Canada - Banff & Jasper National Parks

Of all the 32 countries I've been to when someone asks me where was the most surreal scenery, only one or should I say two places immediately spring to mind.. Banff and Jasper National Parks.

Situated in the far West of Alberta and just creeping across into British Columbia, the National Parks nestle in next to one another and hold some of the worlds most incredible unspoiled wilderness.

Leaving Calgary (the closest international airport to access the parks from the UK) you will only be heading West for a couple of hours before you reach Banff National Park by car or coach if you've booked a package holiday. A small fee has to be paid to enter the park but it is more than worth it as you get unlimited access to the park and help maintain the quality of it's care through purchasing a pass. Once your in the park you'll wind your way through the fir tree forests – watch out for bears and moose!! - eventually being welcomed by the small town of Banff.

If you love the great outdoors, Banff is the place to be being completely surrounded by pristine forests and lakes stretching out and up into the Rocky Mountains. The town may be small but it packs a punch both in the day and night. Tours for all sorts of adrenaline filled sports operate during the day including hiking and rafting and by the night the compact 'strip' shines bright with neon illuminating the plentiful bars and restaurants. As a massive tourist hotspot expect it to be bustling all year round but with so much variety of cuisine to choose from you'll be spoilt for choice. My advice would be to head to the Keg Steakhouse at the Banff Caribou Lodge and try a AAA rated steak cooked to your liking, washed down with a Molson Canadian beer.

With just as much restaurants and bars comes just as much accommodation with plenty of affordable lodges in and around the main street. But if you want to treat yourself to something special, like a real once-in-a-lifetime experience then look no further than the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Just on the outskirts of town – only a short walk from the strip – you'll find the historic 19^th century Scottish chateau which truly matches it's breathtaking surroundings. It's pricey (we could only afford one night) but your paying for what you get. A feast, room and facilities fit for a king with the best views in town. Wake up and open your bedroom window to watch the sunrise over the snow capped Rocky Mountains to really capture the moment. I went in the summer which was warm and comfortable but while travelling in winter will be a lot colder (bring your coat!!) you will experience a winter wonderland with the town smothered in snow and lights on every tree!

While I was very unfortunate not to spot a moose in the national parks I was very lucky to come across several native animals en route to Jasper. The just shy of fours hours drive is littered with scenic picnic areas by sky blue lakes, waterfalls and winding roads round the edge of steep mountains! If your an animal lover then the IMPORTANT tip to remember is when you see more than four cars pulled up along the side of the road it's not a group convoy stopping for a quick picture of the mountains but because they've spotted something. Following this method I was able to get up close and snap pictures of caribou, deer and even a baby kodiak bear.

As you approach Jasper you'll pass through the Columbia ice fields which is worth at least a pit stop or if your feeling adventurous take a ice truck up onto Crowfoot glacier. Jasper is another small town but is less of a tourist destination to that of Banff. There's still plenty of accommodation, restaurants and bars to keep you busy with just as much adrenaline sports on offer like Banff. The hotels are quite pricey for what they are so your better off saving your money and booking into the quality B&B lodges/cabins which are of a very high standard. For an entertaining night out try the Jasper Brewing Company which is a fantastic micro brewery full of atmosphere.

It's best to spend a couple of days in Jasper before you unfortunately have to come back on yourself if you want to continue West on the Trans-Canada Highway or head back to the airport! For a full day out you can explore the old town centre with it's proud totum pole then take a trip North to the logging town of Hinton.

Banff and Jasper National Parks offer more than just memories as I've experienced and if I could shoot back to anywhere on this planet I've previously visited I'd have my camera and snow boots at the ready.

As magnificent as Banff and Jasper are, these national parks are about the journey rather than the destination.

Next Week: Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Golden.