Jasper National Park

Often heard from wise men that if a person stays quiet after an excursion or a travel, that means he is enlightened. He probably may have seen the light. A very similar vibe shivered down my spine the moment we started driving towards Jasper. An absolute transcendent sight. Not that I am talking saintly, but the truth is that my perspective towards things has surely changed since then. Mellowed attitude with no desire to acquire anything has sustained since I am back. The beauty around the swaying alpine trees, robust snow peeked mountain ranges and the glacial water with enchanting aura over-powers your existence. We are only miniscule of his creation.

Sunwapta Falls

Sunwapta or the stoned bird meaning Turbulent River. Sunwapta falls is the pair of waterfalls of the Sunwapta River located in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Cananda. The falls were easily accessible via a short hike from our lodge. Otherwise too, its only 0.8 miles hike that takes you down through the lodgepole pine forest to the lower falls. Waking up to the heavenly sound of the water falls only made me realize that I could actually dare being so close to nature.

The Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge was one of its kind. Our stay convinced me on the goal of having a small cottage in the woods with a view to die for.

In the next picture, is the lower falls, Sunwapta Falls. The smile on Nishchay's face often speaks a thousand words. Needless to comprehend.

One of the characteristics of the hike was the alpine tree root system. The fragile yet ground deep with impressions all over the pathway for the hikers. Why fragile? The atmosphere does not protect these trees by the invasive roots but by their clung neighboring tree. They sway all along their life and never stay still and hence adapt the growth clinging to the trees nearby.

Little ones are the naughtiest, Suhana tried her best to emulate these trees by clinging to one another all the way throughout the trail, here she is clinging to Nishchay, and hence the smile.

The Upper Falls, Sunwapta Falls

A hike through the lodgepole pine forest and to the upper falls was pleasant as it was a nature walk 'n' talk. Discovering the wild species of flowers, rose and the lily of the valley had untold stories to be imagined.

And these two below, the trailblazers' always won our family run...do not forget the roots in the ground.

A vacation is where you are yourself. Nishchay on his solo walk gathering his me time.

Athabasca Falls

You may have heard people use adjectives like greatest, longest, biggest to describe a waterfall. Athabasca Falls is a powerful and a gorgeous waterfall with a stunning backdrop of forests mountains and river flowing through as huge volumes of water rushed down into the canyon. We had to take different shots with the multiple lookouts it had to offer. As we explored the area, the narrow section between the two walls of the canyon with stairs carved into the rocks was very unique. There are some great vantage points overlooking the river and the canyon to see where the water has eroded the rock to create caves and the unique rock formations over many years.

Stairs carved into the rocks between the two walls of canyon. Trapped and spinning under water's direction, particles of sand silt and gravel carve like diamond drill. The river took thousands of years to drill the potholes now suspended on the canyon walls. Our walk led us to ancient potholes and the mouth of the Athabasca falls canyon. We climbed 59 steps to return. Suhana undoubtedly counted 60! A steep stepped hike indeed!

The last time I had a similar pic as below was probably from Lake Tahoe, US or may be from Colorado Springs, US. This is another advantage of travelling with immediate family, you get to act, pose and click your fantasized image in life. I personally admire myself and leave no stone unturned to express it.

A family frame captured! Voila!

Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park with a depth of more than 50 meters at certain points. Hikers of all abilities can explore the incredible natural landmark by crossing six bridges built across the various points of the canyon. You probably guessed the capacity of our family by now if you have already been to the other posts from the Canadian Rockies. We hiked up till the second bridge which happened to be the highest point of the canyon at 50 meters above the water.

Old fort Point Loop Trail & Viewpoint

From the top of this mammoth limestone rock, you actually get a 360-degree view of Jasper Skytram terminal on top of Whistler Mountain, the Jasper townsite across the wide rushing Athabasca River and the iconic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

A valley queen flower, I call it the Lily of the valley!

Elks Car Drive

Glorious and grand was the procession of these elks by the drive. OfCourse each one of us went out of their ways to click one glimpse of their selves with us. Thats the spirit we live and travel with.

Jasper Downtown

The cream of every travel is when you meet the town life. Thats where you see people, see them involved in various things, you basically get to the cultural aspect of the travel. Thats what I like most, for it gives me exposure of human being in a natural habitat. The beer sampler from the Jasper Brewing Company was excellent! Most of the drinks had names coming from their natural wildlife. Elk-Ale was my choice and not the least to say :)

In the pic below, I truly fulfilled my dream of driving on the mountains, tracking the road to heaven all by myself. Had always pictured myself doing that during childhood.

The pic is quite a cliche' to mention, yet a memory to be cherished in my life. The man sitting next to me has surely surpassed the benchmark to keep his family healthy in his own way.

A subject board for many clicks for many future conversations.

Cheers to the trip to Jasper!