Province guides
Canada
Attractions
Alberta is a treasure trove for outdoors enthusiasts, sports fanatics, and nature lovers, as well as a fascinating destination for those wanting to learn more about Native American culture. The cities of Calgary and Edmonton are modern, picturesque, and conveniently located for exploration of many of the stunning national parks which are Alberta's prime attractions.
Top Alberta attractions are the UNESCO-listed Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a buffalo trap used by the Blackfoot people for thousands of years; Writing-on-Stone National Park, home to remarkable ancient rock art; and Lake Louise which is situated within Banff National Park, one of the most photogenic spots in Canada.
Favourites also include the town of Drumheller, northeast of Calgary, which is set in the evocative Alberta Badlands, and Dinosaur Provincial Park, also UNESCO-listed, that boasts a wealth of dinosaur fossils certain to excite adults and children alike.
For even more historical sites and natural beauty, the giant glaciers of the Columbia Icefields in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jasper Provincial Park are a must. With so much to see and do in Alberta, visitors will not leave disappointed and will definitely want to return for more.
Jasper
Affectionately known as 'the little town in the big park', Jasper lies in the middle of Canada's largest mountain park, the Jasper National Park, and makes a delightful base from w
Jasper
Affectionately known as 'the little town in the big park', Jasper lies in the middle of Canada's largest mountain park, the Jasper National Park, and makes a delightful base from which to explore the surrounding lakes and mountains.
The town of just over 4,000 people lies 233 miles (373km) from Edmonton and is surrounded by pristine wilderness, including a necklace of green lakes and majestic waterfalls. There are also a few notable attractions in the town itself, including the Jasper-Yellowhead Historical Society Museum, which features displays of early Canadian explorers; the 165 foot (55m) deep Maligne River Canyon; the longest and highest reversible tramway in Canada that transports passengers up Whistlers Mountain; and the Den Wildlife Museum that houses more than 100 animal specimens displayed in their natural habitat.
Driving to Jasper is relatively simple. However, harsh winter weather can sometimes make the roads impassable so check the weather reports before you go. In the surrounding areas, there are many natural wonders to explore.
Using Jasper as a base gives you the opportunity to try dog sledding, snowmobiling, cat-skiing, cross-country skiing and ice climbing in the winter. Summer activities include white water rafting, hiking, horseback riding, camping, rock climbing, mountain biking and wildlife spotting.
Moraine Lake
Located within Banff National Park and close to the popular resort towns of Lake Louise and Banff, Moraine is a spectacular glacially-fed lake. Its waters are a vivid turquoise col…
Moraine Lake
Located within Banff National Park and close to the popular resort towns of Lake Louise and Banff, Moraine is a spectacular glacially-fed lake. Its waters are a vivid turquoise colour due to rock flour, which are tiny particles of suspended sediment. On a clear day, the lake reflects the surrounding mountains in its mirror-smooth azure surface.
There's plenty to see and do in the snow-capped and pine-strewn Valley of the Ten Peaks, including an assortment of scenic hiking trails, kayaking facilities at the Lodge, and an onsite café serving wonderful food and refreshments.
Although not impossible, getting to Moraine can be difficult without a car. Visitors can take a bus to Banff station, and from there either walk the nine miles (14km) to the lake; rent a bicycle; take a taxi; or make use of the Park-run Vista shuttle service, which departs every 30 minutes from the Lake Louise campsite.
Address 9 miles (about 14km) from Lake Louise, located within Banff National Park
Website www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/index.aspx