Jasper, Alberta
Zandalee and I were given the opportunity to visit Jasper, Alberta for a few days during Spring, 2022. Jasper is a 4.5 hour drive from Calgary. The drive to Jasper is along the Icefields Parkway highway which is one of the most scenic drives in North America, no matter the season. Along this road is access to the Athabasca Glacier, which can be accessed by guided tour via Ice Explorer.
Jasper, Alberta is a town in the Canadian Rockies known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Jasper SkyTram, which is a gondola lift that takes visitors up Whistlers Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding area. The SkyTram is one of the top tourist attractions in Jasper. The ride takes about 8-10 minutes, and at the top there is a platform with observation decks and a restaurant where visitors can enjoy the views. The SkyTram operates year-round, weather permitting, and is a popular activity for both locals and visitors to Jasper.
We spent our time at Alpine Village Cabin Resort. They have a selection of quaint, heritage and luxury chalet log cabins with wood burning fireplaces.
We were pleasantly surprised with our dining option in town. some of our favourites included Wilderness Kitchen, Sunhouse Cafe, Jasper Pizza Place, and Tekarra Lodge
Maligne Canyon is located about 15 minutes from the town of Jasper. The canyon is over 50 meters (160 feet) deep and is carved into the limestone rock by the Maligne River. It is one of the deepest canyons in the Canadian Rockies. There are several hiking trails through the canyon that offer different perspectives of the canyon and the surrounding landscape. The trails range from easy to challenging, and take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to complete. Other popular activities in the area include rock climbing, birdwatching, and photography. There is also a gift shop and visitor center at the canyon, where visitors can learn more about the canyon's geology and history.
Pyramid Lake is located just outside the town. Pyramid Mountain overlooks the lake, hence the name of the lake, and is surrounded by stunning views of the mountains and forests. The lake is relatively shallow, with an average depth of about 10 meters (30 feet). The lake is known for its stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities, and is a popular spot for activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking.