Stuff you need to know...
For most of you, this will probably be your first time in the Canadian Rockies. There are a few things you must know before you come here.
1) Anything that is in the park, stays in the park. It is a federal offense to remove anything from the park that originated there. ie: You see a rock with a fossel in it, leave it. If you get caught removing something from a National Park in Canada, you face a $10000 fine and up to a year in jail. Only exception is if you buy it from a store inside the park and can show a receipt.
2) Since Jasper is much higher in altitude than what you are probably use to, you may suffer from altitude sickness. I know, sounds crazy, but the changes in altitude driving through the park, hiking up mountains, etc... take a toll on the body. You may feel nauseous, get a headache, and in general, feel as though you are coming down with something after arriving. Believe me when I tell you, this will pass within a day or so. Drink lots of water and keep hydrated; take multi vitamins as your body will need them. Your body is producing additional red blood cells to help carry more oxygen as the air is thinner at these altitudes.
3) It gets cooolllddd at night. Although the daytime temperature may be fairly warm (between 20c (68f) and 25c (77f)), it can get cold at night; cold enough to see your breath. Dress warm! More on that in upcoming pages.
4) You will see lots of wildlife while we go exploring. Although they are use to humans by now, they are still wild animals and you need to keep your distance. Black bears are common in this area and all garbage cans are bear proof. And for god sakes, do not feed the animals!
5) June through August is forest fire season. If you smoke, make sure you extinguish the butt when you're done. A single unextinguished butt last year caused 1 acre of forest to burn. If we're hiking, bring a small bottle with some water in the bottom and carry it with you to put your butts in.