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Natural water parks in Canada
Canada's Natural Water Parks: Swimming in Crystal Clear Waters
Do you dream of testing the crystal clear waters of a Canadian natural park? This is an activity that can only be done in summer, the only season when temperatures are suitable for swimming. These are generally the lakes resulting from the melting of glaciers which have magnificent waters. This also means that their waters are particularly cold even in summer. You must therefore be careful about thermal shock and the risk of hypothermia. Swimming for children is not always recommended for these reasons.
In the Jacques Cartier natural park in Quebec
This natural Park is part of a network of 24 parks in the province of Quebec. With an area of 670 km², it is nestled in a glacial valley and offers astonishing landscapes in the Laurentides massif.
The Jacques-Cartier natural park was created in 1981 to protect the Jacques-Cariter lake massif. It is in fact the highest mountain range in the Laurentians. With its more than 100 km of trails, it is a must-see place for hiking fans.
The river which crosses the Jacques Cartier park can be descended peacefully by kayak. It is also one of the key activities to do in this park. If swimming is possible there, you should know that the water is quite cool.
This park is located 50 km from Quebec City. The south entrance is accessible from Highway 73 then 175. Allow around 30 minutes by car to get there from Quebec.
In Banff National Park in Alberta
THE National Park Banff is the country's first national park. Located in the Canadian Rockies, it offers a variety of breathtaking landscapes with valleys, rivers, lakes and forests against a backdrop of glacier or snow-capped mountain peaks. This park, with an area of more than 6,600 km², is one of the essential national parks in Canada in several respects. It has very rich biodiversity and you can do a host of activities there in summer and winter.
Swimming is permitted in two of its best-known lakes. These are Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. On the other hand, you should not be cold, because their waters are cold. This is the case for Lake Louise, with its dazzling blue. It's the promise of a refreshing swim - even in summer - against a spectacular backdrop of the Canadian rocky mountains. The water temperature is around 7°C and sometimes less in summer. For this reason, it is strongly recommended not to jump into the water of Canadian lakes without any preparation. This avoids severe thermal shock and hypothermia.
For slightly milder temperatures, head to Cascade Ponds near the TransCanada highway. Since the waters are shallow, they are also warmer. The area also contains picnic areas and public barbecue facilities. It's the perfect place for a family vacation in Canada.
In Jasper National Park in Alberta
Jasper National Park was the first natural park to be created in Canada and is one of the largest in the country. It is also part of the natural parks of the Canadian Rockies and is listed as a UNESCO universal heritage site. Jasper is home to a great diversity of landscapes covering an area of almost 11,000 km².
There are more than a thousand lakes within its protected territory. Maligne or Annette lakes have particularly beautiful waters with their sandy beaches.
Maligne Lake is one of the park's biggest attractions. It is also the second largest lake in the Canadian Rockies region. Its magnificent blue is particularly tempting, but its waters are cold. Annette Lake, to the east on the banks of the Athabasca River, is more suitable for swimming. Its banks are equipped with benches, picnic areas, changing rooms, a cooking shelter and places for wood fires. Be careful to keep children nearby, as the nearby Ocher Lake is surrounded by potentially dangerous quicksand.
You can swim in other lakes in Jasper Park. Beauvert Lake, closest to the town of Jasper, is accessible by a leisurely hike of about an hour. Horseshoe Lake and its crystal clear waters are another great destination in Jasper Park. People happily swim there, but you should know that its waters are very cold.
In Mount Seymour Provincial Park in British Columbia
THE provincial park Mount Seymour is located about fifteen kilometers from the center of Vancouver. It contains Mystery Lake, a small watering hole well known to locals and tourists. It can be accessed by a hiking trail of moderate difficulty. Its clear, tranquil waters and the landscape that surrounds it are an invitation to daydream. Mystery Lake is a destination that families enjoy. They go there during the weekend to enjoy nature, picnic and enjoy the water.
We won't forget to bring an XXL buoy to float peacefully. Although the hike is short, the terrain can be muddy and littered with stones. So be sure to wear closed and suitable shoes, even if your program will mainly consist of relaxing at the water's edge.
In Yoho National Park
The park is located in the Canadian Rockies, very close to Banff. The Emerald Lake it contains is suitable for swimming, but only in summer, when the ice has melted. This lake discovered in 1882 constitutes one of the most great attractions of the park. The hike that goes around it is also very interesting. It allows you to observe geological phenomena and the incredible diversity of fauna and flora all around.
Emerald Lake is easily accessible from the town of Field by car or bike along the Tally Ho Trail. Stop at the Natural Bridge Lookout along the way for picturesque views of the surrounding area.
Stock up on authentic Canadian products in our Online Store. Amber or dark maple syrup is available in different packaging. Are you looking for a last minute gift idea for a colleague or acquaintance? Introduce them to the original drinks of this country, such as wine or ice cider.
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