Sights

WALK IN THE SKY

EDITOR’S PICK

The Glacier Skywalk (p 78) was constructed to allow visitors to have access to sky-high views of the Sunwapta Valley. The structure was built on land that had already been disturbed by the construction of the highway, in order to have a minimal environmental impact. The metal was left unpainted to match the surrounding cliffs. The design was inspired by the branches of the large Douglas fir trees seen throughout the Canadian Rockies. These branches are cantilevered from the trunk, just like the Skywalk structure is cantilevered from the cliff face with extra support where it joins the rock. -KATE BARKER

QUIET BEAUTY

Maligne Lake is a long and narrow body of water nestled amongst jagged peaks. It is the largest naturally formed, glacially fed lake in the Canadian Rockies. Originally named “Lake of Deep Waters” or “Lake of Healing” by First Nations peoples, explorer and surveyor Mary Schäffer is credited with putting the lake on the map. Explore the lake by hiking along its shores, renting a boat, or by taking a Maligne Lake Cruise (p 77). -KB

OVER LAND

The Overlanders were a group of about 150 travellers who journeyed from Ontario to BC in 1862 with the hopes of finding gold. When it was time to cross the Canadian Rockies, they hired Indigenous guides to show them the way. The Overlander Trail (p 74) is a popular trail that this group used during their journey through the Jasper region.

DRIVING TOURS

ICEFIELDS PARKWAY

105 km/65 mi journey to the Columbia Icefield and Sunwapta Pass. One of the world’s most spectacular drives with mountain scenery and abundant wildlife.

Follow Connaught Dr west out of town. Across Hwy 16, the road becomes The Icefields Parkway/Hwy 93N.

Turn right onto Hwy 93A and take a 14.5 km/9 mi detour on Cavell Rd to Mt Edith Cavell. This mountain was known to the First Nations explorers as "White Ghost" for its snowy peak. The mountain’s European name honours a WWI British nurse executed for helping prisoners of war escape German-occupied Belgium.

At Athabasca Falls, 31 km/19 mi, Hwy 93A rejoins the Icefields Parkway. The Athabasca River is forced through a narrow canyon and over a cliff. There are picnic sites and a 20 min interpretive trail.

Goat Lookout, 37 km/23.3 mi, is a picnic site with a view of the Athabasca River Valley where natural salt licks attract mountain goats.

Sunwapta Falls, 53 km/33 mi, has a trail downstream along the canyon rim. Tangle Creek tumbles down a limestone wall at Tangle Falls, 96 km/60 mi.

The Columbia Icefield, 103 km/64 mi, is one of the largest natural accumulations of ice south of the Arctic. Find details in Banff Sights, p 21.

JASPER TO MOUNT ROBSON

The 90 km/56 mi drive to Mount Robson takes travellers to a 215,000 ha/830 sq mi mountain showcase named for the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. From Jasper, take Yellowhead Hwy 16 west, 30 km/19 mi, to Yellowhead Pass atop the Continental Divide.

Soon after crossing into British Columbia you reach Yellowhead Lake. The highway crosses the upper Fraser River which eventually becomes one of Canada’s major waterways, draining 25% of the province west to the Pacific Ocean.

At the Moose Lake pull-out, waterfalls create a photogenic backdrop and the marsh is prime wildlife habitat.

At Mount Robson, find information, a restaurant and shop. The peak rises to 3954 m/12,970 ft. It's the highest in the Canadian Rockies.

HOW A-BOAT IT?

The historic boathouse at Maligne Lake (p 77) offers canoes, kayaks and rowboats for rent. Take in the stunning views and look for wildlife along the shoreline. The dock at Pyramid Lake (p 77) houses canoes, rowboats, kayaks and paddleboards. The Boathouse at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (p 77) has everything you need for a fun day exploring the clear waters and hidden coves of Lac Beauvert including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and pedal boats. -JASMINE HOLMES

MALIGNE LAKE ROAD 48 km/30 mi route to Maligne Lake is popular for its beauty and wildlife. Elk and bighorn sheep often graze roadside.

From town, take Yellowhead Hwy 16 east for 2 km/1.2 mi. Turn right at Maligne Rd, cross the Athabasca River and pass Lodge Rd, which leads to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (p 77).

The 6th Bridge picnic site is the meeting place of the Miette and Athabasca rivers. Pull in at Pursuit's Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen (p 91) . Take a walk along the interpretive trail to see the 55 m/180 ft deep chasm. Medicine Lake, 32 km/19 mi, is a pullout with Maligne Range views and signs describing how the lake seasonally disappears.

The road ends at Maligne Lake, the largest natural body of water in the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy walking, boating, fishing, dining and shopping, or take a cruise to Spirit Island (p 77).

PYRAMID LAKE ROAD

7.5 km/4.7 mi scenic drive to a popular area for swimming. Turn left off Connaught Dr onto Pyramid Lake Rd.

Cottonwood Slough, 2 km/1.2 mi, is a wetlands habitat with birds and wildlife. Access walking trails that traverse the forested Pyramid Bench.

At Patricia Lake, 4.8 km/3 mi, walk the Patricia Lake Loop and read the plaque describing an experimental iceberg aircraft landing strip built during WWII. At the end of the road is Pyramid Lake, with a beach, boat rentals, fishing and restaurant.

Reach Pyramid Island by footbridge and enjoy views of Pyramid Mountain that glows red at sunset.

WILD WHISTLES

Whistler’s Peak, accessible from the Jasper SkyTram (p 82), is named for the shrill, piercing call of the hoary marmot, a furry rodent that lives in the harsh alpine regions. Marmots have adapted to life at this altitude. They have very few natural predators, so they’re not very fearful. You can often hear their high-pitched whistle when exploring the alpine regions of the mountains. -KB

HIKING & BIKING

COTTONWOOD SLOUGH

4.2 km/2.6 mi easy trail through a beaver-dammed wetland with shorter out-and-back options.

LAC BEAUVERT 3.9 km/2.4 mi easy trail begins at the south end of the lake near Old Fort Point. Access via Hwy 93A. Follow the lakeside trail past the golf course and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Cyclists can continue on roads or trails #7 and #4 to lakes Annette and Edith, and then Maligne Canyon.

MALIGNE CANYON 3.7 km/2.3 mi easy to moderate trail with interpretive signs and six bridges. The canyon is up to 55 m/180 ft deep. Best views are from 6th bridge walking upstream. Most park at Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen (p 90) and walk 15 min across the 1st and 2nd bridges. No bike access from 1st to 5th bridge.

MARY SCHÄFFER LOOP at Maligne Lake. 3.2 km/1.5 mi easy loop, named for the famous explorer and surveyor who mapped the lake and surrounding area. This interpretive trail follows the lakeshore by the historic Curly Phillips boathouse, across meadows and up a treed slope. Bikes not permitted.

MIETTE HOT SPRINGS TRAIL

0.7 km/0.4 mi easy interpretive trail to old pool ruins and the source of the hot springs. 1.9 km/1.2 mi further is a stunning display of alpine wildflowers at Sulphur Pass. Sulphur Skyline is a 4 km/2.5 mi moderate to difficult trail with views at Shuay Pass and the summit. Bikes not permitted.

OLD FORT POINT 1.8 km/1.1 mi moderate trail, 1.6 km/1 mi from town via Hwy 93A. Start up the stairs and climb through aspens to two summit lookouts with amazing views. Continue past the lookouts and turn left to make a loop. Bikes not permitted.

POCAHONTAS COAL MINE TRAIL

1 to 4 km/0.6 to 2.5 mi, easy to moderate trail. Begin 42 km/26 mi east of town at Hwy 16 and Miette Rd. Interpretive trail leads through early 1900's mine ruins. The easy lower loop is paved. The upper trail with valley views has steeper sections.

PYRAMID TRUNK TRAIL

7.5 km/4.7 mi moderate trail parallels Pyramid Lake Rd and steadily rises to Pyramid Bench with great views. Begin behind the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and end at Pyramid Lake. SKYLINE TRAIL 44 km/27 mi moderate two-day backpacking trail, mostly above treeline. Stay midway at Shovel Pass Lodge, 1-877-852-7787. Park across the road from Maligne Canyon and take the Maligne Lake Shuttle (p 77) to the trailhead. Bikes not permitted.

THE OVERLANDER 15 km/9 mi moderate trail, good for mountain biking. Follow the route used by gold seekers in 1862. Start at the 6th Bridge and follow the roadless side of the Athabasca River to Cold Sulphur Spring. Return the same way or take Hwy 16.

WHISTLER'S SUMMIT TRAIL AT

JASPER SKYTRAM 1.4 km/0.9 mi easy to moderate trail from the Jasper Skytram (p 82) upper station boardwalk to the top of Whistlers Mountain. Enjoy the vistas at 2,463 m/8081 ft with a 360° view of six mountain ranges.

TOWNSITE WALK

From the Jasper Information Centre, cross Miette Ave and visit the Den Wildlife Museum (p 80). Cross Connaught Dr to the Jasper Heritage Railway Station with a classic 1923 CNR steam locomotive and a Haida carved totem pole.

Follow the 8.3 km/5.1 mi Discovery Trail circling the town. The trail has signs interpreting railway history, peaks, people and nature.

Head back downtown to see the Old Firehall across Patricia St from the visitor centre. North on Patricia St and left on Pyramid Lake Rd is the town's oldest church, the Jasper Lutheran Church.

Continue past the Jasper Activity Centre and turn left on Bonhomme St where, across from the Jasper Fitness & Aquatic Centre (p 83), is the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum (p 80).

Go left at Elm Ave to the Library & Cultural Centre (p 80) and visit the Jasper Art Guild (p 80). Return to Patricia St and Connaught Dr for shopping, dining and pubs.

Continued from p 70

INVERMERE-ON-THELAKE

15-min south of Radium Hot Springs is Invermere-on-the-Lake. Located on Lake Windemere, try swimming with mountain views at Kinsman Beach and James Chabot Park Beach.

THE KANATA HOTEL In the Columbia Valley. Friendly service and a convenient location. 8888 Arrow Rd, 250-342-8888, kanatainns.com

WINDERMERE VALLEY

MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES Local history and archives. Museum and historical buildings on display. 222 6 Ave, 250-342-9769

CANAL FLATS

Just 15 minutes south of Fairmont Hot Springs is Canal Flats. This area is known for its lake and river, located within a wingspan of each other and access to golfing, swimming, water sports and camping.

COLUMBIA DISCOVERY

CENTRE Discover the history and attractions in Canal Flats and the Columbia Valley. 8866 Grainger Road, 250-349-5462, canalflats.ca

THE FLATS RV & CAMPGROUND

Campground on the Kootenay River. Showers, fuel and convenience store. 9110 Hwy 93/95, 250-270-0838

TILLEY MEMORIAL PARK Beachside park with the only public boat launch on Columbia Lake. A green oasis with picnic tables, pebbled beach, wheelchair access, washrooms, swimming and parking.

CRANBROOK & KIMBERLEY

Between the Rockies and the Purcell Mountains are Cranbrook and Kimberley. Lakes, mountains, golf, hiking, food, drink and history - there's a lot to discover!

CANADIAN TIRE Hunting, fishing and camping gear. Tamarack Centre, 1500 Cranbrook St N, 250-489-3300, canadiantire.ca COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES State of the art campuses for skilled workers and employees. 2700 College Way, Cranbrook, 250-489-8242, cotr.bc.ca

CRANBROOK HISTORY CENTRE

Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, gift shop, paleontology gallery and more. 57 Van Horne St, 250-489-3918, cranbrookhistorycentre.com

CRANBROOK VISITOR CENTRE

Eat, stay, shop and explore the basecamp of the Kootenays. 2279 Cranbrook St, 250-426-5914, cranbrooktourism.com

DAYS INN Pet friendly, free breakfast, close to the airport. 600 Cranbrook St N, 250-426-6683

ELIZABETH LAKE LODGE Canadian Alpine Lodge. Walking trails to bird sanctuary. Mini golf on site. 590 Van Horne St S, Cranbrook, 250-426-6114, elizabethlakelodge.com

FORT STEELE HERITAGE TOWN

A family favourite for decades. Petfriendly, living history museum with heritage buildings, trades, gardens and more. 250-417-6000, fortsteele.ca

KIMBERLEY'S UNDERGROUND

MINING RAILWAY Discover Kimberley's mining history with a train tour. 250-427-0022, kimberleysundergroundminingrailway.c

OK TIRE Tire sales and service including roadside service. 200 Van Horne St N, Cranbrook, 250-426-2844, oktire.com

OLD CROW EMPORIUM Indoor market with antiques, vintage finds, upcycled furniture, "handmade and fabulous crap." In the Platzl, Kimberley, 250-417-9982

RUNNER’S RV Trusted source for RV sales and service since 1989. 2813 23 St N, Cranbrook, 250-489-4141, runnersrv.com

SIDEKICK STICKERS Custom stickers, vehicle graphics and more. 110 Van Horne Street South, Cranbrook, 250-919-3807, sidekickstickers.com SPIRIT ROCK Family-friendly indoor climbing. Climbs for everyone! 110 Deer Park Ave, 250-427-7200, spiritrockcllimbing.com

ST EUGENE RV PARK, GOLF

RESORT & CASINO Luxury riverside resort with championship golf course and casino. RV sites with full hook-ups, laundry facilities, RV food menu and beverage delivery. 1800-562-4503, steugene.ca

TAMARACK CENTRE Cranbrook’s premiere shopping destination with stores, dining and specialty businesses. 180-1500 Cranbrook St N, 250-426-2231

WILDSTONE GOLF Black Knight design by Gary Player Design. Par 72 course. 950 Wildstone Dr, Cranbrook, 250-489-1282, wildstonegolf.com

FERNIE & ELKFORD

Discover these hidden gems of mountain exploration, far from the crowds.

BARKSIDE Holistic food, supplements and products for pets. 791 2 Ave, Fernie, 250-423-4332, barkside.com

EARTH’S OWN NATURALS Cannabis, edibles, accessories and more. 502 8 Ave, Fernie, 778-481-5425, earthsownnaturals.com

ELKFORD VISITOR CENTRE Discover pristine natural wilderness close to Elk Lakes Provincial Park, Height of the Rockies and the Elk River. 750 Fording Dr, 250-865-4015, elkford.ca

FERNIE FOX HOTEL Quality and comfort you can trust. Breakfast, bike storage, BBQ area and more. 2021 Hwy 3, 250-423-6788, ferniefoxhotel.com

FERNIE GOLF CLUB Picturesque par 70 course. 1 hr short loop, pro shop, dining and driving range. 201 Fairway Dr, 250-423-7773, golffernie.com

GEARHUB SPORTS Local outdoor store with bikes, gear and deals. New and consignment items. 401 1 Ave, Fernie, 250-423-5555, gearhub.ca MAGAZINE ADVERTISER