Day 12 - 🏔️ Waterfalls, Weather Twists & Wellness – an (almost) perfect day in Jasper

After a wonderfully restful night, we didn't leave the camper quite as early today – after all, it’s vacation, not boot camp. 😴 First up was the classic camper breakfast: muesli and pop-tarts. Because hey, when you have a power hookup, it gets used – toaster action included!

Fully fueled, we set out to tackle some of the hikes recommended to us yesterday by a certain ChatGPT. Unfortunately, the forest had other plans – specifically: the last forest fire. Many paths are still closed due to trees posing an acute “falling hazard.” Safety first, after all.

But waterfalls? They are always a good idea! 💦 So off to the Athabasca Falls – and wow, they were truly impressive. Thanks to bridges and paths, we could admire them from every conceivable angle. And because we apparently weren’t quite awake or maybe too awake, we became a bit… let’s say… loco 🤪. Our antics and frolicking were certainly entertaining not just for us – other visitors got a free comedy show.

Next up were the Sunwapta Falls on our agenda. But before we could reach them, a tempting pit stop jumped out at us: coffee and a restroom. ☕🚻 Perfect timing – because hardly had we settled inside comfortably by the fire, when a weather drama unfolded outside in three acts: first rain, then snow, and finally rain again. Canada seemed keen to showcase its weather prowess.

When we finally set off again, there was just a light drizzle, and we could enjoy the waterfalls during a pleasant little forest hike. 🌲

On the way back, we made a quick “dumping stop” (for those unfamiliar with camping: it sounds worse than it is – waste water out, fresh water in 💧). After that, we headed to the charming town of Jasper, where we went shopping. Between snowy mountain peaks, cafes, sports stores, and souvenir shops, it felt just like a ski vacation in the middle of October. 🎿

The early evening took us on to the Miette Hot Springs – and as if on cue, the weather kept clearing up. 🌤️ There, we were welcomed by spring water at 52 °C, cooled down to a pleasant 40 °C for bathing. Perfect for warming up, relaxing, and – hooray! – finally being freshly showered again. 🛁

Back at the camper, we conjured up some creative camper pizzas from the leftover burritos (leftover gourmet-style 🍕) and tinkered a bit with our route for the coming days.

Thus ended a day that began just as it ended: rested. From cozy waking up to satisfied falling asleep – a day that looks like it jumped straight out of a travel blog picture book.