A couple of days here to recover some energy. As the weather forecast said sunny today we decided to get the gondola up the mountain. But first a visit to PureBread – our favourite bakery. My eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach. That rhubarb and raspberry cream brioche was much too big and I felt it the rest of the day.

Glorious and not busy as we went up. The views are amazing.

Stopped for a drink at the change of gondolas and enjoyed sitting in the sun and watching the Whisky Jacks.

Then it was back to our flat to get rid of our coats and have a little breather before looking around the shops and then stopping for some sangria and more sitting in the sun.  I had a bowl of minestrone before filling up with ice cream from Cows – the best ice cream and definitely the best cones.

Feeling very full it was back to the flat to let our stomachs recover from the assault.

Had a long lie in and then went to the diner next to the hotel. Eventually started off around midday. Supposed to take 3 hours according to google but took over 4 as I kept stopping to relieve the pain in my back. Fabulous views but I tried to keep my eyes on the road as it was very up and down with long drops at the sides of the road. The locals weren’t pleased with a stupid tourist keeping to the speed limit!

Lillouet

The last few miles seemed to go on for ever and I was so relieved to arrive. Was pleased that I found the right building and even more that there was a reception so had some help to locate the underground car park. Found the correct parking space more by luck than judgement and trying to find our way out was not easy. Took even longer to go back down to the car to fetch the rest of the luggage. Luckily we don’t need to use the car again till Monday. Hopefully my back and brain will have recovered by then!
Did some unpacking and then went to the Brewhouse for some sustenance. Started off with crispy sprouts which we hadn’t had since last time we were here. I also had a pizza (much better than the one I had in Banff) and an Aperol Spritz which was lovely.

Then back to the apartment and bed.

Long day, not helped by the clocks going back an hour. Managed to fill the car up with no dramas so that was a plus. Weather fine with just one shower.

Made a short stop at the Mount Robson information centre.

Had decided to stop for a coffee and snack at a little cafe in Clearwater that we’ve been to before but found to our dismay that it was closed. My back was really aching in spite of dosing up before we left Jasper so had to stop at a parking place by a river so I could take some more. Drove on for ages before finding a little place that said it did drinks and snacks. Bit misleading. We ended up with 2 cups of undrinkable coffee and a twix.

Thought we could stop at another little cafe between Kamloops and Cache Creek but didn’t come across it so ended up driving on to our hotel. I was relieved to finally have a rest from driving after 325 miles. Hotel is fine, clean with everything we need and also a restaurant where we finally had a meal. Not the best but filled a hole.

Didn’t get many pics as I was driving but did see a moose crossing the road, a vulture, a bald eagle sitting on her nest, an Osprey, an elk and plenty of horses and cows so not too bad.

4 pages of instructions on how to get into our flat tomorrow. Should be fun!

Didn’t want to do too much today as a long drive ahead tomorrow but did want to see if there was any wildlife about so drove up to Maligne Lake. Not much about but did see the eagle Mum and the top of an eaglet’s head.

Sad that Maligne Canyon is still closed due to the fire.  Really loved that walk. Instead of that drove down to Lake Annette. Half of the trees round the lake badly damaged.

Looks like they have vitiligo!

And half haven’t been touched.

These Canada geese were not happy we had the temerity to walk passed.

We have heard a few woodpeckers but finally captured this Downy.

By this time it was 1pm so needed some food and went to Whistler’s Inn for lunch. Not sure I should have followed the burger and chips and Velvet fog with a latte outside the Bear’s Paw bakery. Still, had to be done.

Then back to the flat for a hot bath and to pack ready for tomorrow.

Slept much better last night thank goodness.

Not raining first thing so went to do the walk around Lake Beauvert. Lots of fire damage and parts of the track cut off. Managed to do most of it but did get wet in the end.

Rain on it’s way

Supposed to be an artificial nest for loons but seems to have been hijacked by Canada Geese and all the Loons can do is keep swimming around giving dirty looks!

More Bighorn Sheep. Never seen so many. Usually there are loads of Elk but not this visit.

We’d had no breakfast so went to Smitty’s for a late breakfast/early lunch. Paul had poutine and said it was tasty but not my thing. Then it was back to the flat to pick up the washing and on to the launderette.
Now relaxing after a nice hot bath.

Didn’t sleep very well last night but still decided to drive up to Maligne Lake. Much colder than yesterday and a few drops of rain and snow but managed to keep mostly dry.

The drive up to Medicine Lake was really sad. Dead trees everywhere..

Stopped at Medicine Lake. Mummy eagle wasn’t on her nest unfortunately but it did mean the two eaglets were just about visible.

Then on to Maligne Lake. Stopped for coffee and a bite to eat at the Waffle House. I’m sure it wasn’t there last time we came. Had a nice chat with a couple from Sussex and a tour guide. Reinvigorated we walked up to Moose Lake. Supposed to be 750 metres but seemed much further. Once again no moose! Just as well we didn’t expect to see one!

Then back down the road and caught sight of Mummy eagle circling above  her nest. Unfortunately she didn’t land.  Just outside Jasper there were some bighorn sheep.

Not a great deal of wildlife but did see a few different water fowl and loved this Harlequin Duck

Back to Jasper and popped into the Tourist Information Centre to update our park pass. Then went into local pub and I had a very nice beer – Velvet Fog. Almost as good as Shock Top and made in Alberta.

Back to our Airbnb for a hot bath and tea.

Took it easier today and had a lateish breakfast at Papa George’s. Decided to drive out to the Athabasca Falls as it was the last day our Parks Canada ticket would be valid. So sad to see the devastation all around but good to see so many people visiting so hopefully lots of money going into the economy.

Drove back to Jasper for a mooch around the shops and a coffee.  Really hot in the sun. While we were sat outside enjoying our coffee we were joined by a nice American couple who were enjoying a break from Florida and then a lovely Canadian couple who live in Jasper and were telling us about their experience with the fire last year. He lost his business but they managed to save their house. Their kids are traumatised though even though they were away when it happened.

Now about to have some bread, cheese and wine for tea.

Tomorrow hope to drive up to Maligne Canyon and see what’s left after the fire.

Sad to leave Banff but looking forward to seeing Jasper.

Long drive made longer by the fact that we left the passports and money in the bedside table of the Banff hotel. Luckily we had only just left Banff so it only added half an hour to the journey.

Felt like a longer drive this time and we went through a heavy downpour at one stage and some light snow flurries.

Stopped at Peyto Lake. Hadn’t realised how icy and slippy it would be. Glad when we got back to the car.

Was glad to reach the visitor centre by the Athabasca. Chilly but the sun did come out as we sat drinking our coffee. Nice to catch up with Becca and Laura but too late for Emily.

Stopped off at Sunwapta Falls and just about enough energy left to hike down to the Lower Falls. Worth it though.

Did see this Bighorn sheep at the side of the road.

Really glad to arrive in Jasper. Found the Airbnb easily and let ourselves in. Really nice to have separate bedroom.  After unpacking went for a bite to eat that the Jasper Brewing Company. Another burger but really tasty.

Now ready for bed.

Last day and long drive tomorrow so didn’t want to do too much. Plus I still haven’t got the hang of this sleeping lark!
Hadn’t done the Falls so off we went.  Forgotten how many sets of stairs were involved but made it with a few rest stops. Worth it.

Needed a coffee so popped into Evelyn’s for the last time – at least for this holiday.
Back to the hotel where we picked up the car keys and drove to the petrol station. Luckily a very nice couple helped us with the intricacies of paying at the pump before you know how much you need. Glad we’ve done it. Hopefully we’ll remember for next time.
Hadn’t viewed the Hoodoos for a few years so went the long way back to the hotel.

While we were looking at them we saw our first bald eagle of the trip being dive bombed by two smaller birds. Excited to see one so early in the trip. We’d also seen a Californian grouse and  chipmunk when we were at Lake Minnewanka so we’ve really been blessed.

And to top it off, on our way back to the hotel saw our first elk.

Back to hotel. Did a bit of packing and then went across the road to the Bluebird where we’d had the fondue. Had a beef burger and a glass of wine this time. Lovely.

Not a good night. Even when I did sleep I was having nightmares. Thought I would be completely destressed by now!
Weather looking ok at the moment so off to Lake Louise. Drove along the Bow Valley Parkway but didn’t see any wildlife much to my disappointment. Stopped at the Lake Louise services for a coffee and we’re rewarded with this little fella coming in to join us.

If we won’t go to the wildlife they come to us!!
Think he’s a ground squirrel.

Then off to Lake Louise. Not very busy. Mostly iced over which was a change from when we were there in 2022 when there were people boating on the lake.

Really couldn’t fathom what this guy was dressed up as – or why!!

Cold but at least the rain stayed off.

Stopped at a lookout in the way back and came across these ground squirrels.

Definitely not camera shy.