Jasper Gets the Short Shrift

After all we have written about and all that we have seen, it would be hard to once again say that we found Jasper National Park the best. Marsha and I think that even though in our posts on this trip, and in our memories from past trips Jasper gets the short shrift, but remains our favorite. So, much so that we are trying to figure out how to come north to south (Jasper first and then Banff). We think that the easier access to Banff leads us astray. Jasper id about 5 hours drive north from Banff. So, you normally go to Banff, and then after a bit head north. That makes your stay shorter.

However there is no denying a couple of things. Jasper is smaller and much less busy than Banff. It has grown a lot since we were last here, but not like Banff. The slower pace is welcome after Banff and Lake Louise. The character of geology especially the coloring of the rock changes dramatically as you head up the Icefields Parkway. You get more reds and rusts colors.

As you get into northern Banff and then into Jasper, the valley bottom land tends to open up creating wide vistas of not just single mountains, but ranges of mountains stretching out on both sides. You also gain altitude and latitude so things get colder. There are many more mountains with glaciers and icefields. You could pull over every 10 minutes for new vistas.

We did figure out that there are several Hosteling International locations along the Icefields Parkway and tons of bikers out, some in tour groups, some with panniers, some just out putting in miles. It would be fairly easy with light panners to use the HI Hostels and really do short miles between them. You also could arrange to set up in one or two and day ride by staying in the hostels with a car.

I am very impressed with the local cycling. Banff has a Grand Fondo going this Saturday from Banff, to Lake Louise and back. Jasper is home to two stages of the pro bike race the Tour of Alberta in early September. Both stages head are hill climbs going up ski area access roads.

There then, it is settled, Jasper first next time!

Wayward Johnsons, Springs That Are Hot, and Two Dollar Goats: Updated w/ New Pictures!

Well, Katie and Nate left yesterday and arrive home safe. We are now back in the land of Wifi at Lake Louise Hostel for one more day/night and then it is off to Kootenai National Park, and then sadly we leave Canada. Time to catch up on some posts.

As Marsha said in a past entry, we took the Jasper Skytram up Whistlers Mountain, and then hiked up the ridgeline into the alpine. It was breathtaking in both senses of the word in that it provided spectacular views, and at 7750 feet it was a chore. For me it was 50 yards, stop, let the breathing and heart rate come down, and then 50 more yards. We did the trail with about a hundred of our newest and closest friends.

However, the views are spectacular. To the east you can see the Colin and Maligne (home of the Skyline Trail) Ranges. To the south was the beautiful Mt . Edith Cavell. To the north and west mountain ranges layered on top of each other and peaking out between the clouds was Mt. Robson at just under 4000M (13,000 feet). Below us was the town of Jasper with its rail lines running east and west.

Best of all especially for Katie and Nate, as they got to the top of the ridge a herd of 15 mountain goats appeared. They hung out for quite some time doing there thing. The youngsters had been snookered in the large mountain mammal department so it was great for them. It also triggered a tidal wave of animal sightings later in the day. They saw elk on the way to and again on the way back from Miette Hot Springs. In the parking lot at the hot springs they got to see Rocky Mountain Sheep. Of course it was worth mentioning that the Skytram cost about $30 US making he cost of goat sighting $2.00 per goat.

Next on the trip was lunch. Now the Wayward Johnsons had found on Trip Advisor the number one rated restaurant in Jasper was The Deli on Patricia St. We had pretty much covered Patricia Street the night before but if the Internet tells you it is number one, ya' gots to go. Except we could not find it. Up and down Patricia Street we traveled. No, luck. When we finally went into the Visitor's Center to get directions, they said it was right next to the Pharmacy (which Nate had checked out the night before as part of his investigations of all things Canadian drug related.) Now in his defense, the Deli was tucked inside a mini mall of shops off the main street. When we got to the Deli, there was a note on the door explaining that the owner had decided that she wanted to take advantage of the great Jasper weather, and decided to close for the day.

No worries, next on the Wayward Johnson's Trip Advisor top ten was the nearby Evil Dave's, just down the block. whoops, closed until dinner at 5PM, which was not much use if you are hungry at 1 PM.

We were saved from hunger by looking for visual clues like the OPEN sign in the Greek restaurant just across the street. They gave us a great meal that was huge in portions and cheap in price. And best of all free wifi with great band width.

We ended the day with a trip to Jasper's Miette Hot Springs which is a 45 minute drive out of town (and back) but it did offer sheep and elk along the trip.

The Wayward Johnsons  redeemed themselves by choosing a great bistro for dinner!

 

Jasper Skytram

Today's epic adventure with the Johnsons took us up Whistlers Mountain on the Jasper Skytram and a 1.2 km hike got us to the top of the mountain with amazing views at 7800 feet - off to the Hot Springs this afternoon!!! Traveling with Katie and Nate is so rough:)