The National parks of Banff and Jasper, Canada are two areas on most of all travellers list to visit. I certainly can’t blame them as to why and I am still trying to figure out why it took me so long to explore the area either!
Banff and Jasper bring people in from all over the world so as you could imagine there are lots of tours and lots of things to do. I had a great opportunity to explore both areas with Pursuit: Banff Jasper Collection experiencing the tours they offered to see this beautiful part of the world.
I was really excited to work with Pursuit. As the biggest tour operator in the area, I really admired their efforts in more sustainable tourism. Some examples include water refill stations, solar panels in the lodges, 10% decrease in waste per guest and sustainably caught seafood in the restaurants. It’s not always easy making these efforts with thousands and thousands of visitors coming through every day but I truly think that every little bit makes a difference. You can read more about their efforts here.
If there are any tours you want to do in the area, I 100% recommend these three!
1.The Banff Gondola- Banff National Park
It should go without saying that if you are going to Banff, you NEED to go up the gondola. You just do. The view from the top is amazing and will be like nothing you have seen before. The beautiful boardwalk along the summit of Sulphur Mountain gives views of 6 mountain ranges, Bow Valley and the cutest squirrels that Canada has to offer. You can also stop for a bite to eat or do a little shopping.
2.Lake Minnewanaka cruise
Lake Minnewanka is a lake with a very cool history. It is known as Mighty Minnewanka because it is the biggest lake in Banff National Park. The glacial waters not only attract travelers to cruise on the water but actually welcomes divers from all over the world to explore the submerged town underneath. Where the lake is now was once a resort town in the 1880’s until a dam broke in 1940’s.
The lake was name by the Stoney-Nakoda First Nations people who called it Minn-waki or “Lake of the Spirits.”
The interpretive cruise takes you around the lake in an enclosed boat teaching you all about the history of the area. Look out for any wildlife while cruising the shoreline and while driving the Lake Minnewanaka road! I saw a few big horn sheep on the way!
3.Malinge Lake cruise
Maligne Lake, pronounced Ma-leen is nestled between rugged peaks and glistening glaciers. This lake is absolutely stunning and was my favourite tour of them all. The crew were fantastic giving a funny and educational interpretive tour of the lake. The tour goes down to the near the end of the lake where the world famous Spirit Island is. We were able to get off, walk the short track for the most amazing views. The island was named by the Stoney Nation Indigenous people and to preserve it’s beauty and to respect its heritage, access to the island itself is permitted.
I’m sure it doesn’t take much convincing to stir up that wanderlust for this part of the world if it isn’t there already! I have always been a lake girl and one for getting up high so if you get the chance to see any area from the water, from a mountain top or even the sky, take it! Perspectives change in the most beautiful way and you get to see everything differently. Which is part of what exploring is all about isn’t it!
If you want to see more wildlife goodness check out my post on viewing wildlife in the Canadian Rockies or for more Alberta inspiration click here
Have you been to Banff and Jasper before?
