Jasper National Park, Alberta
Simply put, Jasper is an extraordinary place. I love going there more than I love Christmas – keeping in mind that Christmas is a time where eating and drinking to excess is delightfully socially acceptable. So what is there to do in Jasper? The answer is quite literally everything adventurous you can think of. I can never decide whether winter or summer is better in this little haven. However, as it is currently winter, I think it is a good time to talk about some of the adventures to be had in the cold and where better to look at Jasper Adventures than the Jasper Adventure Centre.
It has been a stunning start to the winter season in Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise. The snow has fallen at the right times, in the right places and businesses and tourists alike are relishing it. Here are a few of the great activities on offer through Jasper Adventure Centre.
Maligne Canyon Icewalk
If you are new to the Rockies, it is pretty unlikely you have experienced something like this. Follow the guide down beside the canyon and take a peek at the frozen icefalls. Eventually you will make your own way down to the Maligne Canyon with the icefalls towering overhead and limestone walls all round. Unique is probably the right word to use as description.
Transportation, boots, cleats and headlamp (for the evening tour) are provided. Free pick-up service is included from your accommodations in Jasper.
Snowshoe Tours
Though Jasper already seems fairly untouched, it is possible to get into even more pristine and peaceful areas while snowshoeing. Guides help you identify animal tracks, listen to the winter song of the chickadee and walk through the crisp pine forest. Untouched Jasper on a beautiful, blue winter morning is one of the greatest things to do in the Canadian Rockies.
Dog Sledding
Experience what it was like for the original explorers of icy worlds. The tour with Jasper Adventure Centre takes between 2 and 3 hours mushing with great dogs. The tour also includes a hearty campfire, lunch; hot apple cider and home made pastry – everything you might need after a few hours of extraordinary sights in the cold.
Jasper Adventure Centre offers much more such as wildlife tours, cross country ski intro’s and even day trips to Banff. Personally I can’t wait for my next trip to Jasper to tackle the next challenge.