Jasper

The tram gives a great view of Jasper and its surrounding land and lakes that appear turquoise from above. In the off-season, the trams won't be so packed, and when we went in May, we were the only two in the tram.

It's supposed to be one of the things to do in Jasper, but if you're short on money, it's just as great to see the sights up close without shelling out the cash!

This is a winter review, which is drastically different from a summer review, I'd imagine. In the summer, the lake becomes an active place with boaters, swimmers and the like flocking, to the shores. In the winter, the lake becomes frozen and frosted, leaving a sheet of ice and an eery, calming quiet. It was May and the weather as warm, but the lake was still frozen with a light blue glow and snow blanketing the edges. This is a quick stop in the winter months, but it's well worth the visit.

This was the first sight on a roadtrip across the country, and on a beautiful day, it was sure to please. The falls are gorgeously set in a classic rockies background, and although obviously set up for a tourist with a guided pathway that leads you to various viewpoints, the effect is breathtaking as you hear the power of the water and search for rainbows in the gorge. I visited in mid-May so it was too busy and the weather was great. I highly recommend this time of year for Jasper and the rest of Canada as well.

Make sure you make your way around all the paths that are set out. There's a lot more to see than just the falls, and if you walk all the way down to where the river flows to a lake, be sure to leave your mark with your own inukshuk among the many that have been set up by fellow travelers!