They continuously wave at each other and when the mother reaches the end of the road she blows her daughter a kiss and turns right. A mother rides off from the schoolyard and her daughter inside, no older than seven, runs along the fence parallel to her. I saw the children playing at lunchtime at the elementary school, probably totally unaware of how special the little town is where they are fortunate to be growing up. I walked past the cute country church overshadowed by the rocky mountain behind it. The next day I walked down Geikie Street, which was where my accommodation was located. On my walk home I watched as the clouds changed colour over the mountains: they turned from golden to a cotton candy pink as the sun set. But he wasn’t, and he allowed me to walk away from dinner with a content smile. As an introverted person, I am not the kind to start a conversation with someone at a fast-food restaurant. As I bid him farewell he wishes me a safe ongoing trip. He seems to have it alright, I think to myself. He lives here in the summer but journeys down to Arizona with his boat and motorbike for the winter. I think I might miss being asked that when I go back home, but alas it is inevitable, unless I stay overseas forever.Īnyway, my new dinner companion tells me he grew up in Jasper but is now retired. His guesses were Australia or England before I had even spoken, that is how much we are taking over the world. Sensing I was alone he began making conversation, asking the usual question of where I was from. Yeah, I’m awful.Īs I sat down for dinner, an older gentleman sat down in the table beside mine about fifteen minutes later. I turned the corner when I saw the sign for KFC. Next, I walked passed a few convenience stores for the necessary groceries, and restaurants with pricing a bit out of my budget. I bought a postcard from one and a keyring for a family member in another, to spread the love and cash-ola. Honestly, I couldn’t believe there were so many souvenir shops and wondered how they all made enough money to profit in what seemed to be a competitive industry in the town. I loved the wooden and rock facades, which were so rustic and charming. This means everyone who owns property in the town must live there for eight months of the year. I walked down Patricia Street and marvelled at the cute shop fittings and signs. I read signs that told me more about Jasper National Park, including the need to reside rule. On my first evening, I strolled into town and was surprised I didn’t need a jacket. Here is how I spend two days in Banff An evening walk through Jasper
I even watched the So You Think You Can Dance finale on TV, what a score. I stayed at Accommodations Jasper, which had everything I needed after my train journey: a big fluffy bed and a shower. So I splurged on a room at one of the many bed and breakfasts in town. This is obviously difficult for people, a.k.a me, who didn’t have a car. There are hostels in Jasper but they are not located within walking distance of the town. It doesn’t matter if your stay is short and sweet or long and luscious.
I only had a day in the town as I was heading onto Banff, and Jasper is not exactly renowned for its budget-anything options. This is what I got up to in 24 hours and tips for you to get the most out of your time in Jasper. Thanks for the perfect welcome, Jasper National Park. My body was relieved to feel the crisp breeze of the Canadian Rockies. Once I stepped out of the train after 19 hours on board – about 18.5 of them in my chair – I felt like a fisherman coming to shore after days at sea.
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