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Canadian Rockies by Train

Columbia Icefield Tour & Glacier Skywalk

Walk on the Glass-Bottom Glacier Skywalk and tour the Athabasca Glacier in the Rugged Ice Explorer Vehicle from the Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre.

Canadian Rockies Columbia Icefield Tour & Glacier Skywalk
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Jasper Wildlife Tour Videos

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Canadian Rockies Banff National Park

Book Banff National Park

Banff is Canada's most visited National Park. Banff's towering peaks and beautiful meadows make it among Canada's most incredible holiday areas. Book Banff National Park's Popular Activities and Attractions.

Book Banff National Park
Book Banff Home Popular Canadian Rockies Tours in Banff
Jasper Wildlife Tour Videos

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Canadian Rockies Boat Cruise

Maligne Lake Boat Cruise

This fully narrated cruise takes you along Maligne Lake, the largest glacially fed lake in the Canadian Rockies, part of the UNESCO-listed Jasper National Park.

Jasper Maligne Lake Boat Cruise
Maligne Lake Cruise
Jasper Wildlife Tour Videos

Athabasca River

The Canadian Rockies include several major national parks, protected areas, and mountain ranges.

Tour Canadian Rockies


Athabasca River

The Athabasca River is a prominent river in western Canada, primarily flowing through the province of Alberta.

Location

The Athabasca River begins in the Canadian Rockies of Jasper National Park in Alberta. It flows in an eastward direction, passing through diverse landscapes, including mountain valleys, forests, and prairies, before eventually joining the Peace River.

Athabasca River Length and Course

The Athabasca River stretches approximately 1,231 kilometers (765 miles) in length, making it one of the longest rivers in Alberta. It follows a meandering course, crossing through various regions and forming parts of the boundaries between Jasper National Park, Alberta's Boreal Forest, and the oil sands region.

Athabasca River Importance and Uses

The Athabasca River holds significant ecological and economic importance. It is a vital water source for communities, industries, and wildlife along its course. The river supports diverse ecosystems, including fish species such as trout and whitefish, and it provides habitat for various wildlife species.

Oil Sands Region

The Athabasca River passes through the oil sands region of Alberta, where large deposits of bitumen are found. The river plays a role in the transportation and processing of oil sands resources, with water from the river used in the extraction and processing of bitumen.

Athabasca River Recreation and Tourism

The Athabasca River offers opportunities for outdoor activities and tourism. It is popular for fishing, canoeing, and river rafting, with sections of varying difficulty suitable for different skill levels. The river's scenic beauty, surrounded by mountain landscapes and diverse ecosystems, attracts visitors seeking to immerse themselves in nature.

Athabasca River Indigenous Culture

The Athabasca River has a rich history and cultural significance for Indigenous peoples in the region. Several Indigenous communities have connections to the river, and it has played a vital role in their traditional practices and way of life.

The Athabasca River is an essential natural feature in Alberta, contributing to the region's ecosystems, water resources, and recreational opportunities. Its connection to the Canadian Rockies, economic significance, and cultural importance make it a notable part of western Canada.



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