Yoho National Park holds some of the Canadian Rockies' most beautiful scenery

Yoho National Park holds some of the Canadian Rockies’ most beautiful scenery

A not-to-be-missed wonder in the Canadian Rockies

By Michele Kadison

Staff Writer
Rockies.com

YOHO NATIONAL PARK, Alberta (Rockies.com) – The Canadian Rockies are home to some of the most beautiful and best preserved parks in the world. Although Banff and Jasper National Park are both within driving distance of Golden, it is Yoho National Park, only a 30-minute drive away, that grabs the attention on this side of the Canadian Rockies.

As far as National Parks go, Yoho is definitely one the most well-known. Yoho National Park was created in 1886 and encompasses 1,310 square kilometres of the Rocky Mountains Western slopes. The park’s name, Yoho, is a Cree word used for expressing awe and amazement. It also sounds better than WOW National Park. The park’s glacial lakes, stunning waterfalls, impressive snow covered peaks and majestic forests ensure that any visit will be awe inspiring.

The park is home to snow topped peaks and many waterfalls including the world famous Takakkaw Falls and the park’s glaciers are responsible for providing the silt runoff that creates the deep turquoise colour of Emerald Lake and Lake O’Hara.

Its history is bound with railroad spiral tunnels inside mountains and stories of runaway trains. Additionally, one of the world’s most important fossil finds, the Burgess Shale, is located in Yoho. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1981, the Burgess Shale Formation contains the fossilized remains of more than 120 marine animal species dating back 515 million years.

Beautiful Lake Louise

Beautiful Lake Louise

By Michele Kadison

Staff Writer

Rockies.com

LAKE LOUISE, Alberta (Rockies.com) Canada’s “Diamond in the Wilderness,” and the “Hiking Capital of Canada,” Lake Louise offers a tremendous diversity of recreational and sightseeing opportunities. The region is home to one of North America’s finest downhill ski areas and has numerous hiking and walking trails. And don’t forget the spectacular scenery, from glaciers to waterfalls.

A quick word to big city dwellers – this is one of the ‘last outposts of man in the area.’The next nearest ‘destination’ – three hours away – is Jasper. Jasper’s the next town out before you’re en route to Alaska – DO NOT expect to find a booming ‘Aspen’ or ‘Vail’ nightlife experience here…

You will however find the best powder skiing on the Continent, unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, our famous Canadian Rockies scenery; and perhaps you’ll find yourself again. The village of Lake Louise is on the Trans-Canada Highway 57 kilometers (35 miles) west of Banff. This quiet and small village offers a range of travel amenities, fabulous dining opportunities and accommodations.

Fyatt Valley, Jasper National Park

Fyatt Valley, Jasper National Park

The Canadian Rockies largest national park

By Michele Kadison

Staff Writer
Rockies.com

JASPER NATIONAL PARK, Alberta (Rockies.com) – Jasper National Park, established in 1907, is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies with 10,878 square kilometres of mountain wilderness.

Jasper is the wildest of the mountain parksand contains a superb backcountry trail system as well as the world famous Columbia Icefields, one of the only icefields in the world accessible by road.

It is internationally-renowned for wildlife viewing, and is home to some of North America’s rarest animals, including healthy populations of grizzly bears, moose, caribou and wolves.

Canada’s First National Park

By Michele Kadison

Staff Writer
Rockies.com

BANFF NATIONAL PARK, Alberta (Rockies.com) – Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, is 1 1/2 hrs drive west of Calgary, Alberta.. From Banff’s humble beginnings as a 26 square kilometre hot springs reserve, Banff National Park now consists of 6,641 square kilometres of unparalleled mountain scenery nestled in the heart of the magnificent Canadian Rockies.

Each year, millions of visitors come to Banff to marvel at the emerald waters of Lake Louise, walk amongst the flower-filled heavens at Sunshine Meadows and drive beneath the towering jagged peaks lining the Icefields Parkway. Snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers and sweeping vistas are all just part of the allure that is Banff National Park.

You can enjoy all the comforts of home in the town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise, or step out into the wilderness and visit the home of some of North America’s wildest creatures, including grizzly bears, caribou and wolves.