Jasper
Alberta Canada
Airstreaming  2006

Arrive:   June 28
Depart:  July 1
Road Conditions:  Very good
Weather:  Clear & Sunny
Miles:  180

Click for Route Map

Between Banff and Jasper a very pretty spot to visit is Lake Louise. Yes it is very pretty but then again the whole area is marvelous. We took the necessary pictures got a brief tour of the Lake Louise Chateau and continued on to Jasper.

We all liked Jasper, and the ride over the Icefields Parkway was a moving post card. Over a hundred miles of beautiful scenery washing across every windshield and beautiful turquoise lakes demanding a photo stop. Jasper feels more like a real town not just a tourist haven. Smaller than Banff  but with ample shops and a more home town feel. The National Park rules apply here as well as Banff.  A person can not live in Jasper or Banff unless they own a business or work. This leads to more extended families living together and a child moving into their own home must meet the requirement or bend the rules. The latter not uncommon.

We stayed at Whistlers Campground with full services and found it woodsy and roomy. Elk were passing through our camp one morning and not stopping to pose.

We found the Patricia Street Deli, packed delicious sandwiches, and headed for Edith Lake. The marine biology class at the local high school was conducting a final dive test for several ninth graders. Friendly answers to all our questions taught us the lake was about 68 degrees and not very deep, warmer than we thought considering the water source, and to view bikinis Lake Annette was the answer. We did go to Lake Annette - we did not see bikinis. Do not miss the Mt. Edith Cavell glaciers. A twisting bumpy ride to the top then a short hike to the best viewing area rewarded us with an upclose view of Ghost Glacier, Angel Glacier, and Cavell Glacier. Well worth the trip.

Pyramid Lake had a walkway bridge to an island with picnic tables. This is where we had an evening happy hour belatedly celebrating Joe's birthday. We drank in the glistering lake views, appropriate beverages, Sarah's wonderful hordouvers, and truly felt blessed.