Maligne Lake
To discover
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12 days: Splendors of Eastern Canada
Who would have thought that a handful of trees would panic social networks? 22 km long, Maligne Lake has a small islet, Spirit Island, planted with a few proudly erect trees, with roots almost in the water. This is arguably the most photogenic place in Jasper National Park, Instagram has greatly contributed to its reputation. In summer, tourists can take a short cruise on the lake by motor boat, the premium version of which includes a stop on the islet. The more adventurous can instead rent a canoe or kayak at the
Maligne Lake Boat House
to navigate the glacial waters at their own pace. Several hiking trails wind from the shores of the lake to the top of
Bald Hills
, 2300 meters above sea level, from where you canoffers the most striking view.
Our advice
Some hiking areas around the lake are closed from November to February in order to preserve caribou habitat.
Find out about the conditions of access to the trails in this season, on the website of the tourist office.
Practical information
Entrance fee to Jasper National Park: $ 10 per adult.
Free for those 17 and under.
More info on the Jasper National Park website.
Elk Island National Park
At Elk Island National Park, nearly 700 bison live in semi-freedom in an area twice the size of Paris.
Adobe Stock
Bison, beavers, no doubt, we are in Canada!
Located just 40 km east of Edmonton, capital of Alberta, Elk Island National Park is the only walled park in the province.
Nearly 700 bison live there in semi-freedom, in an area of nearly 200 km².
To observe these giants of the plains, it is better to come at dawn or at dusk, when the heat is not yet raging.
About ten hiking trails wind through the park, including the one called
Wood Bison Trail
: a loop of about 15 km between lakes and forests.
It is here that one would have the best chance of observing a herd of bison… Without guarantee for all that.
Read alsoCanada: the call of the west
Our advice
Avoid visiting the park on hot summer days.
As the bison cannot stand the heat, they take refuge in the forest, out of sight.
The calving season takes place around the month of June, it is the ideal period to hope to see baby bison.
Practical information
Entrance fee: $ 7.90 per adult.
Free for those 17 and under.
More info on the Elk Island National Park website.
Icefield Parkway
Linking Lake Louise to Jasper, Highway 93, called Route des Glaciers, runs for 230 km.
Roman Koenigshofer
Its name already transports us to the snow-capped peaks.
Linking Lake Louise to Jasper,
Highway 93
, called Route des Glaciers, unfolds its landscapes speckled with immaculate white over 230 km.
Here, the snowfields persist even in the heart of summer.
Among the must-see on the way, do not miss the
Peyto Lake
, whose turquoise blue, almost surreal, leaves tourists in awe.
An easy path leads to the lookout in 10 minutes from the road.
200 km further, the Mount Edith Cavell, dominating the landscape from the top of its 3363 meters, marks another highlight of the route.
In summer, the paths leading to it cross meadows of wild flowers.
Attentive hikers will observe the marmots, which complete this postcard decor.
Our advice
In the middle of the course, the
Columbia Icefield Glacier Dicovery Center
welcomes the thousands of tourists who parade every day in summer.
The structure houses a very well documented information center, a hotel, a cafeteria and a chic restaurant.
In the basement, an exhibition raises awareness of global warming.
A rewarding visit, despite the influx.
Practical information
To take this route, you must pay the entrance fee to a national park, that of Banff or Jasper: $ 10 per adult.
Free for those 17 and under.
Lake louise
Depending on the light, the color of Lake Louise oscillates between turquoise blue and emerald green.
Lake Louise Tourism
A road trip in Alberta inevitably leads to Lake Louise, perhaps the most iconic site in Banff National Park. The lake ticks all the boxes on the postcard. Depending on the light, its color oscillates between turquoise blue and emerald green. The rocky slopes covered with deep green fir trees are reflected in this peaceful mirror of water. For the best view of the lake, seasoned walkers will follow the trail that climbs to
Mount Big Beehive
.
Along the way, the Lake Agnes tearoom provides a comforting stopover before tackling the more strenuous part of the hike.
After about two hours of ascent, it is with a pounding heart and stiff legs that we reach the summit.
From up there, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel, a juggernaut on the water's edge, looks almost tiny.
Another must-see in the area is Moraine Lake, 15 km away.
Read alsoThe Fairmont hotel in Lake Louise, postcard decor in Canada
Our advice
In the middle of summer, the car parks located in the immediate vicinity of lakes Louise and Moraine are often full as of 8 am.
It is best to park in the auxiliary car park and use the shuttle service that serves the two lakes.
Online booking is strongly recommended.
Once at Lake Louise, a free bus goes to Moraine Lake, and vice versa.
The shuttles run from mid-May to mid-October.
Practical information
Round trip ticket: $ 8 per adult;
$ 2 for 6-17 year olds and free for children under 6.
More info on the Banff National Park website.
Johnston canyon
Well laid out and accessible to all, the promenade consists of a long footbridge hanging from the cliff.
Travel Alberta / Stevin Tuchiwsky
Frosted and immaculate in winter, tumultuous and turquoise in spring, the Johnston River is admired in all seasons.
Just 25 km from Banff, Johnston Canyon is one of the region's most enjoyable walks.
Well laid out and accessible to all, the promenade consists of a long footbridge hanging from the cliff.
From the car park, you can easily walk in a forest environment, there rocky, to go up the Johnston river to the upper waterfall, located 2.5 km from the car park (about 1 hour walk).
Beware of the curious who get too close to the waterfalls, the shower is guaranteed.
Our advice
Accessible to all, the site attracts a lot of visitors.
As parking spaces are limited, taking the bus from Banff (line 9) is a good alternative to driving.
Roam Transit operates to the town of Banff and major attractions in its national park from approximately mid-May to mid-September.
Practical information
Entrance fee to Banff National Park: $ 10 per adult.
Free for those 17 and under.
More info on the Banff & Lake Louise Tourism website.
Banff Gondola and Sulfur Mountain
Fly over the pine forests in a cable car for 8 minutes to reach the summit of Mount Sulfur, perched at 2270 meters above sea level.
Brewster Travel Canada
Boarding the cable car to attack Sulfur Mountain means flying over the pine forests for 8 minutes to reach the summit, at 2,270 meters.
From there, you can walk to an old weather station in 15 minutes to admire the panorama.
As far as the eye can see, Banff reveals the snow-capped peaks of its national park.
Here is a good overview of what awaits tourists who come to hike in the region.
The bravest will tackle the Sulfur Mountain trail on foot from the valley.
5 km in switchbacks in the forest and 700 meters of vertical drop put the thighs to the test, but what satisfaction once up there.
Dizzying!
Our advice
It is possible to walk up and down by cable car.
The price of the gondola ride is then halved.
On the other hand, those who would like to take the cable car and come back down on foot must pay a return ticket anyway.
Practical information
The price of the gondola ride varies according to attendance.
In high summer, count a minimum of $ 55 per adult for the round trip.
Reservation is compulsory.
More info on the Banff Jasper Collection website.
Calgary Stampede
The world's best riders and cowboys compete at Stampede Park.
Shane Kuhn
It is certainly the biggest rodeo in the world!
Each July, the Calgary Stampede attracts one million visitors.
For ten days, breeding professionals, rodeo enthusiasts or simply curious come to soak up the festive atmosphere will meet in the largest city of Alberta to attend the festivities of this XXL event.
Agricultural fair, costume parades and country concerts punctuate a busy agenda and keep the city center alive.
For the show, the real one, go to Stampede Park where the best riders and cowboys in the world compete.
The mechanical bulls remain for tourists to learn about the art of
bull riding
.
One hand in the air, knees tight on the sides of the beast and let's go!
Our advice
If you are planning to attend the Stampede, it is best to book accommodation in Calgary months in advance.
This recommendation also applies if you land or take off from Calgary during the Stampede period and the schedule requires an overnight stay.
Please note, hotel rates are soaring during this period.
Practical information
Count $ 40-350 to attend an afternoon rodeo.
Standing places are also on sale from $ 20 but the shows last several hours so the option is not ideal.
More info on the Calgary Stampede website.
Royal Tyrrell Museum
The Badlands, these vast Canadian plains, hollowed out by dry and winding canyons, well known to paleontologists.
STANISLAS FAUTRE / Le Figaro Magazine
Head for the Badlands and return a few million years ago. 140 km from Calgary, the largest city in the province, stretch these vast Canadian plains, hollowed out by dry and winding canyons. Well known to paleontologists, this region with lunar landscapes hides dinosaur fossils in these arid soils. The Royal Tyrell Museum exhibits some of the finest specimens, such as the fully reconstructed skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex, dubbed “Black Beauty” for the black color of its bones. Impossible to remain unmoved in front of this giant with sharp teeth. Next to it, the Canadian grizzly bear almost looks like a teddy bear. In total, the collection has around 130,000 fossils and is well worth a visit from Calgary.The outdoor path leads to a belvedere offering a panorama over the valley and millions of years of history.
Read alsoCanada: treasure hunt in Alberta in the footsteps of dinosaurs
Our advice
The fascinating museum alone justifies a day trip from Calgary.
But you can also walk the hiking trails around Drumheller and discover the beautiful region of the Badlands.
Practical information
Entrance ticket: € 21 per adult;
$ 10 for 7-17 year olds and free for children under 7.
More info on the Royal Tyrell Museum website.
Waterton Lakes National Park
The imposing Prince of Wales Hotel, overlooking Waterton Lake, offers a comforting stopover after a long walk.
Andrew Penner
The road to it is a dead end. Further south, it is the border with the United States. Only Lake Waterton seems not to care about this division of territory and extends without scruple over the two countries. Ravaged by a fire in 2017, Waterton Lakes National Park is slowly rising from its ashes. Today, it is home to 200 km of trails and offers hiking possibilities ranging from 30 minutes to 3 days. Something to satisfy both beginners and seasoned trekkers. The imposing Prince of Wales Hotel, overlooking the lake, offers a comforting stopover after a long walk. In the lobby, adorned in a pure English style, you can savor a
gourmet
afternoon tea
while enjoying the panorama. From scones to kilted waiters, everything is there to immerse us in a British atmosphere.
Our advice:
Many trails were closed following a fire in 2017. Before embarking on a hike, it is best to check with the Waterton tourist office to find out the condition of the circuit you wish to take.
Practical information
Entrance fee: $ 7.90 per adult.
Free for those 17 and under.
More info on the Waterton Lake National Park website
Canadian wildlife
A grizzly bear in Jasper National Park.
Parks Canada / Ryan Bray
If the immensity of the landscapes sometimes leaves you speechless, it is difficult on the other hand to contain your enthusiasm when a bear walks on the edge of the forest. The vehicles slow down, creating sporadic traffic jams of onlookers, their faces taped to the window. And who goes there? Two cubs emerge from the tall grass, still unsteadily and the whole family continues on their way, indifferent to the line of vehicles and the smartphones pointed at them. After the postcard landscapes, wildlife is the other great spectacle of a stay in Canadian national parks. Bears, grizzly bears, elk, moose, mule deer, bighorn sheep and coyotes inhabit these vast spaces. Some of these mammals, not shy, are easily observed, such as elk. But to cross the road of a moose,solitary by nature, it will be necessary above all to be lucky.
Originally published in April 2021, this article has been updated.
