Jasper to Missoula

[darclabed]

Has anybody recently made the trip from Jasper to Missoula on the Great Parks Northern route? How did you get to Jasper? What is the trip like. The info claims there are plenty of small towns with services but it sure doesn't appear so just looking at a map. I have not bought the Adventure Cycling map just yet. I don't mind camping but would rather not in bear country. Would appreciate any first hand experience you could provide.

[oldgroundhog]

I rode this last summer as part of a tour North to Alaska.  The ride from Radium Hot Springs, BC to Banff and then into Jasper on the Icefields Parkway is absolutely beautiful.  

Numerous campgrounds exist, but are expensive in Canada.  $20-24 per night was typical.  Only one campground had bear boxes. I typically hung food each night.  Yes, bears are prevalent, but never had a problem.  

Climbs aren't steep, but are long on the Icefield Parkway.  Bow Pass and Sunwapta Pass are the two most difficult.  I typically carried three days of food in this section and glad I did.

Jasper was a tourist town with railway service. This may be an option for getting there.  

Hope this helps.  This is really a beautiful tour if you have good weather.   Enjoy!

Groundhog