My favourite kind of bus tour

I clambered on the bus Sunday night with 12 other tourists, chose a seat near the window and held my camera in my lap. The Jasper Adventure Centre’s Miette Hot Springs tour sounded like a fine way to spend a Sunday night, and it delivered.

My favourite thing about the trip: it was brief. Bus tours have never been my favourite thing, but luckily this was more a shuttle than a tour.

We boarded around 6:30 p.m., picking up passengers at the big totem pole on Connaught Drive and at various hotels then made a beeline for the springs to arrive shortly after 7 p.m. We were told we could go for a dip, take a stroll up to the source, or have something to eat in the cafe, as long as we met back at the bus at 9 p.m.

I hung around with a woman from Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, who was traveling solo. We soaked in the steamy water, jumped in one of the chilly plunge pools, and then alternated hot and cold on the advice of a friendly lifeguard who laughed at our stunned expressions.

We got out in time to dry off and walk up to the source, a peaceful, gentle walk along a path and through the remains of the former pool and building. Though there were plenty of signs, we got chatting and missed seeing where the hot water bubbles up from the rocks.

On the way back to the bus, two deer marched past us without taking notice, quite habituated to seeing humans.

Everyone seemed content after a dip in the pool, and the strangers were warming up to one another. The trip was made all that much more enjoyable by a class-clown type joker from Belgium seated at the front of the bus.

When I asked if anyone minded having their picture taken, he called out, “For five dollars.” On the ride back to town, he asked Alicia, our driver, whether the bears are usually on the right side or the left.

He promised he’d look for the paper so I should watch what I say, but his retorts were excellent ice-breakers and gave everyone a good chuckle. Planting comedians like him on tours might be something for companies to consider.

With dusk rolling in on the bus ride home, we held our trigger-happy fingers on the shutters of our cameras, and hoped for something big to barrel out of the bushes. We had to settle for two elk grazing on the side of the road and a pair of mule deer in the grass, but the riders seemed pleased nonetheless.

A tour like this is a great way to not only get out a see a thing or two, but also to meet people from all over the place. I was accompanied by two Scots, two Britons, two Belgians, four Australians, an American from San Jose and the Canadian woman I met from Ontario. 

Most of the guests were taking part as an optional add-on to a tour package. For the ride, admission to the hot springs and a towel, the regular price of this tour is $68. Nothing you wouldn’t expect to pay while on vacation.

Sharing a bus seems more environmentally-friendly than driving out with a friend or two, and Alicia taught us about the area and answered questions about wildlife along the way. As far as the hot springs go, I’d have preferred to venture out in cooler weather, though visitors don’t always have that option.

Though we spent a short time together, my companions made the trip. I can’t imagine how a tour company could arrange for only friendly, happy guests on its tours, so I’ll have to assume it’s Jasper that attracts the great people.