Jasper

After our drive up the Icefields Parkway, we spent two nights in Jasper at the mammoth Whistler's campground (almost 800 sites!).  I haven't been to Jasper since we passed through there on our way to West Edmonton Mall when I was about 10 years old.  It is a great little town, much better able to absorb the bunches of tourists than Lake Louise is, with equally stunning sights.

Our spot at Whistlers campground - one of 796 that somehow managed to feel semi-secluded even when surrounded by people.

Now this is my kind of bear!

Going rogue in the CN train.

Though small, Jasper has both a great beer store (more than one) and a brewpub!

Some shots from our evening visit to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.  Well out of our budget, but a really pretty spot.  Like a classic but very upscale summer resort/retreat - golf, horse riding, canoeing, private lakeside cabins, you name it.

The next morning we visited Maligne Canyon - so named because it was "wicked" to cross.  Now that they've built six bridges to help us out, we didn't find it that difficult.  Although the fifth was washed out by high waters this spring and has yet to be rebuilt.

The gift shop at Maligne Canyon offers totally affordable souvenirs, like this $600,000 bear carving.  Given the lack of security surrounding it, the price seemed suspicious.

Jasper Brewing Company - a little brewery where we hung out with the brewer, sampled the beer, took a tour, had lunch, and managed to walk away with a growler.  A great spot - highly recommended!  They've just opened another location in Banff too - Banff Avenue Brewing.

Jasper has everything - even a beach at Pyramid Lake, which we visited on this hot, sunny August afternoon.  Chad was luckier than some of the other swimmers and waders, who found leeches on their legs when leaving the water.

Just another campground dinner - we are getting to be expert camp chefs by now!