The Call of the Mountains - Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park, Alberta, (low 28 degrees, high 42 degrees, snow showers)

"going to the mountains

is going home"

John Muir

To say Jasper National Park is spectacular is an understatement. It's vast, beautiful and at this time of year has more wildlife then we have seen all summer in Alaska.

Our campground was a great location for seeing the park and accessing the downtown Jasper area. The town is very vibrant with lots of restaurants and a great visitor center. We had only brief glimpses of blue sky, but enjoyed the park nonetheless. Our first day was spent exploring the Maligne Lake area. It was a very pretty drive and we saw lots of elk, moose and big horn sheep. It mating season for the elk and the males were very busy protecting their females. We heard lots of bugling which is certainly a very eerie sound.

Found some Park Canada Red Chairs at Lake Edith

This moose hung out at the edge of the road and caused quite a traffic jam

Heads of Big Horn Sheep were everywhere

Maligne Lake

There are some nice boat rides on Maligne Lake, however, the weather did not really cooperate.  The boat does offer some great views on the lake but it was really too cold and rainy to justify the cost.  Nest time!!!

TIP:  Advance reservations for the boat trip during the busy summer season is a must.

We did take a short hike out to Moose Lake. The icy snow made it a little treacherous but it was  nice to be out enjoying the quiet forest.

Moose Lake

The next day we hiked Maligne Canyon. This is one of the best hikes we have taken and that is saying a lot. The trail goes along a steep canyon where you cross up to six bridges. We took our time and went from bridge one to four and back. One of the interpretive signs says the river acts like natural sandpaper and has slowly over time wore through the rock to create this magnificent canyon. The views are very dramatic and some overlooks take your breath away. 

Another relaxing place to check out is the Jasper Hot Spring. It's a long, windy drive up to the springs and well worth the trip. It's more like a two big swimming pools filled with hot water and one cold pool for dipping...if you dare.  It was cold and surrounded by some snow. This is perfect weather is our opinion for a hot spring. We got such a kick out of seeing the life guards dressed in warm winter clothes and hiking boots holding life preservers.  It was relaxing and oh so enjoyable for only $7/person. 

Our next stop are the Columbia Ice Fields.  Be sure to dress warmly!