Jasper
If you’re going to the Canadian Rockies, make Jasper a home base to explore the spectacular scenery. It's a pretty little frontier style town, surrounded by small lakes, hiking and biking trails. Take the kids to the historic train station to watch the trains come in.
Take a ride to the sky - Open in warmer months, Canada’s highest
aerial tram is the Jasper SkyTram just outside town. A seven-minute
3,300 feet ride takes you to an altitude of 8,000 feet.
Take advantage of the cafeteria or viewing restaurant at the top, and knock-out view of six mountain ranges.
Look for Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The summit
is well laid out with guard rails, but if you want to see more,
follow hiking trails starting at the summit.
Horseback rides - In warmer months, Jasper Riding Stables has trail rides, from half hour, one, two hour rides through the forests with stellar lake and mountain views. Minimum age, 6 and up.
Go biking - From the town of Jasper are a number of biking trails, that link to campgrounds, swimming lakes and beaches. Rent a bike, here's the map.
Athabasca River rafting - The Athabasca River gets its waters
from the ice fields, so in the spring it's cloudy white with icy chunks, and
late in the summer it's crystal clear.
Try river rafting in a big 20-person raft on gentle parts of the river. A great way
to see scenery, drift past wide open spaces
and see deer and soaring eagles, without worrying about how far short legs can go. Older
kids may prefer rougher rides in smaller 6 person rafts.
Tip: Want to ride the train? If you can forego a car, then this is the time and way to do it, on the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer. The ride between Jasper, Alberta and Kamloops, British Columbia has been called the world's most spectacular train trip.
