Sewell Travels: Jasper National Park

Jeff plotted a days activities to the west of Jasper. Had a look at the Beaver boardwalk near Hinton. Locals had undertaken a sterling effort boardwalking some 3km over a water meadow near a lake. We did not see any beavers ( they are nocturnal) but were impressed with their dam.

Next stop was the Mt Solomon 13km hike. Was heart beating 5km climb but enjoyed the views from the top....smoky horizon notwithstanding.

Beaver boardwalk

Road into Mt Solomon trail

Track up to Mt Solomon

View of Lake Brule

A seat at the top ....excellent.

Chipmunk, very cute. We all remember Alvin and the chipmunks as children

Map showing various section ...anti clockwise was the best option and back the same way.

We decided we deserved dinner at the Folding Mt restuarant beside East Jasper cabins where we were staying. Was very entertaining people and dog watching outside in the warm sun.

Today was the drive through Jasper National Park from Jasper to Lake Louise turnoff. 233km that took 3 to 4 hours. The road is tolled $21.50 CAD to drive through.

Athabasca Falls

There were amazing views along a section called Columbia Icefields. Hanging glaciers, impressive slabs of granite, really spectacular.

Colombia Icefield

There are plenty of pull over areas usually with toilets and rubbish dumpster. Was not too crowded. Many waterfalls also. Stopped for a break at Saskatchewan crossing - turnoff left to go to Edmonton. We carried on 75km and turn left before Lake Louise and took Highway 1 to Revelstoke our overnight accommodation. Although Lake Louise is famous given it is a weekend and summer holidays we decided to forgo as it would be heaving. We will be coming from Calgary in a couple of weeks on a Monday and will stop in then.

Revelstoke is a nice old town with the railways a feature.