Jasper Trip (Part 1) | Columbia Icefield Skywalk, Emerald Lake

We've been dreaming about visiting Jasper for years, and when we finally made it happen last month, it completely exceeded our expectations! As our first major Canadian Rockies adventure together, we wanted to share some honest insights from our experience at two of the most iconic spots.

Columbia Icefield Skywalk

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk was absolutely breathtaking, but here's what we wish we'd known beforehand: book your tickets in advance. We learned this the hard way when we showed up and had to wait three hours for the next available tour! The glass-bottomed walkway suspended 280 meters above the valley is incredible, but it gets crowded quickly during peak season.

Pro tip: Bring layers! Even in summer, it's significantly cooler up there than in town. Samantha packed her trusty windbreaker while Amir stubbornly insisted he'd be fine in a t-shirt – guess who was shivering by the end?

Emerald Lake Magic

Emerald Lake was hands-down our favorite stop. The water really is that impossibly vibrant turquoise color you see in photos! We rented a canoe and spent the afternoon paddling around, taking in the mountain reflections. It felt like we had our own private slice of paradise.

The rental shop accepts cash and card, but cell service is spotty, so bring cash just in case. We also recommend visiting early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.

There's something magical about experiencing these natural wonders together – it reminded us why we love exploring Canada so much. Have you been to Jasper? What was your must-see spot?