Remember the Kingsman song from 1963? We actually played this at our wedding!
Day 5, August 19th Lake Louise Alberta Canada
Thought we got up early enough to get out to Lake Louise before the upper parking lots all fill up – ran into to two issues, we didn’t realize there was a time change on our way AND “RV”s cannot park in the upper lot! Had to abandon the idea of paddling on Lake Louise and instead walked as far around the lake as we were allowed. The water was the typical glacier chalky blue with a few canoes paddling around the lake. As we made our way through masses, did I say MASSES, of people the crowds thinned out and we were able to enjoy a nice walk to the end of the lake for a closer visual on the glacier. On our walk back, the winds began to pick up on the lake – typical of mountain lakes there were white caps within minutes. Happy to have not packed our paddle boards the mile up to the lake from the van parking spot!
That’s the iconic Fairmont Chateau with rack rates starting at $1500/night! And a small explanation of my toes in photos :). A friend treated me to my first pedicure in over 10 years as a birthday/vacation treat. I let her choose the color and, ironically, it seems to match a lot of the lakes we’ve paddled!
Had to stop at the rest stop along the Kicking Horse River – Kicking Horse coffee from Canada is Ron’s favorite brand of coffee! Not sure if the coffee is named after the rest stop or the rest stop inspired by the coffee….And our first big view of Jasper National Park! Discovered we are currently traveling through Canada during the federal initiative called “Canada Strong” which gives us free access to a lot of the parks and discounted camping. While it’s been nice to not have to stop and pay fees everywhere it has obviously inspired many travelers to join us on the road. A lot of Cruise Canada RV’s parked alongside us at many of our stops.
Jagged glacier cuts forming the valley and the Athabasca RIver that the road travels along and a glimpses of glaciers of the Columbia Icefield. Sadly the farther NW we travelled we began to see the devastation from the 2024 Jasper Wildfire Complex which was finally extinguished in April of 2025! A third of the town of Jasper was destroyed and the rebuilding efforts are everywhere. Sadly, many of the campsites closer to Jasper are still not opened forcing many campers into hastily constructed campsites (no dispersed camping allowed in the park) – not the most aesthetic site we’ve stayed in but very easy access to the park! Off to ride in the morning.
Day 6, August 20. Jasper National Park
Actually slept in today due to the time change and the late night watching the Timber’s beat San Diego! Love StarLink when it comes to the amazing coverage when traveling. Headed out to the OutLander Trail along the Athabasca River. Riding get’s very exciting when you are riding in Grizzly country and find a nice fresh pile of poop in the middle of the trail…
The trail today took us through one of the burned sections from the Jasper Complex Fire. Stopped at one of the Moberly Family homesteads from the early 1900’s but the Mountain Métis were displaced in 1910 by the park’s creation. Obviously there aren’t any trail angels like we have in Bend so we did have to navigate around a few fallen trees, not sure why Ron is struggling with that tiny log….
Rambling PA's 
Leave a comment