An oTENTik Experience

After watching numerous videos on YouTube about how beautiful the drive along the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper is, we finally got to experience it ourselves in early September 2014.

The drive from Banff to Jasper in Alberta, Canada
Taking a short photo break before entering Jasper.  It's almost the end of summer but the peaks are already ice-laden.

No wonder it always comes to mind if you do a Google search for the “most scenic drives in North America.” No adjective can aptly describe the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

We also got a bargain when we had difficulties finding a hotel in Jasper—our max budget was US$300 a night—since the day of our visit coincided with the long weekend—Labor Day.

oTENTiks are pre-built lodging facilities that cross between a tent and a loghouse.
It has wooden floors, a locking door, mattresses, chairs, a table, and, on some units, a wall switch-powered light plus a small baseboard heater. However, all units have no electrical (AC/DC) outlets.

Group photo in front of our oTentik accommodation inside Jasper's Whistler campgrounds in Alberta, Canada
Entrance to the Miette Hot Springs in Jasper (Alberta, Canada).  Natural spring water is pump to the resort to fill up the huge, free-flowing swimming pool.

We rented a unit with a heater and light, which cost C$90, while a basic unit cost C$70—ideal for camping in summer.

After registering and picking up our firewood at the Whistler campgrounds in Jasper, we left at 4:15 PM and made the short trip to the Miette Hot Springs.