Jasper, in the Jasper National Park (Jasper National Park)

Member Name: misswilmotsghost

Product:	Jasper National Park
Date:	17/01/09 (14 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: a small town, everything is within easy reach

Disadvantages: not rich in facilities not linked to the great outdoors

We drove up the Icefields Parkway from Banff, and I was glad that we were in a motorhome, rather than one of the surprising number of cyclists that we passed. The Icefields Parkway, as its name suggests takes you past several glaciers as you travel along the Rockies, and the information centre is well worth stopping at. Here you can board a specially constructed vehicle which takes you onto the glacier where you can actually get out and walk on the ice - it's amazing.

On to Jasper, a pleasant small town with a helpful and informative tourist information office. Jasper has lots of companies offering trips and activities, we opted to use a booking agent based in the cinema on the main street and were very happy with our choices.

We went on a very enjoyable rafting trip for wimps (more exhilerating options were available) where we got to see nesting bald eagles as well as white water), and we also chose a nature walk. It has to be said that the nature was a bit thin on the ground (we had better views of wild beavers in Calgary) but the guide was experienced and informative and we felt that we learned a lot.

The Jasper tramway shouldn't be missed, a cable car that takes you up the mountain for stunning views of the area.

While we were staying in Jasper we were lucky enough to see the RCMP Musical Ride. As you would expect the standard of performance and horsemanship was incredibly high but what we really liked was the "Canadian-ness" of it all. Just held at a local rodeo ground, it was a very untouristy event with lots of local families. At the end the mounties all came to the edge of the display area to answer questions and be in photographs. If you have the opportunity - go and see it.

Summary: small town, big scenery