Holiday in the Canadian Rockies

Canada has a history of ecological awareness and nature preservation. Because of this, Canada has a large network of parks and nature reserves. Not only do these protected areas keep the land pristine and the animals safe, they also preserve Canada's heritage and history, and provide breathtaking sights.

Banff National Park

Some of the most splendid protected areas lie in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Founded in 1885 and originally named Rocky Mountain Park, Banff was Canada's first established national park. It became Banff National Park in 1930, when the boundaries we know today were set.

This impressive and diverse ecological area contains mountains, forests, waterfalls, ice fields, glaciers, lakes, rivers and hot springs. The first tourists to visit the area regularly were wealthy Europeans, but later the parks grew to include the average vacationer as transportation was improved and roads were built or improved

Mountains popular with visitors include The Snow Dome, Bonnet Peak, Stoney Squaw Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Tunnel Mountain. These provide ample opportunities for camping, hiking, skiing and boarding, and sightseeing.

Lake Louise is a popular destination within the park, as is the Icefields Parkway, a scenic drive that runs from Jasper south to Lake Louise. The entire park provides for virtually every sport and amenity available, and every comfort level from roughing it to luxury at a spa.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. The park is home to glaciers, crystal blue water lakes, and the pristine wilderness that makes the Canadian Rockies so awe-inspiring.

During the summer, activities such as hiking, fishing, biking and boating are popular, and the wintertime pursuits of cross-country skiing, snowboarding and ice skating make it a great vacation destination all year round.

Maligne Canyon offers hiking opportunities and spectacular views of canyons that have been carved out of a limestone foundation by the Athabasca River.

Burning the parks

Planned burns within protected areas are conducted when necessary, and will provide the benefits that forest fires provide without causing the devastation. Restricting some areas from tourists will leave them to grow naturally and prolifically.

By protecting, balancing, and preserving nature, and reducing destruction of food sources and habitat, Canada has made it possible through legislation and education, to ensure proper environments for the wildlife, vegetation and geography of the Rocky Mountains.