Episode 4: Exploring Jasper National Park – Black Bear Encounter, Glaciers, and Scenic Wonders

Visited in June 2022

A Journey into Jasper's Wild Beauty

In this unforgettable adventure, we explored the wild beauty of Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada — including a once-in-a-lifetime black bear encounter captured up close.

This journey was filled with powerful glaciers, peaceful lakes, roaring waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain views — all shared visually in American Sign Language (ASL) with Closed Captions (CC) for accessibility.

Peaceful Drives and Scenic Overlooks

The drive into Jasper National Park along the Icefields Parkway was absolutely breathtaking.
Towering mountains, glacier-fed rivers, endless skies — every turn felt like a painting coming to life.
It was the kind of landscape made for ASL storytelling — wide, open, and full of quiet beauty that spoke louder than words.

Athabasca Glacier and the Thrill of the Skywalk

Our first major stop was the impressive Athabasca Glacier, part of the mighty Columbia Icefield.
Standing near the ancient ice, surrounded by dramatic snowy peaks, felt like stepping into another world — frozen in time, peaceful, and powerful.

Next came the Glacier Skywalk — a glass-floored platform hanging high above cliffs and valleys.
This was a huge moment for us, especially for Mujde.

At first, Mujde felt nervous stepping onto the glass floor, seeing the deep valley far below.
But with a deep breath (and a little encouragement from Ryan), she crossed the entire glass walkway — a full success!
It turned into a proud, unforgettable moment — a reminder that sometimes the best memories come from facing your fears.

The wide, open views from the Skywalk were absolutely thrilling — perfect for visual travelers like us, capturing the feeling of freedom above the Rockies.

Athabasca Falls – The Power of Nature

Next, we visited Athabasca Falls — one of Jasper’s most powerful and visually dramatic waterfalls.
Even without sound, watching the rush of water crashing into the canyon was breathtaking.
Accessible walkways, clear signs, and viewing platforms made it easy for us as Deaf travelers to fully enjoy the force of nature up close.

A Magical Black Bear Encounter

One of the most unforgettable moments of our Jasper adventure happened unexpectedly —
A peaceful black bear appeared near the roadside along Maligne Lake Road, moving calmly along the grassy edge. Cars pulled over at a safe distance, and we quietly watched the bear in its natural habitat — the forests and meadows surrounding the road that the bears call home.

There was a deep sense of respect and wonder in that moment — no words were needed, just the connection between wildlife and wilderness, so strong and peaceful.

Travel Tip:
Always keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Using a zoom lens or a good camera allows you to capture the moment safely — without disturbing the animals or risking your own safety.

Jasper’s Beautiful Lakes: Maligne, Medicine, and Pyramid

We continued exploring Jasper’s lakes — each one offering a different kind of beauty:

• Maligne Lake: Known for its deep blue water and iconic mountain views.
  When we visited in early June, the lake was still frozen.
  Our planned boat tour was canceled because of ice, but walking the shoreline trail was still breathtaking, with snowy mountains reflecting off the frozen water.

• Medicine Lake: A fascinating seasonal lake that drains underground in summer, surrounded by rugged cliffs and dense forest.
  Even frozen, it was beautiful — like stepping into a mystery landscape.

• Pyramid Lake: Our favorite.
  A peaceful, reflective lake with stunning views of Pyramid Mountain.
  A charming wooden bridge led us to a small island — walking across, with calm water all around and mountains rising in the distance, felt like a scene from a dream.
  It was a perfect, quiet moment to pause and take everything in.

Riding to the Sky – Jasper SkyTram and The Whistlers

To finish the day, we took the Jasper SkyTram up the side of The Whistlers mountain.
The tram ride offered sweeping views over valleys, lakes, and snowy peaks — breathtaking at every moment.

At the summit, 360° panoramic views stretched across Jasper’s vast landscape.
Wide observation decks, clear signage, and easy paths made it a very Deaf-friendly and visual experience — allowing us to explore, sign, and soak in the scenery at our own pace.

Watch Our Jasper Adventure in ASL

This adventure — from glaciers to bears to lakes in the clouds — was captured fully in American Sign Language (ASL) with Closed Captions (CC).
We hope it brings the visual magic of Jasper National Park to life for everyone.

👉 Watch the full video on YouTube – Incredible Bear Encounter in Jasper | Deaf Couple ASL Travel Vlog