Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
Location: British Columbia and Alberta, Canada
Year of Inscription: 1984
Criteria: (vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
Overview: The parks include Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Yoho National Parks, as well as Mount Robson, Mount Assiniboine, and Hamber Provincial Parks. The parks cover over 23,000 square kilometers of some of the most breathtaking scenery in North America, including mountains, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and forests. They are a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, skiing, and wildlife watching.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks include:
History: The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks have a rich history that dates back over 10,000 years. They were home to several indigenous groups, including the Ktunaxa, Blackfoot, and Stoney Nakoda, who relied on the area's abundant natural resources for survival. The parks' modern history dates back to the late 19th century, when conservationists began lobbying for the preservation of the parks' unique geological features and natural beauty.
Family-Friendly Activities: There are a variety of family-friendly activities available in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, including:
Fun Fact: The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks were the first national parks to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of their exceptional natural beauty and ecological significance.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks is $10 per person per day, or $20 per vehicle per day. Annual passes and other discounts are also available.
How to reach it: There are several ways to reach the parks:
Where to Stay: The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks offer a variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets, including:
Next Stop: SGang Gwaay
Year of Inscription: 1984
Criteria: (vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
Overview: The parks include Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Yoho National Parks, as well as Mount Robson, Mount Assiniboine, and Hamber Provincial Parks. The parks cover over 23,000 square kilometers of some of the most breathtaking scenery in North America, including mountains, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and forests. They are a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, skiing, and wildlife watching.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks include:
- The Rocky Mountains: A stunning range of mountains that stretch across the length of the parks and offer some of the most spectacular scenery in North America.
- Moraine Lake: A glacier-fed lake known for its vivid blue-green color and stunning mountain views.
- Athabasca Glacier: A large glacier located in Jasper National Park that visitors can walk on or ride in a special vehicle called an "ice explorer."
- Takakkaw Falls: A majestic waterfall located in Yoho National Park that is over 300 meters tall.
- Columbia Icefield: A massive icefield that spans both Banff and Jasper National Parks and is the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains.
- Wildlife: The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks are home to a variety of iconic wildlife species, including grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, elk, moose, and mountain goats.
History: The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks have a rich history that dates back over 10,000 years. They were home to several indigenous groups, including the Ktunaxa, Blackfoot, and Stoney Nakoda, who relied on the area's abundant natural resources for survival. The parks' modern history dates back to the late 19th century, when conservationists began lobbying for the preservation of the parks' unique geological features and natural beauty.
Family-Friendly Activities: There are a variety of family-friendly activities available in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, including:
- Exploring the parks' many hiking trails, which range from easy to difficult and offer a variety of stunning views and landscapes.
- Participating in the parks' interpretive programs, which offer guided hikes, boat tours, and educational exhibits.
- Camping at one of the parks' many campgrounds, which offer a variety of amenities and facilities for families.
- Taking a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, a 230-kilometer road that runs through Banff and Jasper National Parks and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in North America.
- Visiting the parks' many hot springs, including Banff Upper Hot Springs, Radium Hot Springs, and Miette Hot Springs.
Fun Fact: The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks were the first national parks to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of their exceptional natural beauty and ecological significance.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks is $10 per person per day, or $20 per vehicle per day. Annual passes and other discounts are also available.
How to reach it: There are several ways to reach the parks:
- By Air: The closest international airports to the parks are Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Calgary, Alberta and Edmonton International Airport (YEG) in Edmonton, Alberta. From there, visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle bus to the parks.
- By Car: The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks are easily accessible by car from major cities such as Calgary and Edmonton. The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) runs through the parks, providing easy access to many of the park's attractions.
- By Bus: There are several bus companies that offer transportation to the parks from major cities such as Calgary and Edmonton.
Where to Stay: The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks offer a variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets, including:
- Campgrounds: There are several campgrounds located within the parks, offering visitors the chance to experience the natural beauty of the parks up close. Some of the most popular campgrounds include the Lake Louise Campground, the Tunnel Mountain Campground, and the Two Jack Lakeside Campground.
- Hotels and Lodges: There are many hotels and lodges located within the parks, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious. Some of the most popular options include the Fairmont Banff Springs, the Chateau Lake Louise, and the Emerald Lake Lodge.
- Cabins and Chalets: For those looking for a more rustic experience, there are several cabins and chalets available for rent within the parks. Some of the most popular options include the HI-Lake Louise Alpine Centre, the Banff Log Cabin B&B, and the Baker Creek Mountain Resort.
Next Stop: SGang Gwaay