Canada From Coast to Coast – Banff, Jasper & The Columbia Icefields

Okay, I’m still in Alberta, I know! But really I think there is so much more to discuss when it comes to the Canadian Rockies, whether you’re on the BC side or the Alberta side. We are sticking to the Alberta side as I want to give you more details on the three following National parks.

I doubt there isn’t anyone that hasn’t heard about Banff or Jasper, but so often if we aren’t going there, we don’t really know much more about a place, so I’m here to feed your imagination and inspire you. I may even throw in a few lux locations to stay.

Banff is Canada’s oldest national park, it encompasses a wide range of the rockies, is easily accessible directly from Calgary. So if you’re flying into Calgary and renting a car, you’re there. Beyond the town there are many beautiful hiking and biking trails, gorgeous lakes, waterfalls and countless mountain viewing locations. Bring your camera to capture the abundant wildlife!

Banff National Park has three world class ski resorts: These resorts offer exceptional skiing in the winter, and summertime activities that include sightseeing, heli-flights, heli-hiking tours, caving expeditions, mountain biking, and fishing excursions.

Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort
Wide-open slopes, abundant snowfall, a village alive with spirit – all within Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. Sunshine Village is renowned for its lengthy season from mid-November until late May. Just 15 minutes from the resort town of Banff, Sunshine Village offers more 3,300 acres of terrain on three mountains, with an average annual snowfall of more than nine metres (30 feet).

Sunshine Village sits high on the Continental Divide in the heart of Banff National Park, yet just 15 minutes’ drive from the cozy mountain town of Banff. Three sprawling mountains provide breathtaking site lines, uninterrupted by any signs of civilization beyond the resort’s leasehold. It’s possible to ski in two provinces – Alberta and British Columbia – in one run. Sunshine Village’s seven-month season stretches from early November until late May – the longest non-glacial season in Canada. The Village’s altitude of 7,082 feet ensures the snow stays dry.

Sunshine Mountain Lodge – Sunshine Mountain Lodge, a uniquely Canadian boutique hotel, nestled within majestic peaks of Banff National Park. Our on mountain hotel is your luxury base-camp for both your summer and winter adventures. In the summer, explore the high alpine meadows as you take in uninterrupted mountain views. Come winter, treat yourself to effortless access to the slopes of Banff Sunshine Village.

Mount Norquay – Banff Norquay, is deeply rooted in the ski culture. And it all began when Swiss and Austrian mountain guides arrived in Banff in the early 1900s, bringing a strong passion for skiing with them. It was ski pioneer Gus Johnson that would build ski jumps and teach local children to ski, but Banff skiing needed a place to officially call home. Johnson started to seek out a suitable place for a ski camp, and chose a slope 1,000 feet above the town of Banff, on Mount Norquay. The rest, as they say is history.

Their first ski cabin was built in 1927 and the first rope tow was installed in 1941. The North American or “Big Chair” has been providing riders with views high above the Bow Valley views since 1948, making it one of the oldest chairs in North America.

The closest mountain to Banff, Mount Norquay continues to build on its dedication to families and the locals that have skied here across generations. Maintaining its place as the locals’ hill for over nine decades, it’s Banff’s backyard – all while hosting skiers, riders and sightseeings from all corners of the globe.

And because it’s not all about skiing and snowboarding, summertime in Banff National Park offers amazing activities for the outdoor adventurist! From sightseeing gondola lifts, to mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing and camping, get your gear and go for it!

Lake Louise Ski Resort – Lake Louise is rated a “Top Ten Most Beautiful Lake in the World”, and if you’re there in the summer is a must see for it’s turquoise green waters. See soaring mountain peaks, high alpine meadows and get a chance to see grizzly bears on the spectacular Lake Louise Gondola.

I listed the following accommodations just to get you started. I have stayed at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and it’s spectacular!

Mountaineer Lodge | 101 Village Road | Lake Louise | Alberta
Toll Free: +1 (855) 556-5473 | +1 (403) 522-3844

Emerald Lake Lodge | P.O. Box 10 | Field | British Columbia | V0A 1G0
Toll Free: +1 (800) 661-1367 | +1 (403) 410-7417
(I realize the address is officially in BC, but that happens even when you’re skiing, one run you’re in Alberta, the next BC and then back to Alberta)

Baker Creek Mountain Resort | P.O.Box 66 | Lake Louise | Alberta
+1 (403) 522-3761

Jasper – The town of Jasper is in the heart of Jasper National Park. You will find glaciers, abundant wildlife, crystal-clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, deep canyons and evergreen forest all surrounded by towering mountains. 11,228 square kilometers (4,335 square miles), Jasper National Park is one of 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada, and is also Canada’s largest park in the Rocky Mountains and the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world.

Jasper offers breathtaking sites and memorable experiences. Adventurers can take advantage of incredible backcountry locations, alpine day hikes, camping, biking and great paddling, river rafting, golfing. For a more relaxed pace, take in one of the many scenic drives, picnic amongst majestic peaks, and enjoy unique wildlife viewing, spend a day at the spa, or take a locally guided tour. Winter highlights include snowshoeing, skiing on groomed trails, fat biking, skating and well pretty much any other snow sport you are inspired to take.

Skiing in Jasper is equally as amazing as Banff, the snow is the same after all! And these communities maintained themselves because of the powder, it’s why millions of people travel there every winter. The one difference is that Jasper probably isn’t quite as busy, and offers one major resort.

Marmot Basin located in the Athabasca basin. Marmot Basin’s downhill Ski Mountain offers ski and snowboard enthusiasts spectacular opportunities. Cross country skiers enjoy over 300 kilometres of ski trails that make Jasper one of the largest cross country ski areas in Canada. Backcountry ski enthusiasts also love Jasper’s day trips and multi-day ski trips to opportunities all over the national park.

One important note – parking is limited and is first come first served!

And because it’s always helpful to have somewhere to start, here’s a short list of accommodations in Jasper.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | Old Lodge Road | Jasper | Alberta | Canada
Phone +1 (780) 852-3301

Now let’s move on to the last highlight, which is the Columbia Ice Fields Parkway and Athabasca Glacier basin. Linking Lake Louise with Jasper, Alberta is one of the most beautiful journeys on the planet. Rated as one of the top drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, the Icefield Parkway is a 232 km (approx 2.5 hour drive) stretch of double-lane highway winding along the Continental Divide.

The parkway is busy in July and August with up to 100,000 vehicles a month. It is mainly two lanes with occasional passing lanes. It minimizes grades and hairpin turns but you should look out for wildlife, and vehicles stopped on the shoulder. Snow can be expected at any time of year and extreme weather is common in winter. Check the road reports, pack extra clothing and drive within the speed limits.

Columbia Icefields – You’ll start your trip from either Jasper or Lake Louise, so here’s some advice from the Icefields Parkway website. The Icefields Parkway is more than a drive, it’s a journey.

**You should plan your trip in advance, since mobile service is not available out in the wilds!

1. There are few places to stop so pack a lunch or snacks before leaving. Lake Louise and Jasper have great bakeries that offer boxed lunches and fresh baked goodies. There are many fantastic picnic locations to enjoy a meal amidst outstanding vistas.

If you don’t want to bring lunch, your best dining option can be found at Glacier View Lodge at the Columbia Icefields. Skywalk Chalet or for finer dining at Altitude Restaurant

2. Fuel up in Jasper or Lake Louise before starting out on the Icefields Parkway. There is one gas station at the Saskatchewan River Crossing Resort but prices are typically higher than in Jasper and Lake Louise. During the peak summer months there may be delays at the pump due to demand.

3. There are a number of locations en route for a bathroom break. Most viewpoints along the Icefields Parkway offer a pull out area or parking lot with outhouse facilities for men and women. The only facilities with running water are at the Icefields Centre and Saskatchewan River Crossing Resort.

And right in the middle of this spectacular drive you will come to the Athabasca Glacier/Icefield Parkway. The Columbia Icefield is made up of several different glaciers, and the Athabasca Glacier stretches down into close proximity of the Icefield Parkway, which makes it very accessible. Although it’s convenient, it still retains the raw beauty of an ancient ice flow.

Ice Cubed Tour – a 3 hour guided hike along the lower portion of the Athabasca Glacier – $105 per person
Ice Walk Deluxe Glacier Adventure – a 6 hour guided hike showing you a bigger variety of glacial features and a better perspective of the dynamics of how snow and ice moves.
Ice Field Sky Walk – Step out on a cliff-edge walkway where giant glaciers perch above you and the spectacular Sunwapta Valley spreads out below. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk experience features waterfalls, wildlife, fossils and more on an exciting 1-kilometre walkway that leads to a platform where glass is all that separates you from a 918-foot (280 m) drop.

And two little bonus options, because I just can’t leave them out!

Cowboy Trail – The Cowboy Trail is nestled between the Rocky Mountains and the Canadian prairie, in the high ranching country of Alberta, is the historic Cowboy Trail. This scenic route along highway 22 through Canada’s Rocky Mountain Foothills features horseback trail rides, farm and ranch vacations, guest ranches, western themed attractions, accommodations, adventures, historic sites and western themed shopping.

Stay at a guest ranch or working ranch at one of their farm and ranch vacations. Experience a horseback trail ride or pack trip with an outfitter into some of Alberta’s prettiest country. Take in a rodeo, festival or a pow-wow for a day. Visit one of our many world class attractions. Stay in a western hotel, motel, or pristine wilderness campground.

I just have to mention one last resort in Kananaskis Country, just south of Canmore and Banff, this is an amazing recreational area where you can discover Nakiska Ski Resort, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes.

Between June and December, there are two extraordinary Mountain Drives, starting from Peter Lougheed Park. You can take the scenic mountain Hwy #742 pas Spray Lakes into Canmore OR continue down Hwy #40 over the Highwood Pass to the town of Longview and then continue on to the Cowboy Trail.

Well there you have it, more beautiful Canadian destinations for those that love the great outdoors, and love outdoor sports, particularly winter sports! Hopefully this inspires you to spend some serious time in these two amazing national parks.

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