Canadian Rockies: Banff to Jasper Drive

The Banff to Jasper Drive – An Incredible Canadian Odyssey

If you live in the United States or Canada you’ve heard of the Rocky Mountains. Of course if you live in Colorado or other states where the Rockies are a force to recon with, they are second nature to you.

But you don’t want to take them lightly. On the other side of the coin are the same mountains, the Canadian Rockies in Canada.

Here is a great travel destination in these scenic mountains you need to see if you are from another part of the country.

It’s an exciting drive or even a bus ride that will leave you memories forever.

If you go to Banff National Park in Alberta Province in Canada then the next logical stop for you is probably Jasper National Park.

It’s a great, scenic drive through the Rocky Mountains, whether you drive your own car or opt for other available transportation.

The Banff to Jasper drive route via Icefields Parkway has always received numerous accolades for being one of the most amazing mountain drive routes in world.

This magnificent road stretches around 232 kilometers (144mi) and provides you an incredible view of the Canada’s Rocky Mountain Parks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To make this journey is to experience spectacular landscapes adorned by mountain lakes, glaciers and wide valleys.

There is no exaggeration when it comes to this route, as the natural beauty that will unfold before your eyes is worth all the effort and time.

Do you have a travel experience to share?  CLICK HERE to tell us your story or write a review.

When exploring this route, you can drive a car or ride a bus or even take a train.

If you are feeling a little more adventurous go for a bike ride or do some long amazing hikes to the pristine lakes and mountain meadows.

These activities will allow you to savor the moment, and offer more chances to see a wide array of wildlife inhabiting the area.

The journey usually consists of traveling from Banff to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway, also called Highway 93.

There are several companies that offer motor coach tours complete with a knowledgeable guide.

The tour typically gives you the chance to experience and explore notable attractions. A number of people begin driving from the Calgary, Alberta area, stopping at the old cowboy town of Cochrane.

Then proceeding west about 135 km (83mi) to the entrance to Banff National Park.

From the town of Banff, you will need to move further west. The journey includes driving into the heart of Banff National Park, which is the first national park of Canada.

About 480 kilometers (298mi) along the Canadian Rockies, the national park is surrounded by ice fields, glaciers, rivers, valleys, forests and towering peaks.

Along the way you will also see amazing natural attractions like the Johnston Canyon with its impressive waterfalls, Lake Louise and its famous ski area and the Castle Mountain Viewpoint.

You can also drop by the Lake Louise Village to get gas and refreshments and marvel at this incredible and stunning landscape.

When driving along the Icefields Parkway, you will get a wonderful look from the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint; and the luscious forests and fresh water around the Bow River valley.

You can make a stop and explore the historical Whyte Museum and the Banff Park Museum, which features intriguing displays of animals like moose, bears and foxes, albeit not live.

Other interesting places are the Hot Springs, and Cave and Basin National Historic Site, which dates from a 1914 native stone bathing complex.

One of the highlights of the Banff to Jasper drive is the opportunity to experience first hand, Athabasca Glacier.

You can actually travel by special vehicle on to the glacier accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. Passengers can safely step out onto the glacier and stand on this powerful ancient iceflow.

 

Have you taken this Banff to Jasper Drive?   If so, add your insights below about this scenic travel destination.  

As you continue the route, you will come across Peyto Lake Viewpoint, Mistaya Canyon and the Saskatchewan River Crossing.

The drive will also lead you to a series of gorgeous falls including the Athabasca Falls, which is only 25 minutes from Jasper. Then the incredible forests, lakes and glaciers of Jasper National Park awaits you.

After a long but rewarding journey, you can now relax in the lovely railroad and resort town of Jasper.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the wonderful mountain resort of Jasper Park Lodge.

Travel experts recommend making this exciting mountain route between the months of June to September, when weather conditions are the most pleasant.

During winter, there are instances when the road is closed due to drastic snow and ice conditions.

If you’re going to take the Banff to Jasper Drive and want to maximize your day, it is best to leave Banff early in the morning so you will reach Jasper National Park by evening.

If you plan to camp in Banff or Jasper National Parks, be sure to make your reservations early to ensure a spot.

More about the Athabasca icefield and Banff. Consider starting your Canadian Rocky Mountain trip at Banff. Read more about it here.

Copyright © Travellistics.com

About the Author

Charles likes Ayurveda. He sells also sells websites.