Friday, September 12, 2008
Big Bend: Beautiful in the Backcountry
Elyse Young, a young marketing student at SAIT in Calgary, worked for us at the Jasper Tourism desk in the Information Centre this summer. Elyse was raised in Jasper and throughout the summer, she embarked on a few new adventures in and around her own home town!
I have always wanted to hike into the backcountry, and this summer my dreams finally came true. I was invited to tag along with my mother and two of her co-workers to the Big Bend campsite.
The hike begins at Sunwapta Falls, following the main trailhead about 6 km to the campsite. Walking in was fairly easy as the trail is relatively flat, and the weather that day was ideal for hiking. It rained a little on the way in but when we arrived to the campsite two and a half hours later the sun was shining, with only a few clouds in the beautiful blue sky.
The surrounding mountains were absolutely gorgeous, looking nothing like the ones around the Jasper town site. The mountains peaks were jagged and rough looking, making me feel small and insignificant.
I had such an awesome time on this hike; I definitely recommend it to beginners or for anyone looking to get away for the weekend. The hike itself is not too difficult or strenuous which is great for first timers. I now know why so many people like disappearing into the backcountry, the feeling really is inexplicable. I am definitely looking forward to doing more backcountry hikes in the future. Here are some pictures from the hike! Enjoy.
Elyse Young
The hike begins at Sunwapta Falls, following the main trailhead about 6 km to the campsite. Walking in was fairly easy as the trail is relatively flat, and the weather that day was ideal for hiking. It rained a little on the way in but when we arrived to the campsite two and a half hours later the sun was shining, with only a few clouds in the beautiful blue sky.
The surrounding mountains were absolutely gorgeous, looking nothing like the ones around the Jasper town site. The mountains peaks were jagged and rough looking, making me feel small and insignificant.
I had such an awesome time on this hike; I definitely recommend it to beginners or for anyone looking to get away for the weekend. The hike itself is not too difficult or strenuous which is great for first timers. I now know why so many people like disappearing into the backcountry, the feeling really is inexplicable. I am definitely looking forward to doing more backcountry hikes in the future. Here are some pictures from the hike! Enjoy.
Elyse Young
For more information on Backcountry camping in Jasper, please contact Parks Canada http://www.pc.gc.ca/jasper
Labels: backcountry, camping, hiking, Jasper, lake, sightseeing, summer, travel, vacation
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Maligne Lake Celebrates 100 Years of Tourism
A few weeks ago, on a sunny Saturday Afternoon, I attended (along with about 100 other guests) a wonderful Celebration at Maligne Lake. 2008 marks one hundred years since Mary Shaeffer stumbled upon the lake. And that was when Maligne Lake as a tourist destination was born. Soon after, boats were traveling down the Lake to the picturesque Spirit Island and 99 years later in 2007 - Reader's Digest rated the current boat cruise the Best Boat Cruise in Canada!
Many dignitaries attended the Celebration including The Premiere of Alberta, Ed Stelmach and Tourism Minister Cindy Ady. The crowd was entertained with historical anecdotes by several speakers, an auction held to raise money for Jasper Yellowhead museum and Archives, and a beautiful spread of food and delicious wine was enjoyed by all. What better way to spend a great August afternoon in Jasper!
Check it out: http://www.malignelake.com/
Labels: fishing, Jasper, lake, Maligne Lake, scenery, sightseeing, summer, Tours, travel, vacation
