Jasper National Park is the largest park in the Rocky Mountains and a perfect location for nature lovers, I visited for the first time in June 2014 and was really excited about going there, it was a dream holiday and one of the places I had always wanted to visit. The park has been recognised as a national park since 1907 and was the fifth one to be created in Canada. There is a variety of wildlife that lives in Jasper including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, coyotes, the golden eagle, black bears, grizzly bears and 16 species and subspecies of fish which are native to the park.

Getting there and around

WestJet flies from London Gatwick to Calgary Airport, the flight journey is direct and 8 hours. When you arrive at Calgary Airport, it is a small airport and easy to get around. If you have booked a coach transfer it is well sign posted. The Banff Airporter provide regular shuttle transfers from Calgary International Airport to Banff and have been around since 1997. They pick up and drop off in Calgary www.banffairporter.com.

If you are travelling by public transport Sun Dog Tours provide coach transfers from Banff, the journey to Jasper was 5 hours. For more details please visit https://www.sundogtours.com

Where To Stay

Elkview Accomodation in downtown Jasper is run by Joe and Patti Urie, they have lovely Kitchenette Suites. Elkview Accommodation is walking distance from the town centre and all the shops are close by. Sometimes you can see elk from across the road which can make you feel like you are in the heart of Jasper's wildlife. I can highly recommend staying at Elkview Accomodation Joe and Patti make you feel very welcome and nothing is too much trouble for them, they treat you like part of the family, it is like going from a home to home www.elkviewjasper.com

If you prefer to stay in the National Park Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is in a good location and you are surrounded by beautiful lakes and wildlife. In the Summer there are a range of activities at the lodge from hiking, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Room prices vary depending on your Suite or Cabin www.fairmont.com

Where To Eat

In downtown Jasper there is a French Restaurant Diner Lou Lou’s Pizzeria that has a variety of food including pizzas, burgers,fish and chips and poutines with a gravy sauce. When I went to the restaurant my favourite was the poutines. During the Winter season October to May their open hours are 9am to 10pm and in the Summer May to September they are open from 8am to 11pm. For more details visit their website loulous.ca

Things To Do

Maligne Valley Adventure Tour and Cruise

Joe and Patti Urie from Jasper Tour Company provide tours in Winter and Summer. From June to October they run their Maligne Valley Tour that includes a cruise option to Spirit Island. Maligne Lake is the second largest glacier-fed lake in the world and Maligne is French for malignant or wicked. On the Boat Cruise to Spirit Island, you will learn more about the history of the area and enjoy the breathtaking views. It is a 90 minute journey to the island. Spirit Island is one of the most photographed places in the world www.jaspertourcompany.com

Wildlife Evening Tour

One of my favourite tours was the Wildlife Evening Tour by Jasper Tour Company, they are a great opportunity to watch and photograph mountain goats, bighorn sheep lamb, black bears, mule deer and coyotes in their natural habitat. When go on tours with Joe Urie from the company, it shows that he has a genuine passion for wildlife and Jasper National Park. For more information please visit their website www.jaspertourcompany.com

Canada is a very picturesque country with so many stunning and breathtaking views throughout the Canadian Rockies. I fell in love with the turquoise lakes and wildlfe during my visit to Jasper National Park.

If you are moving into your new home or know any Canada lovers I have a selection of images available to purchase in my online shop on Etsy www.etsy.com/shop/natashaballetta