Today was the day we finally returned to Jasper after the flying visit nearly a year ago. This time we booked two nights at a B&B so we had time to go exploring. On the way up to Jasper there are a number of points of unfinished business for us. The first one we decided tackle today was Cephren Lake (above). Mt Chephren towers over Waterfowl Lake and is one of many of the roadside lookout spots on the parkway. There's a hiking trail from the Waterfowl Lake campsite that heads away from the parkway to two circ lakes nestled at the foot of Mt Cephren and Howse Mountain just to the south (pictured).
The trail branches about half way along making you choose between one or other lake. We chose Cephren and weren't disappointed. The only other people there were a couple of guys fishing. It was so peaceful! The slightly unnerving part of the hike were the numerous fresh bear prints along the trail.
Mistaya Canyon
Second on the list was Mistaya Canyon. It's one of the more accessible points of interest on the Icefields Parkway with a short 500m walk down to the canyon. Mistaya canyon is the lesser known of 3 canyons in Banff and Jasper National Parks, but by no means uninspiring. As with Maligne Canyon, it's quite spectacular when you're there, but the photos don't nearly tell the story. The overcast skied didn't make for especially good photography.
The B&B in Jasper wasn't quite what I'd expected as it was just a
segregated area of a couple's house. Having said that it was very nice
and I would have to say better than any hotel we've stayed in since we
arrived in North America. We have three nights booked there in again
August.
