Elementos curriculares

Tonquin Valley, Jasper National Park

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Rockies

49 Official Alberta Vacation Guide

CANAdIAN ROCkIES

Banff Upper Hot SpringsTonquin Valley, Jasper National ParkIcefields Parkway, Banff National Park

Canadian Rockies Banff National Park pc.gc.ca/Banff Icefields Parkway icefieldsparkway.ca Jasper

jaspercanadianrockies.com Jasper National Park pc.gc.ca/jasper Kananaskis Country kananaskisalberta.ca Lake Louise banfflakelouise.com Willmore Wilderness Park willmorewilderness park.com Kananaskis Country – Cradles Nine Parks Less than

an hour’s drive west of Calgary lies “K Country.” While most of that swath is wilderness, tiny Kananaskis Village has everything you need: a couple of fine hotels, superb golf courses, a ski resort, bike loops, hiking trails, horseback riding and campgrounds, plus plenty of wildlife without the crowds.

Canmore – has Three Sisters Framed by one of the world’s most spectacular mountain ranges, Canmore lies an hour west of Calgary – another gem in our crown of Rocky Mountain splendour. Sandwiched between Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country, Canmore has plenty of condos and homes to rent, making it an ideal base for a family vacation. Loads of restaurants, art galleries, hikes, mountain bike trails, golf courses, theatre, the Canmore Nordic Centre and festivals galore translate to something for everyone.

Banff – is that a Castle in the Peaks? Located 130 km (81 mi) west of Calgary, Banff National Park is a UNESCO site that offers hundreds of hiking trails, pristine glacial-fed lakes, wildlife, horseback riding, ski resorts and a magnificent Stanley Thompson-designed golf course – all in a protected national park setting.

The entire park occupies nearly 6,641 km² (2,564 sq mi) of land in which lie the charming town of Banff and hamlet of Lake Louise. Look for award-winning restaurants, theatres, museums, spas, a summer arts festival, camping and world-class accommodation such as two magnificent, historic Fairmont properties.

Art Matters At the base of Tunnel Mountain, flanking the east side of the town of Banff, you’ll see a cluster of buildings – like a kingdom unto its own.

Known as The Banff Centre, this “kingdom” began in 1933 as a two-week drama camp. Since then it’s grown into an internationally recognized arts complex that houses a conference centre (where visitors can stay overnight if attending a

performance), two theatres, the town’s most scenic (and cheapest) swimming pool, a rock climbing wall, art studios, galleries, artist-in-residence cottages, one of Canada’s biggest summer arts festivals and a unique mountain film and book festival, in

November. From innovative jazz and poetry readings to Indie band performances, theatre, ballet, classical music, artists’ talks and workshops – this place is one of Banff’s artistic cornerstones.

Lake Louise – What Makes it that Colour? Find out why Lake Louise, nestled at the foot of Victoria Glacier, is known as the “Jewel of the Rockies,” and you’re at the top of Tunnel Mountain,

breathing in pine-scented air, and now know what Alberta-born folkie, Joni Mitchell, was on about when she sang I Can See Clearly Now. Clarity is all around – in the crisp air, in the charm of a pretty town called Banff, in the whitewater froth of the Bow River and in all this Rocky Mountain space.

Good thing you brought your boots,

your bike, your golf clubs ... _Lak^{e L}

ouiseLake Edith Cavell, Jasper National Park

Medicine Lake, Jasper National ParkThe Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Must-see in

Jasper National Park Athabasca Falls. Medicine Lake. Columbia Icefield.

Mount Edith Cavell. Jasper Tramway. Pocahontas.

Lake Annette, Pyramid and Patricia Lakes. Lake Edith. Sunwapta Falls.

Maligne Canyon. Maligne Lake. Punch Bowl Falls.

A Jasper Motorcycle/

Sidecar Tour.

Must-see in Grande Cache, hinton and Area Grande Cache Tourism &

Interpretive Centre. Hinton Nordic Ski Centre. Hinton Mtn. Bike Skills Park.

Hoodoos. Miette Hot Springs. Natural Resources Interpretive Park. Sulphur Gates. William A. Switzer Provincial Park. Willmore Wilderness Park. The Canadian Death Race.

Brule Sand Dunes.

Must-see in Banff National Park Bow Valley Parkway. Banff Gondola. Cascade Gardens. Banff Park Museum. Banff Summer Arts Festival. Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Johnston Canyon.

Banff Upper Hot Springs.

The Fairmont Banff Springs. Bankhead.

Vermilion Lakes. Bow Falls. Whyte Museum.

Lake Agnes Tea House.

Moraine Lake and Valley of the Ten Peaks. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Lake Minnewanka.

Must-see in kananaskis Country Bow Valley Provincial Park. Kananaskis Village.

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Sheep River Provincial Park. Spray Valley Provincial Park.

Highwood Pass (highest road pass in Canada).

Must-see in Canmore Canmore Nordic Centre.

Cougar Canyon. Grassi Lakes. Riverside Trail Networks. Canmore Museum & Geo- Science Centre.

is one of the most photographed lakes in North America (along with its neighbour, Moraine Lake).

Ride a gondola. Trek to an historic log teahouse such as the one at Lake Agnes or the Plain of Six Glaciers.

Or, lace up your cross country ski (or hiking) boots and venture off into the nearby wilds for a quintessential 11 km (7 mi) trek into Skoki Lodge, built in the ’30s. Ski at one of North America’s most scenic resorts or simply write postcards while having

“high tea” at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Take the High Road The Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) stretches 230 km (143 mi) from Banff National Park to Jasper, past a chain of massive glaciers and waterfalls that tumble down the Continental Divide.

Stop in at Peyto, Hector or Bow lakes and marvel at the peculiar colour of water, due to deposits of glacial silt. Another must-see is the Columbia Icefield, 325 km² (125 sq mi) of ancient glacial ice, some of which you can see from the highway. Better yet, hike to the base of the Athabasca Glacier or take a tour on a specially designed coach, the “Ice Explorer.”

Jasper – the Biggest of the “Jewels” Jasper National Park is Canada’s largest mountain park, spanning 10,878 km² (4,200 sq mi). About a four-hour drive west of Edmonton, Jasper is known for its canoeing, kayaking, fishing, skiing, wildlife watching, cycling and hiking. Marvel at seven mountain ranges from the top of the Jasper Tramway, take a cruise to picturesque Spirit Island, or mountain bike on the endless trails surrounding the town. In the town of Jasper, you’ll find world class accommodation, eclectic dining, laid-back pubs and great museums.

Rocky Mountain Fringes Veer beyond Jasper and you’ll discover lesser-known hubs for outdoor enthusiasts such as the town of Hinton. Rugged scenery, endless outdoor adventures plus interpretive tours about coal mining, forestry and natural resources surround this town on the Athabasca River. Visitors keen to hike, fish, camp, water ski or bike won’t want to miss William A. Switzer Provincial Park. High in the foothills of the Rockies, the town of Grande Cache has a panoramic view of 21 mountain peaks and two river valleys. Built on a mountain plateau, Grande Cache faces south toward the Continental Divide and the pristine Willmore Wilderness Park and is another excellent centre for outdoor adventures.

History Bubbles Up Two of Canada’s most historic hot springs are in Banff and Jasper. Both offer jaw-dropping views of peaks and valleys that appear

dId yOu kNOW that two of Canada’s most iconic hotels look like castles – with their turrets, sweeping staircases and stunning surroundings? The Fairmont Banff Springs and The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Murray Morgan OWNER, JASPER AdVENTuRE CENTRE

“Like so

many of us transplants, I came to Jasper for a year and never left. My favourite tour is something we call the Sunburst Canoe Program. It starts at 6:30 AM when I pick up our guests, coffee and fresh croissants and head out to Pyramid Lake where we have a picnic on an island and watch the sun wash over the Colin Range.”

51 Official Alberta Vacation Guide

CANAdIAN ROCkIES

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Banff National Park

Banff Avenue

53 Official Alberta Vacation Guide

Lake LouiseBig Horn Sheep, RockiesBanff National Park

dId yOu kNOW that Banff is a Mecca for artists? Guess that’s why there are so many art galleries! you’ll probably see more black and white photos shot by Byron harmon than any other photographer. he was an American who arrived in Banff in the early 1900s and made it his mission to shoot every major peak in the Rockies.

to tumble around them. The Upper Hot Springs in Banff also offers spa facilities and the newly renovated Miette Hot Springs in Jasper is more noted for its nearby hikes and interpretive trails.

All-Star Views Sometimes it’s effortless to zoom in on a dazzling view – just drive the Icefields Parkway. But others take sweat. Here are a few breathtaking vistas where you’re likely to burn through batteries, a memory card and your quads! Peer over the ledge of Ha Ling Peak in Canmore and spot Calgary’s bumpy skyline – about 100 km (62 mi) away. Lake lovers will adore all the tarns and little lips of pearly blue lakes along the backcountry route from Lake Louise to Skoki Lodge. For wildflowers, the slog up Jonas Pass in Jasper National Park is worth every gasp. At the pass you’ll see a 15 km (9.3 mi) long corridor filled with delicate alpine flowers and the occasional caribou.

Also in Jasper is the multi-day hike along the Skyline Trail that places you on a 5 km (3.1 mi) ridge walk that’ll stagger you with range upon range of snow kissed peaks. Near the entrance to Willmore Wilderness Park, north of Jasper, look for the Sulphur Gate Lookout which offers stunning views of the sheer cliffs along the confluence of the Smoky and Sulphur Rivers. Those who crave the jaw-dropping views but can’t hike the distance can always take a gondola ride in Banff, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Jasper that’ll whisk you to the top of a peak in minutes. Want something divinely decadent? Go heli-hiking and stay in a backcountry lodge.

Horse Sense Twist around in your saddle and marvel at the windswept ridges that tumble into each other under a taut, blue Alberta sky. You’ve worked hard for this view. Sun up, you were helping “cookie” fire up a campstove. By 9 AM you’d packed your gear and learned why you throw a stick in a cup o’ joe when you’re brewing a pot over a snapping fire. And now, you’re high on a mountain pass listening to twigs snap in the woods, searching for signs of grizzlies. Yes, you can go on guided multi-day horsepacking trips with bear experts, biologists, horse whisperers or just plain ol’ cowboys. Plenty of operators, guest ranches and themed “educational”

horsepacking trips can be found in Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Grande Cache.

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Wildlife Wonders The chances you’ll spot bighorn sheep, mule deer and elk in our Rocky Mountain parks are almost a given. However, sightings of moose, bear, cougars, wolves and caribou are far less likely – apart from seeing them displayed in a museum or in a heritage property.

Look for the latter at the Banff Park Museum in Banff, the Wildlife Museum in Jasper, the new tourism and interpretive centre in Grande Cache, Num-Ti-Jah Lodge (along the Icefields Parkway) and the Fairmont properties in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.

A Feast with a View Best views from restaurants include the posh Three Ravens at The Banff Centre, the five-diamond Eden in the Rimrock Hotel in Banff, the lobby bar at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the lakefront deck at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Wildlife Fence That 2.4 m (7.8 ft) high fence that stretches along the Trans-Canada Hwy., between Banff and Lake Louise, was built to prevent wildlife from crossing the busy road.

Research says that 11 species of large mammals have used the 24 underpasses and overpasses more than 94,000 times since 1996.

That’s a lot of wildlife!

What’s that you hear?

If it’s autumn and you’re on a golf course in the Rockies, it’s likely a bull elk bugling for a mate.

You’ll find them clanking their racks and locking their egos during the fall rut. Wherever you are, do watch for animal crossings as many golf courses have widened their designs to accommodate wildlife.

If you cycle along the Bow Valley Parkway, between Banff and Lake Louise, there are at least 15 good reasons to stop – the precise number of interpretive panels that connect visitors to the area!

Sunshine Village, Banff National ParkThe Lake Louise Ski Area, Banff National ParkNakiska Ski Resort, Kananaskis CountryMarmot Basin, Jasper National Park