Banff to Jasper, A trip like no other!

Just got back from my trip to Banff and Jasper Alberta.
This trip is one of a kind and like no other. You are constantly surrounded by beautiful mountains and natural wildlife. If you love the outdoors and like to hike...this is definitely a go-to place! The whole trip and the places I've seen are just too surreal and beautiful. :D

Day 1 (sept.13) -- arrived to Calgary Airport, struggled finding a car rental at the airport (all the 6-8 companies have no available car unless by reservation) we got so stressed and pissed. But eventually we figured out it would be best to taxi into downtown Calgary and rent at another "Budget" company. In the end we got a vehicle (black Ford Focus). It was rainy and gloomy upon our arrival as well. We finally got our rental vehicle and headed off to Banff. Drove to our campground Lake Louise (J12).

The campground was great since it had all the things we needed. Flush toilets. Hot showers (must-have) and a den for eating (which we did not use since it was always occupied by other campers).

Day 2 (sept.14)-- campground Lake Louise
Lake Louise Chateau and lakeside and Moraine Lake
Hike to Lake Agnes Teahouse-- had lunch at the top of the hike (had a nice 3 cheese quiche and bf had a yummy tuna salad sandwich) we ordered Oolong tea to relax from our hike. (sort of strenuous but constantly moving up). On our hike we see the Beehives (moutains shaped like hives) and a small lake.
Hike to Consolidation Lake-- we grouped up with 3 locals since the hike requires 4 people to hike. (one of the hikers is a local worker in the area).
- back to Banff townsite and had our cheap chicken thighs (snack) at Supermarket....and a little bit of exploring town and shopping.

Day 3 (sept.15)-- Johnston Canyon, Hike to the Inkpots
- town of Banff to get some supplies and shopping
- bought cheap sushi for snack at supermarket
- night we stayed in Lake Louise Campground

Day 4 (sept.16) --
Iceline Trail** advanced trail-- explored on top of mountain with a lot of glaciers and rocky terrain.
(it was rainy and cloudy)-- hiked back down after getting a bit off-trail. (Strenuous hike)
Our legs killed after that.
- back to Lake Louise Campground

- back to townsite to eat at "earl's restaurant' with a view of mts.- had fish and chips; chicken quesadillas; orchid margarita and beers. :D

Day 5 (sept.17) -- Packed up our tents and campground to drive to Jasper.
Peyto Lake/ Bow Summit viewpoint
Drive to Columbia Icefields

Athabasca Glacier

Athabasca Falls and River

Icefield Center- call hostels for availability

Jasper Townsite and Dinner at LouLou's Breakfast and Pizzeria

Checked into HI Jasper Hostel- late dinner leftover quesadillas with fries - shared salad with fellow hostelers.

Day 6 (sept.18)--  Had our morning tea/coffee and cooked some breakfast to eat (some sliced up sausages and perogies). We left roughly around 7 am. We decided to go hike Whistler mt. today by taking the Jasper Tramway up first.  The tramway did not open up until 9:45am and we were too early so we did a bit of luggage organizing in our back seats and trunk (storing away the tents properly). Tramway up to Whistler Mt. - hike the trail to Whistler Summit.
- took lots of pictures of the mountains and glaciers
- the sky was clear and it was sunny-- Mt. Robson (biggest mountains can be seen from afar) is usually not visible and rare to see all the mountain peaks. First tramway of the day to go up.
- went to see Tangle Falls (small waterfall).
- come back to Hi Jasper hostel for the evening to shower and sleep.
- I got sunburned on my face from being a top of the sunny mountain.

Day 7 (sept.19)-- Leaving HI Jasper Hostel in the morning. Woke up early to beat the morning rush at 6am-- took our shower and had our leftover pizza for dinner and our hot drinks.  Packed up and left the hostel. Snowy day today.

Hike the 'The Path of the Glacier' with 4 Londoners (elderly couples) halfway through the snowy trail and we decided to seperate from eachother midway. We went into the Tunnel ice cave and saw snow avalanches at Angel Glacier. Went back to the Jasper town site for a bit of walking around and shopping- shared a subway sandwich.

This last evening, we stayed at Pine Bungalows (just off of Jasper townsite), a very beautiful and cozy cabin #12 by the moving riverside. These cabins were made entirely of wood and the interiors scream countryside style. There were sinks, stoves, storage, dishes and utensils, clean bathroom with shower and toilet. It's a super cozy place!  Had a wonderful evening winding down with having cooked dinner (ised up most of the dried foods like Liptons and mashed potatoes) and some booze (beer and mudslides) by a warm  fire by the bedside. :)

Day 8 (sept.20) -- Woke up late at about 8 am and leaving for our long drive back to Calgary Airport. Last night was a much needed rest and it was a super comfortable shelter to keep us warm. We had everything packed up and ready go to!

Whole day was spent driving back and being on the plane back to Toronto. Sadly it was a snowy day so most of the mountains were hard to see on our drive back.