15 Awesome Things to Do In Jasper in Winter
Spending time in Canada in the winter and looking for some epic things to do? Well, let us suggest a visit to Jasper, a majestic slice of the Rocky Mountains in northern Alberta. Whilst known as a fantastic summer destination, there is a wealth of things to do in Jasper in winter, making it a world-class winter destination as well.
Not only is Jasper National Park more beautiful when covered in snow, but there are a ton of exciting Jasper winter activities on offer and prices are so much more reasonable. Plus, you won’t have to deal with crowds of tourists.
Excited yet? Read on for our list of 15 awesome things to do in Jasper in winter.
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- Getting there: search for flights to Canada
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Free and Low-Budget Things to Do in Jasper in Winter
Want to visit Jasper without breaking the bank? We don’t blame you! Here are the best things to do in Jasper in winter that are free or budget-friendly.
Go Skating
One of the best things to do in Jasper in winter is go skating on a mountain lake!
Like all of the national parks in the Rocky Mountains, Jasper is dotted with beautiful alpine lakes in all shades of turquoise and blue. Come winter, most of these lakes are converted into giant outdoor skating rinks. Strapping on a pair of skates and hitting the ice is a great Jasper winter activity.
The two biggest and most popular spots are Mildred Lake, home to the Fairmont Hotel, and Pyramid Lake.
Of the two, Mildred Lake is much busier, with stands, impromptu hockey games and hot chocolate on offer. Pyramid Lake is quieter, plus you have epic views of Pyramid Mountain. When you’re finished, stop by the Pyramid Lake Resort for a hot chocolate at the bonfire outside the cafe, a thing to do in Jasper in winter to feel like a local.
If you want a quieter experience, head to one of the smaller, lesser-known lakes in the area such as Patricia Lake.
If you don’t have your own skates, you can rent them for $15/day at Jasper Source for Sports.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Looking for a fantastic thing to do in Jasper in winter that keeps you active? Try your hand at cross-country skiing and/or snowshoeing.
Jasper National Park has thousands of kilometres of hiking and mountain biking trails crisscrossing its territory. In winter, many of these trails transform into cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails, allowing you to actively explore this winter wonderland – a top-notch thing to do in Jasper in winter.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are both great fun and great ways to keep active in the winter. What makes cross-country skiing and snowshoeing one of the best Jasper winter activities is that they’re very beginner-friendly, so you don’t need any experience to hit the trails.
Want more free things to do in Jasper? Read: 13 Amazing Free Things to Do in Jasper
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also very budget-friendly things to do in Jasper in winter, as all you have to pay for is your ski or snowshoe rental.
A cross-country ski package will cost you approx $20/day and snowshoes will cost $15/day from Jasper Source for Sports.
Here are some of the best trails to check out:
- Pyramid Bench Area. There are a number of great trails here and you can easily spend a whole day just exploring. Two of the best are:
- The Edge of the Bench Trail. 4.2 km. Spectacular views of the town and surrounding peaks.
- Climb to Virl, Dorothy and Christine Lakes. 8.6 km loop. Pretty steep.
- Medicine Lakeshore. 3 km return. Easy, with views of Watchtower Canyon.
- Whistlers Campground Loop. 4.5 km.
- Pipeline Trail. 10 km there and back.
- Beaver and Summit Lakes Trail. 10 km. Easy, with little incline.
- Moose Lake Loop. 2.3 km. Easy.
- Whirlpool Cross-Country Ski Hub. Here you’ll find groomed easy and intermediate trails. Some of the popular ones include:
- Moab Lake Trail. 7 km. Moderate.
- Moab Lake. 15.2 km. Moderate.
- Leach Lake Trail. 7 km. Moderate with excellent views
- Athabasca Falls. 15.2 km.
- Wabasso Campground. Numerous easy trails alongside the Athabasca River.
- Valley of the Five Lakes. 4.6 km. This is a gorgeous spot both in winter and summer. The snowshoeing is excellent and one of the top things to do in Jasper n Winter.
- Wilcox Pass. This is for experienced snowshoers only. Expect epic views of the mountains and three glaciers.
If you’re really adventurous, you can snowshoe to Jacques Lake Campground or Big Bend Campground, but you will need to be prepared for winter camping conditions. You should only undertake this Jasper winter activity if you’re experienced and well-prepared.
If you want the adventure but don’t have the gear to camp in the snow, consider backcountry cross-country skiing up the Tonquin Valley. You can ski up the frozen Portal Creek to Maccarib Pass and stay the night at the Tonquin Valley Backcountry Lodge.
Always dress warmly and be prepared for the elements. Check out our complete packing list below.
Look for wildlife
With so much megafauna around, wildlife tours are a popular thing to do in Jasper in winter and in summer. But at around $70 per person, they can be a pretty expensive endeavour.
Want to join the fun without the cost? Seek out one of the very conspicuous wildlife tour vans and follow along in your own car. Most tours leave around 8.30 am and then again in the afternoon.
Winter Hiking in Jasper
Our favourite thing to do in Jasper in winter is to go winter hiking! Yes, hiking isn’t just a summer activity and winter hiking in Jasper is a lot of fun.
Hiking is a great Jasper winter activity. Many of the trails can be used year-round and are compact enough to go even if there’s deep snow.
Tips for winter hiking in Jasper:
- Use ice cleats (these can be rented locally) and hiking poles;
- Dress in layers (see our packing list below);
- Seek local advice on conditions before heading out; and
- If it’s windy, seek out trails that are sheltered in the trees.
Some of the best trails for winter hiking in Jasper are:
- Overlook Trail. 9 km, moderate. Starting from Pyramid Lake, this loop features some great views.
- Lake Annette. 2.7 km easy loop.
- Lake Beauvert Loop. 3.5 km easy loop.
- Wilcox Trail. 9.3 km.
- Mina and Riley Lakes Loop. 8.5 km, moderate.
- Beauty Creek to Stanley Falls. 6 km. This lesser-known Jasper National Park hike will take you through a narrow canyon complete with eight waterfalls.
Explore Maligne Canyon
This is probably the most popular thing to do in Jasper in winter and for good reason! We normally don’t like big tourist attractions and were initially sceptical, but walking through icy Maligne Canyon really impressed us.
In winter, the narrow canyon carved by the Maligne River turns into a winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls, hanging icicles, and slippery paths. The canyon walls reach nearly 60 metres in places and the canyon is filled with bright blue, frozen waterfalls. This is one Jasper winter activity that lives up to the hype.
While most people explore Maligne Canyon on a tour, it’s more than possible to do it on your own, given that you are prepared. Ice cleats are absolutely essential.
You can access the ice walk from a few gates between the Fourth and Fifth Bridges, then walk upstream on the frozen stream (Maligne Canyon has a total of six bridges, with the highest one, Bridge 1, by the main parking lot).
Want to pre-arrange a trip to Maligne Canyon?
Visit Frozen Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls
Visiting these stunning frozen waterfalls is a beautiful, yet easy thing to do in Jasper in winter. Whilst both waterfalls are nice in the summer, in winter, when they are frozen over, they become very dramatic and special to experience.
Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls are located on the Icefields Parks (Highway 93), going south from Jasper Town toward Banff National Park.
At the Athabasca Falls parking lot, it’s a 250-metre walk to the viewpoint. At Sunwapta Falls, the viewpoint is just a few steps away. These Jasper winter activities are beautiful but don’t require too much physical exertion and are accessible to most people.
Drive the Icefields Parkway
This is the best thing to do in Jasper in winter when it’s too cold outside to do any outdoor activities.
Stretching for 230 km from Lake Louise to Jasper, and paralleling the continental divide, this infamous slice of highway features beautiful mountain vistas and the humungous Columbia Icefield. You’re treated to exceptional views without ever having to leave your car.
Be sure to drive carefully and always keep your eyes out for wildlife (another great Jasper winter activity). If you’d like to brush up on your knowledge of the area, you can book this smartphone audio tour to play whilst you cruise.
If you don’t have your own set of wheels, this Icefields Parkway day tour is an excellent way to take in this Jasper winter activity.
Soak in an Outdoor Hot Tub
This is an absolutely essential thing to do in Jasper in winter! No trip to Jasper National Park in winter is complete without an outside soak in a hot tub. Out of all the Jasper winter activities, this one is a rite of passage.
Most mid-range accommodation options come with at least one outdoor hot tub. If you’re staying in a budget place that doesn’t have one, your best bet is to try to slip into a hotel that does (they’re outside, so will they notice you walking in?).
Mid-Range Things to Do in Jasper in Winter
If you have a little bit of cash to spare, these are the best mid-range things to do in Jasper in the winter.
Fat Biking
Fast becoming one of the most popular things to do in Jasper in winter, fat biking involves biking on extra-wide tires so that you can traverse winter terrain, such as ice and snow. Fat bike tires are almost twice the size of regular mountain bike tires, making them ideal for winter conditions.
Be prepared to work: carrying that much weight isn’t easy! This is one of the Jasper winter activities that is a lot of exercise.
You can rent gear at Jasper Source for Sports. Prices are $20/hour, $40/half day and $50/full day.
Some of the best places to ride are:
- Red Squirrel to Lake Mildred. 12.7 km, moderate.
- Woodpecker Loop. 4.4 km, easy. This loop goes between Lake Annette and Jasper Park Lodge.
- Pyramid Trail. 10.8 km, moderate.
- Maligne Lake. It’s very popular to ride on the frozen lake, but ALWAYS seek local advice on the ice conditions before heading out.
If you want your Jasper winter activities a bit more organised, check out this awesome fat biking tour.
Jasper Planetarium
Operating out of several locations in and around Jasper, learning more about the Dark Sky at the Jasper Planetarium is another great thing to do in Jasper in winter. Due to its limited light pollution, Jasper National Park is one of 17 designated Dark Sky Preserves in Canada, and the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world.
There are a number of different tours and activities on offer at the Jasper Planetarium, ranging from $29 – $99 per person.
Things to do in Jasper in Winter: Worth the splurge
Hit the Slopes at Marmot Basin
Taking a day at Jasper’s famous ski hill, Marmot Basin is one of the best things to do in Jasper for those who want some activity, and don’t mind spending a bit of money.
Marmot Basin has the highest base elevation of all Canadian ski areas and averages over 400cm of natural snow from November to May. With 91 named runs, there’s more than enough to keep you occupied for multiple days.
Our pro tip: if you have a Costco membership (or have access to someone that does), they often sell discounted passes. Stock up in advance and you can save up to half the price.
Dogsledding with Cold Fire Creek
This is definitely not a budget-friendly thing to do in Jasper in winter, but if you want to try something unique, fun and adventurous, look no further. Cold Fire Creek offers a range of dogsledding activities from 1 to 4 hours.
This is one of the Jasper winter activities that is quintessentially Canadian.
Try your hand at ice climbing
If you want to try something really adventurous, try your hand at ice climbing. It’s fast becoming one of the most popular things to do in Jasper in winter.
To have a go, sign up for one of the half-day trips, with no experience required to undertake one of the most adventurous Jasper winter activities.
Helicopter Tours
For those that REALLY want to splash out, take a helicopter tour over the beautiful Rocky Mountains with Rockies Heli Canada. We can’t think of a more luxurious thing to do in Jasper in winter.
This is one of the Jasper winter activities that won’t be in our budget anytime soon, but if you’re lucky enough to do it, please let us know how it goes!
Jasper Winter Activities: Where to Stay in Jasper
Budget
Hostel-style accommodation located right in the heart of Jasper’s downtown, this is a great place to base yourself to conquer all those Jasper winter activities.
A cabin-style hostel in a more remote setting, just next to Athabasca Falls. This is a great choice if you want to be immersed in nature and right next to the trails to do some winter hiking in Jasper.
Mid-range
Every room has a mountain view, plus there are two outdoor hot tubs.
High-end
If you’re willing to splash out a bit, the Pyramid Lake Resort is a fantastic choice. Sitting right in front of Pyramid Mountain and Lake, you can’t beat the stunning remote location – both for the views and the proximity to the best Jasper winter activities. Some rooms feature gas fireplaces, there’s an outdoor hot tub and in winter they have outside bonfires to sit around.
Plus, included in your rate is all the rental gear you could ask for: skates, snowshoes, sleigh rides and the lot, so you can do all the Jasper winter activities as you wish.
The creme de la creme of Jasper accommodation, it doesn’t get any fancier than this. Staying here is one of the most luxurious things to do in Jasper in winter.
Things to do in Jasper in Winter: Where to eat
Few people realise that eating out is one of the best things to do in Jasper in winter! Jasper is blessed with some truly great restaurants and cafes. Here are a few of our favourite places to eat in Jasper.
If you want a unique and yummy Jasper winter activity, try this award-winning Jasper food tour!
The Bear’s Paw Cafe
The Bear’s Paw Cafe is the best bakery cafe in town, with two spots right in the centre of Jasper. They serve all the regulars you can expect from a bakery: soups, sandwiches, grilled paninis and lots of homemade goodies.
Jasper Pizza Place
Jasper Pizza Place serves up delicious, traditional wood-fired pizza. Eating here is easily one of the best Jasper winter activities!
The Raven
The Raven is one of the best spots in town. This little bistro serves up creative dishes that cater to all. From Ossou B’ucco to the vegan La Pastilla, this place will leave you very happy.
It gets very busy, so book ahead to ensure a table so you don’t miss out on one of the best things to do in Jasper in winter.
Folding Mountain Brewery
Located just 2 minutes from the Jasper National Park gates, Folding Mountain Brewery is a local’s favourite for a quick beer and a bite before entering or after leaving the park – easily a required thing to do in Jasper in winter. Both the beer and the food are amazing and off-sales are available.
How to Get to Jasper
There are no direct flights to Jasper. The closest airport is Edmonton International Airport.
The easiest way to get to Jasper (and explore all of these wonderful things to do in Jasper in winter) is by driving. From Edmonton, it’s a 4 hour drive along the AB-2 N and AB 16.
If you don’t have your own set of wheels, you can rent a car in either Edmonton or Calgary.
Pro tip: use Discover Cars to find the best deals on rentals.
If you don’t have your own set of wheels, you can book a transfer to Jasper from Edmonton. Sundog Tours also has a number of shuttles servicing both Edmonton – Jasper and Calgary – Jasper.
What to Pack for Jasper in Winter
Clothing For Outdoor Activities
- Snowpants
- Merino baselayer
- Merino leggings
- Fleece
- Winter down jacket
- Toque
- Gloves
- Neckwarmer
- 2 x thick wool socks
- Sunglasses
- Buff
- Winter hiking boots
Outdoor Gear
Electronics
Need travel insurance for your trip to Jasper? Get yourself sorted at SafetyWing
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I just visited Canada for the first time (skiing in Whistler) and absolutely fell in love with it! I was already looking for a new destination and with this post, I guess I found it! Thank you so much for sharing!
No worries! Jasper is a great destination and is a lot quieter than Banff. We can’t recommend it enough.
These would be some great activities for winter adventure enthusiasts. I definitely want to return to the area, but I would be more inclined to visit during the warmer months of the year.
Jasper in summer is also incredible!
Fat biking sounds really cool, It’s my first time hearing of that and I really want to try!
It’s a lot of fun! It’s also a lot of work, because the tires are so heavy, but it’s a great way to explore Jasper in the winter.