Water, earth and fire

Time flies! It went so fast that it was hard to find time to write again but here is my newest post about more adventures in beautiful Canada.

While we drive on the Ice Field Parkway, we are looking for a camping spot. We drive by the Crowfoot glacier first (easy to see why it got this name) and then we drive to Waterfowl campground.

Waterfowl campground and Peyto Lake

This time we did not book anything but along the way towards Jasper National Park, there are first come first campgrounds. The name itself explains the concept.

We found a spot at the Waterfowl campground and set up the tent. Our camping spot is near the Waterfowl lake and we drink tea in front of the lake and enjoyed the view.

Because we did not have any connection at the campground, we drove back to finish my last blog at Tim Hortons near Lake Louise.

On the way back from Lake Louise we drove to Peyto Lake. We were just in time to see the sunset :)

Peyto Lake has been on my list to see from the moment I knew we would visit Alberta. It has the shape of a wolf head and is surrounded by high mountains. Too tired to spend a long time here we decided to come back the next day for more pictures.

That night it rained, and the temperature dropped. We decided to sleep in the car. The next morning it is cloudy and rainy. After a breakfast made by my BF, we drive in the direction of Athabasca Glacier.

Along the way, we stop for pictures and coffee.

For sunset, we went back to Peyto Lake, but the weather was still moody. But somehow it gave a nice effect.

Because the temperature dropped in the evening and it was still rainy, we slept in the car.

The morning the sun came through and I wake my BF up to go one more time to Peyto lake with this time hopefully a better sunrise.

Still a bit sleepy we watched the sunrise and we took pictures. Quickly more people found our picture spot interesting so there was even a line up when we left :P

Back at the campground, we pack all our camping stuff that is still wet and then it is time to start the drive to Jasper National Park.

Jasper National Park

We stop at the Athabasca glacier, ate lunch and then walk towards the glacier. It is cold and windy but knowing this is one of the world biggest glaciers (we are only able to see a small part) it is quite impressive!

After our stop at the glacier, it is about time that I also drive the truck. I never drove in this kind of car and I was I kind of nervous. But it was also exciting to drive in such a beautiful area surrounded by mountains.

On the way towards Jasper, the rocks are changing of shape. They become pointier and the number of trees seems to increase.

After a drive of more than two hours and a couple of stops, we arrive in Jasper National Park!

Funny fact: to be a Jasperse in Jasper :)

Jasper downtown and Maligne Lake

We arrive at Pine Bungalows and get our cabin with a river view. The cabin is comfy and nice after a couple of days sleeping in the cold (and this is still summer ;)

The next morning, we go to Jasper downtown. We eat breakfast at Smitty’s restaurant which means that I eat something sweet and my BF something sour haha.

In Jasper, we walk in the main street and do some shopping. I bought some gifts for my family and bought a necklace and dreamcatcher for myself.

On the way back to our cabin the traffic seems busy. Cars were parked near the crossing and we were wondering why. Soon it became clear a group of Elk enjoyed the grass around the crossing and every tourist tried to see a glimpse of these animals (and so did we).

In the afternoon we drove to the famous Maligne Lake. On the way, we stop at Medicine Lake. This lake is an area were caribou live.

Maligne is mostly known for the small Spirit Island in the middle of the lake. When we arrived at the beginning of the lake it was quite clear that this lake was big, and we could not see Spirit Island. One of the information points informed us that it would be 5 hours with a canoe to reach Spirit Island.

Even though we had some practice on Lake Louise this was next level (and we were too late too to start canoeing to Spirit Island anyways).

Instead of searching for Spirit Island we followed the track; I hoped to still see something of Spirit Island. That didn't work out, but we got some nice views along the way.

On the way back the rain became heavier and colder, but there was a nice surprise waiting for us when we almost reached the parking lot, we saw a Moose! Ok, even two :)

These big animals have something cute and I thought these were big, but these Moose where not even adults according to my BF.

More wildlife surprises us on the way back to the cabin. A young black bear walks near the road. As two paparazzi we try to take a picture of the young bear, but we were too late, the bear was already disappeared. We need more practice I guess ;)

Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls and Valley of the five lakes

4.45 in the morning and 2 degrees but we were awake to see the falls and sunrise!

First, we drove to Athabasca Falls. When we arrive, it is still dark, and we seem to be the only ones... that is something different than what we experienced in Banff.

The light makes everything look blue and the sound of the waterfall is clearly to hear. If you want to know what the power of water can do than this a good example to see from close by.

I stare at the water and we did not get a sunny sunrise. Still being almost alone this early makes you able to imagine how it was when the first explorers discovered this area. Must be overwhelming and scary sometimes but also so beautiful!

When we go to the car people make their way to the waterfall. We go to the next waterfall nearby that comes from the same Athabasca river that also flows at the waterfront of our cabin.

Sunwapta Falls is smaller, but pretty with the small tree island in the middle of the waterfall.

After all this early morning exploring, we get some coffee and drive back to the cabin to relax a bit. In the afternoon we first visit small lakes nearby. Lake Edith and Annet are too small and flat for a nice hike and we feel we not fit in with all the elderly people that walk around the lake.

Instead, we make our way to the Valley of the five lakes. We hike around two of the five lakes and see a lot of dragonflies and wild mushrooms (and too many mosquitoes).

During this hike is visible how many trees there are in this area. The orange and red trees you see did not start any autumn color-party yet but sadly are dead or dying. A beetle species infiltrate the trees and kill them.

After our hike of a couple of hours, we drive back and go for dinner in Jasper. We eat at Famoso; a modern Italian restaurant.

Then we have a lazy day with packing and just relaxing. We drove around in the area and eat again at Famoso in Jasper downtown.

Checking out and a long day before we reach Toronto

Sad but true than it was time to check out. We take some pictures near the waterfront and put the last baggage in the truck.

The drive to Edmonton starts and I drive the last part of Jasper National Park. Slowly the mountains make a place for hills and I already start to miss the mountains.

After 4-hour drive and some stops, we arrive in Edmonton. We eat at Hudson’s Pub and then drop off the car and take an Uber to the airport.

Our flight is after midnight and we are both sleepy. In the airplane, we sleep a bit and arrive early in the morning in Toronto. Waleed’s dad picked us up from the airport and back in Oshawa we sleep in.

Oshawa and Toronto

The next days we spent in the area of Oshawa and Toronto. Waleed brought me to the Brazilian cake boutique Filicios, loved the cheesecake and the Brazilian coffee :)

And we walked at the coastline of Lake Ontario and visit a mall.

The next day we visit Toronto and get the Japanese cheesecake (again yummy) and hang out around Lake Ontario.

That evening we visit the Greek town and make a bonfire. Then sadly it is time to pack my suitcase and I need to leave.

Canada you are stunning! I already miss the mountains and adventure, but most of all I miss my favorite person. I can't wait for our next adventure!

With a smile :)

Nicole