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Alberta’s Wild Rose Tour
Stop and smell the roses – the wild roses that is! Experience the richness of Alberta hospitality on the Wild Rose tour, from the capital city of Edmonton to the spectacular Rocky Mountains! Dynamic downtown Edmonton, with its office towers and stately capital buildings overlooking the beautiful river valley is a study in contrasts between the vibrant downtown core and the over 100 km (60 mi.) of tranquil paths edging the North Saskatchewan River. The vibrant nightlife, art galleries and museums as well as cosmopolitan dining and shopping opportunities make Edmonton a place to linger. Edmonton is also renowned as Canada’s Festival City, offering a calendar full of national and cultural celebrations for all! Head west from Edmonton on the Yellowhead Highway # 16 to where part of Alberta’s heritage is painted for all to see. In the town of Stony Plain, twenty-one huge murals offer a glimpse of Stony Plain’s painted past. Here, as well, the Multicultural Heritage Centre highlights the story of European immigrants that settled the area. Continue west on the Yellowhead to Edson where the lure of the wilderness can be satisfied as the town offers thirty-two campgrounds to get back to nature. The Galloway Station Museum recounts the area’s history through artifacts from the transportation, communication, coal mining and lumber industries. Red Brick Arts Centre and Museum is in a 1913 schoolhouse and includes an art gallery and exhibits of pioneer artifacts. The five Emerson Lakes, located 64 km northwest of Edson, are a hikers’ dream. With lush trails, and a stunning view, this hike takes you around three of the six lakes – about seven kilometres in total. Breathtakingly beautiful, this is one trail you don’t want to pass up. Located only a short jaunt from Emerson Lakes – 8 km – the Wild Sculpture Trail is 9 km (one way). Along the way are the naturally-formed sculptures of sandstone unique to Alberta known as the Hoodoos.
Further west along the Yellowhead Highway is the historic town of Hinton. The historic Moberly Cabin has been transformed into the Alberta Forest Service Museum and houses fascinating displays of the history of Alberta’s forestry industry. It’s also the home of Hinton’s Environmental Training Centre. Near Hinton is the Athabasca Lookout Nordic Centre, an excellent facility with a 1.5 km lighted cross-country ski trail. The trails are 10 metres wide and range from distances of 1.25 km to up to 25 km in length. Northwest of Hinton, is William A. Switzer Provincial Park, offering interpretive programs, camping, fly-fishing, kayaking and swimming. Slightly west of Brule lies magnificent Ogre Canyon – a definite must-see with its towering cliffs and sinkholes! Streams and underground water carved out this impressive canyon and the sinkholes within it. The Brule Sand Dunes is a recreation area with an extensive network of trails. The Miette Hot Springs, located southeast of Jasper, has always been a major tourist attraction in this region. The two outdoor bathing pools are fed by bubbling sulphur spring water. This fabulous attraction also offers many hiking trails with spectacular views and wildlife. Famed Jasper National Park offers an abundance of natural attractions, from the stunning mountain scenery to tranquil lakes. Just a few of the “must-sees” include Athabasca Falls, Goat Lookout, Lake Annette and Lake Edith, Maligne Lake and Canyon, and Mount Edith Cavell. Be sure to ride the Jasper Tramway up Whistlers Mountain for breathtaking views of unforgettable scenery. From Jasper, continue your journey west along the Yellowhead Highway to spectacular British Columbia.
Edmonton Stony Plain Edson Hinton Jasper
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Points of Interest