Road Tripping Through Alberta’s Rocky Mountains — Where Inspirational Engineering Meets Jaw-Dropping Geology Are We There Yet?
FOCAL POINT
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Get your heart pumping while climbing a vertical rock face. Want to breathe in that fresh mountain air, far away from highway traffic? There are over 1,000 kilometres of trails to explore, from easy strolls to difficult scrambles. Simply want to take in the views? Geological wonders await at every turn. The crown jewels are Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Waterton Lakes National Park, but there are many other treasures to discover. Backcountry wonderlands you may not have considered include the areas around Hinton and Grande Cache, north of Jasper, as well as Kananaskis Country and David Thompson Country, both of which border Banff National Park. Further south, bordering Montana, the mighty peaks of Waterton Lakes National Park rise above the Prairies
A struggling economy means many Albertans are considering a stay-at-home vacation this summer. If you’re looking for fun and adventure without jetting off somewhere exotic (and expensive) or even venturing beyond your home province, the Rocky Mountains are the perfect playground. As an extra bonus, you’ll find constant reminders of what you love about your chosen professions. Jaw-dropping geology, inspirational engineering, trails for all fitness levels, and constant opportunities to spot bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, and other wildlife — these are just a few of the attractions that make our mountain parks and wilderness areas world-class destinations. If you’ve never visited Alberta’s Rockies or you’ve been there a hundred times before, you’ll find a plethora of activities to suit you and your family.
in glorious grandeur. Depending on where you
live, you might be able to enjoy some Rocky Mountain sightseeing on a day trip. But to really experience what the Rockies have to offer, you’ll need a weekend — or better yet, a week or two — to see the sights. Pack your camera, throw a good pair of hiking boots into the back of your car, and hit the highway.
SUMMER 2016 PEG | 75
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