Jasper National Park, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking a pristine wilderness experience. Our recent visit to this iconic destination was nothing short of magical as we ventured into the breathtaking landscapes, encountering wildlife in their natural habitats, and found solace in the luxurious embrace of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Follow us as we get lost exploring JASPER, Alberta wildlife & the Fairmont Lodge.

The iconic spots

Our journey began with a tour of some of Jasper’s most iconic spots, including Pyramid Lake, Medicine Lake, and Maligne Lake. Each location offered a unique perspective on the park’s natural beauty, from the reflective tranquility of Medicine Lake to the awe-inspiring majesty of Maligne Lake’s glacial waters. The vistas were nothing short of postcard-perfect, providing an immersive experience into the untamed wilderness.

Pyramid Lake:

Pyramid Lake is not only a stunning alpine gem but also home to a quirky phenomenon. One fun fact about Pyramid Lake is that it has its own island, aptly named Pyramid Island. What makes it particularly amusing is that despite being surrounded by pristine waters, this island is connected to the mainland by a wooden footbridge, allowing visitors to whimsically stroll to an island without needing a boat. It’s a charming detail that adds a touch of playfulness to the already captivating scenery of Pyramid Lake.

Medicine Lake:

Medicine Lake in Jasper National Park is a unique geological wonder with a fascinating characteristic. Unlike traditional lakes, Medicine Lake mysteriously disappears during the winter months. The lake’s water drains through a vast underground system of limestone caves, creating a natural plumbing system. During the summer, the lake refills, transforming into a picturesque body of water. This seasonal vanishing act adds an intriguing element to the already enchanting allure of Medicine Lake.

Maligne Lake:

Maligne Lake, renowned for its breathtaking beauty in Jasper National Park, is also home to a captivating geological marvel. The lake boasts the world-renowned Spirit Island, which is not actually an island at all but a small piece of land connected to the shore by a narrow isthmus. Unfortunately, during our visit in anticipation of the winter season, we were unable to venture to Spirit Island, as boat tours cease operations during this time. Despite missing this iconic spot, the stunning glacial waters of Maligne Lake and its unique geological features still left an indelible impression on our winter adventure in Jasper.

The Wildlife

As we embarked on a scenic drive through Jasper, the rugged beauty of the mountain ranges unfolded before us like a grand tapestry. Towering peaks, pristine lakes, and dense forests painted a picture of unspoiled nature. However, what truly made our journey remarkable was the unexpected encounters with the park’s elusive inhabitants.

A face-to-face encounter with the elusive Canadian moose left us in awe, considering their rarity in the region. Deers gracefully pranced through the meadows, and big horn sheep, also known as RAM, made a majestic appearance in the middle of the mountainous road. These encounters added an extra layer of excitement to our exploration, making Jasper a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Choosing the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge as our base for exploration was a decision that elevated our entire adventure. The lodge’s grounds, surrounded by towering pines and snow-capped peaks, were a sight to behold. What made our stay truly special was the unexpected company of friendly deer that freely roamed the grounds, occasionally gracing us with their presence right in front of our lodge door. It was an enchanting touch that made us feel intimately connected to the natural world around us.

One of the lodge’s standout features was its expansive outdoor heated swimming pool, a unique amenity that allowed us to enjoy the alpine setting even in the midst of Jasper’s chilly temperatures. With the thermometer reading -10°C, the pool’s warm waters at 32°C provided a surreal experience. The juxtaposition of swimming in the heated pool against the crisp mountain air was nothing short of sublime, creating lasting memories of relaxation amid the rugged landscape.

The mountains call. Adventure awaits.

To truly unlock the secrets of this alpine paradise, we encourage you to park your cars, turn off the engines, and venture beyond the winding roads. Heck, this is EXACTLY what we did! 😉 Jasper is not merely a destination viewed through a car window; it’s a vast playground waiting to be explored on foot. Lace up your hiking boots, feel the crunch of snow under your winter boots, or the soft earth beneath your sneakers in the warmer months. Every step reveals a new facet of the wilderness.

Conclusion:

Jasper National Park, with its untamed beauty and diverse wildlife, truly stands as a nature lover’s paradise. The combination of iconic landmarks, unexpected wildlife encounters, and the luxurious haven of the Fairmont Jasper Lodge made our journey an unforgettable experience. Whether you seek adventure in the great outdoors or the comforts of a world-class lodge, Jasper has something for every traveler eager to explore the wonders of the Canadian Rockies.

We are truly blessed to be in this beautiful country we call “home” and luckily, Canada’s backyard is BIG! If you wanna see what else our “backyard” has to offer, please be sure to check out our post about Fogo Island in Newfoundland, New Brunswick, British Colombia and Jasper’s twin sister….Banff. 😉