The Natural Beauty of Jasper National Park

There are many great reasons to choose a Canada hiking holiday: the stunning landscapes, the diversity of wildlife, and the sheer feeling of being surrounded by wilderness. King of the Canadian wilds, at least in terms of scale, is the famous Jasper National Park.

The park covers over 10,000 km2 of the Canadian Rockies and is located in the province of Alberta. A popular destination for all kinds of excursions, the park lends itself particularly well to a Canada hiking holiday, bringing together routes and activities for people of all ages and abilities. The natural wealth of the park was recognised by UNESCO in 1984, when it was declared, along with the other Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, a World Heritage Site.

Jasper National Park

The park was named after a trader called Jasper Hawes who worked in the region for the North West Company. It became a park in 1907 and gained National Park status in 1930. Ideal for a Canada hiking holiday, the park has over 1200 km of trails and some great accommodation.

Maligne Lake Tours

During the wintertime, the park transforms into an otherworldly wonderland. Visitors can take guided canyon ice walks along the Maligne riverbed when it is transformed by the arrival of winter. The local guides take visitors on a trip below the frozen surface of the Maligne River to witness the incredible natural ice formations that form. The freezing temperatures cause the water levels to drop, allowing exploration of this hidden alien world.

Mount Edith Cavell

If you're after a Canada hiking holiday that takes you up rather than down, then you will probably be interested in the hiking trail that runs up Mount Edith Cavell. There are two different types of guided tour offered on the mountain. If you're an experienced walker and looking for something strenuous, then the Mount Cavell hike is perfect: a climb up through to the beautiful alpine meadows full of colourful wildflowers. If you're less experienced, or looking for something a little more relaxing, then the Mount Cavell walk is a more suitable option: the walk takes a route through the glacial formations of the emerald lake. Both excursions lead to absolutely breath-taking views of the Angel Glacier.

The Icefields Parkway

If you've had enough of walking but you still want to experience the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies, then you might want to hop in a car and take a cruise along the Icefields Parkway, surely one of the world's most scenic highways. The road parallels the Continental Divide and provides a stunning 230 km stretch of jaw-dropping natural beauty all around. Make sure you keep your eyes on the road!

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. For walking holidays Peru is a fascinating destination. Join us to experience scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.