Jasper National Park is among the most breathtaking destinations in Canada. Similar to its sister city in the south, Banff, Jasper offers a plethora of wintertime activities.
If you enjoy the cold, snow, and mountains, wintertime in Jasper National Park will be your favorite season. Everyone can enjoy a variety of winter activities in Jasper, such as skiing at Marmot Basin or wild ice skating on one of the stunning lakes!
Winter Activities in Jasper That Are Greatest
Sunwapta Falls
Sunwapta Falls is accessible from the Icefields Parkway via an access road inside Jasper National Park. They make for an amazing sight, particularly when covered in snow.
The falls, which plunge more than 60 feet, will awe you whenever you visit. There are two falls, but the upper one is easier to get to.
Because it’s along the stunning Icefields Parkway, it’s ideal to pause here if you’re traveling from Banff to Jasper or the other way around.
Explore Maligne Canyon
Another activity that will keep you happy and busy in Jasper is exploring Maligne Canyon, particularly during the winter months. One of the most striking sights in Jasper National Park, the deep canyon walls reach nearly 200 feet in certain places, carved slowly over years by the rushing waters within limestone.
The water rushes through the canyon during the summer, and you can see it from above. However, in the winter, the canyon freezes solid and becomes a place of adventure for daring ice climbers.
The area’s ice caves and frozen waterfalls are also open for guided tours. It’s among the best winter activities available in Jasper!
Athabasca Falls
Visiting Athabasca Falls is a fantastic winter activity in Jasper. Athabasca Falls, which has a drop of roughly 75 feet and is situated about 30 km south of Jasper town, isn’t particularly large by Albertan waterfall standards, but it is still dramatic and magnificent in its own right, especially from November to April.
Because so much water rushes over the edge, the sight of the cascading water turning to ice in the winter is especially magical.
Many people overlook Lower Athabasca Falls, so be sure to check it out as well. There are lots of hiking trails that lead to viewing spots where you can take in the breathtaking views of the river and falls. As many people do, avoid trying to get closer in order to get a good photo. A fall could cause serious harm or even worse.
Drive Maligne Road
One of my favorite things to do in Jasper during the winter is to drive Maligne Lake Road. This drive is among the most breathtaking in the Canadian Rockies, leaving you in awe at every bend. There are many places to stop along the way, such as Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake, of course.
There is a lot of wildlife in the area surrounding the road, so your chances of seeing a moose or bighorn sheep are good, especially in the winter when fewer cars are on the road and bothering the animals. In an hour on the road, we saw four moose!
Medicine Lake
In Jasper, Medicine Lake is a breathtaking sight, particularly during the winter. This amazing lake is a great place to stop on your way to Maligne Lake, and it’s about 20 km southeast of Jasper town.
Even though it is officially a part of the Maligne River, to the uninformed eye it appears to be a lake, especially during the late spring and summer months when it swells with water from the big thaw. Furthermore, you wouldn’t know that it vanishes in the winter if you visited Jasper in the summer.
As the water drains out of Medicine Lake through sinkholes in the bottom, it passes through a network of caves before resurfacing downstream, earning the lake the nickname “disappearing lake.” It really is a unique phenomenon, which is why neither of us could believe it when we saw it!
Check Out Maligne Lake
The glacial lake Maligne Lake is only 45 minutes away from Jasper. It is highly regarded for its breathtaking natural beauty and is among the most tranquil lakes in the entire Canadian Rockies. It is a must-visit if you are in Jasper for a few days and is well worth a visit for anyone visiting the Canadian Rockies.
It’s a winter wonderland to behold in the winter, but you can canoe, paddleboard, kayak, or even take a motorboat out on it in the summer. You can even go snowshoeing on the lake when it’s fully frozen over!
Remember that while the lake offers amenities and even a few restaurants during the summer, you are on your own during the winter, so make appropriate plans.
Ski at Marmot Basin
Skiing at Marmot Basin is among the best winter activities in Jasper! Less than half an hour’s drive from Jasper is the alpine ski resort Marmot Basin. It’s undoubtedly among the greatest ski resorts in all of Western Canada, offering 3,000 vertical feet of drop and 91 named runs spread across four mountain faces!
If you’re lucky enough to visit Marmot Basin during a weekday with powder, it might end up becoming your go-to ski destination! The views are also to die for from the top of the chairlifts. Watch for Pyramid Mountain, which is visible on clear days!
Pyramid Lake and Island
Another great wintertime activity in Jasper is visiting Pyramid Lake. Pyramid Lake is a fantastic lake in Jasper that is easily accessible from the town. It’s one of the best lakes for ice skating and snowshoeing in the winter. Additionally, the Pyramid Lake Lodge offers enchanted sleigh rides around it during the holiday season.
Don’t overlook Pyramid Island either; some people are unaware that it is a small island connected by a bridge. For an amazing view, try to catch it at sunrise or sunset.
Snowshoe on Lake Patricia
Yes, there’s another lake on this list of winter activities in Jasper! Patricia Lake is a beloved local destination that is situated adjacent to Pyramid Lake. Visit this location to take in the view of Pyramid Mountain, enjoy the fire pits surrounding the lake, or go ice skating.
A hot chocolate that you brought with you and a fire at the pits are two of the best wintertime activities in Jasper.
Enjoy Downtown Jasper
To be honest, taking a stroll through the town is one of my favorite wintertime activities in Jasper. Jasper is a quaint little town that is even smaller than the neighboring Banff (and far more quiet).
You can visit and exit a lot of stores, eateries, and coffee shops. I adore the town’s atmosphere in every season. You won’t find the crowds that you do in Banff or even Canmore, even in the middle of summer. It’s a charming getaway away from the masses with all the charm of a mountain town.
Go on a Jasper Food Tour
Cozying up at one of the many eateries or bars in Jasper during the winter is one of the best things to do. You could explore them all on your own, of course, but I suggest going with Jasper Food Tours and joining Estelle.
You’ll enjoy a far more authentic experience, which includes a walking historical tour of Jasper.
I adore taking food tours because, in a matter of hours, you can sample food from numerous Jasper restaurants rather than just one. To add to the fun, all of Jasper Food Tours’ samplings are paired with beer, wine, or a cocktail. There’s a ton of food on this one, so come hungry!
Experience an Aircraft Journey With Rockies Heli
Taking a helicopter ride over the magnificent mountains is one of the best things to do in the Canadian Rockies, both in the summer and the winter. Located 30 km off the Icefields Parkway in David Thompson Country, Rockies Heli is situated adjacent to Abraham Lake.
After a wonderful tour that gave us a bird’s-eye perspective of glaciers, rivers, lakes, canyons, and even waterfalls, we snowshoed to the summit of a mountain to enjoy hot chocolate.
If you have never gone on a heli tour in the mountains, let me tell you that it’s an incredibly unique experience with views that you have never seen before. Our frequent mountain summit scrambling is nothing compared to the views from a helicopter. Check out Rockies Heli’s array of tours, which are suitable for a wide range of budgets.
Skate on Abraham Lake
Abraham Lake is located in David Thompson Country, not far from Nordegg, although it is not in Jasper National Park. As one of the most well-known locations in all of Canada to witness the renowned methane ice bubbles, it is deserving of mention here and makes for a wonderful detour when traveling the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff. Come here in January if you’ve ever wanted to skate on ice bubbles.
When water-dwelling bacteria feed on organic matter that is decomposing and release methane gas, large white bubbles are produced in lakes. These amazing phenomena are produced when the water freezes and the methane bubbles become trapped in the ice.
Unlike all the other bodies of water on this list, the snow here doesn’t cover the ice because of the extreme wind. It is therefore usually possible to skate on the ice bubbles here for a very long time.
For those who would like to learn more in the comfort of a tour, Pursuit Adventures also offers ice bubble tours!
Play Ice Hockey on a Frozen Lake
Without some ice skating and hockey, a Canadian Rockies winter wouldn’t be the same. It’s really recommended to rent some skates and take in the breathtakingly scenic untamed ice environment.
Pyramid Lake and Patricia Lake are the best lakes in Jasper for skating. In order to make sure there is enough ice for skating, it is advisable to hold off until December. An ice screw can be used to measure ice that is at least 4 inches thick.
Visit Jasper Brewing Company and Enjoy a Beer
We have no problem saying that the Jasper Brewing Company is our favorite restaurant in Jasper. The first National Park Brewery in Canada was Jasper Brewing Company. They were also in charge of starting Banff Ave Brewing in Downtown Banff after it opened in 2005.
Three of the founders established the brewery as a fantastic community center in Jasper, where they were born and raised. Their beers are delicious, but I love their food! Everything that has been served here has been delicious. I heartily urge you to sample their Halloumi Bowl!
Jasper Planetarium
Owing to its isolation and general lack of development, Jasper offers breathtaking views of stars, galaxies, and constellations that are frequently obscured in more populated areas.
The Jasper Planetarium is one of the best winter activities in Jasper that you won’t want to miss if you’re an amateur stargazer or just like relaxing in nice seats over stretching out on the chilly ground.
The planetarium, housed in the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper National Park, offers guided virtual tours of the galaxy and explains some of the mysteries of contemporary science, such as the aurora borealis, or northern lights.
Soak in the Heated Pool at Jasper Park Lodge
The most well-known lodging option in Jasper is the Jasper Park Lodge. Their spotless grounds are situated directly on Lac Beauvert, far from the bustling downtown area.
A gorgeous heated pool at the Jasper Park Lodge is a wintertime oasis in Jasper. Simply to take advantage of these fantastic amenities, it is worthwhile to reserve a stay in one of their cabins.
Skate on Lake Mildred
Lake Mildred is a well-kept ice rink situated on the premises of Jasper Park Lodge. Families love to visit this location for fun and safe ice skating in the winter! Ice skates are directly available for rent at the Fairmont Winter Rental Shop.
Ice Climb at Tangle Falls
Ice climbing in the winter is available to novices with no prior experience at Rockaboo Mountain Adventures. Everyone aged 12 and up will love this exciting, safe, and enjoyable adventure. Edge of the World, Maligne Canyon, or Tangle Falls are the locations for ice climbing.
For those who have been in Jasper for a few days and are searching for something different to do in this winter wonderland, this six-hour tour is highly recommended.
Spend Christmas in Jasper
Christmas in Jasper might make you think of a Hallmark film, just like Christmas in Banff. There are mountains all around, it’s snowy, and you’ll need to wear your warm knit hat and scarf.
Jasper is a wonderful place to celebrate and utterly magical during the holidays. It’s a lot of fun to drive through the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge’s “Home for the Holidays” gates, go skiing at Marmot Basin on Christmas Day, or take a Christmas sleigh ride around Pyramid Lake.
Go on a Wildlife Tour
Fun morning winter wildlife tours are offered by SunDog Tours, which will search the park for some of the most magnificent creatures in the Rockies. While educating guests about the history and ecology of the region, the experienced guides will take them to some truly striking landscapes.
In Jasper, the winter months offer fantastic opportunities to see wolves, moose, foxes, and coyotes. Carry a camera along and hope for some amazing sightings.
Eat a Beavertail
A beavertail is a sweet, doughy pastry topped with fun toppings like maple syrup, sprinkles, bananas, Reese’s pieces, or Nutella. Although they aren’t found everywhere in Canada, beavertail stores can be found in the tiny mountain towns, and fortunately for you, Jasper has one on Patricia Street. Getting one downtown is the best thing to do at the end of a chilly day!
Is a Winter Visit to Jasper Necessary?
Please understand that I adore Jasper in the summer. But Jasper has a completely different vibe in the winter. It’s still a stunning place on earth, but it’s quieter than Banff and offers fewer activities than its southern counterpart.
Go to Jasper in the winter if you want to avoid the crowds and have a memorable experience in a tiny mountain town in Alberta. You will love this little piece of winter magic, whether you drive the Icefields Parkway and visit Banff for a few days or just a quick trip from Edmonton.
Where to Stay in Jasper in Winter
There is no better hotel in Jasper than Pyramid Lake Resort. Its position within the park is striking, sitting directly on Pyramid Lake. Far enough from Jasper’s downtown to enjoy the outdoors, but close enough to town to take advantage of its amenities with just a short drive.
There are 62 guest rooms in this Alpine chalet-style accommodation, all of which have comfortable fireplaces. If at all possible, I would recommend reserving a room with a view of Pyramid Lake. After a hard winter day spent in the mountains, relax in the amazing hot tub. Though the resort is obviously adjacent to Pyramid Lake and Pyramid Island, it is only 6 km from the townsite.
The Greatest Restaurants in Jasper
Try These Restaurants in Jasper for Breakfast:
Coco’s Cafe: They serve huevos rancheros, oatmeal cinnamon waffles, breakfast burritos, breakfast bowls, and bagels—all the traditional fare of a laid-back cafe.
Harvest: Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner are all served at Harvest Food & Drink. It’s a more recent eatery in Jasper with a menu that emphasizes health.
Bear’s Paw Bakery: Almost every visitor to Jasper should stop by the bakery first thing in the morning as it is a Jasper institution.
