dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jan 3, 2012, 3:19 am
The Sunwapta Falls make a good quick stop on the Icefield Parkway on the way from Jasper National Park’s central townsite area to the Icefield Centre or on the way to Banff National Park. A stop at Sunwapta Falls offers the traveler a view of a rushing waterfall in a scenic setting. A short path...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Dec 30, 2011, 11:11 am
I stopped by the Banff Upper Hot Springs mid-afternoon on a warm summer day.  The parking lot was packed and it was probably a 30-minute wait to get in!  Having gone the day before in the early morning (no lines, no waiting), we decided to skip a second visit to the hot springs and instead try out...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Aug 14, 2011, 2:09 pm
If you are thinking about visiting Jasper National Park in September and wondering if it is a good time to visit, you are in for a treat. All-in-all, the only major trade-off is the likelihood of cooler weather in September compared to July and August – though a given September day can be warmer ...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jun 14, 2011, 10:32 pm
Yes, Johnston Canyon Trail in Banff National Park is a popular hiking trail. There are a million great photos of the waterfalls and Johnston Creek that show why. This Photo of the Day is a photo of a fragment of the experience of Johnston Canyon, the edge where the water meets the limestone.  The...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jun 12, 2011, 4:11 pm
It’s now a year since I bought my first set of hiking poles.  I bought them because I wanted to do more day hiking in the Canadian Rockies. Shortly thereafter, I did several day hikes in Jasper and Banff National Park.  I loved having the trekking poles. If you are planning to at least a few d...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jun 10, 2011, 3:28 pm
I recommend getting to know Jasper National Park before visiting. I mean getting to know the real Jasper. Jasper National Park is different than most other parks in that Jasper has a full municipality within it, Jasper town-site. In it are a small population of people who call Jasper National Par...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Mar 23, 2011, 9:18 pm
The Icefield Parkway is the scenic highway connecting Banff National Park with Jasper National Park. And as far as scenic roadways go, the Icefield Parkway is tops.  You’ll never have a long drive that is so enjoyable. Seriously – unless you are afraid of a little bit of heights and a whole lo...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Feb 13, 2011, 4:10 pm
The most distinguishing feature of Whistler’s Inn Jasper is its central location in Jasper townsite in Jasper National Park. The hotel is situated on the corner of Connaught Drive and Miette Drive in the heart of the townsite action. The Jasper National Park Information Centre is next door.Â...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Feb 9, 2011, 10:23 pm
As I was about to leave the parking lot at Miette Hot Springs, a group of bighorn sheep emerged from the woods and headed towards the picnic area. I thought the fun was done after a day of hiking on the Sulphur Skyline Trail and soaking in Miette Hot Springs – but seeing these bighorn sheep roun...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jan 20, 2011, 3:15 pm
I took this photo on the way from the town of Banff to Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park. It is a simple picture showing the grass, trees, mountains and sky.  I have a print of it on my wall and it looks nice. Read more on Free Desktop Wallpaper: Banff National Park… Related posts:Photo o...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jan 18, 2011, 2:40 pm
With so many sites along one of the most scenic stretches of road in the world, the Icefield Parkway is a must while vacationing in Jasper National Park or Banff National Park. The Icefield Parkway connects the 2 parks. It is an afternoon drive to get from Jasper townsite to the town of Banff. An...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jan 3, 2011, 8:13 pm
The white-crowned sparrow is quite common throughout North America and you’ve probably seen them many times if you are from Canada or the USA.  If not, you’ll get a chance to see them in the Canadian Rockies. I saw the popular bird making a guest appearance during summertime in Jasper National...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jan 3, 2011, 9:31 am
Mt Norquay is one of the 3 ski resorts in Banff National Park and this 2010-2011 winter season marks its 85th anniversary as a Banff ski resort. Mt Norquay has 28 runs and enough lifts to get you up the mountain fast.  It is also quick to get to from downtown Banff. For something different, Mt No...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jan 1, 2011, 11:00 pm
Elk are sometimes in the most curious of places.   They’re amongst the most fearless of the large wildlife.   Many a time have I witnessed elk nonchalantly grazing in the middle of tourist-dense areas of the Canadian Rockies and in Yellowstone National Park where other wildlife wouldn’t dare t...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Nov 4, 2010, 7:31 pm
The Banff National Park Information Centre in downtown Banff has an interesting wildlife footprints display. It is fun for kids and grown-ups alike to try to guess what animal has which footprint. Can you guess which is an elk, a bighorn sheep, a wolf or a bear? Sometimes similar footprints can b...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Oct 2, 2010, 10:22 pm
Today’s photo of the day was taken near the summit on the Sulphur Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park.  I highly recommend hiking the trail and then soaking in Miette Hot Springs afterward. The photo is from a plateau area where hikers can take a breather and enjoy magnificent views of the sur...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Oct 1, 2010, 9:35 pm
What is that in the distance?  Is that a coyote or a fox? A red fox. Having been my first time seeing a red fox in person, I’d have to wait till I got home to verify the sighting. I had known there are wolves and coyotes in Jasper but was surprised to see a red fox in Jasper National Park. Bu...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Sep 13, 2010, 7:55 pm
There’s something magical about driving through the Canadian Rockies near dusk when the chances for spotting wildlife increase. We drove during dusk from Lake Louise in Banff National Park traveling west through Kootenay National Park and back.  The wildlife were out in full force. We had perfe...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Sep 4, 2010, 10:52 am
The Bing.com search engine always features interesting photos from around the world on its homepage each day. Yesterday’s (September 3rd) image featured a picture of the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park. The photograph was taken be renowned photographer St...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Aug 26, 2010, 8:52 pm
These photos are of a black bear casually nibbling on plants along the roadside in Banff National Park. I was very lucky to spot this character on the Bow Valley Parkway near Banff townsite. You may think black bears are all tough and scary (and you might be right).  But this one was relaxed and ...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Aug 16, 2010, 5:33 pm
I had a chance to eat at Jasper Pizza Place in Jasper National Park 2 times during my last visit to the park. So, alas, it is time to do a review of Jasper Pizza Place. Review summary:  If you are looking for a casual meal in Jasper National Park or have a hankering for a good pizza, Jasper Pizza...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Aug 15, 2010, 12:01 pm
These 2 photos are part of a series of photos I took on a cloudy day while atop The Whistlers Mountain near the Jasper Tramway upper terminal. At one point, as I hiked up towards the summit, I looked down and the Jasper Tramway upper terminal was covered with clouds. While the view of the surround...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Aug 10, 2010, 6:52 am
Rain happens. If the forecast for tomorrow is for lots of rain, now is the time to make a reservation for afternoon tea at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. The Jasper Park Lodge is one of the landmarks of Jasper National Park from the early days. And the afternoon tea is one of the most memorable m...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jul 29, 2010, 10:34 pm
Today’s photo is of an impressive pair of elk in Banff National Park. These 2 elk fellows were walking along the Bow Valley Parkway 1A, a less traveled road that parallels Highway 1 from Banff townsite to Lake Louise Village. Read more on Elk along Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park – P...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jul 26, 2010, 5:46 am
Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is a real treat. This was my first time doing afternoon tea.  I’m now a fan. The gourmet tea, the wide variety of tastes and textures of the food, the one-of-a-kind setting – it all makes for a enjoyable and memorable experience.  You w...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jul 22, 2010, 10:30 pm
A bighorn sheep ewe and her lamb (child) feeding along Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) in Jasper National Park. In the background is Jasper Lake, which runs parallel to Highway 16. I was lucky to spot these 2 in the afternoon while on the way to Miette Hot Springs. Read more on Bighorn Sheep Ewe ...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jul 20, 2010, 10:08 pm
It takes a keen eye and a little luck to spot the wildlife in Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies. The good news is that fellow travelers are looking too.  And when they see something… SCREEEEEEETCHHH!!!! “Stop the car, bighorn sheep!” The result is an “animal ...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jul 19, 2010, 9:55 pm
Today’s Photo of the Day is one of Pyramid Mountain on a cloudy day in Jasper National Park. From far away, the mountain looks a little like a pyramid.  That’s how it got its name. It is a short 5-minute drive from Jasper townsite to Pyramid Lake which has plenty of good vantage point...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jul 19, 2010, 8:10 am
As part of my recent trip to the Canadian Rockies, I spent 5 nights at the Chateau Jasper, amongst the hotels in Jasper National Park I am pleased to recommend based on my experiences.  This is my really long review of the hotel. The 3-story, 119 room Chateau Jasper hotel is conveniently located i...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jul 8, 2010, 11:57 pm
So I’m walking along the 8c trail in the Pyramid Bench Trails, a network of trails connecting Pyramid Lake, Patricia Lake and several smaller lakes and runs in the vicinity of Pyramid Lake Road, just outside of Jasper townsite. Then, in the distance, I see a brown shape but don’t know w...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jul 8, 2010, 12:16 am
This amazing scene was from my recent vacation in Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies. These bighorn sheep were relaxing on Jasper National Park’s Highway 16 east hillside and posing for the camera. Read more on How many Bighorn Sheep are in this picture?… Related posts:Bigh...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jun 23, 2010, 10:58 am
Jasper National Park’s lovely Highway 16, 93A, Icefields Parkway, Jasper townsite and other roads.  Banff National Park. Lake Louise. Mt Robson Provincial Park.  Kootenay National Park.  Yoho National Park. Calgary. Edmonton. Hinton. Wherever your Canadian Rockies vacation brings, there&...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jun 20, 2010, 8:25 am
I was looking at my packing list today for my return trip to the Canadian Rockies. I either need more suitcases or need to cut some things off the list! Looking at the list, I noticed 3 things on my list that are essential for a Jasper National Park vacation and thought I’d mention it. Havi...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jun 19, 2010, 10:13 am
When you visit Banff, Jasper and the other Canadian Rockies parks in the summer, the extreme weather conditions often result in fog clouds passing through the mountains. As an entry on Wikipedia explains, fog is a cloud that is in contact with the ground. With a digital camera in hand, the trick i...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jun 15, 2010, 9:03 pm
If you are looking for GPS maps for hiking in the Canadian Rockies, here’s a few free collections of GPS track maps for Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park, Kootenay National Park, Kananaskis Country, and lots more. I compiled this list because I thought it would be ...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jun 13, 2010, 4:29 pm
According to a recent article in Rocky Mountain Outlook, there are reports of 5 tourists allegedly feeding bears in the Canadian Rockies. The Rocky Mountain Outlook says that the fine is $2,000 to $5,000 for feeding wildlife in the park. The investigation into the incidents is still in progress an...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jun 7, 2010, 7:12 am
There’s nothing better than soaking in the hot springs after a day of hiking and sightseeing. Fortunately for visitors to Banff, Jasper and Kootenay National Park, there are 3 Canadian Rockies Hot Springs to chose from. 1. Banff Upper Hot Springs in Banff National Park 2. Miette Hot Springs...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Jun 5, 2010, 1:46 pm
Whether a hot summer day or it’s freezing outside, the West Edmonton Mall’s indoor waterpark is an unexpected treat that’s plenty of fun for the whole family. For those planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies with a stop in Edmonton, the West Edmonton Mall waterpark is a perfect w...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - May 21, 2010, 12:02 pm
You’ll LOVE this inspirational new song and video if you’re thinking about visiting Jasper National Park or want to reminisce on a past vacation. The song by Jessica Heine is called “Give Me Jasper” and it is all about Jasper National Park. Read more on The Jasper National ...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - May 14, 2010, 2:47 pm
Getting below $100 a night for a place to stay within Jasper National Park is today’s challenge. Can it be done? Yes! First off, traditional hotels in Jasper National Park during the peak summer months are pretty much impossible to get below $100 a night.  It is a supply and demand thing.Â...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - May 10, 2010, 8:43 pm
What is the best way to describe Jasper National Park? It isn’t easy to do properly.  But every now and then, someone says something that you know is just right. I recently acquired a vintage 1937 brochure entitled “Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies” that surprisingly...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - May 7, 2010, 11:16 am
What wildlife do you have the potential of seeing? Check out these videos and photos from travelers who saw elk, bighorn sheep and other animals in Jasper National Park. This first video captures the elk in Jasper National Park who seem to like to make a detour through the campgrounds on the way t...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - May 4, 2010, 8:05 pm
Conveniently located at 86 Connaught Drive in Jasper townsite, Marmot Lodge Jasper is a good basecamp in the small town in the center of Jasper National Park. The central location makes it easy to do day trips to attractions and activities like hiking in Jasper National Park and the surrounding are...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - May 2, 2010, 12:02 pm
Lac Beauvert is the lake bordering the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – the legendary and classic hotel in Jasper National Park. While the Jasper Park Lodge gets props for being around since the early 1900s, the lodge benefits from the beauty of Lac Beauvert and the surrounding Canadian Rockies. ...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - May 1, 2010, 11:15 am
Here are some tips to make the experience of driving in Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies a great experience that benefits the driving, the passengers, the wildlife and the environment. 1. Plan the right itinerary to prevent too much driving in one day First off, you do not have to tac...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Apr 28, 2010, 9:55 pm
$1oo a night or less in Jasper for a real hotel during peak season summer months? Believe me, I wish!  Have you searched for hotels in Jasper National Park yet?  During summer months, finding hotels in Jasper below $150 is unlikely with $200+ very common – and things book up fast. But̷...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Apr 26, 2010, 8:38 pm
Flight.  Check. Hotel rooms. Check. Rental car. Check. A return trip to the Canadian Rockies. Yeah! I just booked my hotel rooms for a return trip to the Canadian Rockies this summer. Read more on Jasper, Banff, Yoho, Kooteney, Mt Robson – here I come!… Related posts:Banff and Jas...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Apr 23, 2010, 9:19 pm
West Edmonton Mall is a common stop for those who fly into Edmonton on the way to Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies and it makes a good sidetrip. And within West Edmonton Mall is something unexpected:  an indoor amusement park called GalaxyLand. GalaxyLand is the world’s largest...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Apr 21, 2010, 7:39 pm
Looking for that one-of-a-kind off-the-beaten path activity in Jasper National Park? While almost every activity in Jasper National Park seems to qualify (yes, I’m biased – I like Jasper National Park), here’s a hidden gem for those looking for a unique hiking experience: A guide...
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dh w. posted an article on JasperJournal - Mar 25, 2010, 7:47 am
Ever wanted to stay at a hotel where you could see a glacier out your window? The aptly named Glacier View Inn is rare in its ability to offer a view of a glacier from a hotel room. Its location at the Columbia Icefield Centre on the Icefield Parkway on the southern border of Jasper National Park ...
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