The Canadian Rockies are one of nature’s grand creations. This rugged and dramatic patchwork of mountains, rivers and emerald lakes are a stunning marvel flanking Canada’s western edge. Scattered through this beautiful wilderness are towns and villages that offer great local hospitality and amazing wild life experiences and adventure opportunities.
Banff, Jasper and Waterton National Parks feature rugged mountaintops that appear to touch the skyline where enormous glaciers sprawl from their precipices. Numerous beautiful lakes flash emerald, turquoise and sapphire, waterfalls tumble down cliffs faces and the canyons appear bottomless. Deep forests blanket wide valleys and alpine meadows burst with vibrant flowers in the spring. Wildlife such as bears, elk, moose, wolves and bighorn sheep are a familiar sight for visitors and can appear at the most unsuspecting times.
In 1885 Canada’s first national park was created in Banff while the adjacent Jasper national park was created in 1907. The parks support small towns which between them have two to five million visitors each year. In 1984 the parks were designated Unesco Heritage sites.
Banff is renowned for its performing arts, galleries and international festivals. It’s has world famous accommodation including Banff Springs Hotel which is and well worth a visit in itself.
Set on a serene turquoise lake surrounded by magnificent mountains and a backdrop of picturesque Victoria Glaciers is Lake Louise; the jewel of the Rockies. Famous for some of the best hiking trails in the Rockies, Lake Louise is a favourite for adventure seekers.
Jasper is a picturesque little village, peacefully nestled in the heart of Jasper National Park. It’s a fantastic base for experiencing a wide range of outdoor activities such as skiing, trekking, white water rafting and for the bike enthusiast, one of the best networks of cycling tracks in North America. Golfers can tee off at beautiful Jasper Park Lodge on one of the best courses in Canada.
The more you see of these amazing parks – the more you will want to discover.
