What a treat to be able to explore Jasper National Park in the snow and ice. Even in the frigid temperatures we were able to visit some beautiful spots and, with brief stints of removing my -30 degree rated mitts, take pictures. Thanks to a hand warmer I left with my almost frozen fingers intact. Our first stop was Pyramid Lake and Mountain overlooking the town of Jasper. Pyramid Lake was one of many small lakes left behind by retreating glaciers. In summer it’s a popular spot for fishing and paddling and in the winter, if it’s not too cold, there are some great hikes.
Next we headed south to Sunwapta Falls and Canyon. The road in was closed for the winter and we planned to walk in. When we got there we discovered there was nowhere to park and we had to drive along the narrow path made by others driving in. From the small parking lot it was a short walk to the falls, spectacular with the snowy ice caked on the trees. There are two falls, a lower and an upper one. The water originates from the Athabasca Glacier and water volumes are at their peak in early summer because of glacial melting.
On the way back to the town site we stopped at Athabasca Falls, just west of the Icefields Parkway. It is a powerful waterfall due to the force of large quantities of water falling into the gorge. Even on a cold winter day water continues to flow. There were lots of great spots to view and take pictures from viewing platforms and walking trails. If you’re so inclined, in warmer weather, Whitewater rafting starts below the falls to travel downstream on the Athabasca River.
It doesn’t take a lot of luck to see wildlife in the park. We saw Mountain sheep, deer and a male moose. Elk were in abundance and this pair obliged me with a photo shoot. Although I had to be quick before they moved off to a safe distance.
It’s hard to beat the Canadian Rockies. We are extremely fortunate to have its splendour so close by.
