Icefields Parkway

From Banff we headed north to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway. It took all day as we made several stops along the way.  The best hike we have done so far was the somewhat difficult Parker Ridge hike. It is a must stop on your way to Jasper. It is pretty much straight up, but the view of the Athabasca Glacier from the ridge is well worth the hike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was also plenty of snow for us Florida kids to play in.

Farther down the parkway, we made a stop at the Athabasca Falls which was also breathtaking.

 

Upon arriving in Jasper, we got word from the locals that there was a mama grizzly bear and her two cubs hanging out on an island in the middle of the river eating an elk. This was one of those national geographic moments not to be missed.

Our first stop in Jasper was a hike through the Maligne Canyon and around Maligne Lake.   The canyon was the best we have seen so far and we took a ton of photos – not sure that photos can do it justice! The canyon is several miles long and each turn seemed to be a better view! It is a must see in Jasper!

The rain was starting to come in as we hiked Maligne Lake but rain is a good thing as it helped to clear out the smoke from the fires.

And of course you can’t be in Jasper and not see some elk, they are everywhere!