Ahhh, winter in the Canadian Rockies. With snow-covered mountain peaks and wood-burning fires, Jasper National Park has a certain je ne sais quoi this time of year. Make the most of it with these five things you must do in Jasper this winter.
Five Things You Must Do in Jasper This Winter
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Jasper National Park is a winter playground, from skiing to exploring frozen canyons.
- Ice walk in Pleckaitis Canyon.
- Skate on a frozen lake with mountains all around.
- Ski or snowboard at the highest base elevation in Canada.
Step into an ice-walking adventure
What's ice walking? It's using special footwear to explore a frozen landscape. And Jasper National Park offers a spectacular place to do just that.
The Maligne Valley & Pleckaitis Canyon Icewalk takes you into a frozen canyon carved by the Maligne River, where towering rock walls, ice formations and snow-covered scenery create a true winter wonderland. Led by experienced guides, this adventure offers a chance to experience a lesser-known corner of Jasper's backcountry while learning about the area's natural history.
Lace up and skate on frozen lakes
Few winter activities feel more Canadian than ice skating outdoors beneath a backdrop of snow-covered mountains. In Jasper, you can glide across frozen lakes when conditions allow, taking in crisp mountain air and stunning Rocky Mountain views as you skate.
Rent skates from Pyramid Lake Lodge and enjoy a spin around its idyllic namesake lake. Or head for Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, where Mildred Lake is groomed for both leisure skaters and those who want to play a pick-up hockey game. Around the holidays, it’s lit up with festive lighting.
A winter wildlife safari
Many of the Jasper locals have four legs, fur and a big set of antlers. It might be more common in some areas to see elk, a moose or even a mountain goat than a real-life human. Wildlife tours run year-round, so you’ve got plenty of opportunities to spot animals in the park.
Get ready to shred it
You can't come to the heart of the Canadian Rockies and not hit the slopes. Jasper's Marmot Basin is a powder haven, and it has the highest base elevation of any ski area in Canada. There's something for everyone, with close to 100 runs, almost equally divided between novice, intermediate, advanced and expert level.
Time to indulge
After a long day outdoors, it's time to refuel. Satisfy your appetite and quench your thirst at Jasper Brewing Company, where you can find a wide range of craft beers, snacks and elevated pub food. The warm buttered soft pretzel comes highly recommended.
There are plenty more spots to eat in Jasper. Explore more Jasper restaurants.
