Heaven on Earth - Banff and Jasper National Parks
- Arya ඞ Shah
- Oct 7, 2024
- 25 min read
Updated: May 4
I remember vividly during a visit to a close friend’s birthday party 4 years ago, where I saw pictures over the piano that showed images of a large turquoise lake surrounded by mountains, one of which straddled a glacier. There was another that hung from the wall that showed a beautiful family picture over a picturesque backdrop that included a waterfall shadowed by huge cliffs and mountains in the background. My inquiries told me these photos were taken during a recent family trip around the picturesque Banff and Jasper National Park areas in the western Rockies region in Canada. We had been to the Colorado and Washington Rockies in the past. However, from the pictures, and what I observed, this looked like the real deal. This stoked my inner passion for all things travel. My heart was set. I had to convince my family to head there.
Banff National Park contains several natural wonders offering some breathtaking landscapes in North America. Among its many sights are the turquoise Lake Louise, surrounded by mountains and glaciers. Moraine Lake which is set in the valley of ten towering peaks is famous for its vibrant blue color. Johnston Canyon, carved by its namesake river features deep, narrow gorges and arresting waterfalls. The roads and byways across the entire park make for scenic drives offering stunning views of the Bow River valley. There was a possibility of seeing wildlife around the area, or even running into a bear along the highway or a hiking trail we take. And then there was something to be said about enjoying lush scenery in God’s awesome place that makes you feel small. It humbles you to be between the mountains, the tall forests, the sound of running water through a gentle stream that empties into a picturesque lake only a few meters away.
Jasper National Park is bigger, less developed and offers a greater sense of solitude. Key highlights include the Columbia Icefield, Maligne Lake, Spirit Island, Athabasca Falls, and Mount Edith Cavell. Jasper tends to house greater diversity of the wildlife and its ruggedness ensures you can find exceptional natural wonders all around you.
Planning
I spent the early months of 2023 convincing my mother and father who are both lovers of the great outdoors. My Father had a hectic schedule at work, and it was initially going to be difficult for him to commit to it. I immediately took it upon myself to research further and dive deeper into planning a meaningful trip that would not need him to
take too many days off but at the same time leave us with enough time to have achieved a meaningful family outing. I scoured the internet using articles from TripAdvisor, several blogs, the AllTrails website and a mix of hotel and lodge reviews. I also discussed my plans with a close uncle of mine who had recently travelled the area to get additional inputs. I started to outline things initially on my Google Keep account before transferring such information into an organized manner into Excel. While I am organized at school related stuff, I was quite happy that to my amazement, the same level of dedication and discipline was spilling into the work to researching my trip plan.
After presenting my draft to my family, my Dad and I worked together for 3 weeks to finalize the plan. We decided to book a direct flight to Calgary and drive 75 minutes to the park, considering the limited vacation time. Arriving at a draft outline helped us finalize the trip details easily. I booked hotels and a private bus service for an early trip to Moraine Lake. Due to wildfires in Jasper National Park, we shortened our stay there. With input from my uncle on hikes and family review, we had a solid plan.
With the trip approaching, I worked with my mother to create a concise packing list including innerwear, light jackets, and winter gear. Drawing from past experiences, I made sure to pack thoroughly without overdoing it to avoid checked bags. We also downloaded maps on our phones for areas with limited cell service.
And finally, I went through every single identification document myself and it turns out that travel to Canada does require a passport. I double and triple checked for passport expiry dates and even placed our COVID vaccination cards just in case 😊. I cannot stress how organized and methodical the planning made me. I was ready to show us an enjoyable time.
Itinerary
Day-1: “The Adventure begins...”
Our journey began at 1:30 pm when we left Austin Airport, excited to catch our direct flight to Calgary with WestJet Airlines. We had a bit of a delay—30 minutes—but finally departed at 3:30 pm, eager to start our adventure.
We landed at Calgary International Airport around 7:45 pm. After a smooth flight, we quickly collected our bags and made our way to the Avis Rent-a-car desk to pick up our rental, which I had booked using Dad's credit card. With our car sorted, we were ready to explore. By 8:45 pm, we found ourselves at Madras Cafe, where we enjoyed a hearty meal of Indian soul food. The warm, comforting flavors were just what we needed after the flight. With full bellies and a sense of excitement for the days ahead, we headed to the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Calgary-Airport. We checked in around 9:45 pm, ready to settle in for the night and recharge for the adventures that awaited us in the morning.
Day-2 : Reaching Banff, hiking at Johnston Canyon & exploring the falls and lakes near Banff
The day started with breakfast at the hotel restaurant and soon after, we were on the road, driving from Calgary to Banff National Park, excited to explore one of Canada’s most iconic destinations. Some landmarks even feature on the Canadian currency.
Around 11:30 am, we arrived in Banff and took our time to stroll around the charming town. The mountain views and fresh air were a perfect addition to our day. At noon, we stopped for lunch at Nourish Vegan Bistro, a treat for my mom and sister, who are newly committed to a vegan lifestyle. The bistro's menu was a vegan paradise, and we all enjoyed a delicious meal. We have been lifelong vegetarians and have enjoyed a balanced health-focused lifestyle throughout my growing years.
After lunch, we headed to Johnston Canyon, arriving around 1:00 pm. We parked the car, paid our parking tickets using a mobile app from my phone, and began a 4-mile out-and-back hike to the upper and lower falls. We hiked to the Upper Falls at Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park, and it was an incredible experience. The trail starts at the Johnston Canyon trailhead and winds alongside the beautiful Johnston Creek. As we made our way up, we passed through lush forest, walked along catwalks suspended above the creek, and crossed several bridges that offered close-up views of the Lower Falls and the rushing water below. It was super busy but that all added to the thrill of being there.
The hike to the Upper Falls gives us an elevation gain of about 400 feet. The trail gradually climbs as it approaches the Upper Falls, which turned out to be the highlight of the hike. The Upper Falls are an impressive 30-meter
waterfall that cascades down a sheer cliff into a deep pool below. We stopped at two viewpoints: the lower one gave me a perfect head-on view of the falls, while the upper viewpoint, which we reached by climbing a steep set of stairs, offered a breathtaking view from above.
The hike was manageable and suitable for most fitness levels, although it was a bit crowded since I went during the busy season. It took me about 3.5 hours to complete the round-trip, including time spent taking in the views at each of the viewpoint.
We still possessed energy (we Shahs make the most of our adventures and waste no time) and by around 4:30 pm, we headed back to town toward the Bow Falls viewpoint and the Vermilion Lakes. The Bow Falls viewpoint and Vermilion Lakes
in Banff National Park are two stunning locations that highlight the park's natural beauty. At Bow Falls, the viewpoint offers a close-up perspective of the powerful, wide waterfall as it cascades down the Bow River. The falls are set against a backdrop of forested hills and rugged mountains, creating a pretty scene that is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset. The sound of the rushing water and the serene atmosphere make this a peaceful spot.
Just a short 2-minute drive from the Bow Falls area are the majestic Vermilion Lakes, located just outside the town, and are a series of tranquil lakes that reflect the surrounding mountains, including the iconic Mount Rundle. The lakes are particularly breathtaking during the late evening when the water is calm, and the sky is painted with soft hues of pink, orange, and purple. Wildlife such as elk, beavers, and various bird species are often spotted here, although we failed to spot any :(. The lakes were a perfect spot for photography and our parents must have taken at least a 100+
pictures of the area that included every facial expression of myself and my younger sister. As the late afternoon hours approached, we found ourselves sitting by a small wooden pier overlooking the serene lake and soaking in what was a wonderful day. We didn’t want it to end and off we went to our next adventure.
By 6:00 pm, we checked into the Canalta Lodge in Banff, a cozy hotel I had booked through Expedia.com. After settling in, we took a stroll through town and made our way to reach the ticket center for the Banff Gondola, a 3.4-mile round trip from our hotel. Upon reaching the ticket booth to the Banff Gondola, we found long lines. In the excitement of our journey walking the 1.7 miles through town to get there, we realized none of us had gotten our purses or wallets. As our excitement turned sour, we began to quickly weigh options. Either we had to turn back and head 1.7 miles back to the hotel, or we had to figure out a way to have someone pay for it with the intent of paying them back soon after. After a few minutes, it struck me that I had used Apple Pay to pay for a stationery item in the past. Having identified this as a workable solution, I proceeded to head to the counter on my own and purchased tickets. Voila! Our plans for the evening remained intact.
The joy that my younger sister showed still strikes me vividly as I write this. After standing in line to catch a gondola for about 15 minutes or so, we were up and away. The Banff Gondola offered breathtaking views and plenty of excitement. The ride up the mountain is smooth and exhilarating, with large windows providing panoramic views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies, the Bow River, and the town of Banff below.
After landing up there, we were all captivated by the sight of towering peaks, dense forests, and a sense of serenity below us. The ride took us about 8 minutes to reach the summit. After exiting at the top, we walked along the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk, which led to the historic Cosmic Ray Station, offering circular views of the different mountains around us. After having spent 45 minutes exploring and soaking in the panoramic views including a beautiful sunset, we proceeded to head down the mountain and back to the town to grab a quick dinner at a fast-food restaurant before calling it a day.
Day-3 : Lake Louise & hiking the gorgeous Agnes Tree House Trail
We began our 2nd day in the Banff area after a quick shower and grabbing hot chocolate and coffee from the front desk area. We checked out early and bid goodbye to the town to begin a 45-minute journey via the famous Trans-Canada Highway 1 to the hamlet of Lake Louise north of Banff.
The iconic Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful places on earth – no kidding. The lake’s water is an indescribable share of turquoise and is almost milky blue to a fault. This color comes from tiny particles of rock, called rock flour, which are carried into the lake by the melting ice from the glaciers. Surrounding the lake are towering mountains, which include the Victoria Glacier that acts as a feeder system for the lake. The calm, mirror-like water reflects the surrounding mountains and glacier, creating a peaceful and stunning atmosphere.
Finding parking at Lake Louise was quite a challenge. As we arrived around 8 am, we quickly realized that the area was already buzzing with visitors. The main parking lots were nearly full, and cars were circling, searching for any available spots. It seemed like everyone had the same idea to start their day early, and we were concerned that we might have to park far from the lakeshore.
We spent some time driving around the parking area, hoping for a space to open up. It took a bit of patience and persistence, but after waiting for a while and keeping an eye out, we finally spotted a car pulling out. We quickly took the opportunity and secured a spot. It was a relief to park close to the lake, especially since it allowed us to begin our exploration of Lake Louise without a long walk from a distant parking area.
After spending about 20 to 30 trying to get the best possible angles for over 50+ pictures, we started to make our way to the entrance point of the famed Lake Agnes Tea House trail. The trail starts at the base of the lake and it an out and back trail totaling around 4.7 miles with an elevation gain of around 1,260 feet. The hike is considered moderate, with some steep sections, but the well-maintained trail and stunning scenery make it enjoyable. The trail itself to the Lake Agnes Tea House which was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1901 as a refuge for hikers.
As you climb, the sometimes-steep path takes you through dense forests, with the sound of birds and the rustling of leaves creating a peaceful atmosphere. Along the way, we passed by Mirror Lake, a small but beautiful lake that perfectly reflects the surrounding trees and cliffs. After a while, the trail gets a bit steeper, and you can
really feel the burn in your legs, but the views make it all worth it. Eventually, we reached Lake Agnes, a stunning mountain lake surrounded by tall peaks. Right on the edge of this lake is the Lake Agnes Tea House, a cozy little cabin that looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Overall, the geography of the Lake Agnes area is a mix of alpine scene, glacial features, and dense conifer trees, creating a stunning and peaceful environment. Through out the hike, I kept looking down below me wherever there were open spaces to simply stop and admire the scenery below. It was during this very moment that I realized how I was blessed to enjoy such views and understand the power of nature over man. All that planning, research, the convincing, the packing, the air travel and so on seemed so worth it.
Upon reaching the tea house and lake, we relaxed and even dipped our toes in the near freezing waters at the lake. After a short break, my father decided to carry on further towards an area called the upper beehive mountain, whereas we decided to head back down to the base of the trail.
After spending time by the lakeshore while waited for my father to rejoin us (he decided to hike further up and was blessed with even more beautiful views as shown to the right), we headed into town with our car and feasted on a late lunch at Peyto’s café close to the town. Following lunch, we made our way to the Mountaineer Lodge Inn for check-in. However, things quickly took an unexpected turn. As we approached the front desk to check in, the receptionist looked puzzled after searching for our reservation in the system. She informed us that she couldn’t find any booking under our name.
At first, we thought it might just be a simple mix-up, but after double-checking the reservation details, we realized something was wrong. We had been so sure about our booking, but the hotel staff couldn’t locate it. After a few minutes of trying to figure out what went wrong, we remembered that we had made two reservations: one as a backup and the one we planned to use.
When we pulled up our emails to confirm, we discovered that the reservation we were trying to check in with had actually been canceled a few weeks prior, and we had forgotten to note it. The other reservation, which we hadn’t mentioned at the start, was still active, but it was under a different name and slightly different dates.
Once we clarified everything with the hotel staff, they were able to locate our correct reservation. Although the situation was a bit stressful, we were relieved to know that we still had a place to stay. The check-in process was finally completed, and we all had a good laugh about the mix-up once we settled into our rooms. It was a reminder to always double-check those confirmation emails, especially when traveling!
After refreshing ourselves, we headed to a bus stop right outside the hotel, and we found ourselves headed back to the Lake Louise area once again. Given that daylight lasts way through 10 pm, we absolutely did not mind walking the 2.8 out and back lakeshore trail that allows us to follow the lake at one end for a gentle 337 feet elevation. We stopped along many places along the way for photographs or just soak in the beauty of this admirable place. Also, at about this time, there weren’t too many people around the path, so it felt to us that it was our own place. It was a truly memorable evening.
Given that we had plans the next day that would require us to wake up incredibly early, we decided to wind down and head back to the Inn to catch up on dinner and get rest. Having spent nearly 8+ hours outdoors admiring the area, I will say without hesitation that this day was perhaps the best in the entire year.
Day-4 : Early sunrise Moraine Lake rendezvous, Takkakaw Falls & Emerald Lake
We awoke at an ungodly time to get ready and run to our next adventure. We skipped showering given we had done so the previous evening and drove our car straight to the Lake Louise Inn to park our car in the large lot and found our private shuttle waiting to take us to witness an early sunrise across the majestic Lake Moraine area. We had to take the shuttle because car access to Lake Moraine is restricted due to concerns for environmental protection, congestion and preserving the overall area. Moraine Lake Road and the parking lot are closed to personal vehicles. To reach the trailhead the park provides a shuttle service from Banff or Lake Louise which must be booked in advance. And thanks to my research skills, we were ready for it.
Once we entered the area, we had to quickly jog about half a mile to a small hilly outlook which is affectionately called the "Rock Pile", where we were surprised to run into so many other tourists wanting to get a piece of the action that was about to occur. Daylight was to break any moment now. Experiencing an early morning sunrise over the lake is ethereal. As dawn breaks, the first light gently illuminates the landscape, casting a soft, golden hue over the lake and surrounding peaks. The stillness of the early hour enhances the serenity, with the lake’s pristine waters mirroring the sky’s colors perfectly, creating a breathtaking reflection of the surrounding mountains. The mountains around the lake, known as the Valley of the Ten Peaks, start to glow with the early sunlight, making them look even more majestic. Everything feels so peaceful and fresh in the early morning. The air is cool, and while it was chilly, it was gorgeous to see everything, but the sunrise stays at standstill. As the sun rose, the colors started to brighten, and the lake’s famous bright blue color stood out. We also witnessed the suns golden rays illuminate the gray and light maroon colors of the bald rocks across the valley of the ten peaks which painted a unique contrast between the bright water and the surrounding dark greens and grays of the forest in between.
Having spent the past hour witnessing the most gorgeous sunrise of my life, it was time to start off another hike. This time around, we hiked the gentle Moraine Lake Shoreline trail which is a 2.3 mile out and back route which took us roughly 90-100 minutes to complete. The Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail hugs the edge of the lake, so although the path is between the trees, there are plenty of moments when you can look out to the rest of the lake. This is where we ended up taking a ton of photographs and provided the best opportunities
for us to simply walk in silence all around. The trail got quieter and quieter as we walked further until we hit a feeder area where the trail has you turn back. We witnessed other people canoeing in the lake at this time, and for a moment, I felt we should do it too. But because we had to manage our time and budget, we humbly skipped and decided to grab a quick breakfast with coffee at the lake café before making our way back to the bus stop to catch the return trip to hotel. It was around 10.30 am or so. Seeing the sunrise at Lake Moraine was an unforgettable experience. The memories from our time here will remain with me for life.
Given we were already in the middle of a very packed day and schedule, we wasted no time in getting showered and ready once we were back at the hotel. We promptly checked out and headed straight to the Takakkaw Falls in the adjacent Yoho National Park which is a 35-minute drive from Lake Louise. The falls straddle close to the border between the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. This area will be going to be the furthest we would travel north on our trip. Our drive was marked by meandering valleys, winding roads and we spotted many eagles and birds along the way.
Upon entering the parking lot and paying our dues, we set off on another family-friendly hike to view the majestic Takakkaw falls from a rocky cliff. This 1.2-mile trail was moderately challenging and took us about 45 minutes to complete.
Takakkaw Falls is one of the most powerful and amazing waterfalls in British Columbia and is incredibly famous in Yoho National Park. It's even known for being the second-tallest waterfall in Canada. The waterfalls get louder and louder as you get closer, and they are so powerful that the mist is usually felt long before reaching the base. The mountainous scenery surrounding the waterfall is gorgeous and there are lots of places along the pathway to take photos of the views and the waterfall. We encountered several large boulders off the main trail to experience the thrill of being close to the thunderous falls and also witnessed rainbows from one end of the area. After spending about 30-45 minutes exploring the area, we headed back to the parking lot, and still ready to do more, we took off to explore the famed Emerald Lake that gives off a greenish hue and is one of the biggest lakes in the area.
By the time we entered the lake parking lot and realizing we had been travelling on largely empty stomachs, we had lunch, and decided to enjoy the views from afar.
Emerald lake is another glacial lake surrounded by the mountains in Yoho National Park. Due to high amounts of glacial silt in the water (aka rock flour), Emerald Lake isn’t as translucent as many other high alpine lakes, but it sure is pretty.
It was at this time, that I wondered if I could canoe the lake on my own. Although I am not known for being brave, my father’s eyes lit up and wondered if my mother and sister could join. So, before I knew it, we were going to go canoeing on the lake. I was absolutely thrilled. I felt that there was no better way to experience it than by boat, which allows you to escape the crowds around the lodge and immerse yourself in the beauty of the area. We hurried to the boat rental area, quickly paid for our passes, and boarded our canoes after signing waivers and instructions., and off we paddled. While my father watched us from afar, we absolutely enjoyed ourselves out in the lake crossing from one end to another. As we paddled around, I was amazed to see how the scenery kept changing. Not only did new peaks come into view, but the water also turned aquamarine to turquoise. As we approached the far end of the lake, we discovered a ribbon of milky brown water cut through the lake. Once we were back on land after our circular 1-hour canoe, I inquired with the company who advised that this was the rock flour that mixed with the glacial meltwater which rushed into Emerald Lake.
Having enjoyed the canoeing, and still humming with even more energy, we went off on the lakeshore trail to join my father, who was already exploring the area. The hike started off along a paved trail through the beautiful forest with many openings that provide stunning views of the lake and mountains. The trail continued along the lakeshore with wooden benches positioned perfectly along the way, and wildflowers that bloomed all along the edges of the waterbody. Further up, the trail passed through much different terrain of largely pine tree forest and lush vegetation as if we were in a tropical rainforest. Although we could not cover the entire length of the way, we thoroughly cherished our nearly 2-mile journey that took us about 1 hour to complete.
Once back in the parking lot, we started to drive back down south toward our hotel in Lake Louise. We were tired from our early morning sojourn and decided to shower and take a small rest break at our room. I suggested picking up groceries to make sandwiches in the hotel kitchen. Both my sister and I helped make a list and walked to the nearby grocery store less than 400m away. Upon checkout and our walk back, our parents and I chipped in to quickly spread condiments and vegetables between slices of bread. Within minutes we had gorged more than 8 sandwiches between the 4 of us.
After our hearty dinner, it was time to turn down the lights and head back to sleep. It had been an amazing long day!
Day-5 : Lakeside views, Columbia Icefields and stay in Jasper
Upon waking up, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast at the Inn’s restaurant, showered, packed our bags and checked out to begin our drive further north. We had planned to journey through the Columbia Icefields parkway, which is named after the Columbia Icefield, one of the biggest icefields in North America. The parkway runs through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, connecting Banff and Jasper National Parks. The Columbia Icefield itself is a massive glacial system that spans the border between Alberta and British Columbia, and it feeds major glaciers, including the Athabasca, Dome, and Stutfield Glaciers. The parkway offers easy access to fantastic viewpoints, lakes, and areas surrounding glacial activity. It is by itself a top natural wonder in North America.
First on our stop was the Bow Lake that is one of the largest in the park by volume. Its proximity to the parkway made for a fantastic short stop. The lake is surrounded by several impressive mountains, and its namesake Bow Glacier, a part of the Wapta Icefield, can be seen at the lake's western end, adding to the dramatic scenery. After spending about 30 minutes in the area, we continued along the road to our next stop – Peyto Lake.
One of the most photographed lakes in the entire area, the Peyto Lake is known the world over for its striking color, caused by the rock flour carried into the water from the Peyto Glacier. It is easily recognizable by its foxlike head and is surrounded by thick forests. We walked about 20 minutes to get to the main viewpoint which offered a glorious view of the lake below and Bow valley beyond.
After soaking in the lovely sights, we retraced our steps back to the parking lot and set off further to the north to our next viewpoint which were the Waterfowl lakes. This quiet and peaceful area surrounding these pair of glacial lakes and the abundance of waterfowl birds around the lake make it an ideal summer spot for birding and picnicking. We went about hiking alongside a creek area that took us close to a rural bridge across the stream. After a short stop, we continued with a goal of making our way to the border of Jasper National Park some 15 minutes away.
Visiting the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre was an incredible highlight of our day and the trip overall. We arrived by mid-afternoon were immediately greeted by an incredible view of the Athabasca Glacier right from the parking lot—it was absolutely inviting!
However, since we were all feeling a bit hungry after the drive, we decided to grab an early lunch at the cafeteria inside the Center. We enjoyed a simple meal while soaking in the views of the glacier through the large windows. After lunch, we explored the interactive exhibits inside the Centre. My sister and I were really into the displays that showed how glaciers form and move, and even our parents found it fascinating to learn about the history of the Columbia Icefield. It was cool to see how these massive glaciers have shaped the landscape over thousands of years.
Next, we headed outside for the Glacier Adventure tour. We all climbed into a Giant Ice Explorer,
the kind that are used in the Antarctic region. This massive vehicle designed to drive right onto the glacier. The ride was a little bumpy but super fun, and we were all amazed by the size of the glacier once we got up close. Stepping out onto the Athabasca Glacier felt surreal standing on ancient ice was something none of us had ever experienced before. My sister and I took turns snapping photos, and our parents could not stop talking about how fresh the air felt up there. We also played with the freshly packed snow and took turns hitting one another lightly on the jackets.
Then, we boarded a bus after to the Skywalk area 20 minutes away from the center and walked over to the Skywalk, which was both thrilling and a little nerve-wracking.
Standing on the glass floor and looking down into the valley below was an unforgettable experience. The views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers were simply breathtaking. Even though my mom isn’t usually a fan of heights, she braved the Skywalk and ended up loving it.
Before leaving, we spent some time in the gift shop picking out a few souvenirs to remember our visit. We were all in agreement that the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre was one of the most amazing experiences of our trip.
We continued to head further into Jasper National Park and stopped over at Sunwapta Falls.
When we arrived, we were immediately struck by the power of the water crashing down into the canyon below. The name "Sunwapta" means "turbulent water" in the local tribal language. The falls are created by the Sunwapta River, which originates from the Athabasca Glacier. As the river narrows and plunges over the cliffs, it creates a dramatic effect. The force of the water, combined with the mist rising from the falls, made it a beautiful sight. After taking in the views from the upper falls, we decided to follow the trail that leads down to the lower falls. The hike was a bit more challenging, but totally worth it. The trail winds through a beautiful forest, and along the way, we encountered smaller cascades and got a different perspective of the river and surrounding area. The constant excitement of possibly encountering bears on our route excited us all, and we even made loud noises along the way.
After making our way from the parking lot, we headed straight into the outer parts of the town of Jasper and checked in at the beautiful and elegant single-story cottage at Becker’s Chalets which overlooks the Athabasca River. We ordered dinner, unwinded and traded wonderful thoughts about our amazing day.
Day-6 : Maligne Canyon Hike, Maligne Lake Cruise & drive back to Calgary
After a hearty early AM breakfast at the hotel, we packed our bags and waved goodbye to our favorite hotel of the trip. Beckers Chalets (I get no credit for referral :)) is a unique by the river offering that allows you stand alone fully furnished log cabins made out entirely of wood.
We reached Maligne Canyon, ready to tackle our final hike of the trip. The canyon is filled with waterfalls, streams, and even some wildlife if you’re lucky. The hike starts at Bridge 1, right by the parking lot, where the canyon is at its widest. As soon as we started, we were blown away by the Maligne River plunging into the canyon, creating a powerful waterfall that you can’t take your eyes off.
As we headed towards Bridge 2, the canyon began to narrow, and the walls on either side got taller and steeper. It felt like we were walking into something epic. Between Bridge 2 and Bridge 3, the canyon’s depth became even more intense. The water had carved out these wild patterns in the rock, and the drop to the river below was insane. We slowed down here, taking our time to soak in the views and grab photos.
When we got closer to Bridge 3, we noticed the canyon getting even narrower, with the walls closing in. The river seemed to pick up speed, crashing over rocks and creating whirlpools in the tightest spots. The trail between Bridges 3 and 4 had some of the best views into the deepest parts of the canyon. It was like looking down into a whole other world.
The last part of the hike, from Bridge 4 to Bridge 5, was different. The canyon started to open up a bit, and the trail wound through a forested area. The vibe here was more chill compared to the dramatic cliffs we’d seen earlier. The sound of the river wasn’t as loud, but we could still catch glimpses of it through the trees. The walk was peaceful, and the forest added a nice contrast to the rugged canyon.
By the time we got to Bridge 5, we’d seen everything Maligne Canyon had to offer. The canyon widened out, and the river flowed more gently, but the adventure stuck with us. We all agreed that the hike from Bridge 1 to Bridge 5 gave us a real appreciation for how powerful and beautiful nature can be. It was definitely one of the most unforgettable parts of our trip to Jasper National Park.
After crawling our way back to the parking lot using a shortcut, we started to head toward our final sightseeing place – the Maligne Lake. Since we usually ended up hiking at some of the many places we had now visited over the past 3-4 days, we decided to sightsee aboard a cruise with a stop over on Spirit Island. Enroute to the area, we also stopped for a quick 3-4 minutes at the Medicine Lake. By now, you could tell that we were a bit tired from visiting the different lakes.
But when we reached the shores of the famed Maligne Lake, it was unlike any other lake we had visited. We chose to quickly book tickets for a 90-minute cruise over the lake with a stopover at Spirit Island. I will tell you that this section was the least researched part of our plan, and we were excited by what we might see. Once on board, we were greeted by a gentle and steady breeze with fantastic view of the scenic Jasper National Park peaks surrounding this lake.
The cruise was informative, but we stood outside near the railing admiring the views and clicking pictures. After sailing for about 40 minutes, we came to stop at a dock near Spirit Island, which is an iconic place in the Canadian Rockies. Spirit island is a small piece of land that is sacred to the First Nations people, so you do not go on the island, but you view it from a different one afar. We took a short trail on the adjacent island to garner amazing pictures and relax. While the stop at the island wasn’t long, it was enough to really appreciate the beauty of the place. Being there felt peaceful, almost like we were in a different world. The boat ride back gave us another chance to soak in the scenery before heading back to the dock. We certainly felt that this was one of the highlights of our trip and totally worth the long drive outside of Jasper.
It was hard to imagine that our whirlwind, adventure-filled trip was ending. We had over the course of the past 5 days ventured into nearly 9 solid hikes that helped us witness lakes of different colors and hues, waterfalls, skirt canyons, admire picturesque surroundings, cruised around a lake and even canoed on one. We had seen glaciers, lush forests, meandering valleys, and splendid panoramic mountains all around us. As we headed back toward Calgary, I couldn’t keep myself from scrolling through the different pictures and videos we had collected through the course of our trip. Without doubt, this was the hardest I had worked to plan and prepare for a trip of this size – I was proud of myself. We entered Calgary late evening and after check-in formalities settled down for the evening. Our splendid journey had nearly ended but all of us made each other a promise to return.
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