Attractions

An abundance of different attractions await along the David Thompson corridor and Banff or Jasper National Parks. Beautiful lakes, canyons, waterfalls, mountains and glaciers, forests, flora and fauna, historic sites and more.

We are half an hours drive from the central portion of the world famous Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic roads in North America. Or you can always enjoy equally rewarding scenery right from our doorstep - without the crowds...

If you wish to discuss your travel, sight-seeing plans or activities with us before or during your stay, we shall be happy to make recommendations based on weather, trail conditions, seasonal differences as well as your personal interests and activity preferences.

Within reasonable driving distance from Aurum Lodge you will find - among others - the more well-known attractions outlined below (make sure to always allow extra time for the many sights along the way):

Within thirty minutes drive or less (45-50km / around 30mi):
- Banff National Park boundary, Saskatchewan River Crossing, Mistaya Canyon
- Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve, native sites and pioneer cabin
- Sights along Abraham Lake and Bighorn Dam
- Bighorn Canyon and Crescent Falls
- Nordegg Historic Site, mine tours and golf course
- numerous trail heads and scrambles

Within a one hour drive or less (90-100km / around 60mi):
- Jasper National Park boundary, Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefields area
- trail heads for Sunset Pass, Nigel Pass, Saskatchewan Glacier, Parkers Ridge and Wilcox Pass
- Waterfowl Lake, Peyto Lake and Bow Lake
- trail heads for Chephren and Cirque Lake, Helen Lake, Bow Glacier Falls and more
- sites along the Forestry trunk road and Ram River Falls

Around ninety minutes drive (125-150km / 80mi plus):
- Lake Louise and Moraine Lake area in Banff Park
- Yoho National Park Entrance
- Sunwapta Falls in Jasper National Park

Within two hours drive (175km / 110mi or so):
- Yoho National Park with Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge, Hoodoos Trail and Wapta Falls trail
- Kootenay National Park with Marble Canyon, Boom Lake or Stanley Glacier trails, Paint Pots
- the town of Banff and surroundings, Lake Minnewanka, Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots trail
- Athabasca Falls or Horseshoe Lake in Jasper National Park

It is possible to make day trips to Jasper town, Banff town, Yoho or Kootenay National Parks from our location, but it makes for long days and will not allow you to do any extended hikes on those days. Thus, we recommend longer stays and then alternate driving trips into the Parks with shorter trips closer to the lodge. That said, roads are generally good and the drive to any of the numerous attractions or trail heads is always a rewarding experience on its own...
Let us know your plans before or during your stay and we'll be happy to discuss and work out an itinerary for your visit.

Wildlife sightings are possible year round both inside and outside of the National Parks. However, there is never any guarantee that you will see a lot of animals in one day. Thus, consider wildlife encounters a "bonus", enjoy the sights, keep a safe distance and allow the animals to move freely. PLEASE, do not chase, harass or feed wildlife.
Best times for birding are usually during spring and fall migration. Bears are most often seen between May and September.

We are often asked whether Northern Lights (aurora borealis) can be seen from the lodge. Although our night skies are terrific with zero light pollution, we tend to be too far south to observe frequent or really amazing displays. That said, the new solar cycle has so far shown a lot more solar activity than what was forecast... In the fall of 2021 we witnessed a number of excellent displays already and we hope that the next few winter seasons will become better still. This image was taken Nov 4 2021 near the lodge. Best time to see Northern Lights is generally from September to March when skies are dark and there is less haze. As is the case with rare wildlife sightings or other natural phenomena, it can be an unforgettable experience.