canada wildlife

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canada wildlife

our pre-departure information guide has been prepared to provide you with much of what you’ll need to know about your forthcoming trek with sts, however, it is not a complete guide. Your sts Leader will provide you with much more detailed information en route. as you pre- pare for your journey, please take time to consider some important points.

Visas

Please be aware of the following new rules for entering the USA for those countries not normally requiring Visa’s. All STS students will be required to provide the information via the ESTA website prior to departure so that your travel can “authorised” by the US Department of homeland security.

Beginning August 1, 2008, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be accessible via Inter- net for citizens and eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Pro- gram (VWP) countries to apply for advance authorization to travel to the United States under the VWP. ESTA will initially be available in English only. Other languages will follow. Effective January 12, 2009, all VWP travellers will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP. Log onto the ESTA Web site at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and complete an on-line application in English. There is an application fee of US $14 which needs to be paid by credit card at time of filling out the application. Travellers are encouraged to apply early.

The web-based system will prompt you to answer basic biographical and eligibility questions typically requested on a paper I-94W form. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, however, DHS recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel. In most cases you will receive a response within seconds:

It is your responsibility to obtain the proper passport and visa for the United States of America. We recommend that you take copies of your passport, visas and flight tickets and carry them separately from the original docu- ments. This will help in case of loss or theft. New passport

regulations have come into effect for the United States of America so please double check that your passport con- forms to the new biometric requirements for entrance to the United States of America. Make sure that each passport is valid for six months after your planned exit from a country.

customs

On entering the Canada you will need to proceed though customs. You may be asked your destination or how you intend to support yourself. When you enter the Canada you enter as part of a visa waiver scheme, make sure you keep the remaining portion of your completed customs form in the back of you passport ready to surrender when you leave. Please make sure you have a note of the first nights accommodation of your stay, as you will need this information for customs.

meetinG YouR touR LeadeRs

Once you have cleared customs and collected your luggage you will go with the STS leader and meet the local tour leaders who will be waiting for you in the baggage arrival hall.

HeaLtH ReQuiRements

If you have any medical condition such as diabetes, epi- lepsy, asthma, take prescribed medicines, or have a condition that will effect your participation in the trek, you must tell us immediately. This is important information in case of emergency. If a medical problem does arise during the trip it is best to tell your STS leader straight away so that they can alleviate the difficulty as soon as possible. All maxi-wagons carry a basic first-aid kit, but you should bring your own sunscreen, insect/mosquito repellent, antibiotic cream and any special medication you may require for upset stomach and so on. Throughout Canada most prescription medicine is readily available and easily obtainable. However, we suggest that if you use some form of medication regularly, bring a sufficient supply with you to last your entire trek (carry it on you all times).

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inocuLations

We recommend that you contact a physician or travel medicine clinic at least two months before travel in order to allow enough time for any immunizations that may be required to be completed.

eQuiPment cHecKList

As you will be travelling around and changing accommodation it is ideal, although not necessary, to have a robust hold-all, as this is easier to pack/un pack than a suitcase.

We suggest one bag, backpack or suitcase (20 kg maximum) per person plus a sleeping bag. A small day pack and camera may be carried in the vehicle. You should be able to carry your own luggage, as there will not be anyone to carry it for you. If you have special needs with regard to luggage, and cannot carry it yourself for medical reasons please notify the party leader well in advance so provision can be made. Keep to a simple and practi- cal selection of clothes for both hot and cool climates to suit the season, and because of the wide variety of tem- peratures, altitude and weather that can be encountered en route. Travel light as there are opportunities to wash clothes. We suggest you bring the following:

cLotHes otHeR items

• T-shirts/shirts/blouses • Money & passport in money belt/bum bag • Pair of good trainers/walking shoes • 1–2 books to read in evening/on plan (preferably not new to avoid blisters) • Camera, film, batteries • Wa- terproof sandals/flip flops • Alarm clock/watch • Com- fortable day shoes • Water bottle • Jeans • Small first aid kit; plasters, personal medication • Casual trousers

• Sun block • Dress/skirt, optional • Biro, small note- book, small address book if you want • Pair of shorts to send postcards • Waterproof jacket • Sunglasses • Warm sweater/s • Sunhat • Casual ‘evening out’ clothes

• Insect repellent (containing at least 20% deet) • Un- derwear • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste,soap, comb

• Socks sanitary protection, etc • Hat/gloves • Several plastic bags for dirty clothes/boots • Swim wear • CD’s for use in the maxi wagon (whatever music you prefer)

• Small towel • Night wear • Your STS trip requires that you bring a sleeping bag

PacKinG FuRtHeR tiPs

• Small pillow – for the nights in the tent, useful also during the long hauls in the van • Headlight – very useful when it’s pitch dark in the tent; leaves both hands free which is essential when trying to find something in your backpack, for example • Warm clothes (e.g. woolly socks, thermal underwear, a beanie, jogging pants, a fleece). The nights at a few places are extremely cold but

you can manage with a normal sleeping bag if you have enough warm clothes • Wet towels – you never know when you have to wash your hands/face and there’s no water available • Washing powder – there are Laun- dromats at many campgrounds but you need your own washing powder (of course it can be bought when you get to Canada, but might come in handy to have some with you)

If you are travelling on an early or late season departure, the weather can be much cooler so we suggest you bring a warm anorak, sweater, and mountain climate quality sleeping bag. Thermal underwear, gloves, and hat can also come in handy. Better to be too warm than too cold!

insuRance

Trip travel insurance is NOT included in the cost of the tour. It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must be insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs, air ambulance, and helicopter rescue service). Our STS insurance policy is de- signed specifically to cover the potential risks on our holi- days – particularly the many optional activities offered.

If you would like to enquire about purchasing STS travel insurance please contact your local STS office for further info. If you do not take our STS Insurance, you must ensure that the policy you do take offers an equivalent level of protection and covers you for the activities involved – be aware that some policies do not include, or restrict coverage for this type of travel. There may be cheaper policies on the market, but this does not mean it may be better value – we strongly advise you check fully what will and won’t be covered. In particular, cover provided by credit cards is often very restricted.

Any claims concerning matters for which you are insured must be directed to your insurers. Your STS leader will be collecting your insurance policy company name, policy number and the 24 hour emergency number on the first day of the tour. We also require an emergency contact name for each person in their home country, with a contact telephone number.

YouR touR LeadeR/dRiVeR

We understand that your STS leader and driver is per- haps the most important ingredients in your trip. Thus we select only the absolute best of our many applicants.

They are chosen for their knowledge of their country, their ability to drive well and, of course, for their sense of humour and leadership. By the time our leaders conduct their first trips, they have been trained by a team com-

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prising both management and the best of our senior trip leaders. Your trip leader will ensure that you have the time of your life while making sure that everything is still safe. However, they are not supermen or superwomen and you must be prepared to keep the vehicle clean, load the luggage and above all things participate!

tRansPoRtation

For your tour to North America, we will use maxi-wagons. These have 15 seats (maximum 13 passengers) and are the ultimate adventure vehicle. All have air-condi- tioning, tinted windows, comfortable seating with a stereo cassette or CD player, so bring some music with you! The maxi-wagons also pull a trailer where we store all of your luggage, as well as excellent suspension so we can travel off the beaten track where the crowds in coaches cannot go! All members of the group will need to be prepared to help load and un-load luggage and equipment into the trailer, under the supervision of the tour leader. Please note that smoking is not permitted in the maxi-wagons.

tRiP itineRaRY

Although your tour follows a set itinerary, from time to time your trip leader may suggest a small change. This may be due to road conditions, weather, or to visit a special attraction, like a state fair that happens to be in progress. Often a side diversion will be a highlight of the trip. The beauty of travelling in a small group means that you have the flexibility to take advantage of everything.

camPinG

If you haven’t camped before – don’t worry, we make it easy. Most of our first timers actually grow to love sleeping in the great outdoors. We provide you with a sleeping mat for your comfort. If you wish please bring along a pillow and you will need a sleeping bag. We camp mostly in public campgrounds. Campsites are selected either for their scenic beauty, their convenience to places of interest or their environment, as well as facilities, and we aim for a selection of different campsite types on each trek. Only two people share each tent, so there’s lots of room. It’s up to you whom you wish to share with. Previous camping experience is useful but not at all essential and your STS leader will help you. Our tents are easy to set up and you will soon learn how to use our compact yet efficient camp kitchen equipment. You will be assigned a specific tent, so it’s best to look after it. Camping is a group activity, and everyone is expected to help clean and take care of all equipment during the trek. The company supplies all cooking equipment, cutlery and dinnerware.

All campsites have a quiet time from 10 p.m. after which quietness must be maintained. Please respect these quiet times, as campsites are for everyone, and disturbances after 10 o’clock will bring complaints and unnecessary unpleasantness.

Food KittY

We will operate a food kitty system on your tour when you are camping which is CAD $ 50-70 per person per week this covers breakfast, lunch and dinner when we are on camping nights. An additional CAD $ 60 per week should be needed for restaurant meals at hotels or when cooking is not convenient. You can expect to eat cereals, fruit juices, coffee/tea for breakfast. Lunch on the road is usually sandwiches, chips/crisps, salad and fresh fruit.

The evening meal is cooked by members of the group and is up to you! We will provide all cooking equipment, i.e.: stoves, cooking utensils, plates and cutlery. Everyone will take turns being the nightly chefs in groups of three or four, you will all take part in the buying, preparation and cooking of the food. If you have a favourite recipe that can be cooked easily, bring it along to share with the group. Each person should bring a total of CAD $ 320.00 for food during the tour. Please be are aware that the food kitty doesn’t include all drinks and snacks during the day.

If you are not very good at cooking, don’t worry, you can get instruction from the others in your group. For all you vegetarians, it is quite common for each trip to have people with special dietary needs, don’t worry and just mention this to your group leader on the first day of your trip. In any case, meals are a fun part of the camping experience and many memorable dinners have resulted from collective efforts.

TIPPING

It is normal and expected in North & South America to tip waiters, bar staff, any type of guide and taxi drivers.

These service workers are paid a low wage and depend upon their tips for their livelihood. A minimum of 10%

is standard in restaurants and taxis. Another charge not normally listed in North American costs is the state and federal taxes, keep this in mind when your bill comes out slightly higher than the original price listed. Your tour leader works long and hard for you. He or she may well become your friend during the trip but they do need to pay their bills. There is no obligation to tip your trip leader however, if the leader’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations they will gladly accept one from you.

You should plan to tip your trip leader CAD $3–5 per person per day.

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dRinKinG aLcoHoL

Drinking alcohol is not permitted on any STS language course. If you are caught drinking you will be sent home immediately at your parent’s expense. The safety of our students is paramount so please refer to the ABC Hand- book for further info.

dRuGs

Possession of drugs without a proper medical prescription will not be tolerated. If anyone is found with an ille- gal drug they will be instantly excluded from the trip and sent home. Should you need to take any special medication, please inform your driver/leader on the first day.

saFetY

Not everyone is as honest as we’d like; therefore some precautions must be taken to safeguard your valuables.

The best place to keep cameras, passport and money is on your person wherever you go, but this is obviously impractical at times. Campgrounds are almost always in safe locations, and those in cities are fenced or patrolled, so the best place to leave things is in your tent, preferably out of sight. The vehicle is occasionally parked on dark city streets at night, and break-ins are an unpleasant but real possibility. In general, the safest place for items such as passports, flight tickets and cash is on your person.

When in doubt consult your STS leader. Never go off with a stranger, even as a group, no matter how enticing the offer to show you something especially interesting.

If a stranger approaches you with such an offer, walk quietly away as a group, keep to main paths and report the incident to staff.

time diFFeRence

Canada uses six primary time zones. From east to west they are Newfoundland Time Zone, Atlantic Time Zone, Eastern Time, Central Time Zone, Mountain Time Zone, and the Pacific Time Zone. We will spend our time in the Pacific Time Zone. Pacific Standard Time GMT - 8 sPendinG moneY

Bring about CAD$200 in cash in addition to food money and money for optional activities and a debit card preferably issued by a major International Bank, e.g. Barclays, Visa or American Express. You will need a minimum of CAD$30 (or equivalent) per day for expenses (excluding food kitty), but it’s better to bring more than you need than to run short on tour.

cLimate

Please be prepared for a variety of climate changes and weather. You may encounter wet weather, along with

hot sunshine, and maybe even some snow! Please bring warm clothing for cold evenings, a water proof jacket for any rain, and a hat and sunscreen when it’s hot.

tReK Routine

On driving days we like to be on the road by 8 a.m. This means a good day’s driving, with time to linger for sightseeing on the way. We aim to camp at about 6 pm. It is essential that all STS students are punctual both for morning starts and for all other rendezvous. Delays caused by waiting for people who are late cause anguish among the group and can jeopardize planned sightseeing. A wrist watch is essential on tour. On a few days, it is necessary to cover long distances between points of interest for the overall enjoyment of the tour. Your STS leaders will forewarn you of these days and do his best to make them as rewarding as possible.

teamwoRK

While our STS leaders will do everything possible to make your holiday one of the best you’ve ever had, its full suc- cess will depend to a “real extent on your own enthusi- asm and cooperation.” A Trek is a unique holiday, and much of your enjoyment will come from the team spirit of your group and the fun you’ll have together, as well as from the local setting. We cannot stress too strongly the importance of your own positive attitude – given which even the adversity of a rainstorm can be good fun!

cLeanLiness

It is important that you and your fellow STS students keep the vehicle, tents and cooking equipment clean, as they are in regular use. At most of the campsites there are hot shower facilities. There might be a small charge at some of the camp grounds for showers. Please ensure that you keep yourself and your clothes clean, to avoid offending others and causing unnecessary friction amongst the group.

cuLtuRe sHocK

Knowledgeable ex-trekkers advise handling ‘culture shock’ with adaptability, humour and a lot of common sense. Give yourself time to get used to culture differ- ences, you may even find that they make a pleasant change from home. The more you accept things as being merely different, neither better nor worse than at home, the more you’ll be able to enjoy YOUR Trek. In other words, the less you make comparisons, the more you’ll enjoy your new experiences. They say ‘forewarned is forearmed’ – so do your homework! Read up on the areas you’ll be travelling in, or talk with others who have already been there. Think about what you want to see

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and do on your holiday. The more you put into it the more you’ll get out of it, and the less strange and different things will seem. Remember, too, that you will not only be discovering a different continent on your holiday - you may also have the chance to learn from your fellow-trekkers about other countries and customs. You may discover an exotic dish to cook, or some new card games, or you may find you have more in common with other nationalities than you thought.

comPLaints

In the unlikely event that you are unhappy with an aspect of your tour, in the first instance bring it to the attention of your STS leader.

We wish you a sunny, fun and educational time in the Canada with STS!

sts eXPeRience canada wiLdLiFe – scHeduLe Day 1 – Seattle

Meet the local driver/tour leader on arrival to America with your STS leader. On meeting your local tour leader there will be a brief orientation meeting and you will be asked for important information including insurance details, emergency contact details and passport information. Drive to the hostel in Seattle where we will spend the first night.

Day 2 – Whistler, BC

After crossing the borders to Canada we will drive to Whistler – A a Canadian resort town in the southern Pa- cific Ranges of the Coast Mountains. Whistler was the Host Mountain Resort of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Tonight we camp in Whistler.

Day 3–5 – Wells Gray Provincial Park, BC

The scenery is getting wilder as we reach Wells Gray Pro- vincial Park, B.C.’s third largest provincial park. We set up camp for 3 nights at a Cowboy Ranch, where the “Old West” comes alive. Optional outdoor activities include hiking, horseback riding, canoeing (even overnight), ATV’s or wildlife viewing.

Day 6–7 – Jasper National Park, AB

Along the Thompson River we drive towards Jasper National Park. On the way we cross Red Pass in Mount Robson Park, which is home to the highest mountains in the Canadian Rockies. Now we can decide if we want to go mountain biking, hiking or ride the Jasper Tramway.

Days 8–10 – Banff National Park, AB

Breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery awaits us on the famous Ice fields Parkway. After a stop at the Athabas- ca Glacier, where we can take a ride with a special Ice- Mobile, we arrive at the beautiful lakes of the Canadian Rockies. Lake Louise is one of the highlights. We have plenty of time to discover Canada’s oldest and most famous National Park, Banff. Elk, deer, bighorn sheep, wolves and bears inhabit this magnificent wildlife refuge.

Hikes of various lengths are an option as well as mountain biking.

Day 11–12 – Yoho NP / Golden, BC

We see Yoho National Park and the Kicking Horse River, a lesser known paradise in the Canadian Mountains. The amazing Takkakaw Falls are with 254 meters the highest falls in West-Canada. Then we continue our journey through unspoiled mountainous terrain to Golden. Here we have a chance to raft the rapids or just relax by the river.

Day 13 – Hope, BC

We drive over Rogers Pass to reach Glacier National Park with over 400 glaciers. Next we visit Mt. Revelstoke National Park, which contains part of the world’s only temperate inland rain forest. We have some time for hiking before we leave the mountains behind and reach the picturesque town of Hope, situated at the confluence of the Fraser and Coquihalla Rivers.

Day 14–15 – Vancouver, BC

Our journey takes us back to Vancouver. We have two days to explore the largest city in Western Canada, which is famous for historic Gastown, Chinatown and the pop- lar Stanley Park. We spend both nights camping right outside of Vancouver.

Days 16–17 – Vancouver Island, BC

We take the ferry to Vancouver Island, the largest island off America’s West Coast, and notable for the mildest climate in Canada. We can discover the multitude of smaller islands with kayaks. There are also beautiful hikes, boat tours, short cruises and you can even go salmon fishing.

We spend two nights camping in Tofino.

Day 18 – Victoria, BC

We spend the day in beautiful Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, which s famous for its lush English gar- dens and flowerbeds, and British colonial-style architec- ture. From here we also have a chance to go on a whale- watching boat tour.

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Days 19 – Port Angeles, WA

The morning we spend in Victoria before we take the ferry to the US State of Washington to Port Angeles where we spend our last night camping.

Day 20 – Seattle, WA

Today we drive along the wild Pacific coast to Seattle. We will have a full day to explore this beautiful city by the bay. Seattle is known as the “Emerald City” and offers a multitude of sights, shopping opportunities and bustling night life. Tonight we spend the night in a hostel.

Day 21 – Departure

Time for last minute shopping and sightseeing in Seat- tle before we transfer to the airport for the departure flight.

oPtionaL actiVities oFFeRed duRinG tHe tRiP

Optional activities are subject to change and prices are approx. ! Some activities might not be able to book due to weather conditions, last minute itinerary changes, lack of time or river conditions (rafting). You can’t do all the optional activities.

• Horseback riding Wells Gray PP, $45 – $85

The trail leads into the Park to Coal Creek Viewpoint with scenic vistas of the Hemp Creek Canyon Lands. The terrain is fairly flat and treed. For a short distance just before viewpoint the trail leads along a steep cliff. Be- ginners welcome. The duration is approx. 2- 2,5 hours and includes instructions This scenic ride takes you into the Park to the Flat Iron View Point with fantastic vistas of Hemp Creek Valley and leads back to the ranch via Trout Creek Canyon. Trail leads along steep cliffs, hilly and partly treed terrain and has a total of four creek crossings. Adventurous beginners welcome. Duration:

Approx. 3 to 3.5 hours including instructions

• Guided Hikes and wildlife viewing Wells Gray,

$15 – $60

The Upper Clearwater Valley and Clearwater River Cor- ridor are known for the abundance of wildlife roaming the area. Two of the most popular species in Wildlife Viewing, the Bears and the Moose are taking turns in inhabiting the valley. On this naturalist trip we guide you to various sites and extended walks within Wells Gray Provincial Park.

• Canoe Trip Wells Gray PP, $30 – $65

For avid paddlers and guests who are planning to visit the sites and attractions of Wells Gray Park on a differ-

ent day we offer a full day paddling on Clearwater Lake.

We start at 09.30 at the Wells Gray Guest Ranch. In our van we travel directly the 50 minutes on gravel road to Clearwater Lake. After detailed instruction we board our canoes and start paddling to Diver’s Bluff Campsite. Here we enjoy a delicious picnic lunch and have the option to hike up the steep trail to Eagles View. After an approx.

one hours rest we cross the lake to the east shoreline and paddle back to the canoe launch. The total paddling time is approx. 4 hours. Adventurous beginners who don’t mind extend of paddling are welcome. On this trip are no better paddling skills, but more endurance required than with our “Appetizer”. Duration: approx. 6 hours

• Hot Springs Banff, $8.

Groundwater makes a long journey deep into the earth’s crust. It is heated, pressurized, loaded with minerals (1 677 milligrams per litre) and travels back to the surface along the Sulphur Mountain Thrust Fault at a rate of 454 litres per minute (120 US gallons/min). The temperature at the source of the spring reaches 47.3° C (117.1° F) in the winter and is cooled to make it comfortable for bathers. The water is slightly cooler in the spring due to increased ground water from snow melt.

• Gondola up to Sulphur Mountain Banff, $28.

The adventure begins with an eight minute journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a modern, fully-en- closed four passenger gondola cabin. The views become increasingly spectacular as you climb 698m (2,292 ft) to an elevation of 2,281m (7,486 ft) at the Summit Up- per Terminal – the departure point for a mountaintop of activities.

• Canoe Rental Banff NP, $30.- per hour

You can rent a canoe from the boat dock and paddle down to the end of the lake. Featuring a crystal clear blue-green lake, a valley hemmed in by ten lofty mountain peaks, and a hanging valley of larches beneath the third highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, it’s little wonder that Moraine Lake rivals Lake Louise in scenic grandeur and fame. One look from the Rockpile at the lake’s edge, and you’re hooked, the scene from the back of Canada’s old $20 bill emblazoned into your memory forever.

• Wolves and wildlife viewing Golden, $10.

Our grey wolves live in a 1.25-acre enclosure, and in- terpretive talks take place right at the fence. Plus, our wolves are exercised regularly, off-leash... so they are happy and healthy ambassadors for their wild cousins. A visit to the Wolf Centre does not require a reservation.

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• Sea Kayak, Vancouver Island (2.5 hours), $60.

From Tofino, you paddle toward the outer-coast islands.

Hearing stories of ‘Clayoquot Island characters and early evening wildlife sightings often highlight this program.

Sometimes the “Islands” is a “Sunriser” or “Sundowner”

scheduled to best accommodate tidal changes – often a good chance to watch interesting birds!

• Sea Kayak, Vancouver Island (4 hours), $75.

Tofino to Meares Island, paddling through harbour islets.

Includes a walk on the ‘Big Tree Trail’. You learn about rainforest ecology and local history (... and remember to watch for eagles and migratory birds on the mudflats at low tide)

• Space Needle Seattle, $16.

So you can’t resist any longer, and need to follow in Elvis’s footsteps? He might even be up there right now, if you know what I’m saying... Make the trip as effortless as possible right here as your very own travel agent to the best view in town! From getting where you are here, and from here to the top. Everything you need is here and all roads lead to the Needle!

• Jasper NP Tram up to Whistler Mountain, $28.

The experience of being gently transported into Jasper National Park’s alpine tundra will captivate all ages and is merely the beginning of an experience the whole family will cherish. Jasper Tramway is the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada and the only guided aerial ropeway in the Canadian Rockies. Providing visi- tors with unprecedented views of six mountain ranges, glacial fed lakes, the Athabasca river (Alberta’s longest) and the scenic mountain town-site of Jasper.

• Canoe rental Maligne Lake, $30.- per hour

The Curly Philips Boathouse on Maligne Lake, a regis- tered historic building, rents canoes and sea kayaks for those seeking access to the backcountry shoreline camps of Maligne or just simply paddling the lakes azure wa- ters.

• Maligne Lake Cruise, $55.

No landmark so perfectly epitomizes the Canada Rock- ies like world-famous Spirit Island on Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park. The 90 minute scenic cruise to this diminutive jewel has been crowned as the “BEST BOAT TOUR IN CANADA”.

• Bike rental Jasper, $15.- per hour

Narrow single-track becomes rocky downhill becomes roots and mud joins up with a fire-road leading to a trail around an emerald-colored lake which joins up with the rest of Jasper’s trail system, well-maintained by Parks Canada. Mountain biking is permitted on most trails, ex- cept some of the more heavily used horse trails, in Jasper National Park. Enjoy a spin on a wide, flat trail through valley-bottom forest, then grunt up a thigh-burning fire road to the top of Signal Mountain.