Our Rocky Mountain Family Adventure: Part I

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, Canada’s first National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. While we were there, we took in the breathtaking sites of world-famous Lake Louise and Lake Moraine.

 

Glacier fed waters of stunning Lake Louise

 

We strolled along picturesque Banff Avenue which is home to quaint stores, coffee shops, art galleries, and eateries.

 

 

We also rode up the Banff Gondola which took us to the top of Sulphur Mountain where we were able to gaze upon six majestic mountain ranges. The enclosed gondola cabin climbed 2292 ft to an elevation of 7486 ft. The kids each had a camera, and I can tell you first hand, those cameras never stopped clicking.

 

 

If we had more time, we would have visited Banff’s Upper Hot Springs pool which is set against Banff’s incredible alpine scenery.  We would have also toured the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel which is said to be haunted by the ghost of a “doomed bride”! And, if we were golfers, we definitely would have hit Banff Springs Golf Course which winds along the Bow River and under the peaks of Sulphur Mountain and Mount Rundle.

Our second stop en route to Jasper? The Columbia Icefield which is located on Canada’s most scenic mountain roadway: The Icefields Parkway!

Stay tuned next month for the second part of our Rocky Mountain family adventure.

~ Anita

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