Weekly Travel Theme

Where's My Backpack Travel Theme - FROZEN


September 2017 - Jasper Alberta

Yes, mid September and there was a frozen layer on the lake early morning.

Weekly Travel Theme

Where's My Backpack Travel Theme - CALM


September 2017 - Jasper AB

A calm lake is always a calming sight.

Day 19 - Jasper AB to Edmonton AB

September 2017




We wake to a brisk 0 C or 32 F but it is just gorgeous as we walk to the lodge for coffee. Seriously, for the price here you think they'd have a coffee pot in the room! Room Service would be crazy, as it is a distance from the main lodge.

We were warned that there were elk about and it was rutting season, no sightings but they were obviously around!

As we left these locals were crossing the road.

We lose an hour on this portion.

 We drove into Jasper but didn't stop not as pretty as Banff or Whistler.

Nope, no WILDLIFE again.

We lose sight of the magnificent Rockies as we move further into Alberta.

Tim Horton beckons us for breakfast sandwiches.

There is a sign saying there is smoke but this seems more like fog.

 The world's largest dragonfly is in Wabamun!

We detour as I see a sign for the wheat elevator museum.

It doesn't appear to be open.

Our GPS takes us to a nice suburban neighbourhood, half an hour from our destination, that's what happens when you enter avenue instead of street!

We check into the West Edmonton Mall Inn, booked on points, across from the mall, entrance 6.

It is the largest shopping mall in North America and the tenth largest in the world (along with The Dubai Mall) by gross leasable area. It was the world's largest mall until 2004.The mall was founded by the Ghermezian brothers, who emigrated from Iran in 1959.

As we enter it is restuarants and bars.

Nothing to identify the sculpture.

Paying tribute to the oil workers, but no sign on the sculpture.

Lots of fun in the Haloween store.

Galaxyland is the world's largest indoor amusement park features more than 27 spectacular rides, attractions and play areas for all ages.

Day 1 - Toronto to Chesterton IN

Day 2 - Chesterton IN to Rochester MN

Day 3 - Rochester MN to Lincoln NB

Day 4 - Lincoln NB to Denver CO

Weekly recap with more photos
Day 5 - Denver CO to Rapid City SD
The Curtis Hotel Denver CO funky themed floors
Day 6 - Rapid City SD Mount Rushmore City of Presidents
Day 7 - Rapid City SD to Billings MT Crazy Horse and Little Big Horn
Day 8 - Billings MT to Driggs ID
Day 9 - Jackson Hole WY and Grand Teton NP

Day 10 - Yellowstone National Park

Day 11 - Driggs ID to Spokane WA

Weekly Recap

Day 12 - Spokane WA to Port Angeles WA

Day 13 - Port Angeles WA to Victoria BC
Day 14 - Victoria BC
Day 15 - Victoria BC to Olympia WA
Weekly Recap
Day 16 - Olympia WA to Vancouver BC
Day 17 - Vancouver BC to Kamloops BC
Day 18 - Kamloops BC to Jasper AB

Day 18 - Kamloops BC to Jasper AB

September 2017

We had read that Kamloops had an Art Alley so we went to investigate.

The oldest public building in Kamloops, St Andrews on the Square, was constructed in 1887.

When it was first constructed in the late 1800s, in response to the growth of the city, the church was built on land that had been donated by the Canadian Pacific Railway. The land which, at that time, had actually been located on the very outskirts of the town as it had existed at that time. In addition to the gift of the land itself, the construction costs for building this structure were actually raised, in large part, by the CPR employees themselves.

Philip Arthur Gaglardi (January 13, 1913 - September 23, 1995), sometimes known as Flying Phil was a politician in the Canadian province of British Columbia. He is best known for his service as Minister of Highways in the BC government from 1955 to 1968.

Gaglardi was born in Mission, British Columbia as one of eleven children to poor Italian immigrants. In 1943 he married Jennie Sandin, a Pentecostal minister. He attended bible school and was also ordained as a Pentecostal minister. In 1947 they moved to Kamloops and he became leader of Calvary Temple (now St. Andrew’s). Phil began the radio program “Chapel in the Sky” and Jennie the “Aunt Jennie” broadcast. Gaglardi continued his weekly 15 minute broadcasts throughout his political career.

The Gaglardis had two sons: Bob Gaglardi, founder of Northland Properties (whose holdings include the 35-hotel Sandman Hotel chain and 100-plus restaurants under various labels) whose son Tom Gaglardi is the current owner of the National Hockey League's Dallas Stars, and Bill, a Calgary businessman.

Murals on an Indian Restaurant.

I love how they have preserved their historical buildings with these plaques.

Art Alley

We head out to the spectacular scenery to Jasper.

Our trusty car who has done a lot of mileage on this trip.

Basically a straight line.

Typical sight.

A and W are really common out west, we don't see thatmany in Ontario. John had to get a root beer.

Logging trucks sign.

Arrow is pointing to Mount Terry Fox.

2017 is the 150th anniversary of Confederation. As Canada's gift, the 2017 Discovery Pass will provide free admission for the entire year to Parks Canada places from coast to coast to coast. Got it!

We are splurging tonight staying at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is a 700 acre year-round luxury mountain resort which wraps around the shores of pristine Lac Beauvert and Canada's #1 Golf Resort Course. The resort's charming village of cedar chalets and Luxury Signature Cabins, all connected by picturesque paths, offer guests unique access to explore the natural environment surrounding the resort.

In 1813, a fur trade outpost named Jasper House was established by the North West Company at the entrance of the Rocky Mountains. For twenty years it supported the Hudson’s Bay Company’s traffic over the mountains via Athabasca Pass. This post was responsible for meeting the transportation and supply demands, caring for horses and trading goods for meat and furs with the local Aboriginal groups which included Iroquois and Métis. It wasn’t until 1907 when Jasper National Park became official and the townsite was established by Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in 1911. The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway tore down Jasper House and used the materials to build rafts. Jasper was originally named Fitzhugh after a Grand Trunk Vice President and was later renamed Jasper in 1913 after the original outpost. Today, Jasper National Park is one of North America’s largest natural areas – spanning 11,288 sq. km (4,200 sq. mi) and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has a firmly embedded place in the history of tourism in the Canadian Rockies. Its legacy began in 1915, originally called “Tent City,” it consisted of ten large tents located on the shores of Lac Beauvert, each with wooden floors and walls. There was also a main dining tent that turned into a social area in the evening for guests to play cards and visit.

In 1921 Canadian National Railways took over Tent City. They immediately renovated the existing camp to eight log cabins, and officially opened in June of 1922. Expansion proceeded through the year with additional guest cabins. Some of these original cabins still stand today. The main building was touted as the largest single-storey log structure in the world.

 

Well-deserved with an amazing view.

The reflections were stunning!

Why didn't we book the Outlook Cabin that the Queen stayed in??

The beautiful cabin - also known as the Royal Retreat exudes the elegance and grandeur that has welcomed King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939 as well as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 2005. Supreme comfort is present in every detail of the sumptuously comfortable bedrooms, enclosed verandas and majestic stone fireplace that warms both the dining room and great room - the perfect place to entertain family & friends or celebrate a special occasion. The 6,000 square foot Signature Cabin boasts six bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, two fireplaces, a large terrace with barbeque and a full gourmet kitchen with private catering entrance.
Package Includes:
Accommodation in Outlook Cabin for two nights
$150 nightly credit to be used in the Spa or Dining Outlets
Rates begin at $3,965 per night plus taxes. However, it does sleep 12.

The lodge where we had dinner.

Day 1 - Toronto to Chesterton IN

Day 2 - Chesterton IN to Rochester MN

Day 3 - Rochester MN to Lincoln NB

Day 4 - Lincoln NB to Denver CO

Weekly recap with more photos
Day 5 - Denver CO to Rapid City SD
The Curtis Hotel Denver CO funky themed floors
Day 6 - Rapid City SD Mount Rushmore City of Presidents
Day 7 - Rapid City SD to Billings MT Crazy Horse and Little Big Horn
Day 8 - Billings MT to Driggs ID
Day 9 - Jackson Hole WY and Grand Teton NP

Day 10 - Yellowstone National Park

Day 11 - Driggs ID to Spokane WA

Weekly Recap

Day 12 - Spokane WA to Port Angeles WA

Day 13 - Port Angeles WA to Victoria BC
Day 14 - Victoria BC
Day 15 - Victoria BC to Olympia WA
Weekly Recap
Day 16 - Olympia WA to Vancouver BC
Day 17 - Vancouver BC to Kamloops BC