Kelowna (BC) – Jasper (AB) | 550 km
I must admit that Kelowna disappointed us a bit. While the vineyards are superb, the city itself lacks charm. You likely have to get away from the center to discover the riches of Lake Okanagan, but time is pressing: I am determined to reach the Icefields Parkway and enjoy the Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff national parks.
We leave fairly early toward Lake Louise. The road is winding, but dense tourist traffic significantly slows our progress.
Upon our arrival in Lake Louise, we are welcomed at the tourist information office by a very friendly Montrealer. In fact, many national park employees are Quebecers, as bilingualism is a strict requirement. We are suggested several hiking trails, but finding a hotel proves impossible—at least for under $200 a night!
I pull out my Lonely Planet guide to try to book in Jasper, as establishments there are often full by the end of the day. After two or three calls, I snag a room for $88 in a hotel right in the heart of the village.
With our minds at ease, we finally set out on the Icefields Parkway.
Wow!
This road is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the world. It is difficult to travel two kilometers without wanting to take ten photos. I have resorted to developing all sorts of strategies to take pictures while riding; it’s not very safe, I admit, but the temptation is irresistible! Towering mountains, glaciers, rivers, and especially lakes of brilliant turquoise blue pass by non-stop. It is simply impressive, all under perfect weather.
Arriving in Jasper in the late afternoon, we settle into our small room (clean and well-decorated) before heading out to explore the village. The atmosphere is pleasant: touristy, but without the suffocating crowds. We end the day on the terrace of a small restaurant, admiring the surrounding peaks. It is far too beautiful to stay inside!