Jasper
If you’re heading to Jasper, it’s likely you’ve decided to see the magnificent, rugged, natural wonders of the area. Your first stop should be the Jasper National Park information Centre, located at 500 Connaught Drive in the downtown core. The Parks Canada and Jasper Tourism & Commerce staff will help you with information about weather conditions in the park, recent bear sightings, trail conditions and closures, avalanche warnings in the winter and spring and other hazards that you should know about Jasper before you begin your trip on the Icefield Parkway. Athabasca Falls: The Athabasca River has been carving a gorge through the Rocky Mountains for many thousands of years. The 23-metre Athabasca Falls are located 32 km south of the Jasper townsite, offering visitors a breathtaking view of jagged cliffs and brilliant flashes of spray. They may not be the tallest falls you will ever see, but this may be the most exciting picnic you will enjoy! The rocks are slippery; you could easily be washed over the falls. Sunwapta Falls: Another breathtaking series of waterfalls is just 55 km from the town of Jasper. “Sunwapta” means “turbulent river” in the language of the Stoney Nation, and a more apt description could not be found for this unpredictable watercourse plummeting over the cliffs into a deep canyon. These stepping waterfalls are located where the Chaba Valley joins the Athabasca Valley, with a deep gorge below the footbridge. You will have to watch out for slippery rocks here as well! In the winter, the falls freeze over and are a favourite dramatic subject for photographers. Mount Edith Cavell: Named after selfless English nurse of the First World War, this 3,368-metre mountain is one of the most beautiful mountains to be found anywhere in Western Canada. Only 30 km south of Jasper townsite, your visit wouldn’t be complete without seeing the park’s most famous mountain. The Cavell Road is narrow, and it twists and turns with switchbacks. Also note that trailers and long vehicles are not allowed on this road. Midday is busiest at this popular site so try to plan your schedule around this. Voluntary closures will be in effect on the meadow trail when conditions are wet. Miette Hot Springs: At 53.9 degrees Celsius, the hottest natural springs in the Canadian Rockies are located just 60 km east of the Jasper townsite. The Miette Hot Springs features hot pools, a cool pool, a café, hiking trails, a picnic area and accommodations. Swim-suits, towels and lockers can be rented so the Miette Hot Springs offers everything necessary for a relaxing, civilized escape in the wilderness. Maligne Canyon: Eleven kilometres southeast of the town of Jasper, along Maligne Lake Road, the Maligne River carves a 50-metre gorge through the solid limestone of the Canadian Rockies. The Maligne Canyon may be viewed from the first four bridges of the six that cross the Maligne River. The lower two bridges cross the river and do not include interpretive information. You can even visit the frozen canyon during the winter, when a guide will take you through its mysterious icy twists and turns. At the entrance to Maligne Canyon, there is an excellent restaurant, cafeteria, gift shop, and art gallery you will not want to miss during the late spring and summer months. Medicine Lake
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