Jasper Town

Drive to Jasper and first impressions of Jasper
Jasper is some 250 kms ahead of us but I am really looking forward to the drive as it is through the Rockies. We get away in good time, which is a surprising feat in itself. The RV cockpit is stocked with essential items; water, sweets, maps, guides and an ipod, for the journey.

The scenery is just breathtaking, deep gorges flowing with glacier melt water, vertical mountain peaks, rugged skyline and deep blue lakes surrounded by 300 – 500 year old Douglas firs. Every turn offers a new and inspiring view. We had chosen a few stops on the way that seemed to offer the best of the views but often I would turn a corner and wish for the opportunity to stop but their was none available. Perhaps it was best this way as otherwise it would have taken us about 3 days to do the trip instead of one.

I will let the pictures below speak for them selves of the stops we made at Peyto Lake, Bridal Veil Falls and the Columbia Ice Fields.

The campsite at Jasper is more secluded with Caribou/Elk roaming free through out the site. Whilst having dinner in our shady pitch one of them wandered past our RV quite unconcerned by our presence.

Jasper itself is a very pleasant frontier town. We found some good eateries and stores as well as the tourist trap stores. Jasper also has a small cinema so after a restful day we all went to see the HP film. Tomorrow is white water rafting on the Athabasca River. Then we are off to Clearwater and the wilderness of Wells Grey National Park.

I would just like to say that I find Jasper a much more pleasant and interesting town to visit than Banff. Banff did suffer from the road works through the main street but it appeared to be a made to measure tourist town whilst Jasper appears to be a community as well as a tourist trap. We were talking to a young guy who served us in the Liquor Store last night who said the actual population is 4500 which swells to 20000 in the summer. Connaught Drive, the main street which looks over the railway, has its fair share of tourist stores but walk one block up and there is more variety. Although many of the stores are still aimed at tourists - not surprising given its location - there is a pleasant a laid back atmosphere.


As to Stupid American Tourists I would like to say that not ALL American Tourists we have met fit this criteria. If travelling independently from a “Tour” they can appear almost normal and pleasant. We have met some fellow Scots who are easily identifiable. Species markers include burnt red skin, strap marks and arms and legs covered in mosquito bite lumps. On that subject Gordon, in particular, is suffering from the bites and we are now on our third brand of insect repellent. The first two contained large amounts of toxic DDET and still did not work. Our latest is citronella based which smells strongly but we are not yet convinced it works. We also have three brands of antihistamines, creams and sting soother. Any suggestions as to what would work are welcome. These mosquitoes are considerably larger than midges and some of the bites we have are probably black flies. Bear in mind that the drug stores can be limited in what they offer.

For those interested in how to Bear proof your site here is some information taken from the Jasper campsite leaflet:
“Bears pick up on even the slightest scent that smells like food and that’s why a range of items are considered attractants: food, pet food, grills and cookstoves (so far I get it but next…), insect spray, soap, dish rags and yes even toothpaste. To bear proof your site, you must reduce or eliminate odours from yourself, your campsite, your tent and your clothes.”

Okay I read this just after I had showered with my Pomegranate and Melon shower gel and lemon shampoo. I then carefully applied my lovely smelling Ambre Solaire lotion and topped it with a coating of citronella. I was now ready to step outside and walk in the woods … I can’t help wondering if I am now bear proof. I forgot to add that I also added a liberal sprinkling of repellent to my clothes.

Hi, Eilidh here! I just wanted to inform everyone that I have not been eaten by any Bears or Caribou! Also I still do not have crazyitis!! That’s all for now! xxxx

Just back from the white water rafting. Fantastic time, just right for us behginers. Saw our first black bear just after it had had a swim, as we floated down the Athabasca River. We all had aq dip in the river…4 degrees c! Eilidh forgot to hold on and went on her own float down the river, the guide caught her just as sally was about to launch herself in after Eilidh. Decided that as we were in full tourist mode we would by the cd of pictures after the event so have included a couple here.