Enjoy nature photography and subalpine to alpine natural history among the many winter wonders of Jasper and Banff National Parks. Views range from close up to panoramic views of mountains, snowfields, frozen lakes and waterfalls, ice/frost formations, conifer and aspen forests, mammals, owls and other birds. Early to mid-winter is prime time for viewing predatory and other wildlife. We'll view wildlife (wolves, lynx, weasels, elk, moose, owls and more) and spectacular scenery along the Icefield Parkway as well as on short trails and side roads, via roadside stops, on foot and easy snowshoeing/nordic skiing. Expect fine photo and natural history opportunities, and a memorable trip to some very special places in the Canadian Rockies!

*Members only for this photo-oriented naturalist trip.
Early registration and accommodation reservations recommended.

Sign up with leader - leader permission required.
Participants must be skilled and well-equipped for short, basic-easy (mostly flat) nordic skiing or snowshoeing, hiking with microspikes or other winter traction, up to 3-5 miles/day, in mostly freezing temps ranging from 35F to zero temps. Minimal & short-distance outdoor travel if sub-zero temps.

*Required prior to registration: Current Passport, or enhanced WA drivers license (or enhanced WA ID) for US/Canada border crossings.

NOTE: 12/27 and 1/2 are primarily travel days between Canadian Rockies & Seattle area.

For duration of visit to NP, each participant must have valid Canadian NP entrance pass, individual or family. Passes available at the NP visitor centers or entrance gates.

Depending on conditions & interest, we may travel a partial day to Abraham Lake / David Thompson Hwy (E of N Banff's Saskatchewan Crossing)

Tentative Itinerary: 12/28-29: Jasper NP & Banff NP. Icefields Parkway area/trails, Jasper & northern Banff. Possible side trips in Jasper (Athabasca Falls, N Jasper to Jasper Lk, Maligne Lk road), and Kootenay Plains/Abraham Lk.
Maligne Canyon Icewalk (optional Jasper trip) commercially-guided canyon floor icewalk (with Maligne Adventures) among fascinating ice formations and towering frozen waterfalls in up to 100-feet deep Maligne Canyon. Guide service, warm winter boots and cleats provided, by pre-paid reservation $55/person.
12/30-1/1: Banff NP & S Jasper. Icefields Parkway area/trails, s. Jasper to Lk Louise; and possible side trip to Kootenay Plains/Abraham Lk.

Participants are responsible for arranging own accommodations: hostels, motel, tent/RV winter camping for nights of Dec 27-Jan 1. Hosteling International members receive discounted hostel rates. *Reserve ASAP for hostel or motel, as availability is limited.

Arrange your accommodations as follows:
12/27-28 nights in Jasper motel, hostel (Jasper or Athabasca Falls), Wapati winter CG.
12/29-1/1 nights in Lake Louise motel, hostel (Lk Louise Alpine Ctr or Mosquito Crk) or Lake Louise winter CG. Leader is staying 12/27-28 nights at Athabasca Falls hostel, 12/29-1/1 nights at Lk Louise & Mosquito Crk hostels.

Trip fee $15, payable at time of registration. For share of group-related expenses for map/site info copies, phone, etc. Any overpayment will be refunded.

Winter links:
Jasper NP: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/hiver-winter.aspx
Banff NP: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/activ21.aspx

Photo Previews (scenics & wildlife):
Athabasca Falls (Jasper): http://www.flickr.com/photos/vividaspect/2407708787/
Mt Chephren (Banff): http://www.flickr.com/photos/22982057@N03/5494677087/
Wolf (Jasper): http://www.canadianrockies.net/blogs/john-e-marriott/photographing-wolves-in-jasper.html
Talbot Lake ice patterns (Jasper): http://www.fabriziotessaro.com/blog/tag/jasper-lake/
Abraham Lake ice patterns at sunset: http://www.flickr.com/photos/phillipschip/6811369880/

E-photo/guidebooks are recommended for reference, available from:
http://oopoomoo.com/ebooks/
The Icefields Parkway: Banff and Jasper National Parks - Winter Edition (by Darwin Wiggett) & Wildlife Edition (by John Marriott). E-book for potential side trip: Kootenay Plains and Abraham Lake (Winter Edition)