Canadian Rockies Vacations Guide - Banff National Park

Before Summer ends in the Canadian Rockies: Camp Jasper

Alberta Adventure — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:06:42 +0000

Once September arrives, you’ll start to notice a little nip to the air here in Jasper National Park, especially in the morning.

Jasper is the place for Canadian Rockies vacations.

For a lot of us, that means camping season is over. Who likes waking up in the middle of the night with cold feet, having to crawl out of the sleeping bag to get dressed while shivering, and breaking down a tent with blue hands? Not me.

But hey, don’t give up on camping quite yet. There’s still the Cottage Tents being offered by Parks Canada.

These are basic-furnished tents 14 feet in length and 20 feet in width, that are tall enough to stand in. You’ll find them to be much roomier than your typical tent. They also come with a picnic table, food locker, kitchen utensil locker, fire box and parking site for one vehicle.

Of course, there’s no setting up or tearing down in cold weather or otherwise with the cottage tents. They’re set up, fully stocked and cleaned before you arrive.

You’ll find them at Whistlers campground. This campground is just three kilometers from Jasper townsite, so you can get here easily, but don’t worry, you won’t feel like you’re camping in town. Whistler’s is in a beautiful forested area that is quiet and a natural setting. Just enough wilderness, but not too much.

These convenient cottage campsites even have fire boxes to set the mood as things wind down to a tranquil evening by the fireplace.

Each unique cottage tent includes one double bed and mattress and bunk beds with mattresses, so campers need only their own sleeping, but even bed linen is provided. In addition, two fold-out lounge chairs can each be made into a single bed if needed. Two electric wall lights are in each cottage tent, plus electric baseboard heating to keep things cozy on chilly nights. Add the extras like clothes hangers and cleaning supplies, and these tents define luxury camping.

Campers are not allowed to smoke or have pets in the tents, which helps to keep them clean and fresh for the next camper. Also, as this is bear country, you’ll need to cook, store and eat your food outside of the tent.

Campground staff are ready to help campers get familiar and settled in these charming cottage tents. The cost of a rental is $90 per night, and there are three different tents to choose from (one is wheelchair accessible). Reservations can be made either online or by calling 1 877 737 3783.

Click here and check out the LIVE webcam of Jasper!

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Canadian Rockies FAQ: Working in Jasper National Park

ppeters — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:41:55 +0000

Ok, so you’ve just come to Jasper National Park for the first time, and you’re hooked. You don’t just want to be a tourist, you want to live here. This isn’t like the time you almost moved to a cabin in the Yukon, or the time when you were a kid and you wanted to live at the amusement park. You’re serious. What now?

Who wouldn't want to work in Jasper National Park.

First things first, you need a J-O-B. Yeah, I know, reality sucks, but that’s the way it is. Once you’ve accepted that, all there is to do is find work. Here you’ll find a quick, handy guide to some places to find jobs in Jasper National Park.

As it turns out, there are some really great places to work when you base yourself in the middle of one of the world’s most awesome national parks. Marmot Basin ski resort, Jasper National Park, and many great restaurants, hotels and other small businesses in the town of Jasper. Below you’ll find the basic info you need to get started on your Jasper job search.

Tourism is the main source of employment in Jasper, almost half of all jobs are related to this industry.

Jobs in Jasper are seasonal to a degree, and tend to peak between mid-May to mid-October, although many recreational activities are offered year-round, and hard workers can often find something.

Some employers here only stay open in the summer months, such as backcountry lodges, restaurants, and tour guides, so employment with these sometimes lasts from May to October. Job opportunities during winter, November to April (technically, although it’s been known to snow just about any time of year here), are often found with guiding and tour compaines, hotels, as well as restaurants and retail stores that stay open year round, and of course Marmot Basin Ski Hill.

The Job Hunt

The best time to find jobs in Jasper is from May to October.

Job seekers heading to Jasper before they have secured work should be aware that it could take weeks to find something and another couple of weeks before they will receive their first pay cheque. There’s also the issue of housing (see more on that below). It is a good idea to arrive with sufficient funds to cover expenses for up to a month. Better yet, do some planning, call around to employers, send them your resume, or maybe come for a visit/job hunt. It could save you from heading home with your tail between your legs.

Jasper Jobs and Skill Requirements

Being able to speak a language, and particularly French, can often help with getting a job in Japser. Many, but not all Parks Canada jobs actually require that you speak both French and English. German and Japanese are also useful.

Naturally, in a tourism based economy, you’ll find lots of hospitality jobs. These include food and beverage servers, cooks, kitchen help, hotel/motel front desk clerks, retail associates and room cleaners. Wages in these jobs range from $8.80 to $10 per hour.

Tourism jobs include tour guides, trail guides and rafting guides. Wages in these occupations range from $8.80 to $14. per hour.

Due to the seasonal nature of some local businesses, an end of contract bonus may be offered if you are willing to commit to finishing the season with the company. These bonuses are usually in the form of an amount of money being paid for each hour worked, paid on you last cheque. For example, you may earn $1 for every hour you work for a company, which would be paid out at the end of the season.

Lodging

It is very difficult to find lodging from April to October. Some employers offer staff lodging. These are often shared with other staff. Accommodation costs are usually deducted from employee paycheque/wages.

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Before Summer Ends in the Canadian Rockies: See the Waterfalls!

Alberta Adventure — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:58:15 +0000

Summer comes and goes pretty quick here in the Canadian Rockies. One minute, you’re putting away your snowshoes and hunting around for the sunscreen, the next you’re wondering where the heck you put your ski goggles, as you’re look for a place to stash your backpack.

Experience the popular lakes, rivers, streams and even waterfalls of the Canadian Rockies.

One thing you’ll definitely want to check out before the days get short and cold, are the Canadian Rockies’ waterfalls. The interesting thing about them, is that they are beautiful all year around, whether they’re gushing in the summer or frozen in to Dali-esque shapes in winter.

But the experience is distinct either time of year, and I recommend seeing the Canadian Rockies fantastic waterfalls in both summer and winter. Here are a couple of my favorite falls in Jasper National Park and Yoho National Park.

In Jasper National Park, near the Columbia Icefield, you’ll find Sunwapta Falls, some of the spectacular in the Rockies. There are two waterfalls here. With the larger falls crashing down a whopping 18 meters! It’s a great display of the forces of nature that shaped this fine park.

Climb up a little from the main falls, and you’ll find a trail from the large falls that heads upward. Follow that trail, and you’ll find the second waterfall. Though not not as large, it’s still beautiful, and you won’t find nearly as many people up there.

You can get to Sunwapta Falls by an access road off the highway that connects Jasper and Banff National Park, Icefields Highway.

From Sunwapta, you may want to take a drive over to Yoho National Park on your water fall tour, where you’ll find the amazing Takakkaw Falls.

The Takakkaw Falls are some of Canada’s tallest waterfalls. Despite this, you can still get close enough to the fall’s base to let water mist gently over you. It’s pretty nice on a hot day. These falls start from meltwater from a glacier so far above you that you can’t even see it.

To get to the Takakkaw Falls, you get on the road from Lake Louise to Yoho. It’s by far the best way to get to the falls, and on the way you’ll get to see several smaller waterfalls on the cliffs next to you. They’re great for building some excitement on teh way to Takakkaw.

Did I say waterfalls are as good in the winter as the summer? I still stand by that, but I’d be guessing on this one, because the road isn’t plowed here in the winter, so you’ll want to see it before the big snows hit in October.

Last but not least, are the Athabasca Falls. These are close to the town of Jasper. They’re created by the huge Athabasca River being forced through a narrow gorge, blasting out the other side for quite a show. These ones are great any time of year, even in the winter, when they look like some sort of enormous abstract ice sculpture.

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Before Summer Ends in the Canadian Rockies: More Jasper Mountain Biking

Alberta Adventure — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:49:00 +0000

Yes folks, I hate to say it, but eventually the beautiful summers of the Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park must come to an end. And while lots of awesome summer activities are just around the corner, don’t go out and start waxing your skis just yet.

Grab your bike and get to the Canadian Rockies before the season is over!

Instead, you may want to give that mountain bike one last tune up, grab your helmet, and get out on the fantastic mountain biking trails of Jasper National Park for one last spin before the season ends. Here’s a couple great trails you’ll want to check out.

Fortress Lake Trail: This 25 km ride begins at Sunwapta falls and following an old fire road. The trail is great for the first 16k, all the way to the Athabasca Crossing suspension bridge. After the bridge the biking gets pretty rough, but it is possible hike another 9 km to Fortress Lake.

Fryatt Trail: Jump on this 10 km bike trail 2 km up the Geraldine Fire Road at the Fryatt Valley parking lot. The trail cuts through a somewhat thick forest at a low elevation for the first 8.2 km, the ride includes several creek crossings. From the lower Fryatt campsite, you can hike another 10 km to the upper Fryatt Valley on foot.

Whirlpool Fire Road: Driving 11.5 km down Hwy. 93A catch the Moab Lake turnoff and go to the Moab Lake parking lot. From there it is 8.5 km to the end of the fire road. You can hike or bike another 3 km from here to Tie Camp on foot.

Jacques Lake: Begin at Medecine Lake’s south end, at the Beaver Lake picnic area, and drive 13 km along a lushly vegetated valley 5 km to the first Summit Lake. The going is pretty flat up to Beaver Lake, making for an easy ride suitable for just about anyone. The going to Jacques Lake can be somewhat difficult due to mud, if there’s been lots of rain or recent snowmelt.

Snake Indian Falls: Drive 48 km down Celestine Lake Road to the Celestine Lake parking area where the North Boundary Trail begins. A nicely-graded gravel road goes from here for 22 km to Snake Indian Falls. Just 1 kilometre past the falls, the road becomes a heavily-trafficed trail to the Willow Creek area and the Rock Lake exit.

Here’s some basic Rules of the Road for mountain biking in Jasper, or anywhere, really:

Don’t scare the wildlife. You don’t like it when someone sneaks up on you, and neither do wild animals. Usually, the repercussions of doing this with a bear are worse though. Avoid unannounced approaches, a sudden movements, or a loud a noises. These actions can be dangerous for you, others, and wildlife. Give wildlife space and time to adjust to you, and make some noise as you come down the trail.
Ride open trails only. Respect the trail and avoid areas which are closed to bikes. They are closed for a reason. Seriously, no one is trying to hide trails from you just to ruin your vacation. Also, remember that the way you ride will influence Parks Canada trail management decisions and policies.
Always yield the trail. Make your approach known well in advance. A greeting, a bell or some other noise is basic politeness; don’t startle others. Show respect when passing by, slowing to a walking pace or, if need be, stopping. Anticipate trail users around corners and in blind spots.
Put a lid on it! Always wear a helmet.
Plan it, darn it! Know your equipment, be honest about your abilities, and check up on the riding trail, preferably with a park ranger. Prepare accordingly. A little planning is often the difference between a horrible day and an awesome day.
Stay in Control. Don’t go faster, or attempt terrain that you know you can’t handle. Always be attentive and mind bicycle regulations and recommendations.
Leave no trace. It’s everyone’s park, so treat it with respect by following a few simple rules. Stay on maintained trails and don’t create new ones. Pack out what you pack in, and bonus points if you pack out some other jerk’s discarded rubbish.

Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling.

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Before Summer Ends in the Canadian Rockies: Canoeing in Banff

Alberta Adventure — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:51:55 +0000

Summer in Banff and the Canadian Rockies is coming to its inevitable close (though you wouldn’t know it look at the Banff webcam today) and the time to participate in some of the best warm weather mountain activities anywhere is now. Of these, I highly recommend a canoe trip.

Take a fantastic canoe trip in the Canadian Rockies this summer.

One of the things Banff is well known for is it’s beautiful, pristine waters. We’ve got waterfalls, lakes, streams and rivers that are unrivaled for their beauty. You can enjoy slipping along silently in these beautiful waters on a canoe, taking in the amazing mountain scenery….

So what are you waiting for? Time’s almost up! Get to Banff and get in a canoe, and go for the scenic ride of a lifetime. Below you’ll find a great canoe trip to get you started.

Canoe Banff National Park from Castle Junction to Banff townsite

This part of Alberta’s Bow River is on the east side of the Trans-Canada Highway and west of the Canadian Pacific Railway line and Highway 1A (Bow Valley Parkway). The Bow River pours steadily down this valley, where you’ll find islands and side channels that make for great detours. There are lots of Class 1 rapids and riffles, a Class 3 rapid at Redearth Creek, and a decent share of sweepers, tight corners and logjams to make your day interesting. Be sure to take care when canoeing this section.

You can put your canoe in at the parking lot beneath the bridge over the Bow River at Castle Junction. After 6 km of floating you’ll get to Johnston Creek, flowing in from river left. On the downstream side of Johnston Creek you’ll see a sign for a backcountry campsite. Another 3km past Johnston Creek, a right bend in the river leads you towards the Trans-Canada Highway and the Castle Mountain Viewpoint.

At this point you’ll know your are nearing Redearth Creek Rapids, so hold on to your paddle. As you float below the viewpoint, the river turns left, away from the highway. In just a few hundred metres, the river turns sharply right into the area of Redearth Creek Rapids. Rated Class 3, these rapids are a long section of fast water moving over rocks. The waves are non-stop, getting larger as you approach the end. Man a canoe has capsized or swamped here, but proper scouting and safety procedures, this rapid can be run by experienced canoeists.

Having second thoughts about this rapid? Take it easy and portage instead. Although you won’t find a marked portage route, you’ll find that from top of the rapid on river right you can make your way along the shore to where Redearth Creek enters the Bow River. From there, wade across the creek and carry your canoe along the riverside trail to the end of the rapids.

A few km below Redearth Creek, the river becomes convoluted. It may not be obvious, but the river here branches into two or three channels. This is a risky section, with tight corners, endless sweepers and dangerous logjams. Pay attention and be safe!

The large gravel fan at the Wolverine Creek entrance on river right, is where you can finally rest a little, knowing the hardest parts are behind you. Another 5.5 km brings you back to the Trans-Canada Highway. This is a good place to take out as there is a gate through the fence to access a roadside parking area off the westbound lane of the highway.

Another 0.5 km brings you to the Trans-Canada Highway bridge over the Bow River. Careful going under the bridge as there are several sweepers on the left side of the river. From it’s a pleasant, 1.5 – 2 hour paddle to Banff. The river is broad and calm, allowing beautiful views of the lower Bow Valley. Take out at the canoe docks, at the junction of the Bow River and Echo Creek. Do not paddle past the canoe docks as Bow Falls is just around the corner.

Distance: 32 km (takes about 5 – 6 hours)

Level: intermediate

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