The Canadian Rockies and Icefields parkway

The Columbia Icefields are a highlight for most. Here you can take a guided tour (recommended) and walk on a glacier. You may also take a short stroll up to the edge of the glacier itself. Exercise caution and read all postings about the dangers of glacial travel. As you continue on your way, stop by and see Athabasca falls. Also take a side trip to Mt. Edith Cavell and Angel Glacier before heading into Jasper. If you have the time, and are so inclined, I recommend spending a few days in the Tonquin Valley. Guided tours take you on horse back into a valley that opens up and shocks your visual senses with it's beauty. There are a few camps and a lodge at Amethyst Lakes surrounded by meadows and towering mountain peaks. A must see in my book. Other places to visit is Malign Lake and Malign Canyon North of Jasper.

Quick Tips:

Try spending a night in one of the many youth hostels along the way. Accomodations vary from rough and cramped to spacious with a hot tub. Hostels afford the traveler on a budget the ability to stay without setting up a tent or being out in the weather. All hostels have kitchen and cooking utensils and most have showers. Go to the Youth Hostel web site for more information (www.hostellingintl.ca) and to make reservations. Speaking of weather, remember these are the Northern rocky mountains so make sure you have the necessary clothing for all conditions. I have seen snow at the end of July only to have it reach the mid 70's a few hours later. Be prepared for anything.

Best Way To Get Around:

Icefields parkway is a true highway that will get you to where you are going fast. You may also bicycle the entire length and I have seen a good number of hitch-hikers along the way. Whatever you want to do will work up here. Just make sure you have clothing to keep you warm... Summers are short but spectacular.

This hostel, located near numerous hiking trails, only is a 20-minute drive from the Lake Louise. This hostel has it all: nice peaceful cabins, a fireplace to relax in front of at the end of the day, and even a sauna to help ease those aching muscles.

Located at the foot of Mount Edith Cavell, this hostel provides dorm style bunks, but the location can't be beat. After lights out (11pm), sit and watch the moon gleam off the ice of Angel Glacier. This is a perfect place to spend a night and get up for an early morning hike through the meadows in August.

Maligne lake is a huge, cold, mountain lake. There are a few hikes around the lake but most come to view its beauty and take the boat tour. You may also rent a kayak and spend time exploring the northen end of the lake on your own; but that is quite a work out. I recommend the boat tour. This is how you get to the classic location shown in so many photos. It's much easier to take the boat ride than it is to paddle the 12 miles.

As you head north on the Icefields parkway, you must stop by Hector, Bow, and Peyto Lakes. These are the clasic emerald-blue lakes the Canadian Rockies are known for. It's not too far of a drive and makes for an easy morning as you head toward Jasper at the far end of the parkway. I recommend slowing down and exploring, then staying at one of the many hostels along the way, making it a two-day trip.

Just South of Lake Louise is Morain Lake. The valley of ten peaks, Consolation Valley, and Mt. Temple are all worthy of a side trip. A short, early morning hike into Consolation valley rewards you with beautiful scenery along with a bit of solitude. As always, be watchful of bear and wear a bear bell when travelling in bear country. The rangers will post signs if bears have been seen in the area, but a little prevention on your part is better.