CULTURAL

Become a small part of Jasper’s whitewater rafting history with the oldest whitewater rafting company in Canada. Since 1971, the company known today as Jasper’s Whitewater Rafting has been leading visitors down the rivers that served as regional highways before people carved actual roads through the landscape. This fun and safe experience is great for every generation; indeed, it’s helped multiple generations discover the joy that comes from whitewater. Choose between three tour options across two different rivers (the historic, class 2 Athabasca River or the rowdier, class 3 Sunwapta River). The trailblazers behind this company consider nearly 50 years of playing on Jasper’s rivers not nearly enough time. By the end of your tour, you’ll understand why.

Hear the Indigenous stories of this land, feel the heartbeat of the drum and have an intimate and candid conversation with a local Indigenous Knowledge Keeper. The Fireside Chat offered by Warrior Women is a truly unique and personal experience which includes musical performances and Cree legends from singer and drummer Matricia Brown. The event, which is held every Wednesday evening year-round, was a 2019 finalist in the Canadian Tourism Awards. Also new this year is a local plant walk, where Brown plans to show participants the local landscape through an Indigenous lens, highlighting flora with medicinal and traditional significance. Inquire directly for latest details.

warrriorwomen.ca 780-712-3358

The landscapes of the Rocky Mountains have inspired legions of creatives to create great works of art. And many of the best can be found at the exquisite and welcoming Mountain Galleries, located on the Beauvert Promenade of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. For nearly thirty years, this commercial fine art gallery has showcased museum quality art and worked to support Canadian artists.

They do this not only by selling gorgeous original art, but also by mentoring local artists, providing scholarships and local workshops, and supporting many charitable organizations and community initiatives. Its Artist-in-Residence program provides 2,500 square feet of the gallery’s studio space and connects professional artists with the public.

Engagement and education are everyday passions at Mountain Galleries. Their collection boasts artworks of tremendous historic value, and highly trained and knowledgeable staff are happy to discuss each one.

Norval Morrisseau

Mountain Galleries has long hours and is often open until 11 p.m. in summer.

After all, each painting has a story. Norval Morrisseau – widely considered to be the Mishomis, or grandfather, of contemporary Indigenous art in Canada – painted a work which is among Mountain Galleries’ collection (top right image). Known as Picasso of the North, Morrisseau was famous for his use of bright colours and portrayal of traditional stories and spiritual themes. He lived for a time in Jasper, where he painted while a local family helped him fight the alcoholism that plagued him for much of his life (the painting here is a portrait of that family). Another painter (and recent Mountain Galleries Artist in Residence) Randy Hayashi says the mountains inspire him in part because the same scene can shift drastically, day to day.

"We all bring a different interpretation to the experience of the place," Hayashi has said. “Nothing beats being there and being fully immersed in the experience and surroundings. So I hope that my paintings can capture a bit of the viewer's memory of a place or somehow have a positive resonance with their own story.” Mountain Galleries owner (and accomplished artist and filmmaker in her own right) Wendy Wacko echoes the sentiment. Since expanding the Jasper flagship gallery to locations in Banff, Whistler and Stratford, Ont., Wacko has witnessed the power art has to ignite fond memories. It provides a unique lens for guests and visitors to remember Jasper, and is arguably the most evocative souvenir anyone can bring home.