We ended up at Tim Horton with a cheap bap and coffee, finishing off with nectarines in the park! We had been recommended a couple of walks by the lady at the station and thought we would try the shorter of the two -Old Fort Point. Just out of town and followed the path round the back of town and across the river (Athabasca) where we picked up directions to follow path number 1. This was quite a long path and at one stage divided into 1 or 1c - well of course we stuck to 1 and this turned out to go almost vertically up at one point - whereas 1c was the easier! We emerged at the top to wonderful views over Jasper and discovered the path down was pretty hairy too - cliff hugging with slippery gravel or precipitous descent!
There were serious walkers around who must have been astounded with us - Les carrying a shopping bag as we had envisaged it being more of a stroll! We soon found ourselves back at the car park and ambled back being suddenly alerted by a couple behind us to a large male elk jealously guarding at least one doe and trashing a tree to prove he was serious! More photos and video before making our way back to the station which comes alive when trains come through.
We quickly retrieved bags required to change footwear and pack away outdoor gear before they were whisked away to be put on the train. We were allowed a couple of bags to take on but space is definitely at a premium plus the seats face backwards and although they are not fixed, if turned around it is very difficult to get into the toilet. We had opted for the early dinner which would be shortly after boarding. Having dumped our bags, we then went to explore the train and at the far end we came across the lounge where those in the know were partaking of champagne - something not relayed to us by the carriage attendant! We managed to grab a couple of (small) glasses before being called into dinner.
The dining car is a carriage away from our cabin with the activities carriage and dome section just another section further. Dinner was excellent - we chose duck and it was cooked to order for those liking it almost raw (Masterchef style) or normal (cooked!). Even dessert was good - cheesecake with fruit compote (or chocolate torte). Satisfied we wandered to the dome car to check out what was on offer and although the board stated wine tasting - there was none in evidence and the attendant advised us that this had been cancelled because we were late from Jasper but she took pity on us and we had our own private tasting - having the dome car to ourselves at this stage with everyone else at second sitting for dinner.
We had a lovely evening with a brandy in the moonlight gliding through the countryside and then visited the lounge to see if there was anything that took our fancy for a last drink - tried peppermint tea which tasted like warm toothpaste and then spied hot chocolate which fitted the bill.
The shower on board is very spacious with a dressing area separated from the shower itself. The beds appear from the ceiling and wall and are of a decent size with duvet and good pillows. We have opted to leave as beds so we don't have to keep moving the bags and will not be sitting there during the day as it is much more pleasant in the dome car. We both found it quite stuffy even with the room circulating fan plus additional fan. Sleep was virtually impossible until we had to pull into a siding for a while but trying to make up time meant the train rocked and rolled alarmingly - hopefully better tomorrow.
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