Jasper National Park is an awesome part of Alberta to visit. But it can get busy and at certain times of the year just getting accommodation can be tough - and expensive. Fortunately there are a number of alternatives to Jasper including provincial parks that are within a few hour's drive of Jasper (tops). In my humble opinion they are overlooked. Put them on your radar. They all see a fraction of the traffic that…
If you're driving the Icefields Parkway and you're looking for a short, easy hike try the gorgeous Beauty Creek hike to Stanley Falls. In an hour you will be transported to another world full of canyons and waterfalls. It's family friendly, as long as you keep the kids away from the edge. Round-trip it's about 4 kilometres return and the total elevation gain is just 40 metres. The Beauty Creek hike is an excellent shoulder…
Don't despair if you're visiting Jasper and you only have 24 hours to see some sights. There's plenty you can accomplish in short order if you're prepared to have a full day. Recently I was in town and did exactly as described below. It was a great day and one I'd recommend to everyone. It's amazing when you're motivated and short on time what you can cover in Jasper in 24 hours. Having a game…
Do you want to explore a scenic part of Jasper National Park few people ever see? Canyoning in Jasper, the latest and most amazing adventure in the park to be offered as a commercially guided trip is a fun, mentally challenging and an exceptional way to experience the mountains. Offered by Rocky Mountain Canyoning from early May until late October, depending on weather and conditions, canyoning in Jasper is done in one of three locations - Ogre,…
The Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93 North, runs from Lake Louise to Jasper for 232 spectacular kilometres passing through Banff and Jasper National Parks. With 11 campgrounds along the parkway, it's easy to slow down and explore the region. Here's what you need to know about the Icefields Parkway campgrounds. There is no cellphone coverage along the parkway but campgrounds have pay phones. For payment have exact change or a credit card. You won't find any…
Not only is Alberta's Icefields Parkway a spectacular stretch of road to drive, it offers quick access to world-class hikes (and backpacking trips) with most trailheads immediately beside the highway. Over its 232 kilometres (the distance between Lake Louise and Jasper) there are roughly 30 hikes or backpacking trips you can do. All are in either Banff or Jasper National Park. Here are five stunning hikes on the Icefields Parkway, all of which could be done as a…
There's nothing like big dumps of snow in the mountains to get you motivated to get outside, especially in Alberta on days when you have the magic combo of blue skies with awe-inspiring mountain scenery. Need some suggestions on where to go? Here are eight of the best places to snowshoe in Alberta - personally tested! Medicine Lake – Watchtower Canyon, Jasper National Park Medicine Lake is a very popular snowshoeing destination out of Jasper, especially…
The Maligne Canyon Ice Walk in Jasper National Park can be experienced from December until early April. We did it one year over an Easter weekend when it fell in April and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this fascinating and very fun half day tour. Kids love the Maligne Canyon Ice Walk as much as the adults do! Don't leave them behind. Book a tour to fully experience the Maligne Canyon Ice Walk We booked a tour, though…
If you are a traveler with an adventurous spirit then you'll love Jasper in winter. For a diverse selection of things to do in Jasper in winter, you'll be thrilled at what's available both in town and in Jasper National Park. Try downhill skiing or snowboarding at Marmot Basin Marmot Basin is a ski and snowboard resort close to Jasper. Some hotels offer a shuttle service or you can pay approximately $15 and take the…