Athabasca Falls and Columbia Icefield in jasper

Athabasca Falls: on the athabasca river these massive, roaring falls are 30 kilometers south of jasper. Falls are surrounded by self guided trails and interpretive exhibits. Vantage points for photos and contemplation are provided by a lookout spot and bridge. It took millions of years in the making of odd rock formations. These formations surround the falls. These are also the take off point for white water rafting. In the warming sun pack a lunch and grab one of the picnic tables. Public washrooms and parking areas are also available here. For staying in jasper in Canada select only hotels in jasper.
Columbia Icefield: This 125-square-mile icefield, situated on the boundry of Banff and jasper national parks, is the most accessible of the 17 glacial areas located along the icefields parkway. It’s part of the athabasca glacier, a 20,000-year-old vestige of the last major glaciation that covered Canada, and one of very few glaciers in the world you can actually drive to the foot of. Thirteen of the 30 highest mountains in the rocky mountains ring the icefield, and the meltwater flowing from the ancient frozen sea feeds rivers that flow into three oceans and provides fresh water for millions of Canadians. Guided tours onto these ancient frigid slopes are available from the icefield centre, or head across the road to the parking lot beside sunwapta lake and hike the short trail to the glaciers toe.