Our Rocky Mountain Family Adventure: Part III

Looking to send a postcard with a spectacular mountain range, a glacier, or wild animals on it? Then the town of Jasper, located in the heart of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, is the destination for you. Last summer we flew into Calgary and stuffed as much luggage as is humanly possible into a rental car. We strapped three children (aged 14, 10, and 8) in the back seat and headed northwest—256 miles to be exact. The drive along the way was an adventure in itself.

Our first stop was in Banff. Our second stop was the Columbia Icefield. Our third stop, and final destination, was the town of Jasper which is situated in Jasper National Park (one of 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites). Visiting Banff and the Columbia Icefield were done as day trips but we decided to book a few nights in Jasper to take in the sites and the scenery. And, boy, are we ever glad we did!

The town of Jasper was formed over 100 years ago as a trading post. Over time, this mountain community has grown into a bustling town with locals that welcome you at every turn. Jasper maintains its rustic feel without seeming old fashioned. You’ll find heritage buildings, as well as boutiques, ice cream and candy stores, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and a movie theater that are all accessible within a couple of blocks.

Quaint shops and eateries nestled at the base of Jasper’s majestic mountains

But don’t spend all your time in town because wilderness adventures abound in this area. Each evening, around dusk, we hopped in the car and took a leisurely drive around the area looking for wildlife. We spotted two black bears, as well as herds of elk, white-tailed deer, and mountain goats. All this wildlife was within arm’s reach of the car at various times during each evening’s drive. Needless to say we snapped pictures from within the safety of the car. None of the wildlife seemed interested in us, and none seemed afraid. Better to be safe than sorry.

We hiked Maligne Canyon (one of the most spectacular gorges in the Canadian Rockies where sheer limestone walls plunge to depths of over 165 ft.).

And rode on horseback with Jasper Park Riding Stables. A guide led us through the forest and along a trail that explored Pyramid Mountain.

We also hitched a ride on the Jasper Tramway (the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada and the only guided aerial ropeway in the Canadian Rockies) which carried us up Whistler’s Mountain to an elevation of 7472 ft. From this spot, we hiked a trail that leads to the summit of the mountain. We marveled at the 360 degree view of six mountain ranges, glacial fed lakes, the winding Athabasca River (Alberta’s longest), and the town of Jasper itself.

Our children couldn’t get enough of this experience. They loved every minute of the climb to the summit of Whistler’s Mountain. We even made an Inukshuk while atop the alpine tundra to watch over this awe-inspiring land.

If we had more time, we would have visited Miette Hot Springs (the hottest in the Canadian Rockies), and Maligne Lake (the second largest glacier-fed lake in the world).

This proved to be a family trip like no other we have ever experienced. The kids never complained once about sitting in such proximity to each other for lengthy stretches of time because the view was so incredible at every stretch of highway.

 

And they never whined about too much walking (like they do when we’re out shopping). This was an unplugged trip, no doubt. The only technology allowed, while strapped in, was the car radio and cameras (we bought one for each child so they could document their own journey). Driving through Canada’s Rocky Mountains is a trip that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime.

~ Anita

 

Are you planning a family vacation this spring or summer vacation?

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