Monday, July 9, 2012

Jasper National Park, Alberta

Warning!!! Long post with ridiculously nice photos included.  You'll be dusting off your tent before you get to the end, I tell you.
We've just had a few days away, camping near the small Rocky Mountain town of Jasper.
  • Car stuffed to bursting point - check.
  • Two daughters in back seat - check.
  • Two bemused dogs on board - check. 

The drive took us about six hours, and that included tea and pee breaks.  Very important.  For everyone.
Numerous photo opportunities of course.  This is, after all, one of the most photographed places in Canada.
Stunning vistas along Highway 93, even when some rain was threatening.
...and an opportunity to play with the arty-farty settings on 
hubby's new camera.
Obliging wildlife.  These are caribou (also known as reindeer in other parts of the world). 
That middle fawn is posing nicely.  
"Did you get my best side?"


And talk about posing for the camera - here is Bear Number One (yes, there are more to come) - a glossy, black bear chomping on some foliage.
And above is Bear Number Two.  He was small and brown, so we think he was a black bear (I know - oxymoron) too, and not big enough to be a Grizzly.  Just wandering up a hillside, minding his own business.
And here is a shy Bear Number Three.  
"No photos please folks, I'm very busy with these here dandelions."

Jasper is a small and pretty town with a population of just over 4,000 people.  Though popular for skiers in the winter, I am sure that in the summer season, the population must swell hugely.  And that's just the RV's.


Wiki tells me Jasper National Park was established in 1907 - though the area was once a fur trading stop from the early 1800's for the Hudson Bay Company.
Beautifully maintained buildings are dotted around the town.
And the newer ones have that arty, cutesy look going on.
Even the dog park has a view.
And how would you fancy looking out your window and seeing this fella at your back fence?


And the dogs? They were properly pooped.
Map reading can be very tiring.
Back seat driving is also hard work.
All this fresh air and camping lark, well, they can hardly keep their eyes open.


So - is your tent all packed up and ready then?


Linking to Our World Tuesday and SkyWatch Friday this week.

21 comments:

  1. What great captures of a wonderful, beautiful park! And I love the ones of your family!! Years ago when my kids were growing up and we lived in Montana, we went to Jasper National Park! Thank you for some lovely memories! Have a great week!

    Sylvia

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  2. It is no wonder that these mountains are photographed so often … they are spectacularly beautiful. The last photo says it all, though. Every pet knows it is exhausting having such a good time. :)

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  3. Jasper's a great place, isn't it? I've always enjoyed visiting it. Your first photo of Maligne Lake is breathtaking!

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  4. Thanks for stopping by our blog and WOW!!!What a beautiful place and such great captures...I envy you being there:)Have a great week ahead.

    Shantana

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  5. Wonderful revisit for me!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  6. I love camping but my family doesn't so I haven't been in 15 years. Great shots!

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  7. I miss Jasper and Banff and, most of all, Waterton!! We have such gorgeous National Parks here in our provence. I'm glad you had the chance to enjoy this lovely area with your family.

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  8. You are not kidding! Those are spectacular photos! It saddens me to admit that I haven't been to Jasper, but it's on my list of places to see, now that I've retired. I don't have a tent, so can't dust it off, but your post has definitely inspired me to put a travel plan in motion.

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  9. This post brings back lovely memories of being there many, many years ago. It's still wild and wonderful, at least where you were!

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  10. The Banff and Jasper area is absolutely stunning. We are very lucky here in Canada aren't we. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

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  11. Beautiful photographs, fantastic views. I am greeting

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  12. Gorgeous scenic views! I'm packing.....

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  13. A great post, - so much to see!
    Have a nice evening!

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  14. What a wonderful trip, gorgeous places and superb captures! Thank you so much for sharing the beauty! Hope you have a great weekend!

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  15. Great post. Happy sky watching.

    My Sky.

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  16. Great series of shots! One of these days I'm going to drive across Canada, well, part of it anyway, it's been my dream for a long time :-)

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  17. Wow, what a lovely trip. The scenery is gorgeous. I love the wildlife, especially the bears. The elk are cool too. I have this place on my bucket list of places to visit. Now, I want to go even more. Lovely photos.

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  18. Thanks for sharing such a great trip! Lovely scenery.

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  19. Wow Great pictures. I love the Jasper Park. Here are some of the pictures from my recent trip.

    Jasper National Park

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