Jasper, AB (Canada) 2

A big (or bigger ? ) scenery day ….

We have driven some iconic roads in our travels and have now added the Icefields Parkway to our list – the scenery is just spectacular !

Day 1 – Lake Louise to Jasper

We started the day early with our lake Moraine sunrise tour and our decision to change the day had worked wonders ! There was hardly a cloud in the sky and despite being freezing it was a gorgeous sunrise ! And amongst all the people streaming in to get a good spot, in front of us was another wedding couple and photographer heading along the path, the bride with her flowing wedding gown hitched up under her arm revealing her thick boots and wooly socks to keep her warm !

It was then back to Lake Louise for breakfast in the lounge and one last look at the lake with some sun glistening on it. We have been blown away with the experience and, despite the cost, can see why it is a bucket list location for so many.

Packed up and in the car again we were off to our next stop in Jasper. The drive takes in the Icefields Parkway – basically a drive for hundreds of miles through a glacial valley with towering snow covered peaks, vast forests of pines and larch trees and dotted here and there with glacial blue lakes. It is hard to know where to look next ! Lots of photos – could decide what to leave out !

As well as the magnificent scenery just driving along, we stopped at a number of stunning lakes along the way. There was a fair bit of competition to get parking spots at each stop but we generally managed. First stop was Bow Lake, pretty much on the side of the road and then probably the premier stop – Peyto Lake which required a bit of a hike to get to the overlook which gives the stunning view down into the valley and lake below.

Then it was Waterfowl lake, again just beside the road. Further on we stopped to do a walk up Wilcox Pass. Adrienne was after some more red chairs which are part way up the trail and overlook the Columbia Icefields Centre. There was a fair bit of huffing and puffing on the way up but we found the chairs and after taking in the view it was back down to the car. We then drove up the road a short distance to stop into the Icefields Centre.

The Icefields centre overlooks a few glaciers and you can do tours up onto the glacier. We settled on taking in the view and having coffee at a picnic table with the glaciers and mountains as our back drop.

The last stops for the day as we did the last section into Jasper were two waterfalls – Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls

We arrived in Jasper around 4.30 and needed to do washing so we sat on our verandah and had a drink while we waited for our washing.

We are staying at Tekarra Lodge just out of Jasper. Quite a bit different to our last couple of nights! Think “rustic “ 1950’s cosy cabin with lots of timber. Our front verandah is about 2m x 1m with a direct view of our car parked in front of it. To the left is the power grid box and pole with wires heading in all directions to the other cabins, To the right, the large animal proof garbage bins.

Sounds worse than it is – about 250 metres away is a lovely cliff top with Adirondack chairs spread out along the top with great views over the ragging river and forest area.

After sorting our washing we had dinner at the restaurant – a local Jasper favourite since 1952. The food was delicious- Adrienne had the Chefs Chicken Dinner Special and I had Alberta Meatloaf.

Day 2 – Exploring Jasper

We started off back tracking a bit to start our day to visit Mount Edith Cavell. It is the most prominent peak entirely within Alberta and is situated in a valley between the Athabasca and Astoria rivers.

The drive up is a winding road through pine forests and as you get closer the mountain becomes more prominent. There is a hike into the valley which brings you to a close up of the north face of the mountain. Directly above to the right, Angel Glacier dangles down the cliff face and chunks of ice float about in the lake.

The scene is massive and and just amplifies how insignificant we are in the world! It is just remarkable! Even the feeling of being cold disappeared as you tried to take in the scenery. Photos can’t do it justice !

Our remaining locations for the day unfortunately had big shoes to fill and whilst picturesque didn’t quite match up .

Maligne Canyon is a cutting created through rock by the river over millions of years. The walk follows the canyon and crosses it on a series of bridges. The canyon is 50 metres deep in some parts and whilst impressive where it can be seen the path can’t follow closely which loses some impact.

We had a picnic lunch before moving onto our final stop at Maligne Lake. It was about 40km away and we passed Medicine Lake on the way – a large lake but at this time of year more a wide flood plain.

We did get a couple of animal encounters along the way – the first a bear jam, with a sizeable grizzly grazing below the roadway, then a moose grazing along the side of the road. Probably because it was right on the road, a park ranger in a van was using a megaphone to move on anyone who tried to stop.

Maligne Lake is another blue green picturesque lake with boat tours and canoeing. We walked part of the lakeside trail and found another set of red Adirondack chairs.

We stopped at the kiosk beside the lake for a gelato before starting back to Jasper. We found another bear jam near Medicine Lake – we think it was probably the same one we had seen on the way in which had just moved across the lake floor. We got better photos this time.

We stopped in Jasper to pick up provisions for dinner and some wine. When we got back to our lodge, we took our wind & some chips up to the chairs on the cliff top and enjoyed the view.

Later for dinner we enjoyed a nice BBQ chicken and salad we had bought in town.

So two busy days in Jasper with fantastic weather to spoil us and showcase the stunning scenery we had taken in!