Parks Canada

Parks Canada celebrates its 100 anniversary in 2011 so what a better way to celebrate than to spend some time in the mountains. This is one of the many trips I have taken to the Rocky Mountains as well as one of my favorite places in the world. As Canada was expanding west, the Rocky Mountains were discovered and promoted as a vacation spot to wealthy European travelers who saw images of Canada as a wild and exotic land. The parks continue to attract tourists, adventurists and nature enthusiasts from around the globe. You will want to spend some time to hike, canoe, raft, ride the gondola, camp, ski, or just relax and enjoy the sites, the sounds and fresh mountain air. The national parks between British Columbia and Alberta are divided into 5 parks called Jasper, Banff, Yoho, Kootenay and Glacier/Mount Revelstoke. Must see spots are the village of Banff (ride the gondola, dip yourself in the hotsprings, take a boat ride on lake Minnewanka, eat a sweet 'beavertail' and enjoy is great restaurants and nightlife); Banff has become quite a tourist town and has changed over the years however thanks to regulations the town cannot expand anymore than it is. To have a more rustic and less tourist stay head up to Jasper, less busy and more wildlife. The hottest tourist draw is Lake Louis. A picturesque postcard make by nature. With a few hotels and restaurants you will fall in love with this magical spot. But do not miss Moraine Lake which is very close just as amazing. Fallow the icefields road to see the Glacier. Sadly, the glacier has been receding with the climate changes and could possibly disappear by the next century. Other spots to check out are Emerald lake, Takakkaw Falls, Rogers Pass. Wildlife is plenty however you won't see many animals near the roadside as a fence has been installed over the years to protect animals from traffic. Special thanks to Brewsters. Book excellent tours at: www.explorerockies.com