Jasper AB, II
A couple of weeks after we left Jasper, wildfires ravaged the park and an evacuation order was issued. If you’d like to support the rebuilding of this precious area, donate directly to the Jasper Fire Caring Community Fund.
After checking out of our previous hotel, we hit the road towards the Jasper SkyTram, a cable car that has been taking passengers up Whistlers Mt, named after the whistling marmots who reside there, since 1964. Dogs are allowed on for $10. The flight takes under 10 minutes, with the operator giving an overview of the main sights. Rita was content and lay down throughout the journey, despite it being a full carriage.
At the top, there is a short boardwalk, gift shop and a café. However, we decided to take on the hike to Whistlers Summit. It was a short but steep hike, giving views of the blue lakes to one side and the vast mountain ranges on the other side. We were able to see Mt Robson, the highest peak of the Rockies. We only spent an hour and a half at the top but were able to jump on an earlier car down than we had booked.
Next we travelled to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge for some refreshments – humans and dog! The Great Hall has a special pet-friendly patio complete with a “Furrmont” dog menu. Rita’s steamed salmon with veg came in a bowl just like my salad, and she gobbled it up, apart from the broccoli! It was a lovely spot for lunch, with views across Beauvert Lake. Another dog-friendly activity, which we didn’t manage to fit in, is a Telescope Tour with Jasper Planetarium, which takes place every night next to the lodge.
Our next Jasper hike was Valley of the Five Lakes, which is self-explanatory. We did the shorter 5km loop and were able to see all 5 lakes, without following the longer route around First Lake. They were each pretty in their own ways, but Third Lake was my favourite as it was the most vivid blue. Rita even had a chance to swim.
Next we took a drive down a very winding road to the Edith Cavell trailhead. She was a British nurse working during WW1 and had a mountain named after her. The path to the Glacier took us uphill, through sparse landscape, towards views of the glacier. The meadows trail was closed at this time, but dogs are not permitted there anyway.
Our accommodation for the next two nights was Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge, right on the Icefields Parkway. Our room was decent, and I was pleasantly surprised with the food, especially the vegetarian/vegan options. Dogs are welcome in all rooms.
The next day brought lots of scenic views and waterfalls. We began with Parker Ridge, which is just across the boundary in Banff National Park. This rocky, uphill trail leads to pretty views of the Saskatchewan Glacier. Rita played with a few other dogs on the trail.
On our drive back north, we stopped off at Tangle Creek, a waterfall right on the side of the road. Then we headed to Athabasca Falls. This waterfall was tremendously powerful and there was an information board telling us that someone dies there every couple of years. Memorial benches lined the pathway too. The amount of water was immense. We were able to walk down the previous route of the falls, before the rock became too resistant and the water found another path.
The powerful Athabasca Falls
Our final stop before returning to the lodge for dinner was its namesake, Sunwapta Falls. The upper falls are right beside the parking lot, and we walked across the bridge directly over them. The 2.8km return trail took us to the 3 lower falls, which gave us lovely scenery and even a hint of a rainbow.
