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Jasper Destination Guide
Find your package online or call our reservations team on 0845 263 6961 |
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Introduction |
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Mountains are to Jasper what jam is to toast; they punctuate the skyline and occupy your every viewpoint. This is also prime Grizzly territory though, and to improve your chances of a sighting, be sure to don your chaps and explore the wilderness on horseback! In fact there are many ways to take in the stunning scenery of this wonderful area, from the comfort of your private car to the relaxing swaying of a riverboat or maybe the wood carriage of a traditional steam engine, taking you past the quaint mountain villages as you go. Whatever mode of transport you opt for, the natural beauty is the star attraction here, so be sure to experience the real definition of the ‘great outdoors.’ |
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Climate |
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In Alberta, expect lots of sunshine, no matter what the season. But be warned: being close to the mountains means weather can change at a moment's notice. So follow the lead of Albertans, and be prepared! Temperature ranges in summer (June to August): 15° C to 23° C (60° F to 73° F) Temperature ranges in winter (November to February): -8° C to -25° C (18° F to -13° F)
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Transportation |
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The main international airports serving Jasper are Calgary 4.5 hours and Edmonton 3.5 hours.
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Attractions |
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Athabasca Falls 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. Picnic sites available. Cross-country skiing. Capture the brilliance of rainbow-hued spray or the dazzling sheets of ice suspended from jagged rock on film! Columbia Icefield 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. Maligne Canyon 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! Maligne Lake 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. Jasper Tramway Jasper's "peak" attraction gives you an unforgettable view of the Athabasca Valley and Jasper National Park. The best views of Jasper & the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Two tram cars take visitors to an elevation of 8200' (2500 m) in 7-8 minutes. The Upper Terminal has a gift shop and a licensed restaurant. Hike along prepared trails in the alpine region to the summit of Whistlers Mountain. Shuttle service available. Open April 14 - October 9, 2006. |
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Activities |
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SKI JASPER Box 98, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0 Phone: (780) 852-5247 Fax: (780) 852-4932 Website: www.skijaspercanada.com E-Mail: info@skijaspercanada.com Snow capped mountains and waterfalls suspended in clear blue ice are all part of the breathtaking "wonderland" that is Jasper in the winter. Exciting challenges await every level of skier. Downhill skiers can find excellent conditions and uncrowded trails at Marmot Basin, while Nordic skiers can choose from a wide variety of trails for short rips or overnight excursions. Winter travelers can enjoy outdoor ice skating, the Maligne Canyon "Crawl", sleigh rides, snowshoeing, winter picnics, observing wildlife, or cozying up to a roaring fire. For the more adventurous, snowmobiling, heli-skiing, and heli-snowshoeing can be found just a short drive outside the park. Jasper remains one of the world's best kept secrets in winter. SKI MARMOT BASIN Box 1300, 19 km south west of Jasper on Highway 93 & 93A (780) 852-3816 Fax: (780) 852-3533 E-Mail: info@skimarmot.com Website: www.skimarmot.com With 80 runs, 1500 acres of skiable Rocky Mountain terrain, 3000 vertical feet and some runs stretching up to 3.5 miles, Marmot ranks as one of the best places in the country to ski, snowboard, or telemark. A unique alpine basin serviced by 2 quad chairs, 1 triple chair, 3 double chairs, and 2 T-Bars. Offers groomed runs, open bowls or tree skiing for all skiers from beginner to expert. Families will enjoy the "Little Rascals Nursery" and "Children's Programs". Group rates and "Never Skied Before" program available. With a huge variety of terrain, Marmot is a great place for all ability levels and, because of its location on the eastern slopes of the Rockies, the alpine bowls have the driest natural powder snow found anywhere. |
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