Our Rocky Mountain Family Adventure: Part II

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 in the back seat (aged 14, 10, and 8) 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 en route to the town of Jasper was the Columbia Icefield. Located in Jasper National Park (one of 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites), the Columbia Icefield is situated on Canada’s most scenic mountain roadway: The Icefields Parkway. Having experienced this drive firsthand, it is no wonder that National Geographic rates the Icefields Parkway as one of the “10 Greatest Drives in the World.”

 

Ancient Athabasca Glacier as seen while driving along the Icefields Parkway

 

The glaciers in this area were formed during the last Ice Age. The peak of the last glaciation was about 20 000 years ago! An absolute must-see / must-do when you’re in this area? Boarding an Ice Explorer, which is specifically designed for glacial travel, to visit the Athabasca Glacier.

 

 

Halfway through the tour, passengers are allowed off the vehicle to safely walk on ice that is more than 1200 ft deep. The kids loved the whole experience.

 

 

Remember to take an empty water bottle before you begin this adventure—if possible, one for each child so there’s no fighting. During the ice walk, people use their empty water bottles to collect pure glacier run-off that collects in a stream. Don’t forget to drink up—legend has it that drinking the melted glacier water will make you 10 years younger!

 

 

Stay tuned next month for the third and final part of our Rocky Mountain family adventure which takes us into the heart of Jasper!

~ Anita

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