I went to Jasper National Park this May and revisited some favourite spots. I have been here about three or four times since the fire two years ago, both because I love it so much, and because I want to support the town.

I find bunk beds at hostels hard to navigate and want the privacy and convenience of a private bathroom, so stayed at Becker’s Chalets the last two years and I love this place. Staff are so friendly and the cabins, though not cheap, are affordable. The grounds are an oasis in the midst of burnt forest nestled beside the Athabasca River where the energy of the flowing water is uplifting and soothing.

Becker’s is only five minutes south of town at the top of the Icefields Parkway. There is a Gourmet restaurant here that I go to in the evening and have other meals in the cabin.

In the morning I liked to sit in these chairs with a freshly-brewed coffee and write in my journal. I like the idea of writing cursive on paper, the feel is familiar and comforting.

This is my Heritage cabin from May of this year, complete with fireplace, kitchenette, bed-sitting room and bathroom.

I ate breakfast in the kitchen nook, happy to have a window to the outdoors. It was sunny by the time I went on a tour or for a drive down the parkway to visit Athabasca Falls.

I went on two tours with Sundog, one was along the Maligne Valley to the lake, and the other was a Wildlife tour. Both were very enjoyable, with good guides and fun passengers.

I decided to rent a car so I had the freedom to go where I wanted to go on my free time. I chose Athabasca Falls and it was as beautiful as ever. The surrounding area was burnt, as this is where the southern part of the fire started with lightning strikes.

I returned for dinner and had the special that night at Becker’s Restaurant: Chicken A La King. Delicious!

I went south of the falls to the entrance to the old Athabasca Falls hostel The gate was locked but I could see the damage to the forest. I have fond memories of this place, and the people I met there.

Everything burned to the ground except one of the outhouses