wut2's Things you must see when in Jasper National Park

ATHABASCA FALLS
32 km. (14.2 mi.) S. of the town of Jasper
Year-round

Among the most powerful and breathtaking falls in the Rocky Mountains, the Athabasca River thunders through a narrow gorge where the walls have been smoothed and potholed by the sheer force of the rushing water carrying sand and rock. Stand directly over this rushing river and feel the spray on your face. Picnic sites available. Hiking and Cross-country skiing. Capture the brilliance of rainbow-hued spray or in the colder months, the dazzling sheets of ice suspended from jagged rock on film!

GOAT LOOKOUT
38 km. (22.8 mi.) S. of the town of Jasper

From this elevated picnic area sweeps a panoramic view of the Athabasca Valley and the sheer mountain peaks surrounding it. This is a good place to spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep and other animals searching for mineral licks. Please remember, IT IS ILLEGAL TO TOUCH OR FEED WILDLIFE IN A NATIONAL PARK. Please help keep the wildlife wild and healthy.

SUNWAPTA FALLS
55 km. (33 mi.) S. of the town of Jasper
Year-round

Sunwapta is a Stoney Indian word for "turbulent river". At the falls, the Sunwapta River abruptly changes course from northwest to southwest and plunges in a cloud of spray into a deep canyon. Seasonal accommodation and dining. Picnic sites available. A frozen wonder in winter, Sunwapta Falls will delight photographers with its uncanny "ice sculptures".

STUTFIELD GLACIER
95 km. (57 mi.) S. of the town of Jasper
Year-round

A tongue of the massive Columbia Icefield, the Stutfield Glacier pours over 900 vertical metres (3000 ft.) of cliff face, forming a picturesque set of double icefalls visible from a roadside viewpoint. The Sunwapta River braids its way through several channels across the broad, gravel flats below.

COLUMBIA ICEFIELD
105 km. (63 mi.) S. of the town of Jasper

The largest icefield south of Alaska, shimmering glacial ice and snow cover some 389 sq. km. (233 sq. mi.). An exciting 90 minute Brewster Ice Explorer Tour will take you out onto the Athabasca Glacier, a tongue of the Columbia Icefield, for an awe-inspiring glimpse of icy crevasses and ice-fed streamlets. Or, join a guided Glacier Ice-walk and visit the Icefield Interpretive Centre for informative exhibits and slide shows. Seasonal accommodation, dining and camping available. Hiking trails nearby.

MOUNT EDITH CAVELL
30 km. (18 mi.) S. of the town of Jasper
Open end of June - Oct.

Few summits in the park can match Mount Edith Cavell's craggy beauty. A small, powder blue meltwater lake and beautiful Angel Glacier are easily reached by a short self-guiding trail that winds its way along the shores of the lake. Another longer trail leads to picturesque Cavell Meadows. Trails are less crowded mornings or late afternoons.

Roche Miette
50 km. (30 mi.) E. of the town of Jasper

Best seen when approaching the park Entrance from the East on Highway 16, this mountain formation that resemble a reclining Indian chief in full headdress has long been visual point of reference for the Eastern edge of the Park. Regardless of which direction you are traveling the shape is discernable.

POCAHONTAS
48 km. (28.8 mi.) E. of the town of Jasper

Just off Highway 16 on the Miette Road you will find the remains of the "Pocahontas Coal Mine". A self guided interpretive trail leads through the mine remnants as well as to some spectacular viewpoints that overlook the Pocahontas ponds. Enjoy some time exploring this historic site.

MIETTE HOTSPRINGS
60 km. (36 mi.) East of the town of Jasper
Open daily from May 15 - October 12, 2004

These natural springs, the hottest in the Canadian Rockies, are cooled from 54° C (129° F) to a soothing 39°C (102° F). Located in the scenic Fiddle Valley, the facility includes two hot pools (one pool is wheelchair accessible), a cool pool and poolside cafe. Nearby hiking trails, picnic sites and accommodation make Miette Hot Springs a perfect destination. Swimsuits, towels and lockers available to rent.

MALIGNE CANYON
11 km. (6.6 mi.) S.E. of the town of Jasper
Open year-round

One of the most spectacular gorges in the Canadian Rockies, sheer limestone walls plunge to depths of over 50 metres (165 ft.). An interpretive trail winds its way from a picnic area across six bridges where you can catch the spray from the thundering Maligne River, or peer into the mossy depths. In winter, try your hand at a guided Canyon Tour across the floor of the frozen canyon. This is a sight you'll not want to miss!

MEDICINE LAKE
32 km. (19.2 mi.) S.E. of the town of Jasper
Year-round

This intriguing lake is a place of mystery and Indian legend. Due to a unique underground drainage system, the water level of the lake varies from season to season . . . sometimes it actually disappears! Early Indians once thought that "spirits" were responsible for the dramatic fluctuations in the placid waters. Watch for the interpretive signs along the road.

MALIGNE LAKE
48 km. (28.8 mi.) S.E. of the town of Jasper
Open year-round

Located in the majestic Maligne Valley, this exquisite lake is the second largest glacier-fed lake in the world, stretching 22 km. (14 mi.). A one-and-a-half hour boat cruise will take you past glacier-studded mountain peaks to world-famous Spirit Island. Try your hand at guided fishing, hiking, horseback riding. Superb cross-country skiing in winter. Restaurant and shopping facilities are seasonal. This is perhaps the most recognizable landmark in the park and is prominently featured on postcards sent all over the world.

LAC BEAUVERT
7 km. (4.2 mi.) from the town of Jasper
Open year-round

Site of one of the world's most scenic and challenging golf courses, emerald green Lac Beauvert is also home to world-famous The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Dining, shopping, horseback riding, cycling and boating are some of the many activities available. Or simply enjoy a scenic stroll around the lake. In winter, cross-country skiing, horse drawn sleigh rides and ice skating all add to your holiday excitement.

LAKE EDITH AND LAKE ANNETTE
Both 6 km. (3.6 mi.) from the town of Jasper
Year-round

These two day-use areas offer ample picnic sites and shelters in a beautiful lakeside setting. The water is refreshing and after a delightful swim you can stretch out on the sandy beaches or open grassy areas. Take a quiet evening stroll along the easy trail surrounding the lakes, including the wheelchair accessible Lee Foundation Trail. Or, cycle the bicycle trails around Lake Edith.

PATRICIA AND PYRAMID LAKE
Both 8 km. (4.8 mi.) from the town of Jasper
Year-round

A winding road leads to these two sparkling lakes where fishing, picnicking, boating and hiking are extremely popular. Rental facilities include horse-back riding, boating, canoeing, windsurfing and sailing. Cross-country skiing and ice-skating on Pyramid Lake in the winter make this an ideal location for family fun. Seasonal and year-round accommodation and dining facilities available.

WHISTLER'S MOUNTAIN
8 km. (4.8 mi.) S. of the town of Jasper
Open April - end of October

The Jasper Tramway whisks you up Whistler's Mountain to an elevation of 2285 metres (7496 feet) for stunning vistas over mountain ranges stretching up to 80 km away. Interpretive exhibits explain the high alpine environment and a hiking trail leads you to the summit of the mountain. On a clear day the white pyramid of Mt. Robson can be seen in nearby British Columbia. If you sit still you may see a Whistling Marmot. At the top you may find snow even into the late months of spring. Gift shops and licensed dining facilities available.