Rockies Ramblin'
Day Note:
On our first day, we drove all the way from Calgary to Jasper. In Banff, we stopped and went for a short hike up Johnston Canyon, along the rushing river below. Then we kept driving, since it's a long (but absolutely gorgeous) drive up the Icefields Parkway to Jasper. Once in town, we made our way to the Jasper Park Lodge, which is clearly the premier lodging option in the park. Our room was a nice suite attached to one other unit in a semi-private cabin-like...
read more-
1 hide detail
Johnston Canyon and the Ink Pots
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- IA Hwy
- Johnston Canyon Lodge
- Banff,AB
-
Map
Our Local Expert Says:
This trail is one of the more popular trails, as it's very beautiful and not too strenuous. The entire hike, if you go all the way to the Ink Pots, is 3.6 miles (5.8km). Beware if you come in the winter, the trail can get very icy. You can rent proper footwear from any hiking company.
Description:
This self-guided hiking trail 20 km west of Banff is one of the more famous hikes in the area for a reason. The trail is a good choice for any level of outdoorsman, from the energetic hiker to those looking for a casual walk through the woods. Johnston Canyon's views are breathtaking, with a creek, a series of waterfalls and beautiful rock formations. If you have more energy, continue on to the end of the 5.5 km trail where you'll find the Ink Pots, natural springs that appear to be coloured by glacial sediment.
Day Note:
Today we relaxed around town and drove down to see the thundering falls along the Athabasca River.
Day Note:
This day was quite active. We drove up to Maligne Lake, where we spent several hours kayaking on the gorgeous lake. Then we explored Maligne Canyon on the way back, before heading east just outside of the park border, where we hiked up to the top of the mountain above Miette Hotsprings for a panoramic view of endless mountains and valleys. Amazing!
Day Note:
Today we got going early, with breakfast in Jasper followed by a horseback ride into the stunning Tonquin Valley, backed by jagged peaks against an alpine lake. Afterwards, we got back on the road and drove all the way back to Banff, where we grabbed a bit and hit the sack at the Rimrock Resort.
-
2 hide detail
Bear's Paw Bakery
Contact:
- 780 852 3233
- visit website
Location:
- 4 Cedar Ave
- Jasper,ABT0E 1E0
-
Map
Description:
The Bear's Paw is located in a tiny pink building just off of Connaught Drive in downtown Jasper. If you have a craving for fresh baguettes, muffins, pastries or even a simple loaf of white bread, this is the place to visit. Should someone you know be celebrating a birthday in Jasper, you can choose a sumptuous birthday cake from the storefront rack. If you intend on dining on fine baked goods, it is a good idea to arrive early; the selection is quite depleted by noon.
-
3 hide detail
Ristorante Classico
Contact:
- 403 762 3356
- visit website
Location:
- 1 Mountain Avenue
- Rimrock Resort Hotel
- Banff,ABT0L 0C0
-
Map
Description:
The Ristorante Classico is located in the Rimrock Resort Hotel, which sits alongside Mountain Drive and just below the Upper Hot Springs. The dining room presents an incredible vista of Bow River, Tunnel Mountain and the North Face of Mount Rundle from the floor to ceiling windows. The setting is elegant, with overstuffed chairs and starched linens, and is a must for those who enjoy a long, reflective dining experience. The gourmet menu is one of the finest in Banff, with venison, fresh Atlantic lobster and Alberta AAA beef.
Day Note:
On our last day, we went for a hike up the famed Tunnel Mountain, before undoing all the caloric benefit with a huge pizza!
-
4 hide detail
Tunnel Mountain
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- North side, St. Julien St.
- Banff,ABTOL OCO
-
Map
Our Local Expert Says:
This hike is one of the more popular hike for tourists. You can walk to the hiking path from the town center, and there is a beautiful view at the top. It takes about 2-3 hours though, so bring water, proper clothing and your camera (lots of wildlife along the way).
Description:
Even though it's called Tunnel Mountain, there is no tunnel involved. The mountain got its name when CPR proposed a train route there in 1882. But the lack of tunnel doesn't make this hike any less enjoyable. It starts within city limits so it's easily accessible – you can walk there from Banff Ave., and makes for a great day, or half-day excursion. The trail is well-maintained, heavily used and an ideal spot for visitors to get to know the area. You'll often see wildlife in and around the trail as well. The top offers a great view of the town and surrounding area, so bring your camera.
