Icefield Parkway through the Rockies

Today was one of the high lights of our trip, driving through the Rockie Mountains, lakes and glaciers (ice fields). Views were initially impacted by the continuous smoke haze but cleared up for an incredible Columbia ice field experience. Along the way we stopped at the most magnificent Bow and Peyto lakes and the Mistaya Canyon. The Columbia icefield (over 100 sq kms in size) was a unique experience. We drove onto the glacier on specifically designed 6 wheel drive vehicles ( wheels were 1.5m tall) that went up and down a 30% slope without damaging the glacier. We were able to walk on the glacier, fill our water bottles, and Anthony did a face bath in the icy runoff. We also did a sky walk with a glass bottom section 250m above the canyon below. We stopped at 2 very strongly flowing, impressive waterfalls (Sunwapta and Athabasca) before arriving at Jasper which was our stop for the night. Jasper and the surrounding area were seriously impacted by the forest fire of Aug 24. It was a very sombering drive into Jasper with the devastation still very visible. Jasper looked like a very pleasant town but we were too tired to do any exploring.Read more