Stunning mountain resorts
IN 1881, the Canadian Pacific Railway Co chose to route its rail line through the Bow River Valley in southern Alberta and, in doing so, opened up one of the most spectacular resort areas in the world.
The railway led to the founding of Banff, which later became the Banff National Park, Canada's first.
It was followed by Jasper National Park further north, which matches its southern neighbour in beauty and recreation.
Just two hours from Calgary by car, Banff is a year-round tourist destination.
Its greatest feature is its vast number of ski hills but the park also features tremendous cross-country skiing trails.
Lake Louise is the most famous of the ski resorts, and also features the luxurious Chateau Lake Louise Hotel.
Tourists can bathe in the famed Banff hot springs.
Accommodation ranges from expensive resorts and hotels to inns, lodges and bed and breakfast.
Farther north, Jasper offers similar beauty set among some of the Rockies' most rugged peaks. While in Jasper, every visitor should take a trip on the Jasper Tramway on Whistler's Mountain to enjoy the spectacular view from the mountain's peak.
From Banff, tours go to Lake Minnewanka and include trips to the Cascade Falls. Every visitor to Jasper should visit the Columbia Icefields, which cover an area of almost 325 square kilometres.
Getting there is not difficult as a wide range of bus services exist between Calgary, Edmonton, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.
Train services operate during the summer months from Vancouver to Calgary with stops in the Rockies. Vancouver is a one-hour flight from Calgary.
