Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course
JASPER, ALBERTA
CANADA 
by Mary E. Porter, Editor
Photographs by Karen J. Christoforo
You cannot leave the Province of Alberta before visiting the Jasper National Park. The Park is celebrating its 100th Anniversary as one of Canada’s oldest National Parks and encompasses the largest protected area in North America.
ALL ABOARD, via the Canada Transcontinental luxury train, for a non-stop five-hour ride from Edmonton to the small town of Jasper. The train trip offered photo opportunities around every bend. We could view the mountains in the glass-enclosed observation cars, have a meal in the dining car, play games in the game car, take a shower or nap, visit the lounge car for a beverage or just sit back and snap photographs of the impressive landscape from the large picture windows. Traveling by train was not only fun, but a perfect way to relax and witness the spectacular scenery of western Canada.
Upon our arrival in Jasper, we drove to one of the most beautiful mountain golf destinations in all of Canada, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Golf Course. The Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course, on the shore of Lac Beauvert, is surrounded by 10,000-foot snow-capped mountains, deep green pine forests, pristine clear streams and the aqua-blue mountain lakes. Our host drove the group to the Point and Outlook Cabins, where we would reside for the next two nights. These enormous 6,000 square- foot log cabins have six bedrooms with private bathrooms, a large dining room, a veranda, kitchen and a charming living room with a stone fireplace. These luxurious cabins have hosted not only King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, but also movie stars like Marilyn Monroe! Pretty neat, “eh”?
Before dinner, we chose to canoe around the perimeter of Lac Beauvert, just footsteps from our cabin. While paddling quietly along the shore, we scanned the thick woods for signs of wildlife. To our surprise, it took only moments before we spotted a small deer grazing alongside the lake. She paused, looked up, then continued to nibble while we snapped a photo and continued our paddle. The crystal clear water made depth-perception challenging. According to a local resident, you could see 60 feet to the bottom of the lake on a calm day.
On our way to breakfast the next morning, we looked for wildlife at the advice of our hosts. Not without warning, we opened the door of our cabin to observe several elk chowing down on the beautiful arrangement of flowers around our cabin. Our camera began capturing these seven-foot high creatures, who seemed to care less about our presence. It was amazing to see them wandering the grounds with their youngsters.
After a great breakfast in the Fairmont Lodge, we headed to the course anticipating a fun day on the rolling fairways of Canada‘s “Number One” resort course. We were not disappointed! Few pleasures in my lifetime will ever compare to this golfing playground in Jasper, Alberta. Each hole displayed a photo opportunity. The greens and fairways were in pristine condition, so it is no wonder that this championship Stanley Thompson course had been voted the most beautiful golf course in all of Canada by Score Golf Magazine.
Needless to say, the Jasper Park Golf Course should be on everyone’s “must play list.” Eh? Golfers and non-golfers alike should view this magnificent Eden of peace and tranquility. The course itself provided an exceptional layout with the perfect sense of balance between playability and challenge for all skill levels. If anyone in our group hit a bad shot, we laughed and hit a provisional ball. No stress was the phrase of the day. The 14th tee box, situated along the banks of Lac Beauvert, has been compared to Pebble Beach for natural golfing beauty. Without a doubt, I will cherish my Jasper golfing trip for many years to come.
From your first drive to your final putt, you will be challenged from the front tees or the tips on this par-71, 6664 yard course. Birdies await the player with a skilled short game, while bogeys or worse may be the outcome from disobedient tee shots or approaches. But remember “No Stress”… eh? For the trip of a lifetime, visit Jasper, Alberta, CANADA.
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