One of the most serene places to visit in Northern Alberta is Jasper. It is a National Park protected by the Government of Canada and a picturesque vacation spot for tourists that visit from around the world.
Miette Hot Springs
My recent trip this summer to the Rocky Mountains lead me to Jasper after visiting Banff in the winter about two years ago. The first stop was at the Miette Hot Springs that looks over the Fiddle River Valley. I noticed most of the pine trees in the mountains had a brown hue and discovered that pine beetles are spreading in the forest which is stopping the flow of the trees nutrients which is causing the discoloration.
Lake Beauvert
After reviewing the hot springs my next stop was Lake Beauvert, at the Fairmont Jasper Hotel. The beauty of the lake took my breath away with its clear aqua blue water. The backdrop of the mountains made the view even more appealing. My first impression was to take a brisk walk around the entire lake. Instead, I decided to canoe for an hour. To the left of the lake is a golf course and to the right was a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains. A bicycle lane and an area for people to relax or fish are available at this site. Although the temperature of the water was 3 degrees Celsius, the 21 degrees weather tempted me to want to take a swim.
The Tourist Town of Jasper
After canoeing, the small tourist town of Jasper had a decent number of visitors in gift shops and restaurants. Across the street was a tall Totem pole called the Two Brothers. It is said that it depicts a story about two brothers that went on a journey from Haidi Gwaii and stopped at the Rocky Mountains.
Sunwapta Falls
The sound of the aggressive water at Sunwapta Falls drops to 18.5 m. It slightly reminded me of the experience at Niagara Falls in Ontario. As you enter the site, there is a steep hill with uprooted trees that hold your feet for protection while getting closer to the falls. It starts out as an opening of rocks and water from the Appalachian Glaciers, moving fast as it makes its way to the other side where a tall mountain made of rock stands. I made my way up to the upper level to the bridge and looked down. The Sunwapta Falls is worth visiting. I consider it a beautiful force of nature.
Feed your adrenaline and step into a breathtaking world where glaciers rest above and birds soar below. Experience waterfalls, wildlife, fossils and more on an exciting cliff-edge walkway that leads to a platform where glass is all that separates you from a 918- foot drop. A new way to connect with the Canadian Rockies!
Glacier Skywalk
One of the popular Jasper hot spots I missed on my trip was the Glacier Skywalk. It is an outdoor glass floored circular walkway that stands about 280 meters right above the Sunwapta Valley. It offers a cliff-edge and the glacial mountain a bird’s eye view of the natural setting.
If you are an international tourist or you live in Canada, I recommend visiting Jasper. In the summer season, it is best to travel to the National Park early in the morning to avoid traffic. Bring sunglasses, a hat, light jacket, and a camera. At Jasper, tourists can take advantage of outdoor activities that include mountain climbing, river rafting, snowboarding, skiing, and fishing. It is a great place to visit with friends, your spouse or the entire family. Enjoy!
About the Author
Makeda Waterman is a freelance writer in Edmonton that writes for a variety of companies, websites, and news publications. She has clips from Huffington Post, Glassdoordotcom, Elite Daily, Writers Job Board, Online Writing Jobs, Startingbusinessdotcom, among others. Twitter: @YegWriter