Witness All the Jasper National Park Has to Offer

By Habeeb Salloum and Muna Salloum

Packing up the van as we loaded up the children and luggage from our hotel in Edmonton, we embarked on our Canadian Rockies adventure hoping to find snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, raging waterfalls, and animals of the area.

My daughter Muna and I were traveling with my eldest grandson Laith, Maria his wife, and their two inquisitive sons, Bilal and Tamer.

As we left the city anxious to visit Alberta’s natural wonders in Jasper and Banff National Parks discussing our itinerary, suddenly the voice of my 4-year-old great-grandson broke through my thoughts.

‘When will we see Bison?’

“When are we going to see the bison? You know, Jiddy (great-grandfather), they’re my favorite animal. I’ve loved them all my life!”

His 5-year-old brother Bilal interrupted the conversation with: ” wasn’t that bison that we just passed?” My daughter laughed explaining, “those were cows, not bison!”

So much for city folk, I thought to myself but for these precious little lads, I considered this only an honest mistake. “Don’t worry. Boys, we’ll be seeing a lot of animals in the parks. By the end of our tour in a week’s time, you’ll be animal experts.”

Maligne Lake

Continuing on our trip amid the towering mountains and forested foothills of Jasper National Park, we drove to Maligne Lake, the second-largest glacier-fed lake in the world, stunning in its beauty.

Set in the imposing Maligne Valley, the lake, the largest in Jasper National Park, is surrounded by glacier-studded mountain peaks. The lake, which freezes in winter, boasts sparkling deep-blue waters and for beauty, has no equal in the region.

Gazing at this postcard of scenic delight my daughter Muna mused, “It’s a scene made by the hand of nature for the camera.”

We stopped by the Maligne Lake Day Lodge & View Restaurant from where there is a fine vista of the lake and its surrounding white-capped mountains – said to be the most famous view in the Canadian Rockies.

Donuts to Devour

Bilal and Tamer were more excited about the donuts and chocolate chip cookies that they were about to devour than the boat tour upon which they were soon to embark.

The docks edging the restaurant which is the best eating place on the shores of Maligne Lake, had a series of boats standing by, overflowing with customers.

After enjoying lunch, like the 40,000 annual tourists who visit the lake, we joined in a 90-minute scenic boat cruise to Spirit Island.

Muna, proud and loving great-aunt of these two precocious boys, urged them to go sit at the front of the boat. In response to Laith and Maria asking why, Muna winked and said, “They will have an experience that they won’t forget.”

Spirit Island

Known as the icon of the Canadian Rockies, Spirit Island, located on the southern end of the lake, is a small islet that is wrapped in legends and can only be reached by private boats or cruise vessels. The stop allows passengers to walk the island and stop at a viewpoint that offers a spectacular panorama of the lake and mountains.

Our guide seemed to love his job as he entertained us with his historic and geographical stories about the lake intertwined with anecdotes and jokes.

The scenery around us was eye-bulging and I continued to be entranced with the aura of lake waters caressing the feet of the majestic mountains until we docked on Spirit Island for a short stroll.

With the departure from Spirit Island, our exploration of Maligne Lake ended. We had come to see why within the Jasper area, there is no competition in the beauty of its setting.

After our tour, the saying that ‘once you have seen it, Maligne Lake will forever hold a place in your mind’, seemed appropriate.

As we were heading back to shore, the captain of the boat turned to Bilal and Tamer and asked which one of them would like to steer it. Tamer, without hesitation, jumped up volunteering.

Just as Muna predicted, sitting at the front was advantageous and Tamer nailed it. He steered for about 10 minutes with the captain by his side.

Very happy with his accomplishment, Tamer excitedly told me that this was the best-ever trip he had made because this was the first time in his life that he commanded a boat.

Watching an Elk

Leaving the lake, we stopped by to watch an elk feeding and gazing at us at the same time along the road. Apparently, he had no fear of humans, especially tourists. “Wow, isn’t that Rudolph? Does Santa live here?” “No, boys”, I explained, “Santa lives further north and only appears at Christmas”. They seemed a little disappointed.

Registering in a hotel in the mountain resort town of Jasper nestled in the bosom of the Rockies, a tourist town of 5,000 in winter and 10,000 in summer, Laith and Muna went in search of food for the evening meal.

What they found instead, were two elk bucks strolling lazily along a sidewalk near the center of town munching on tree leaves to their hearts’ content as they moved along.

Laith excitedly took scores of pictures while Muna sat back in fear that there may be an attack. Returning back to the hotel, Laith was thrilled to show his sons the pictures.

Tamer, in his quest for bison, blurted out, “were they bison?” After learning they weren’t’, he sat down uninterested in the elk encounter.

The next morning, leaving the town of Jasper behind with its well-kept buildings, cuddled by towering mountains, and an idyllic vacation spot, we made our way southward on Highway 93, known as the ‘Icefields Parkway’ and as one of the most scenic routes in the world, to stop at Athabasca Falls, the most powerful of the numerous falls in the Canadian Rockies.

A place of wonder, we gazed at and listened to its roaring waters within a setting of white-tipped mountains and tree-filled valleys.

Regal Crests

The magnificent contiguous skyscraping mountains with their regal crests seem to protect the natural habitats of the area. Based on the size and magnitude of the glacial presence in the area, the route has been blessed with splendid waterfalls, thundering rivers, and breath-taking lakes filled with glacial waters.

Back on the highway, a short distance away, the boys cried out “Look, there are animals!” Laith stopped our van and we all got out, gazing at herds of black and white mountain goats, munching on greenery by the side of the road.

The boys stood in awe as they realized that part of the herd included families with mother, father, and children.

Bilal took me tightly by the hand and breathlessly said, “See! There’s a father, mother, and two babies, just like me and Tamer”.

Maria quickly responded, “Yes, and the children eat all their food without their mother running after them”. No comment, of course, from the two toddlers to their mom’s remark.

We were still discussing our encounter with the goats when a flock of Canada geese suddenly appeared wobbling along the highway.

Both boys piped up, “Oh look! Canada geese! They’re so funny-looking. You know they go south in the winter. Do they need passports because they’re Canadian?” Muna looked at the boys with pride as they already seemed to know the rules of traveling.

Icefields Parkway

Continuing on the Icefields Parkway, in the midst of a forested-landscape and following the Athabasca River, surrounded by towering mountains, we made our way southward.

We stopped at more than a dozen natural attractions including lakes, streams, gurgling waterfalls, and glacial-peaked mountains. The landscape was so overwhelming that no man could have invented a better setting.

Maria said it all when she commented that it really is hard to rationalize something so perfect, so real and so spectacular, that it could be made by nature. She felt so tiny within this majestic environment.

One of the most important stops that we made was the Columbia Icefields, formed by six glaciers – the largest accumulation of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Edged by 11 of the 22 highest mountain peaks in the Rockies and covering an area of 325 sq km (126 sq mi) and averaging 3,000 m (9,840 ft) in height, the six glaciers form a true ‘Continental Divide’ – their waters pouring, via the Athabasca and South Saskatchewan Rivers, into three different oceans: north to the Arctic; east to the Atlantic; and west to Pacific.

The frigid icefields were a source of great conversation as we left them headed for Banff. The kids were tired but still excited about their adventures in search of new animals. We checked into the beautiful Banff Aspen Lodge with its spacious rooms and friendly staff. A great welcome to Banff.

Lake Louise

To cap our journey, the next morning, we made a trip to Lake Louise. Overwhelming and captivating at first glance, Lake Louise, the crown jewel of Banff National Park, is one of Canada’s top mountain resorts.

Nestled deep within Banff National Park, the Lake is surrounded by some of the most splendid scenery in the world. The sheer beauty of its 150 m (500 ft) thick glistening glacier, overshadowing its crystal-clear lake, edged by forests of fir and spruce, creates a breathtaking and mystique aura.

The most famous glacial lake in the Canadian Rockies, to many, it is considered to be the most beautiful spot in the western hemisphere. Located high in the Rocky Mountains and easily accessible, the Lake has been often described by travellers as ‘Canada’s top idyllic retreat’, projecting one of the world’s most beguiling scenes.

We basked in its beauty and magnetic appeal then left for Lake Moraine, another glacial lake. Hearing us discuss our plans, Bilal piped up, “You know what’s boring? Seeing another lake! Tamer and I want to see animals.

We’ve had enough of the water”. While Muna laughed hysterically in the background, Bilal continued in his attempts to convince us that returning to our hotel in Banff would be the best option – not another lake. With his brother as his ally, both explained that hotel pools are a far better choice for enjoying water than visiting glacial lakes.

Trip Details

Top Place to Stay in Jasper:

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – the hotel, spreading along the curve of Lac Beauvert, a short distance from town, incorporates a golf course and combines the ultimate in luxury with tranquillity and natural beauty. A village unto itself, it consists of lavish log cabins and cedar chalets. 1 Old Lodge Road, Jasper, Alberta, Canada T0E 1E0. Tel: TOLL FREE: 1-866-540-4454 or 1-780-852-3301; Fax: 1-780-852-5107. E-mail: jasperparklodge@fairmont.com Website: http://www.fairmont.com/jasper/

For Further Information, Contact:

Tourism Jasper, P.O. Box 568, Jasper, Alberta, Canada TOE 1EO. Tel: (780) 852-6236 Website

Two Good Places to Stay Banff:

Fairmont Banff Springs – Inside, the hotel incorporates an amazing collection of chambers and the Bowling and Entertainment Centre and Willow Stream Spa. Besides the 764 guest rooms and suites, it offers 17 shops and 9 restaurants and lounges – a number of which diffuse old-world splendor.

It is a vibrant town unto itself. 405 Spray Ave. (or P.O. Box 960), Banff, Alberta T1L 1J4. Room reservations only: 1-866-540-4406 or hotel tel. 1-403-762-2211. Fax 403-762-5755. E-mail: banffsprings@fairmont.com

Banff Aspen Lodge – A delightful lodge with a friendly staff, it offers spacious rooms and free WiFi and a breakfast buffet. Only a few minutes’ walk from shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. 401 Banff Ave., Banff, Alberta AB T1L 1A9; Tel: 403-762-4401; Reservations only: 1-877-886-8857; E-mail: info@banffaspenlodge.com

For Further Information Contact:

Banff and Lake Louise Tourism Centre: 224 Banff Avenue, Banff, Alberta; Tel: 403 762 8421; Fax: 403 762 8163. Email: info@banfflakelouise.com. Twitter: @Banff_info. Website: www.banfflakelouise.com

Also, for more information please visit:
https://www.travelalberta.co