How to Plan an International Trip: Travel Tales and Tips : Canada Trip Report, Day 7: Jasper to Lake Louise, Lac le Jeune; Day 8: Vancouver

Day 7, Aug 31, 2017:

ICEFIELDS PARKWAY AGAIN:

We checked the official site for smoke conditions in Kamloops where we were putting up for the night. The site said”smoky”(turned out it was clear and we had awesome views at Lac le Jeune where we stayed!! )

We decided we'll go via the Icefield parkway as the sky showed a little glimpse of blue and white clouds. The weather site said Haze but we decided to go with what our eyes could see!

Turned out to be great, sky started clearing as we drove and we saw lovely scenery which we had missed.

Tangle creek falls

Athabasca glacier again

As usual had our picnic meal at a scenic location, this time in front of the Bridal veil falls... the falls is better covered in our video.

Shuswap lake again better covered in our video.

Lac le Jeune here. We stayed right at the shore with great view from our room.

When we were an hour or so away from Kamloops we saw dense smoke and even some active fires. We were so sorry for the inhabitants. The smoke however cleared as we approached Kamloops. Wind direction is what determines if we'll have a clear or smoky day.

Lac le Jeune:

We went up to our accommodation which is right at the lake and had a great time admiring the scenic beauty.

Good view of the lake from our room...

There is plenty of wild life to enjoy, humming birds, other colorful birds, beavers, bears etc. When son asked the owner around what time we can get to see humming birds, he patiently explained that they put out food and the birds come when they feel like it!! We had thought the birds may have a specific breakfast time window, ha ha! We left early in the morning and did not get to see any wildlife though!

Loved the cuddly beaver they left on our bed!

VIDEO:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/QSqKMk8eKRRLTUVJ2

is the video of the drive

Day 8, Sep 1, 2017:

Vancouver:

We started off early from Lac le Jeune and filled up gas at Revelstoke before we reached Vancouver. There was traffic jam before entering Vancouver due to construction for an hour or so. We avoided Portman bridge as there is an electronic toll which gets sent to the license plate owner, in our case the rental company. They then forward it to the renter with a small fine to be paid. The toll can be paid online and we should keep the receipt and then forward that to the rental company to prove we have paid. The toll is just 3cad but the procedure seemed complicated, so we avoided using this bridge both on our way in and out of Vancouver.

Kings corner Apartment:

Our accommodation was at Kings corner, The owner was away but she had given clear instructions and everything went like clockwork. We settled in at the lovely home.

Classy accessories everywhere reflecting great aesthetics, the library is eclectic and quite inviting. Kithenette is great too.

When we could,not figure out how to open the window, the owner was gracious enough to respond to our phone call. Free parking on the roadside of a quiet, green neighborhood.

Gem of a find and would thoroughly recommend.

Queen Elizabeth Park:

We drove to Queen Elizabeth Park, 2km away. Parked on the street. Son wanted to walk to the intersection to see the street sign. It was a bit far away, I said, "we'll figure out later, don't bother now" and walked in.

It's a lovely garden.