Top 6 things you must see in Banff & Jasper

I often get asked what my favourite Canadian location is, and when I say Jasper, I’m always met with a blank stare. Not Banff? What is Jasper?

For those of you who don’t know, Jasper is a National Park in Alberta, just north of Banff. It is located in the Canadian Rockies within the Athabasca River Valley. And the reason why I adore Jasper much more than Banff is that there are so much more things to see. To me, Banff felt like more of a tourist trap. I did include Banff in this blog because I find that it is so similar to Jasper and has one fantastic sight to explore. But in the end, you’ll get much more out of travelling to Jasper, and save money too. Without further delay, here are the top 6 things you can do.

#6 Tangle Creek Falls (Jasper)

There is so much to like about Tangle Falls. In Jasper National Park, it is not only very easy to reach, but it is also an eye-catching, multi-tiered waterfall. It is super special and fascinating due to the many levels it has. The falls are practically right next to the highway. The parking spot is across the street from the drop, so when crossing, be careful.

Address: Icefields Pkwy, Improvement District No. 12, Jasper National Park

 

#5 Maligne Canyon (Jasper)

Maligne Canyon is a wonder, summer or winter. Its name means “the wicked”, and has been impressing visitors of Jasper National Park for decades. It was in fact featured by Expedia as one of the best Canadian destinations.

The hike will start you at the very top of the canyon and you will slowly make your way down while exploring waterfalls, springs and caves. The distance is about 3.7 km, which takes about 1 hour to hike each way. The Maligne valley narrows as you reach the bypasses at the fourth bridge, but stairs await you as soon as it becomes steep.

Address: Maligne Canyon Trail, Jasper, AB

Hike Length: 3.5-km loop

Amount of Time to do: 2 hours

#4 Medicine Lake (Jasper)

Medicine Lake is formed by the Maligne river, from a series of underground caves made of limestone. During the summer, a huge amount of glacial melt fills the lake with icy blue-green water. This incredible phenomena caused by the largest inaccessible underground cave system in the world is why it received the name, Medicine Lake.

Address: Jasper National Park, Alberta

 

#3 Athabasca Falls (Jasper)

The Athabasca Falls are not considered the highest or the widest waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, but are considered the most powerful. The falls have a drop of 80 ft, which I’m told is a class 5 waterfall. You can fully enjoy it by hiking along the canyon and observe from various lookout points. The hike is less than 1 km, and the trail is paved with concrete bridges over gorges. 

During the winter, the falls freezes and creates natural ice formations. You can cross country ski along many trails leading to the Athabasca Falls.

Address: Jasper National Park, Jasper, AB

Hike Length: 0.8-km loop

Amount of Time to do: 15 mins

#2 Athabasca Glacier (Jasper)

The Athabasca glacier is over 6 km long. The leading edge of the glacier is within easy walking distance; however, travelling on the glacier is not recommended unless well equipped. Hidden crevasses have led to the injuries of unprepared tourists. Buses transport tourists to the glacier edge, where they board specially designed snow coaches for transport over the steep grades.

Sadly, this Alberta wonder will disappear within a generation due to climate change. Make sure to you visit this natural beauty soon. There is also Family dining at the Altitude Restaurant with glacier views of the Columbia Icefield.

Address: Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, Icefields Pkwy, Improvement District No. 12, AB

Hike Length: 1.5-km Out & Back

Amount of Time to do: 40 mins

In order to book a tour of the icefields, you can go to this website: https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/columbia-icefield/

#1 Peyto Lake (Banff)

Peyto Lake is what makes Banff National Park the phenomenon it is, an inspiring natural feature that is impossible to describe. Hiking in Banff is not always easy, but you get to come across views like this.

The turquoise colour comes from silt-like rock continually being carried into the lake by melted-water from the surrounding glaciers. The particles become suspended in the water, refracting blue and green wavelengths of light.

Address: Peyto Lake, Banff, AB

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To learn more about the best places to visit in Canada, click here.