Jasper National Park

Western Alberta

Banff ’s less f lashy little sibling, Jasper offers all the mountain without the glitz. Like Banff, there are heaps of great runs to be had starting from the townsite, and then a multitude of front country and backcountry options. But really, you’re in the thick of the wild wherever you go. (The author was once narrowly not-smacked by a galloping elk while running just outside the townsite.) Triedand-true routes range from Maligne Canyon – probably the best afternoon mountain jog-jaunt one could ask for in life – to the Skyline – the informal, must-do 44-kilometre mountain marathon – to the 192-kilometre North Boundary Trail. Don’t forget to stop at Miette Hot Springs afterwards.

Ideal destination if:

You want the iconic Rocky Mountain experience but sans some of the madness.