After the tour of the first morning I was treated to an excursion by Rocky Mountaineer to a ride on the SkyTram…..a seven minute journey up a mountain (2,700mtr) to view the “alpine tundra”. Heart in mouth at the tramway end you could then ascend by foot to the summit. Not Moi, it was however an enthralling view of which I hope that you can enjoy some of the photos. Camera shake was actual knees knocking at the thought of the downward journey. Back down at ground level I was then taken to view ( not keen on playing with the potential of Grizzlies) of Canada’s no1 golf course. Next trip I want to play.

From the Skytrax gondola

From Fairmont Jasper Golf Club

From the bottom

The Valley explained pt2…..whose lazy?

The Valley explained pt1

Pyramid mountain

Across the valley

interesting walkway!

More of the top of the mountain

Athabasca river

Glittering lakes in the valley

Jasper townsite and lakes

trying to be brave

Fear in the eyes

View of the summit from disembarkation point

The following day (weather was yuck!) we headed off to Lake Louise (by coach) via several photo opportunity spots and a detour to the Athabasca ice field. Fortunately on the way the weather improved and by the time we got on the ice field it was perfect. After an hour we then meandered down to Lake Louise where the weather was again a little disappointing but it did try to snow.  I cannot forget our bus driver Mike, his humour and commentary was without doubt amazing, never bored of hearing him tell stories or explain where and what. Especially the bear recognition system and what to do if challenged!!!

Dawn the second morning

Left ridge of the lake

The Fairmont Lake Louise

Lake Louise early evening

Frozen river view

Just a best view

Athabaska river I think

just feel the chill

Another from the bus

leaving the ice fields

Looking back to the Jasper side of the ice field…the icing on the cake!!

Looking back to the Jasper side of the ice field

another glacier

our taxi to the ice field

The crowning glory, sadly receding at about 15mtrs a year

Part of a side glacier

Part of a side glacier

snow melt, beautiful blue colour water

right hand side of the ice field

looking back though the gorge of the ice field

View of the left hand cliff of the ice field

Still with frozen snow

Another falls

another beautiful view

Still murky but awesome

slightly better view

At last a bear (even if shy)

falls at Athabaska

falls at Athabaska

looks cold……and was

Murky weather on the way though to Ice Fields

Dawn as clouds lifting

morning gazers

Dawn again