Jasper National Park lies next to its larger and probably more famous neighbour, Banff National Park. It had its beginnings as a fur trading post, then a railway town. The trains come and go here throughout the day, but quietly, with no whistles. In July 2024 wildfires swept the surrounding mountains, burning up to the tree line. To add to the devastation, 30 percent of the townsite burned - private homes, small business, hotels, and historic churches. There is a huge building program going on now to replace these structures. Everyone we spoke with was very positive about the future.
The smell of the burned forest still wafts through the area. Denuded trees stand as tall sentinels to the fierce winds and flames that ravaged hectares and hectares of land.
The temperature on our first day exploring was COLD for us. -10 degrees Celsius. I layered up as much as I could, and then wore Tim's down vest over my down jacket. There was no snow in town, but when we drove to Maligne Lake, snow crunched underfoot and ice is forming on the edge of the lake.
Such amazing scenery. We were in awe at every turn, surrounded by high peaks whose crags and ridges were highlighted by snow.
Curves of water and rocks lead the eye to the tall peaks. Clear blue sky all day made everything crisp and bright.
Jasper is about 360 kilometres further north than our home (and 878 km to drive). By 3 pm shadows slant long across the ground and the sun slips behind the mountains much earlier than we're used to. Above you can see the golden grasses - the first plants to grow under the burned forest. It's truly amazing how nature is rejuvenating. Beauty from ashes.
That first day we also visited Athabasca Falls. Water levels are low at this time of year, but there was still plenty of thundering and crashing. Icicles are formed by the spray from the falls.
That gorgeous glacier green/blue water reflects everything beautifully. The fires burned right to the water.
Tomorrow we drive home. It will take about 8.5 hours to the ferry, then 90 minutes to cross and 30 minutes from there. We've had such a wonderful time and there are more stories to tell. I'm looking forward to catching up with all of you once I'm settled again.
Absolutely stunning captures, Lorrie!!! And the reflections are amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. So many beautiful things to see.
DeleteYour photos are beautiful and it’s lovely to see this area under snow. Amazing the resilience of the locals after such a devastating fire. I look forward to reading more about your adventures. B x
ReplyDeleteIt was encouraging to speak with the locals and to hear how they are moving forward.
DeleteWhat a trip. Awe-inspiring.
ReplyDeleteIt was just that - awe-inspiring!
DeleteWhat an amazing place. It looks absolutely beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe Canadian Rockies are full of wonderful views.
DeleteWhat beautiful photos you have taken, a breathtaking landscape. Thank goodness that nature does have the ability to fight back. Wishing you safe travel to home, it's quite a trip!
ReplyDeleteThank you. It was a great trip.
DeleteThese are really beautiful photos of an inspiring landscape. Thank goodness that nature DOES fight back after such devastation. Have a safe journey home.
ReplyDeleteThank you. We arrived home safely and are still thinking about those wonderful views.
DeleteWhat a wonderful trip amongst such beautiful scenery. I can imagine how sad it was to see the burned trees, but isnt it amazing how tiny shoots re appear.
ReplyDeleteYes, the regrowth happens quickly although those tall burned tree trunks will stand as sentinels of the fire for a long time.
DeleteJasper looks just as beautiful as ever, as is obvious in the photos you shared with us! There is something so very special about Jasper, it still has that wild feel. I have not been since the fires but do plan to go back sometime during off season in 2026.
ReplyDeleteJasper is a place of stunning views. I look forward to seeing photos of your future visit there.
DeleteWe need to make a jaunt to Alberta since it's not too far from us but probably in the summer. :) Your photos are stunning. That waterfall shot is intriguing. Safe travels to you!
ReplyDeleteAlberta is beautiful in summer or winter, but there are fewer people there in the winter!
DeleteWonderful pictures!! I can imagine how chilly it was but it's a great time to visit the area now before actual winter sets in.
ReplyDeleteIt was chilly, indeed!
DeleteBreathtaking is the word I would use, too. I'd always hoped to visit this area with my late husband -- he had memories of its overwhelming beauty and majesty from visiting in his childhood. This seems like a great time to visit, adding weather to its bracing quality!
ReplyDeleteVisiting in the autumn means fewer tourists, too, and parking lots that actually have space. The locals we spoke with all said this is the best time of year to visit.
DeleteWhat a lovely glimpse of your trip to Jasper, Lorrie. I'm so glad you had a chance to visit and see the area at this time of year. You got some gorgeous shots - wow! Safe travels on your way back to your home sweet home.
ReplyDeleteThe first day we had nothing but blue sky in every direction. We were in awe.
DeleteThe Jasper landscape is gorgeous. Such devastation from the fire but nature restores itself so beautifully. What a great trip.
ReplyDeleteNature is springing back although the devastation of the fires will be visible for decades.
DeleteOh, Lorrie, these are just spectacular. What a wonderful trip you have had and the photographs are absolutely magnificent.
ReplyDeleteIt was an absolutely beautiful little getaway.
DeleteSo beautiful! Our travels this summer took us through Banff, where I learned about the Icefields Parkway to Jasper. Unfortunately, time didn’t allow for us to travel north, but it’s on my bucket list for a return trip. I really enjoyed your pictures. The Canadian Rockies are so majestic.
ReplyDeleteBanff is a beautiful area. If you ever get back, the Icefields Parkway is full of sensational views.
DeleteOh Lorrie these photographs are fabulous.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a safe journey back home.
All the best Jan
Thank you, Jan. We're home now and still thinking about those fabulous views of the mountains.
DeleteLorrie - we must be on the same travel schedule! We went to Jasper in June this year, as part of our trip to see the entire Icefields Parkway. How interesting to see it with ice and snow! Your photos are lovely - the blue of the sky against the white of the snow and ice is mesmerizing!
ReplyDeleteYour Jasper photos were gorgeous. It's such a beautiful place.
DeleteHi dear Lorrie & Tim. Although I loved your beautiful photos via IG I'm loving them even more here dear. Nothing as good as a good old blog post - I must get back asap.
ReplyDeleteBob is back in hospital, day 6, but I hope he can come home today. As his cancer has spread he's now having radiation as well as chemo so our days are very busy, especially the coming weeks.
Go enjoy nature and life while you can - things can change, we so miss being able to travel these past 18 months but are grateful we saw what we did while we could........including visiting with you! Have fun - sending love. Mary xx
Thank you, Mary. I agree with your comment comparing Blogger to IG. I think it so much richer. Tim and I speak occasionally about how quickly life circumstances can change and want to make the most of the time and health we have.
DeleteYou and Bob are so often in my mind and prayers as I think about this difficult path you are on. Hugs to you both.
October was a successful month in many ways, and now we are already back in November with fog and rain.
ReplyDeleteYour atmospheric pictures, dear Blogfriend Lorrie, bring back the memories. Yes, I thought it was beautiful!
Greetings by Heidrun