Jasper National Park celebrates its centennial
Jasper National Park has dubbed Sept. 14- 16 the “Weekend of the Century,” as it celebrates its Centennial with a weekend of special events - many of them free of charge - that cater to travellers of all kinds, from history buffs to nature enthusiasts, to golfers, theatre-goers and more.
A selection of the weekend’s highlights include:
* Friday: Art Exhibit: Tuktu Prayers, 7-10 p.m. at Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives. This migrating art show focuses on Caribou, and the Jasper grand opening will feature the artists and activists who created the exhibit.
* Saturday: Centennialfest, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Jasper Information Centre, features a wildlife festival with park biologists and warden demonstrations, aboriginal cultural presentations, CN’s Little Obie train tours for children, nature displays, historical exhibits and more.
* Sunday: “A Day in the Life of a Park”: Interpretive Theatre, presentations, field trips, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Information Centre Lawn. The renowned Mountain World Heritage Interpretive Theatre brings local theatre and culture to the stage, Park Warden Dave Smith will present “A Day in the Life of a Park” and park biologists will host a field trip.
* Sunday: Centennial Golf Tournament, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at The Fairmont, Jasper Park Lodge. This golf tournament takes its inspiration from the Totem (Pole) Cup tournament that was held at the lodge for many years — Bing Crosby returned to the park three times to play the match, winning it in 1947. All proceeds from the tournament go to the Jasper Yellowhead Museum.
In addition to the Centennial events, visitors to Jasper National Park can experience:
* Athabasca Glacier - the most accessible glacier in North America. Guests can take a tour and even hike on the massive glacier, or follow the Toe of the Glacier trail to the edge of the ice.
* The Icefields Parkway - horse pack trips created the first ‘highway’ between Lake Louise and Jasper, and ever since visitors along the route have enjoyed breathtaking views of pristine lakes, rugged mountains, streams, waterfalls and more. Guests can drive along the parkway, or hike along side trails that still evoke the same feelings of awe and inspiration as they did 100 years ago.
* Miette Hot Springs offers the hottest mineral springs in the Rockies, and a variety of natural experiences including hot pools, cold plunge pool, hiking, wildlife viewing and more. Miette Hot Springs recently open its renovated facilities.
Author: Canadian Travel Press
Organization: Baxter Travel Media
E-mail: ctp@baxter.net
Tags: Alberta, Events, Jaspar, things to do
