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15 Fun Things to Do in Jasper in Winter

ByMelissa

Jasper National Park is known as a hiker’s paradise in summer, but it’s just as exciting no matter the season.

From skiing or snowboarding on slopes with incredible views, to ice skating on a frozen lake or ice climbing frozen waterfalls, there are so many fun things to do in Jasper in winter. 

I visited Jasper in March and it’s a winter wonderland. Full of winter charm but less busy than mid-winter. However, any month in winter will come with all sorts of adventures.

Let’s get right into all the best things to do, places to go, and helpful tips for winter in Jasper National Park!

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15 Fun Things to Do in Jasper in Winter

Woman smiling while holding her snowboard at the top of the hill ready to snowboarding in Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park which has beautiful mountain peaks in the far distance. Hitting the slopes is one of the most fun things to do in Jasper in winter for good reason.

1. Ski or Snowboard at Marmot Basin

Marmot Basin is the most popular ski mountain in Jasper National Park and one of the best in the western Rockies.

With 91 runs, there’s something for every skill level. There are seven ski lifts, all with great views of the Rockies. After all, Marmot is also the highest base elevation ski hill in Canada.

It has a quirky ski-in-and-out parking lot. But you’ll have a blast no matter which trail you go down.

I had so much fun snowboarding at Marmot but called it a day when I faceplanted in the snow. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience. If you’re a beginner like me, the best-value option is a beginner lift-only day pass.

Despite being less crowded than other popular slopes in nearby Banff, you should still plan to get there early to get parking. Or catch a free shuttle to the hill from some of the hotels in Jasper, which might be an easier route.

a person lowering down another person after they just went ice climbing at Maligne Canyon in winter. They just finished climbing a frozen waterfall

2. Try Ice Climbing at Maligne Canyon

For the extra adventurous, ice climbing is one of the best things to do in Jasper in the winter. Whether or not you are a seasoned ice climber, this is a fun and challenging activity.

Ice climbing is a physically demanding sport, so you should only sign up for this tour with confidence. Most tour companies suggest participants are in decent shape, capable of climbing a ladder, and get a thrill from a challenge at the least.

If you’re interested in trying ice climbing for the first time or adding more climbs to your list, Jasper National Park is one of the best places in the Canadian Rockies to do so. 

Although I did ice climbing in Quebec City, I think it’s also one of the best winter activities in Quebec. I wasn’t any good at it, but I had fun.

In Jasper National Park, Maligne Canyon is one of the top spots for ice climbing.

If Maligne Canyon happens to be closed, Tangle Falls and Edge of World are two other great locations for ice climbing.

🤩 Try it for yourself on this ice climbing tour!

A woman staring at a frozen waterfall on an icewalk on Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park.

3. Go Winter Hiking around Jasper

If you’re visiting Jasper National Park, you’re probably a fan of hiking. And despite the much colder temperatures and snowy landscapes, Jasper is a beautiful spot for winter hiking.

The Maligne Canyon Icewalk was one of my favourite winter things to do in Jasper.

Maligne Canyon is a deep canyon carved out of rushing water with incredible scenery and dramatic landscapes. During the summer, you can admire the beautiful waterfall and explore the surrounding nature.

However, Maligne Canyon is something else during the cold Jasper National Park winter. The water hides underground and the waterfalls freeze over with icicles dripping from boulders and fresh snow covering the trees. The hike to the canyon itself is an experience that might take your breath away like it did mine.

The Icewalk at Maligne Canyon is a short 5-minute drive from Jasper Town, making it one of the easiest activities if you stay in Jasper Town. 

Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls are two other great hiking areas near Jasper. Athabasca Falls is 32 km (20 miles) from Jasper Town, and Sunwapta Falls is 55 km (24 miles).

Athabasca Falls is much smaller than others, but the nature and beauty of the region are on a whole new level. Sunwapta Falls is another good hiking area for more trail options.

🤩 Explore a canyon in Canadian Rockies on this Icewalk tour!

dirt road leading to Medicine Lake in Jasper National Park with beautiful mountains in the background
Unsplash photo by Les Argonautes

4. Drive Maligne Lake Road and Stop at Medicine Lake

Maligne Lake Road is a beautiful scenic drive in winter stretching 50 km (31 miles) through Jasper National Park. And bonus, there are fewer tourists.

Maligne Lake Road leads to Maligne Lake, a beautiful and remote lake nestled in the mountains of Jasper National Park. But it also passes by Medicine Lake, another great viewing spot in Jasper.

Medicine Lake is filled with turquoise-blue water from melting glaciers during the summer. But by winter, most of the water disappears underground due to an inaccessible cave system.

Both Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake are great spots for snowshoeing, taking in the views, and encountering wildlife.

two people cross-country skiing on Pyramid Lake in Jasper National Park
Unsplash photo by Anna Schroeder

5. Cross Country Ski at Pyramid Lake

If you want to go skiing in Jasper but don’t want to hit the slopes, go cross-country skiing at Pyramid Lake. 

Pyramid Lake is a large, kidney-shaped lake right near downtown Jasper. It’s very convenient to visit, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t just as beautiful as some of the more remote spots.

The lake is top-rated for ice skating, dog-sledding, and snowshoeing. But it’s also a great cross-country skiing location with several trails around the perimeter of the lake and branching off.

If you have the time, you should cross the bridge from Pyramid Lake to Pyramid Island. Many people miss this little excursion, but it’s one of the best things to do in Jasper in winter, especially during sunset or sunrise.

If you visit during the holidays, there are also sleigh rides run by Pyramid Lake Resort that you can enjoy.

a pack of dogs pulling a sled through the woods in Valemount Alberta
Unsplash photo by Alain Bonnardeaux

6. Go Dog Sledding in Valemount

If you want a better taste of dog sledding outside of Pyramid Lake, consider making the journey to Valemount.

Valemount, Alberta, is the second closest town to Jasper National Park and nowhere near as popular as Jasper Town.

It’s one of the best places in Jasper for dog sledding, home to the most popular mushing excursions and activities, including several 3+ hour sledding tours.

Dog sledding can be traced back to 2,000 BC. It is an important mode of transportation for indigenous communities needing to travel across otherwise unpassable land in the winter.

Nowadays, it’s far from the most important transportation across Canada. But it’s still an enjoyable and unique experience in Jasper.

Woman ice skating on Lake Mildred along an ice path in Jasper National Park in the winter. It's a sunny day and the distance features a treeline with mountain peaks behind them

7. Try Ice Skating at Lake Mildred

Lake Mildred is another must-have on any winter Jasper list. The lake is much smaller than Pyramid Lake or other natural lakes in Jasper, but it’s as lively.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is built right around the lake, but you don’t have to stay at the luxury resort to have some fun on the lake. The frozen-over lake has an ice skating trail that loops around the whole lake.

One of the best things about skating at Lake Mildred is its ease. It’s near downtown Jasper, so you won’t have to drive any treacherous roads, and you might even be able to walk there from your accommodation in Jasper National Park. 

I had a fun time skating around Lake Mildred and watching the mountains surround me. The views are breathtaking. And I had the whole skate trail to myself which was even better!

a pair of snowshoes as seen from a person looking at their feet while snowshoeing at Beaver Lake during winter in Jasper National Park
Unsplash photo by Aaron Hubert

8. Go Snowshoeing to Beaver Lake

Snowshoeing is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in winter. 

You’ll have your choice of trails and locations, ranging from easy to hard. The best snowshoeing trail is from Medicine Lake to Beaver Lake via the Jacques Lake Trailhead.

This easy-rated 4 km (2.5 miles) trail has beautiful nature, like a bridge to cross, running water, and some wildlife. But you can choose to go further if you’d like a longer day of snowshoeing.

9. Warm Up in a Hot Tub

The Miette Hot Springs are closed through the winter, and there aren’t really any other options unless you head to Banff.

A relaxing hot tub is the next best thing to a natural hot spring. After all, nothing is better than a hot tub soak after a long day exploring the cold. Especially if that day was filled with skiing or snowboarding. My legs were so tired!

Some hotels in Jasper, like the Forest Park Hotel, have great hot tubs and amenities onsite. But if your hotel doesn’t have one, or you just want to spend a day out at a fancier resort, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has a great day pass for nonguests.

The day pass gives you access to an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, the sauna, discounts on food and drinks, and other small perks. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge was so beautiful to explore!

Northern Lights in Jasper National Park in winter reflecting in a lake making an image upside down of itself in the lake
Unsplash photo by Priscilla Du Preez

10. Chase the Northern Lights

When some think of the northern lights, they think of far north, Alaska, or northern Europe. But if you’re lucky, you can catch the aurora borealis in Jasper Park.

You can see the northern lights in Jasper year-round, but your best bet for spotting them is from December to March when there is more darkness in the sky, thus making this one of the best winter things to do in Jasper.

If you are lucky enough to be in Jasper for a natural light show, Pyramid Island, Maligne Lake, and Old Forte Point are all great viewpoints for the northern lights.

I tried to see them on my trip but I visited during a full moon, so the moon was too bright and stole the show. I did however get lucky on my way to Jasper and saw the northern lights on my night flight from Toronto to Edmonton! They were faint but very beautiful!

A plate of rustic elk meatloaf topped with mushroom gravy and gaufrettes. It comes with a side of mashed potatoes, 2 green beans and a pint of beer. This dish is located in Jasper Brewing Co. in Canada.

11. Try the Local Cuisine

Even with fewer people out and about during the cold Jasper winter, there’s still a lively restaurant and pub scene.

Jasper Brewing Company is a must-stop if you’re a fan of unwinding with a beer and trendy atmosphere.

If you want the best breakfast place in town, head to Coco’s Cafe. Another buzzing place, with a whole room of satisfied customers and smiling faces. You can even take something to go to have later on one of the lakes or as a snack.

Kimchi’s in Jasper is a good hot spot with delicious Japanese cuisine and piping hot soups. This might be a good option if you need something to warm you up. Winter is soup season here in Canada.

If you don’t want to miss a bite of the best tasty food in town, join a food tour in Jasper to make the most of your day. I loved my food tour and ate a restaurants I normally would’ve missed. 

🍴 Try some of the most unique dishes in Jasper on this food tour!

tall trees standing in front of a star filled sky in the Dark Sky Preserve in Jasper, Canada
Unsplash photo by Joshua Woroniecki

12. Stargaze at Jasper Planetarium

The Dark Sky Preserve in Jasper is one of the biggest in Canada, meaning there is little light pollution. You’ll find stargazing almost anywhere you go around the park. However, check out the Jasper Planetarium if you want a guided experience.

The planetarium is inside the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and is home to one of the largest telescopes in North America. You’ll also be treated to a virtual galaxy tour, and you’ll get a live look at the sky with an expert explaining constellations and space mysteries.

It’s a fun evening experience if you want to stay close to downtown Jasper while learning more about the fascinating nature above the park. 

🤩 Enjoy the night sky through a new lens on this Planetarium & Telescope tour!

2 cream-coloured mountain goats on the side of the road in Jasper National Park. Right behind them is a treeline with mountains at a distance on a sunny day.

13. Join a Wildlife Tour

You’ll encounter some wildlife throughout your adventures in Jasper, no matter what you do or which Jasper tour you join.

I saw a lot of elk on the border of Jasper town and even some mountain goats while driving around the national park.

If you want to spot even more remote wildlife, a wildlife tour can take you to all the best spots. A guided tour is also a great way to learn more about the region’s animals and the nature around you.

The Winter Wildlife Discovery Tour is one of the best things to do in Jasper in the winter. You’ll travel to Athabasca Valley, Maligne Valley, and Medicine Lake.

The Icefields Parkway on Jasper National Park. The road leads to snow-capped mountains at a distance and treelines in wedging the road in between. This route connects Jasper National Park to Lake Louise in Banff National Park.

14. Drive Icefields Parkway

Driving the Icefield Parkway is one of the most iconic drives in Canada, and it’s even more beautiful in winter. 

The Icefields Parkway connects Jasper National Park to Lake Louise in Banff National Park. From start to finish, it’s 230 km (143 miles) and takes about 3.5 hours to drive.

You don’t have to go the entire Banff Jasper route, though. You can start on Icefields Parkway from Jasper Town and drive for as long as you’d like. I drove from near Abraham Lake to Jasper along the parkway.

The entirety of the route is breathtaking, with dramatic snow-capped mountains and plenty of detours and viewpoints along the way. I couldn’t believe my eyes how beautiful it was!

Want to stop along the drive? Both Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls are just off Icefields Parkway. You can go further and admire the Weeping Wall right from your car. This massive wall becomes covered in ice during the cold months.

If you decide to drive along Icefields Parkway, check the driving conditions and road closures beforehand.

a red helicopter sitting on the ground ready to fly away over the Canadian Rockies from Jasper National Park. There is a tree line behind the helicopter and mountains in the further distance on a snowy winter day
Unsplash photo by Miles Loewen

15. See Epic Winter Views from a Helicopter

One of the best adventures you can have in the Canadian Rockies whether it’s winter and summer is a helicopter ride over the mountains.

Helicopter tours operate out of Jasper Hinton Airport (71 km from Jasper town) and David Thompson Country (196 km from Jasper town) which is next to Abraham Lake.

From the air, you can enjoy a birds-eye view of glaciers, canyons, rivers, waterfalls and the popular Lake Abraham bubbles. Some of the tours even land on top of a mountain for you to snowshoe around and sip hot chocolate.

It’s on my bucket list for the next time I’m in the Rockies.

🚁 Enjoy mountain views and snowshoeing on this helicopter tour!

Where to Stay in Jasper in Winter

For your Jasper winter getaway, plan to stay in Jasper town to be close to most of the attractions and restaurants. Here are the best places to stay in Jasper in winter: 

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – a 4-star luxury hotel with a spa and outdoor skating rink

Forest Park Hotel – a 4-star hotel with a hot tub, gym, and spa

Pyramid Lake Resort – a 3-star hotel with sleigh rides, skating, and cross-country skiing

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Jasper in Winter

Jasper National Park isn’t as popular in winter as its neighbour, Banff National Park but it shouldn’t be overlooked.

This incredible remote portion of Alberta, Canada, has some of the most beautiful views and there are also many fun things to do in Jasper in winter. You won’t be bored or disappointed for a second.

One of the best Jasper activities in winter is skiing or snowboarding at Marmot Basin. After all, this is what draws much of the winter crowd. Ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are also great fun.

Now that you know all about the best spots in Jasper, get ready to start creating that perfect Jasper winter itinerary.

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Melissa is the founder of My Beautiful Passport. A Canadian who has explored 20+ countries on 4 continents, she enjoys combining soft adventure and affordable luxury. Through sharing her own experiences, travel tips, and destination itineraries, she helps others plan their unique adventures whether it be at the beach, in the city, or in the mountains.