"J" is for: Jasper Trip

Just got back from a two day trip to Jasper, Alberta. We decided to come down here for a couple of days to get away from Grande Prairie and take a little break from things. Unfortunately as we got closer to the park, the clouds rolled in and we were under a fairly steady stream of rain and snow the entire time. We did manage a short trip down the Icefields Parkway to Athabasca Falls but other than that most of the key sights are still closed for the winter.

Athabasca Falls was a nice little trip and seeing it at this time of year with the snow and ice was very beautiful. The trails were a still snow and ice covered so I would recommend ice cleats and hiking poles if you go at this time of year. We didn't have them and though we could see everything it made some of the trail a bit treacherous.

That being said the restaurants and pubs are open so instead of blowing our money on tram rides and so on we were able to enjoy the dining instead!

The first night we went to "Something Else Steak House" in the downtown area. When we got inside it seemed more like a Greek themed restaurant which is fine, I'm not really a big steak fan. I had the shrimp penne which was quite good. I thought the service was friendly and very good as well. The prices were a little more than I was hoping. It seemed to be about $20.00 or more for most things on the menu, but there were a few offerings at $16.99 while the steaks ran up to about $24.99. So I am not too sure why they classify themselves as a steak house when the Greek food went over quite well and dominated the menu.

The second day we had lunch at the "Soft Rock Cafe" a little diner downtown with pretty cool wooden tables and benches for booths. The booths are lined up one behind the other in this narrow and long restaurant. It has a wooden floor and the decor is mainly various instruments framed on the walls. You order your food at the counter as you come in and pick it up when its ready. I ordered a cheeseburger and fries. I was not disappointed! Breakfast is available all day, though it seems in the off season they are only open for breakfast and lunch. I love the atmosphere of this place and the prices are reasonable, the hamburger with fries was about $10.00 or so.

Our evening meal was at the Jasper Brewing Company. Now I admit that I was most interested in going here for the in house crafted beers they sell, rather than the food. This is the second time I have been here in the last couple of years and I remembered the last time I was there I was a little disappointed in the food. Once again, I am sad to report that the food I had was a little disappointing. I had the Jambalaya which, though very spicy, seemed to lack any flavor in the sauce. The shrimp too were a little musty and I confirmed this with my wife's red curry dish which also contained these fishy shrimp. I am happy to report however that the beer is still awesome! I ordered the sampler, which is six, 6 ounce glasses of the their beers. I most enjoyed the 6060 stout which is superb and ranks right up there with the best Guinness I have ever had.  It has a very nice roasted taste to it. I was also happy to find that they had my favorite blueberry vanilla ale on tap, which has a very unique taste to it and is so delicious that even my wife, who hates beer, drank most of the glass. I ended up picking up one of their 64 oz "Growlers" of the blueberry vanilla ale to take home and enjoy later on. Excellent price, you pay $19.99 for the jug and the beer. You can bring the jug back for a refill for about $11.99.

We stayed at a B&B called Cabin Creek Corner which was able to accommodate our group of five. The hosts Mike and Linda were very friendly and helpful. Note however that though it is listed in B&B's, breakfast is not provided. There is a kitchenette area though and some dishes so we were able to do our own breakfasts of muffins, cereal etc. They also provided coffee and tea.