Perhaps even more so than Banff, Jasper is well set up for hiking, whatever your ability.  There are several short loops leading out from the town, including the eight kilometre Discovery Trail which circles Jasper, highlighting its natural, historical and railway heritage, whilst more challenging trails weave up the hillsides and through the forest. Mountain biking is another very popular activity here with several excellent off-road tracks close to the town. Keep an eye out for wildlife – big horn sheep and elk are common here. Whilst the views of the mountains from street level are pretty impressive, if you would like to get a birds eye perspective then take a ride on the Jasper Tramway, to an elevation of over 2,200 metres. From the top, as you can imagine, there are spectacular 360 degrees views of the seemingly endless Rockies and Jasper National Park. Nearby Maligne Lake is one of Jaspers gems – a glistening turquoise, glacier fed lake, set against a stunning mountain backdrop. You can drive there yourself and join a boat trip, then take a stroll along the waters edges or even rent a canoe for an hour before enjoying a coffee at the lakefront café. The drive to the lake in itself is fairly breath-taking, and en route make time to stop at Maligne Canyon to view a series of waterfalls as the Maligne River tumbles over the limestone rocks.