Be a Cheerleader for Jasper: A VR Tribute to a Resilient National Park

Be a Cheerleader for Jasper: A VR Guide to the Park & the Parkway

Jasper National Park & the Parkway

There is something about the journey to Jasper National Park that fills you with anticipation. As you drive through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the mountains become more colossus than you could possibly imagine. It's a place of breathtaking beauty, where turquoise rivers flow and wildlife roams freely. This post is a guide to that beauty—from the famous lakes of Jasper to the world's most scenic drive, the Icefields Parkway. But it's also a story of heartbreak and resilience, a tribute to the beloved town of Jasper, and a heartfelt encouragement to support this incredible place as it rebuilds.

The Golden Nugget 🌟

Don't Miss This: For a truly epic and secluded experience at Spirit Island, consider the adventurous route. My nephew packed his camping gear and kayaked up Maligne Lake to sleep on the island itself. Imagine having that world-famous view all to yourself after the crowds and tour boats have gone home for the day. It sounds absolutely amazing!

TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO JASPER

This immersive VR Getaway is a time capsule of a beautiful place. It captures the stunning scenery of the park, the incredible majesty of Maligne Lake, and the warm, welcoming spirit of the town of Jasper just weeks before it was changed forever by a tragic fire. Join me on this journey of beauty and remembrance.

"We are a little beat up right now and could use some cheerleaders." - A Jasper Local

Adventure at a Glance

• 🏞️ Location: Jasper National Park & The Icefields Parkway, Canada
• 🚶‍♀️ Activity: Scenic Driving, Hiking, Sightseeing, Supporting a Community
• ⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)
• ☀️ Best For: Enormous mountains, stunning glacier lakes, incredible scenic drives.
• 🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: Maligne Lake, Amethyst Lake, Athabasca Falls, the Columbia Icefield, and the resilient town of Jasper.

My Jasper Adventure

The Jewels of Jasper: Maligne & Amethyst Lakes

When you reach Jasper, there are two must-see places. The first is the amazing **Maligne Lake**. The drive there is incredibly gorgeous, winding past unique cliffs and turquoise glacial rivers. The lake itself is stunning. While the boat tour to the famous Spirit Island was a bit pricey for our budget, every vista of the lake from the shoreline is still breathtaking. Our next must-see was **Amethyst Lake**. It felt more quaint and quiet than the crowds at Maligne, and the reflections on the water were just lovely. It was a perfect, peaceful afternoon.

The Journey South: Driving the Icefields Parkway

As you leave Jasper, the wonder is just starting. The Icefields Parkway is not just a road; it's a destination. Our drive was punctuated by the hilarious running joke of trying to spot the K-Pop singer IU, who we thought we saw in a car ahead of us! The northern part of the parkway is a wonderland of waterfalls. We started at the amazing **Athabasca Falls**, where the wide river funnels into an incredible labyrinth of cliffs. This was followed by the delightful **Sunwapta Falls** and **Tangle Creek Falls**—each one a treasure. As you continue south, the temperatures drop as you enter the impressive **Columbia Icefield**. You can take a bus tour onto the glacier itself or enjoy the beautiful hike to the "Toe of the Athabasca Glacier."

A Town Changed, A Spirit Unbroken

After all this natural beauty, it was the town of Jasper that captured our hearts. We loved strolling the streets and enjoying the community. That's why it was so shocking to learn that less than a month after our visit, a devastating fire destroyed a third of the town. I sat on this beautiful footage for a long time, unsure what to do, before deciding to create this video with tenderness for a community that was hurting.

Mountain Goat Spot Over looking Glacier Turquoise River.

A Guide to Jasper & The Parkway

• ♦️ Visit and Support Jasper: The best way to help the town is to visit. Your tourism dollars support local businesses as they rebuild. 
• ♦️ Fill Up Your Gas Tank: There are virtually no services on the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Lake Louise. Fill up your tank completely before you start the drive.
• ♦️ Allow a Full Day for the Drive: This drive is only 144 miles (232 km), but with all the stops, it will take the entire day. Savor it, don't rush it.
• ♦️ Be Bear Aware & Pack for All Seasons: The mountains create their own weather, so bring layers. And remember, the wildlife is very real! Carry bear spray and know how to be safe.

Conclusion

Our trip to Jasper was a powerful reminder of both the enduring beauty of nature and its immense power. While our hearts ache for the losses the town has suffered, we celebrate the resilient spirit of its people. I hope this guide inspires you to visit and support this incredible place, to experience the profound majesty of its mountains and scenic drives, and to be a "cheerleader" for this amazing community as they rebuild.

Sending Love and Positive Vibes,

Shauna from VRGetaway