Day 5: Columbia Icefield-Jasper

Today was my last day on the Icefields Parkway and in Jasper National Park. I left the Icefield campground at 8:30 and had a long (105 km), but rather easy ride to Jasper, which is at an elevation of 1060 metres, so almost 1000 metres below my starting point.

What made today’s ride less pleasant, were the weather conditions. First it was six degrees cold – so I started cycling with my thin down jacket on. Then, a bit earlier than expected, it started raining at 11:30. So I had some cold 50k before lunch and some cold and wet 50k after lunch.

I passed some nice waterfalls on the way and saw some mountain goats. After six hours, completely soaked, I reached Jasper. Due to the rain, I booked a hostel bed for tonight. The hostel is brand new, so it’s a nice accommodation.

Since the forecast for the next days is bad as well, I have tried to book cabins and other solid roofs over my head for the coming days. Tomorrow will be a long day – 120 kilometres to Valemount. Fingers crossed that it won’t be raining all the time.

A fluffy goat and a very good climber