Purple mountain majesty; snow-capped peaks; ice-blue, colossal glaciers; oodles of spindly evergreens; jade green rivers and lakes fed by glacial run-off; rugged rock formations; the enchantment and beauty of the Canadian Rockies is unmatched.
Offering trails galore, gorgeous lakes and rivers, and outside adventures for everyone, these Canadian parks are an endless outdoor playground.
Passes providing access to four neighboring parks are available starting at $9.80 for an adult day pass ($19.60 for a family), or $67.70 for a year ($136.40 for the family).
1. Have a Campout
Pitching a tent, cooking over an open fire, roasting marshmallows or weiners- this may or may not be your idea of a fun time, but there is something enthralling for kids about being in the great outdoors and snoozing in a sleeping bag.
Banff and Jasper National Parks offer ample campgrounds for your outdoor enjoyment.
Whether you pitch a tent or park an RV, there is a campground to meet your needs. Most are open from May to October (some are open year round), and prices range from $15.70 to $38.20 a night- not bad for the entire family!
2. Visit Athabasca Falls
Glacier run-off, jade green river and roaring falls- Athabasca Falls was a family favorite.
Walking trails, bridges that span the falls and ‘potholes’, a walk through a crevice carved by water eons ago, the Athabasca trail takes you along the (previous) path of the powerful falls, leading to a peaceful, glacier green river.
This is one you shouldn't miss! (Oh, we also saw a black bear!)
3. Hike one of the trails
The smell of pine; fresh, crisp, clean mountain air; moving your legs and spending time together as a family.
Banff, Jasper and surrounding national parks provide inexhaustible opportunities for hiking in some of the most beautiful country you’ve ever encountered. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll, or a more strenuous challenge, you'll be able to find the perfect hike for your family.
4. Take a ride on a glacier
Take a ride on a gigantic 'Ice Explorer' as it creeps 5 kilometers up the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. Mid-point you have the option of stepping onto ice formed nearly 400 years ago.
Experience the awe and respect that comes as you meet face to face with one of nature's most massive undertakings.
5. Watch for wildlife
In a world where many children’s experience with animals include only domesticated pets and docile zoo inhabitants, seeing (up close) real-life wild animals is an adventure in itself.
Black bear, grizzly bear, elk, moose, caribou, mountain goats, dall sheep, cougar and coyote are just a few of the untamed creatures roaming the Canadian Rockies of which you’re likely to catch a glimpse while traversing the terrain of Banff and Jasper.
Imagine the memory building experiences you’ll share with your family as you spend time growing closer together in the natural beauty and magnificence of the Rocky Mountains.
What has your family discovered in Banff, Jasper or surrounding National Parks? Please share a comment below.
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There is definitely something to be said for the time spent in the great outdoors as a family! Our children have had the opportunity this past year to explore the endless outdoor experiences available right here in Utah.
We have had moose walk right through our tent camp in The Spruces, Buffalo come to the water hole the trailer was parked next to on the Tavaputs Plateau. The kids have had the opportunity on these trips to see bighorn sheep, elk, black bear, coyote, golden eagles, great horned owls…the list of birds goes on quite long. In fact, they have visited all 3 national bird refuges (Ouray, Bear River, and Fish Springs), where they have learned to spot and identify tons of different types of birds. They have also visited Farmington Bay Refuge. When we went to the Fish Springs Refuge we stopped off to go Geode hunting. We came home with buckets of rocks to break open and discover the unique crystals inside.
The educational opportunity when exploring the outdoors seems to be endless. The last trip to Tavaputs Plateau provided an awesome show of the Perseids Meteor Shower, as well as a great view of Jupiter and the moons around it!
These times out in the wilderness have lit a new passion within my children for learning. The books have come alive!
What you are doing with your kids is just wonderful!! I would certainly encourage all families (whether traveling or not) to take time to discover the places in their home town! The possibilities are endless and the experiences priceless.
We went to Banff (flew into Calgary) in 2008 and absolutely loved it. It was gorgeous! We hiked up Johnston Canyon, took a wildlife tour, rode the gondola up Sulphur Mountain, walked on the Columbia Icefields and then hit up Calgary for a day. Here are our pics: http://amyandbryan.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html
Looks like you guys are having a blast!
Amy,
Thanks for sharing those places and adventures with us. There is so much to do in that area.