Category Archives: Editor’s Choice

Walks and Talks Jasper – “It’s all about Nature”

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vanedithJasper – Walks & Talks Jasper was started in the 1990’s when Paula who grew up here in Jasper realized the need for Guided Interpretive outings, walks& hikes in Jasper. Walks & Talks Guides have their Professional Level (IGA) Qualifications we believe that the outdoors makes a great classroom to share the wealth of knowledge so their clients go away with an increased awareness, understanding and passion for Jasper National Park a World Heritage Site.

The guided outings are for small groups that take place in unique surroundings the average person may never discover. Walks & Talks provides the right gear your comfort and safety are always our priority. The pace is easy as we have planned stops to point out the Flora Fauna, Mountains, History and wildlife Habitats should we spot some wildlife; there’s always time for photos!

snowshukidsSUMMER

  • Morning Birding Beaver & Wildlife Outing
  • Daily Guided Hike to the Alpine with incredible views while we stop to enjoy a PINIC lunch (
    Trails include -Mt Edith Cavell- Sulphur Skyline- Wilcox Pass-Valley of the 5 Lakes)
  • Mysterious Maligne Canyon and Lake-listen to the roar feel the spray
    of the waterfalls

WINTER

  • Easy cross-country ski outings at scenic Wabasso
  • Mysterious Maligne Valley/ Snowshoe or Cross-contry ski Spectacular Icefield Parkway to Columbia Icefield with veiws of frozen Waterfalls

BOOK at: Edge Control Ski & Outdoors 626 Connaught Drive next door to Subway Sandwich shop
CALL: 780-852-4494 or toll free at 1-888-242-3343Thanks,

Paula Beauchamp
Walks and Talks Jasper

Away Inn, Canmore, Alberta

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away-inn2Located in a lovely quiet neighborhood, Away Inn is a charming, small and very quaint little Bed and Breafast in Canmore, Alberta.

Although quiet, it is only 20 minutes from Banff National Park and is more or less Banff’s bedroom community. The rooms we stayed in were spotless and the breakfasts were simply delectable with tasty omelettes and lots of fresh fruit that were always served with a warm smile. The scenery around the picturesque house is stunning and Canmore, of course, has some cool character.

The hosts were perhaps the best part of the house. Attentive and friendly to a fault, Murray & Anthea Messier really made us feel at home. The kudos and compliments they receive from their international guests in the guestbook are completely deserved. A truly excellent Bed and Breakfast.

“I guess the reason people like coming to us is because we are affordable, have a homely environment. People really feel welcome here.” – Murray Messier.

For more information: http://www.canadianrockies.net/awayinn/.

Canadian rail tours and trail travel


Click here for Rocky Mountaineer frequently asked questions.

There’s no better way to enjoy the splendid scenery of the Canadian Rockies than by taking in its majesty via Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail train travel. Rocky Mountainer and VIA Rail offers you a magical way to see this vast and beautiful land, combining the 19th-century adventure with all the modern luxury of a world-class hotel.

Canadian Rockies rail tours offers you the chance to enjoy the rugged beauty of the Rockies by just sitting back and relaxing in spacious comfort. Just imagine the 360-degree panoramic views while being served by some of the finest chefs.

A Canadian rail tours vacations are adventure vacations. Pick your package, stop and explore Jasper National Park, Banff National Park, the Kootenays and many other points in between. Rail tours offer great flexibility from economy packages to luxury options. You take a break from the train and stay at world class resorts in Banff or go for more economy options.

Your dream Canadian Rockies vacation could even combine the ultimate rail trip with a luxury Alaskan cruise.

Want to see more of Canada, VIA Rail has plenty of packages to offer.

Nipika… Canadian Rockies eco resort dream


KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK, BC – As we grow more conscious about environmental responsibility, it becomes apparent that our awareness needs to extend into each area of our lifestyle, including our vacation choices. In this regard, one of the best destinations for your Canadian Rockies vacation is the Nipika Mountain Resort where every aspect of your stay has been designed with the clean energy, recycling, and preservation of the environment in mind.

Located right next to Kootenay National Park, Nipika is situated in the heart of some of the most scenic landscapes in the Canadian Rockies. Nipika is located at 9200 Settlers Road (14 kms off Hwy. 93 between Radium Hot Springs, B.C. (32 Kms) and Banff, Alberta (114 kms).

solarImagine staying in one of the most magnificent settings on the planet where all power is generated by hydro and solar power. At Nipika, dead wood is salvaged from the forest and placed in a central boiler to provide heat and hot water to each and every building on the property.

Strategically located solar panels are also placed to collect sunlight for delivering electricity to batteries that then deliver this power as AC current through inverters. Additionally all of the buildings and most of the furniture you will encounter at Nipika is built from trees that have been already killed by mountain Pine Beetles.

batteriesThe wood is selected, milled, and built on site in Nipika’s woodworking shop where a team of artists create original designs as well as complete their construction. Knowing that not one living tree has been felled is one of the ways you can be proud that you have selected such a thoughtful and intelligent resort for spending time in the Canadian Rockies.

The management and personnel at Nipika are ever-watchful for maintaining the surrounding natural habitat in optimum condition, ensuring that wildlife enjoy the peace and privacy of their domain and that every tree, flower, and blade of grass is honored. Hunting is prohibited at Nipika, and motorized vehicles are not allowed on the 50 km trail network that weaves through some of the most magnificent 1500 acres of pristine wilderness areas in the Canadian Rockies.

inverterNipika Mountain Resort takes pride in making sure that each and every guest enjoys the most comfortable stay when visiting the Canadian Rockies while learning more about the natural surroundings, history, and eco-culture that makes this region so unique.

Educational tours are easily arranged through any of Nipika’s knowledgeable staff members. A visit to the Bill Yearling Interpretive Cabin will also expand your awareness on what makes the Canadian Rockies such a draw for naturalists, photographers, explorers, and vacationers the world over.

Planning group events while you are in the Canadian Rockies? Nipika’s conference and retreat facilities are ideal for groups of up to 100 people.

Many weddings and other equally special gatherings have been hosted at this eco retreat, where enjoying the hot tub and sauna, frolicking in or skating on the pond, and enjoying all of Nipika’s other special amenities makes for a vacation never to be forgotten. And for those of you who ride, you are even welcome to bring along your own horses!

For more information please contact:
www.nipika.com
Toll free: 1-877-647-4525

The Rocky Mountain Grotto: Privacy, Elegance, and Your Own Private Sauna!


Staying at the Rocky Mountain Grotto in Alberta, Canada was one of the highlights of a trip I’d been planning for over a year. My idea was to return to Banff National Park and then go on to see some of the sites around Canadian Rockies that I’d missed the last time, like Takkakaw Falls and Lake O’Hara. Friends had recommended the Grotto Rocky Mountain Grotto, not only for its comforts, but for its knowledgeable staff who gave them inside tips on the most interesting places to visit in the area. And so I booked a long weekend and headed to one of my favorite destinations in the world, the Canadian Rockies.

Just off the Trans Canada Highway, the Rocky Mountain Grotto is an easy reach from both Calgary and Banff, making it a perfect vacation destination stay for travelers who want to cover ground when on a Canadian Rockies vacation. The B&B is in the charming town of Canmore, a beautiful mountain setting, with friendly residents and wonderful little bistros and galleries that create a unique Rockies personality.

The moment I pulled into the Rocky Mountain Grotto’s drive, I knew this was the place for me. Enveloped by the majestic peaks, invigorated by clear mountain air, I was instantly welcomed by a warm staff member and graciously led to my spacious, elegant, suite.

Martha Segal, the owner of the Rocky Mountain Grotto, has seen to it that her guests feel as comfortable as possible with impeccable service along with utmost privacy. Sleeping in the Queen-size bed was like sleeping on a cloud, complete with feather down-filled duvet and fluffy pillows. The first night’s sleep was such an incredible luxury that I slept much later than I’d planned, not wanting to relinquish the toasty warmth and the excellent mattress that made my back feel better than ever. But the breakfast corner beckoned with fresh fruit and juices to go along with the delicious baked goods topped with sumptuous apricot or berry jams. Hours later, I finally peeled myself away from the seductive comfort of my bed and breakfast to cover some ground in the great Canadian outdoors.

After each day of vigorous adventuring, I couldn’t wait to return “home.” With legs aching from all the hiking and cross country skiing, I was ready each evening for my very own private cedar sauna to take all the stress away, preparing me for a relaxing dinner with friends or a night out on the town.

The long weekend flew by, and with each day of becoming more attached to the hominess and welcome of my new favorite B&B, I made myself a promise to return as often as I can, as well as to recommend this marvelous haven to all of you who plan to visit the Canadian Rockies.