodations, restaurants, attractions and one-of-a-kind activities. With four distinct seasons the area provides something for every interest, from winter excursions and pretty spring scenery to summer camping and colourful autumn day hikes. Natural wonders of extraordinary splendour wait to be discovered.

EXCURSIONS ON THE WATER

Vibrantly coloured glacier-fed lakes and rivers mark the landscape of this magnificent region, making excursions on water popular from spring to fall. Guided boat tours, including the must-do Maligne Lake Cruise, which offers 90-minute interpreted lake tours to the iconic Spirit Island, are a perfect way to explore areas that are otherwise inaccessible. Canoe trips, offered as half-, full- and multi-day options, are available for those seeking to explore the untouched wilderness along the impressive Athabasca River and at a multitude of placid lakes around the area. An assortment of boat rental facilities is available in Jasper National Park, including canoes and kayaks at Pyramid and Maligne lakes.

The day-use areas at Lake Annette and Lake Edith offer sandy beaches and refreshing waters for a cool summer dip. From May to September, angling enthusiasts can try their luck at catching the big one by taking a guided fishing tour. Trips via helicopter to isolated fishing grounds are also available.


Thrill seekers can raise their adrenaline by embarking on an exhilarating white-water rafting trip, offered by a variety of long-standing tour operators providing guided trips down the Athabasca River. Catering to all levels and ages, most tour companies offer family-friendly excursions, relaxing float trips, advanced rafting options and even overnight rafting and camping adventures. To avoid disappointment, reservations are highly recommended during the peak summer months of July and August.

SIGHTSEEING

Awe-inspiring scenery is the trademark of the region; snow-capped peaks, impressive glacial ice forms, plunging canyons, thundering waterfalls, alpine meadows and crystal blue lakes create a remarkable backdrop sure to remain in the memories and hearts of visitors. Whether on foot or via a comfortable and equipped motorcoach or van, sightseeing tours are available for everyone.

Guided and interpreted walking and hiking tours for novice to advanced levels explore a wide range of countryside, including the Edith Cavell Meadows, various alpine summits and the Valley of the Five Lakes. Comprehensive van and bus tour services provided by operators like Colibri Tours are available for those seeking complete convenience. Many of these tours escort visitors directly to some of the park's top attractions, offering opportunities for exploration, photography and guided interpretation. An array of small-scale tour operators provides a variety of intimate excursions, including naturalist-guided tours, art and photography adventures and one-on-one and small-group mountaineering instruction expeditions. Another notable sightseeing adventure is available from mid-April to mid-October on the Jasper Tramway, which climbs to the summit of Whistler's Mountain, offering sweeping 360° views.

SNOW & ICE ADVENTURES

A winter trip to the Jasper area is replete with outdoor opportunities for both adventurous and leisure travellers. Downhill skiing at Marmot Basin, guided snowshoeing across alpine meadows and trails, magical rides on a horse-drawn sleigh and tours via snowmobile are just a few of the options available.

The famed Maligne Canyon becomes an icy wonderland during the winter months, accessible for trekking by taking a guided ice walk. A highlight for many visitors is a trip to the extraordinary Columbia Icefield, which covers an expansive 389 sq km (233 sq mi) and feeds eight major glaciers. Provided via all-terrain, multi-passenger snow coaches from April to October, icefield tours offer visitors an up-close experience of ancient, 300-metre-thick (1,000 ft) glacial ice that has been in existence for over 400 years. Guided walks of the ice fields' Athabasca Glacier are also available, which include safe exploration of unique glacial features such as mill wells and crevasses. Families will appreciate Jasper's array of kid-friendly activities as well, from ice skating on Lake Mildred to tobogganing at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

LEISURE & RELAXATION

Jasper may be a prime destination for adventure but its natural tranquility also lends itself to activities of a more leisurely fashion. Whether strolling the streets of the quaint townsite, taking in views from a cosy cabin balcony or picnicking at one of many day-use parks, those seeking relaxation will not be disappointed.

After a day of mountain touring, visitors can appreciate the full benefits of a hot-spring soak at Miette Hot Springs, which features the hottest thermal waters in the Canadian Rockies. Open seasonally from early May to early October, the facility features two hot pools, a cool pool, rental services and an on-site cafe. Sure to add an element of indulgence to any vacation, a visit to one of Jasper's day spas is a certain cure for any weary traveller. Romantic couples' packages make any mountain getaway complete. Semi-inclusive luxury rail tours of the Canadian Rockies are an effortless and ideal way to experience the majestic beauty of the mountains. Rocky Mountain Reservations is one such company that offers an array of vacation packages to suit any travelling need, including rail journeys, overnight stays at luxury hotels, attraction passes and guided sightseeing tours.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
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