There’s nothing quite like winter in the Canadian Rockies. With endless snowy adventures and cozy cabins to recharge in, Jasper National Park is especially enchanting this time of year. Here are 10 ways to have a magical winter in Jasper.
Ten Ways to Make Winter Magical in Jasper
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Winter in the Canadian Rockies is the stuff dreams are made of. Jasper National Park is just the spot to live out your winter wonderland fantasies.
- See more stars in the sky than you could count in a lifetime.
- Spot elk, moose and mountain goats on wildlife safari tours.
- Take a dog sled or helicopter tour to view the Rockies in a new way.
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, with the highest base elevation of any ski area in Canada. With close to 100 runs, almost equally divided between novice, intermediate, advanced and expert level, there’s something for everyone.
Step into an ice-walking adventure
Have you ever wondered what it’d be like to walk through a canyon, surrounded by waterfalls frozen in time? Ice walking is made possible with special footwear to walk on frozen surfaces.
The Maligne Valley and Pleckaitis Canyon icewalk guides you into the heart of the Maligne Valley, with scenic stops at scenic viewpoints, including Medicine Lake. As you trek through areas of the national park affected by the 2024 wildfires, your guide will share insights into the ecology of wildfire, the rebirth of the landscape, and its role in shaping Jasper’s natural environment.
Read more on the impact of wildfire and how travellers stay safe
A winter wildlife safari
In Jasper, many of the locals have four legs, thick 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. Book a wildlife tour and explore with a guide who knows the ins and outs of Jasper National Park. Even during winter, it's possible to view Rocky Mountain wildlife. Tours follow migration patterns and common sighting locations and share all about the wildlife who make this park home.
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.
A night under the stars
Did you know Jasper National Park is also a Dark Sky Preserve? It’s the second largest in the world, actually. And it’s the perfect place to see the night sky in all its glory. The sky comes alive in the winter, so get cozy with some hot chocolate and see what you can spot. Take a Winter Dark Sky Astronomy Tour and view the milky way from the largest telescope in the Rockies. Or, if you’d rather stay indoors, visit the Jasper Planetarium at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. You can’t beat these star-studded views.
Explore by dog sled
Glide through a winter wonderland on a tried-and-true Canadian Rockies transportation method: dog sledding. Sit back and relax under cozy blankets while a team of seriously strong – and seriously adorable – sled dogs lead the way. The team (along with an expert guide) knows exactly where to go for the most stunning winter scenery.
Enjoy the view from above
Jasper is surrounded by picture-perfect views, but have you ever seen the Canadian Rockies from above? A helicopter tour combines jaw-dropping views paired with unforgettable experiences. A heli snowshoe tour means navigating untouched powder while feeling like you’re on top of the world – literally.
Glide across a frozen lake
Taking a twirl on a frozen mountain lake is a quintessentially Canadian experience that deserves a spot on any bucket list. No skates? No problem. You can still go ice skating on your Alberta trip.
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge rents equipment so you can practice your footwork on the cleared rinks on Mildred Lake. Or head to Pyramid Lake and have some fun on the cleared oval track. When you’re ready for a break, pull up a spot around one of the outdoor fire pits.
Winter on two wheels
Who says you can’t bike in the snow? The extra-large, spongy tires on fat bikes grip the snow, granting year-round access to Jasper’s extensive trail network. You don’t need to be a cycling pro to fat bike, either. Rent a bike from Pyramid Lake Lodge and take it for a spin. You may just find your new favourite winter pastime
