I made a sort of grumbling whine as I looked from the door of the train and back to the snowy mountain behind me. Maybe I could just stay here. Maybe no one would notice if I wasn’t on the train. I considered my options for a moment longer, subconsciously leaning away from the platform and routing my getaway.
I had embarked on the lengthy train journey from Toronto to Vancouver with my best friend, and planned a three day stop over in Jasper, Alberta. I’m not sure what made us think that three days would be enough, but I soon found myself too smitten by the town to leave it and had so much more I wanted to see and experience.
With a visible pout and grudging footsteps I finally responded to the final boarding call and climbed onto the train. I waved goodbye to the little mountain town that had made a big impression on me and quietly promised myself that I would be back.
Finally, after four long years.. I am making my return to Jasper.
*cue the happy dance*
So, why I am headed back?
The Jasper in January Festival
I’m going to attend the Jasper in January Festival! I will be in town for the January 24th-26th weekend of the festival, as well as a couple of extra days for some other adventures.
Some of the festival activities on my radar include:
- A brewery tour of Jasper Brewing Company
- Live music in downtown Jasper
- The Walk of Lights to Centennial Park
- Fireworks at Centennial Park
- Robson on the Rocks Winter Ice Bar
But, don’t worry– I wouldn’t go to Jasper without finding some way to get the adrenaline pumping. Solution?
Ice Climbing
I went ice climbing for the first (and only) time back in January 2012 and have been kicking crampons and swinging ice picks in my dreams ever since.
I cannot wait to get back on the ice and hopefully climb even higher this time. This shouldn’t be a problem with Jasper’s renowned frozen waterfalls. That is, if I don’t get distracted by the sexy mountain landscapes.
Skiing Lessons
I’m not going to lie; I am a terrible skier. I spend more time tangled up in snow fences than actually standing on the skis, and that’s just on flat ground.
Mind you–aside from a couple of short-lived cross country episodes, I’ve barely given it a second chance since a school trip in the seventh grade. So, I’ve finally decided to suck it up and brave it out on the hills of Marmot Basin with some ski lessons in the hands of professionals.
Luckily, Marmot Basin is celebrating its 50th anniversary. So, even if I fall down, it will still be a victory. At least that’s what I keep telling myself.
You can follow along the adventure by using the hash tag #MyJasper
You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Tumblr.
Follow Jasper on Instagram and Facebook.
And, don’t forget to follow Hecktic Travels as I will spend some time hanging out with them that weekend too!
Things will be a little different accommodation-wise this year too, as instead of staying at a hostel, I will be resting my head at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. I expect to sleep well.
I also hope to have a little down time to hang out in The Other Paw Cafe again. We must have gone here each day on the last visit and I don’t expect this one to be any different.
I look forward to ordering a hot drink, pulling up a bar stool in the window and maybe even doing a little writing with a view of the mountains.
I’ll try not to dance on any glaciers this time. No promises.
Want to see the rest of the Rockies?
Have you been to Jasper?
Any other suggestions for me?
This trip will be made possible by Tourism Jasper.
All thought and opinions will be my own.
i could get into some skiing
Hogga recently posted..Why Everyone Should Go Eat a Pecker
Wanna teach me how? hah
I really wanted to visit the ice caves, but we did not go as far as Jasper when I visited Banff. I have always wanted to try ice climbing and am hoping to this winter. Enjoy your time in Alberta!
Angela (@angelatravels11) recently posted..Banff Instagram Photo Essay
Ah, it’s funny because I did the opposite last time–drove as far as the Park border between Jasper/Banff, but never continued into Banff. You HAVE to try ice climbing this winter 😀
I love Jasper. I went there last February and had a blast. If you have the time, check out Jasper Tour Company. Joe is a great guy and went out of his to make sure I had a great time! You should try to go to Maligne Canyon, it’s different every year.
Megan recently posted..Exploring Fort Langley National Historical Site
I’ll check into that. I think I am going to be ice climbing in Maligne Canyon, so that may be a kind of two in one. At least I hope so, because I missed it last time!
Forgot to mention, if you have the time, walk from Fairmont back into town, it’s a nice walk. I did it after skating and enjoyed the time.
Megan recently posted..Exploring Fort Langley National Historical Site
Oh awesome! I was actually wondering about that because it seemed a bit far, but I will definitely do it now. Thanks! But more importantly–is there a skating rink at the Fairmont?! And do you know if you can rent skates? *potentially very excited* haha
It’s a bit of a walk but you can enjoy a hot chocolate and treat at the end. Lovely views and a different area to explore.
I’m pretty sure you can rent skates there, I brought my own though. If they no longer rent them, there is a store in town that does. You can definitely skate there, it’s pretty big loop that they maintain for everyone to enjoy. They also have an area that you can play hockey on. If you want to see a photo, I posted one here – http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderlustmegan/8522934078/in/set-72157632811113714/
Megan recently posted..Exploring Fort Langley National Historical Site
Cool, maybe I’ll grab a hot chocolate for the walk. Perfect, and I just checked their site and it says rentals are available, so I’m going to do it for sure! I had to stop myself from liking all your photos haha–those canyon ones are awesome 😀
Wow, Jasper is gorgeous, that town looks so charming. Have a blast! Looking forward to following along.
Charming is a perfect word for it.
I am going at the end of the month and these photos are making me even more excited to go
!Ayngelina recently posted..11 Instagrams to Celebrate 2013
I kind of wish you were going before me so I could at least see your Instagrams and know where to eat, haha.
Yay for Jasper! I’m going the first weekend and can’t wait. I’ll be sure to break the beginner ski hill in for you!
Sherry Ott recently posted..Get Ready for the Rickshaw Run
Hehe, glad to know I’m not the only beginner. Looking forward to seeing your photos to get me even more pumped before going 😀
Check out the skating on Pyramid Lake as well! There may also be horse drawn sleigh rides across the lake depending on when you go.
Ooooh that sounds cool, I’ll definitely have to check it out!
Heading there tomorrow and am very excited and the weather looks perfect! I’ll make sure it stays that way for you! 🙂