The most incredible things to do in Jasper in winter

Spanning more than 11,000 square km, Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Like its neighbour, Banff, most people think of Jasper as a summer destination but this alpine wilderness is even more magical in winter. From snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to exploring frozen lakes and waterfalls, there are so many things to do in Jasper in winter.

I’ve been to the park in November and February and can honestly say that the winter season in Jasper is such a special time to visit. Not only is it much quieter but the scenery is even more stunning when it’s covered in snow.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Jasper in winter for skiers and non-skiers! It also covers essential information about travelling to Jasper in winter, tried-and-tested accommodation and restaurant recommendations, and what to pack.

If you are thinking about visiting Jasper in spring, summer or fall, I have a detailed 3-day itinerary which covers the best activities to do in those months. 

Disclaimer: This blog post features some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase. There’s no extra cost to you but it just helps me to keep writing these free guides and itineraries. Thank you for your support!

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Jasper is one of Canada’s best winter destinations. From November to April each year, Jasper becomes a magical winter wonderland. While it doesn’t have as many festive activities as Banff, it’s still one of my favourite national parks to visit in winter. Before we dive into the best things to do in Jasper in winter, here are a few important things to know to help you plan your trip:

Where is Jasper National Park?

Jasper National Park is located in Alberta, 370 km (192 miles) west of Edmonton and 404 km (256 miles) northwest of Calgary. It’s 288 km (179 miles) north of Banff and can be reached by driving along the scenic Icefields Parkway.

Is Jasper worth visiting in winter?

As someone who doesn’t ski or snowboard, I was hesitant about visiting Jasper in winter. I’d already visited the park in summer and enjoyed the outdoor activities, so I didn’t think there would be enough things to do in Jasper in winter. It turns out I was wrong! During my first trip, I discovered there are so many fun winter activities in Jasper for skiers and non-skiers. Since then, I’ve been back in winter again and it’s honestly one of my favourite seasons to visit Jasper.

Don’t get me wrong – I love visiting Jasper in summer when the lakes have thawed and you can go canoeing but there is something special about winter in Jasper. If you’re looking for a winter getaway where you can get outside and enjoy the peace and quiet, add Jasper to your travel bucket list.

Is Jasper open in winter?

Like Banff, Jasper National Park is open all year round. Some attractions like Jasper SkyTram and Miette Hot Springs do close for winter and don’t re-open until spring but the shops and restaurants downtown are open.  

Some backcountry hikes are closed due to avalanche risks but there are plenty of great snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails to do instead. You should always check trail conditions before heading out as the weather can change very quickly in Jasper in winter. You can visit Parks Canada’s website for up to date trail conditions and other important information or pop into Jasper’s Visitor Centre  downtown. The Visitor Centre will be able to tell you if there are avalanche risks but it’s your responsibility to do the research if you plan to venture into the backcountry to hike or snowshoe.

Some of the best things to do in Jasper in winter are located along the Icefields Parkway. While the highway is open all year round, most man-made attractions along the Icefields Parkway such as the Jasper Skywalk and Icefields Discovery Centre are closed in winter. Services such as restaurants, accommodation and gas stations are also closed from November to April. Make sure you fill up on gas and supplies before visiting any of these locations and check road conditions report before heading out.

Best time to visit Jasper in winter

The winter season typically starts end of October and continues through to April; however, this varies each year depending on the weather. There’s no best time to visit Jasper in winter as every month is special in its own way. I’ve visited in November and February and enjoyed both trips even though they were very different experiences. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

NOVEMBER IN JASPER:

My first winter trip to Jasper was in November and I loved how quiet and peaceful it was. November is definitely an in-between month. The weather varies but there is usually already quite a bit of snow and good deals on accommodation. The one thing I want to call out is that quite a few tour operators shut down in November in preparation for the busy holiday season. There are still plenty of fun things to do in Jasper in November but if you want to go on any tours, I would recommend going in December or January.

DECEMBER IN JASPER:

If you’re planning a pre-Christmas trip I would try and visit in early December for the atmosphere. Not only will you get to enjoy all the Christmas-y vibes, but you can also take advantage of all the quintessential winter activities Jasper has to offer. Go ice skating on frozen lakes, roast marshmallows under the stars, and ride in a horse-drawn sleigh. A lot of local hotels host festive events like scavenger hunts in December. Tourism Jasper has an up-to-date calendar on their website. 

JANUARY IN JASPER:

January is usually the coldest month in Jasper but it’s a great time to visit if you want to take advantage of cheaper hotel deals. The first month of the year also marks the town’s beloved Jasper in January festival. Enjoy beautiful light installations, live music and local art, as well as street parties and fireworks. There also lots of restaurant discounts and special deals on tours.

FEBRUARY IN JASPER:

If you love skiing and snowboarding, February is a great time to visit Jasper as there is usually a lot of fresh snow. You can also take full advantage of all the other amazing Jasper winter activities such as Maligne Canyon, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

MARCH IN JASPER:

The weather is usually starting to get warmer in March so there is a greater risk of avalanches and some trails may be closed. The frozen Maligne River is also starting to thaw so March is often the last chance to join an ice walk through the canyon. There is still plenty of amazing things to do in Jasper in March but if you want to do some of these iconic winter activities it’s best to go in December, January or February.

How to get to Jasper

If you’re flying to Canada, the two closest international airports to Jasper are Edmonton and Calgary. Both airports are still 4 to 5 hours away from Jasper so you’ll need to hire a car and drive the rest of the way. The drive from Calgary International Airport (YYC) takes just under 5 hours and takes you along the Icefields Parkway. It’s a very scenic drive and there are lots of beautiful places to stop along the way. From Edmonton International Airport (YEG), the drive is just under 4 hours.

You can pick up a rental car directly from either airport. Make sure you book a vehicle with snow tires if you plan to drive along the Icefields Parkway. I personally use Auto Europe to find the cheapest rates on rental cars. You can compare all the major companies in a grid format that shows the prices for different car sizes by provider. They also clearly show what is and isn’t included in the price.

Can I get to Jasper National Park on public transport?

If you don’t have a car and don’t want to hire one, you can still get to Jasper. Sundog Tours offers daily shuttle buses between Edmonton, Edson, Hinton and Jasper. Buses depart Edmonton International Airport at 3.15pm and arrive in Jasper at 8pm. You can also get picked up in downtown Edmonton. A one way ticket costs $99 for an adult and $59 for children.

That being said, you won’t be able to do much without a car in Jasper in winter. Although the town of Jasper is quite compact, many popular winter attractions are located further away and unlike Banff, Jasper doesn’t have a public transit system. In the summer, you can book tours and shuttle bus services to some of these locations but in winter, your options are limited. I highly recommend booking a car if you’re travelling to Jasper in winter but if you want more information about public transport options, check out my detailed guide.

Is it safe to drive in Jasper in winter?

The idea of driving in icy and snowy conditions can be quite intimidating if you’re not used to winter driving. Fortunately, Canadians are used to heavy snow falls and the highways are generally very well-maintained and clear of snow.

If you’re flying into Edmonton airport, you’ll take Highway 16. This is a 4 lane highway for most of the way and is normally clear of snow. From Calgary, you would be driving along Highway 1 which will take you via Banff and Lake Louise and onto the Icefields Parkway. This highway is not managed the same way as other routes like the Trans-Canada Highway. It is sanded and salted but not heavily so you’ll find a lot of the road is still very icy – especially at higher elevations – and often covered in compact snow.

WINTER DRIVING TIPS:

Here are some tips I’ve picked up from my two winter trips to Jasper:

• Always check the road conditions on 511 Alberta before you set off. There are often unexpected road closures in winter due to the weather and maintenance. Snowstorms and blizzards are very common during the winter in Alberta.
• Make sure your car is equipped for winter highway driving. We hired the Hyundai Canada Santa Fe and were very impressed with how well it handled the icy and snowy conditions. It also has SmartSense safety features to alert you to dangers on the road such as black ice.   
• The weather can be very unpredictable and incredibly cold so make sure you have plenty of supplies and warm layers in case you do break down.
• As pretty as the snow in, it makes your car very dirty! Pack extra windshield washer to keep your vision clear.  
• Pack a shovel and an ice scraper. Most rental cars will include an ice scraper but I’d also recommend picking up a cheap snow shovel if you’re planning to drive up the Icefields Parkway. It’s better to be prepared in case you need to dig your car out of a parking spot!   
• Make sure you fill up on gas before you start driving. Some places are more remote and the weather can turn quickly and causing traffic jams.
• And finally, don’t drive on the Icefields Parkway in the winter if you are not comfortable driving in winter conditions. It’s not the place to learn! It’s a dangerous road and if you aren’t confident driving in winter conditions then don’t risk it.

Parks Pass

To visit Jasper National Park, you’ll need to buy a Parks Pass which contributes to the upkeep of the parks. You don’t need separate passes for different parks; you can visit all the National Parks (Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay) with the same pass. A day pass costs $10 CAD per person per day and is valid until 4pm on the day after purchase.

If you’re planning a few trips around Canada over the next 12 months, it may be more cost effective to buy the annual Discovery Pass which is valid for one year. It costs $72.25 for adults or $145.25 for a family or group. You can find more information on the Parks Canada website. 

Leave No Trace

Please follow the Leave No Trace Principles during your time in the park. These are guidelines to help you plan, prepare and explore the outdoors more responsibly. They include staying on the designated trails, not touching or removing any natural objects, packing out all your trash, and respecting wildlife. Most of the best things to do in Jasper in winter are outside in nature so it’s important to leave no trace. I highly recommend checking the Parks Canada website before you leave for important information about safety in the park.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN JASPER IN WINTER

From frozen waterfalls and lakes to wildlife and astrophotography tours, Jasper is an incredible place to visit in winter. Here are my favourite things to do in Jasper in winter, in no particular order:

Visit Pyramid Lake

Visiting Pyramid Lake is one of my favourite things to do in Jasper in winter. Situated just 5 km from the town of Jasper, Pyramid Lake is one of many small lakes which were left behind by the retreating glaciers in the Pyramid Bench area. In the summer months, it’s a popular spot for fishing and canoeing. In winter, the lake freezes over so you can go ice skating or snowshoeing. During the holidays, the nearby Pyramid Lake Lodge runs sleigh rides around it.

Take a gentle stroll around the lakeshore trail and you’ll find the wooden foot bridge that Pyramid Lake has become famous for. The footbridge leads to a small island and has become a popular spot for photos! It’s very pretty in winter when it’s covered in snow and is a popular photography spot for sunrise and sunset. There is limited parking near the trail head that leads to this bridge so you may have to park a bit further away if it’s full. 

TIP: Patricia Lake is located right next to Pyramid Lake so you don’t have to venture far to see another of Jasper’s pretty lakes.

Discover frozen waterfalls at Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is impressive all year-round, but it’s even more otherworldly in winter when the water freezes, creating giant frozen waterfalls and incredible ice formations. There is a network of self-guided interpretive trails which lead you around the top of the park’s deepest canyon and explain the geological history.

Along the way you’ll cross over 6 bridges and get beautiful views looking down into the canyon. The trails are paved for the most part and are fairly accessible; however, there are some steeper parts where you’ll have to descend and ascend. The 6th bridge is quite a long hike and can be difficult in places but you don’t have to go the whole way. Most people just do the loop which takes you to the first three bridges and then turn back.

The trails are open all year but you will need crampons if you’re visiting between November to April as it can get very icy. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent them for the day from Jasper Source for Sports which is located downtown on Patricia Street.

MALIGNE CANYON ICEWALK TOURS

By mid-December, the canyon is completely frozen and the Maligne Canyon Icewalk Tours begin. This is arguably one of the best things to do in Jasper in winter. While the views walking around the trails at the top are stunning, nothing compares to venturing into the canyon. Walking on the usually inaccessible frozen floor is one of Jasper’s most unique winter activities.

Sundog Tours runs daily tours from mid-December until March (depending on weather conditions). We joined one of their tours when we went in February and really enjoyed the experience. The 3-hour tour covers 3.5km of the canyon’s trails and will take you into the canyon. Sundog Tours provides all of the gear you need and will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Jasper. You can book through Get Your Guide which means you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour and get a refund. The weather can change quickly in Jasper National Park in winter, so having this flexibility always gives me peace of mind.

Drive down Maligne Road

One of my favourite things to do in Jasper in winter is to drive down Maligne Lake Road. If you visit Maligne Canyon, you’ll drive down Maligne Road but if weather conditions allow, I highly recommend driving all the way to the end of the road. It’s an extra 35 minutes in the car but it is honestly one of the most beautiful drives in Jasper National Park and shouldn’t be missed.

Along the way, you’ll pass two of Jasper’s most popular attractions, Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake.  The road cuts through a remote part of Jasper National Park so it’s a great place to spot local wildlife. Make sure you drive slowly and keep your camera nearby as it’s not uncommon to see elk, bears, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. On our Banff and Jasper road trip, I actually saw my first moose on Maligne Lake Road which was an amazing experience! 

Check out Medicine Lake

Located approximately 20km southeast of the town of Jasper, Medicine Lake is part of the Maligne Valley watershed. It’s also known as the ‘disappearing lake’ and is one of Jasper’s most unique attractions. If you visit in summer, Medicine Lake is filled with beautiful blue-green glacial melt water. However, underneath the water lies one of the world’s largest inaccessible cave systems. By fall, most of the water has passed through these sinkholes to resurface downstream at the nearby Maligne Canyon. A few pools are left but by the beginning of winter, the lake has completely disappeared. It’s a truly incredible phenomenon!

In winter, snow covers the lake and you might be lucky enough to see local wildlife like elk and moose. Although it’s not a popular destination, you can snowshoe across the lake. As always, make sure you check Parks Canada for trail information and conditions.   

Visit Maligne Lake

At the end of Maligne Road, you’ll find my favourite lake in Jasper National Park – Maligne Lake. Stretching approximately 22 km, Maligne Lake is the longest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, and the second largest glacier-fed lake in the world.

Maligne Lake is also home to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in Jasper National Park. The island is a spiritual place for the Stoney Nakoda First Nation and is only accessible by boat. You can canoe or kayak to Spirit Island which takes 5 – 8 hours, or you can book a 90-minute Maligne Lake Cruise which takes you directly to Spirit Island. The boat cruises run from June until early October and usually sell out so if you’re visiting Jasper in summer, make sure you book in advance.

While it’s a busy summer destination, there’s no shortage of fun things to do at Maligne Lake in winter. There are plenty of hiking trails along the lake and around the surrounding area. The easiest trail is the Mary Shaffer Loop (3.2 km) which follows the path along the lake shore and offers panoramic views of the mountain ranges. You’ll probably needs crampons or snowshoes depending on how much snow has fallen. Once the lake is frozen solid, you can go ice skating on it which is definitely one of the most quintessential things to do in Jasper in winter!

Wander around Jasper’s town site

One of my favourite things to do in Jasper in the winter is just to walk around the town. Surrounded by soaring mountains, the rustic town of Jasper is charming. It’s less commercial than its neighbour Banff so you feel like more of a local than a tourist as you walk around the town.

Take some time to stroll around the quaint streets and browse the shops. Unsurprisingly, you’ll see a lot of outdoor adventure shops, but there are also nice boutiques and gift shops which sell a range of lovely souvenirs. There are also plenty of great coffee shops and cafes to pop into if you need to warm up!

Once you’ve finished looking at the shops, I recommend wrapping up and walking the Jasper Discovery Trail. This beautiful loop circles the entire town and winds in and out of the woods. There are a number of viewpoints, bridges and interpretive signs along the way with interesting information about the town. The loop is 8.3km long and takes about 2 hours to complete depending on how much you stop but you can wander back into the town at any point.

Explore Jasper’s snowshoeing trails

As someone who doesn’t ski or snowboard, snowshoeing is probably in my top three favourite things to do in Jasper in winter. It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the local trails that are usually only accessible in summer safely.

There are several lovely snowshoeing trails in Jasper that you can explore. I recommend sticking to the well-trafficked trails if you don’t have avalanche training as these are easy to follow and aren’t remote. Here are a few of my favourites:

• Mary Schäffer Loop at Maligne Lake (2.9km)
• Moose Lake Loop at Maligne Lake (2.6km)
• Valley of the 5 Lakes (4.6km loop but you can just go to the first lake if you prefer)
• Pyramid Bench Trails near Pyramid Lake

You can rent snowshoes from Pure Outdoors or Jasper Source for Sports in town for around $15 CAD per day. If you’re new to snowshoeing and would prefer a guided experience, there are a number of tour operators that offer tours. Whether you’re going out alone or with a guide, make sure you always check trail conditions in Jasper before you go and take the right clothing.

Go skiing at Marmot Basin

Like Banff, skiing and snowboarding are two of the most popular things to do in Jasper in winter. Located 30 minutes from Jasper townsite, Marmot Basin is one of the best ski resorts in Western Canada and has the highest base elevation of all Canadian Ski Areas. It has 91 runs ranging from easy greens to double blacks.

The mountain gets over 440cm of dry, light powder snow each year so skiers and snowboarders can enjoy amazing conditions all season long. If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding or want some practice, you can book some lessons at the snow school.

Explore the Icefields Parkway

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the world. The highway stretches 233 km from Lake Louise to Jasper, winding through sweeping valleys and rugged mountain ranges, past pine forests and towering glaciers.

If you’re planning to do a winter road trip and visit both Banff and Jasper, you’ll be driving along the Icefields Parkway. However, if you’re just visiting Jasper, you can still easily explore part of the highway on a day trip. 

There is also a lot of snow clearing and maintenance on the highway which sometimes results in temporary closures. Make sure check 511 Alberta before you set off and fill up on gas and supplies as services along the Icefields Parkway are closed from November until April.

I’ve written a detailed guide about the Icefields Parkway, which includes all the best stops and attractions along the way, but here are the closest ones to Jasper:

ATHABASCA FALLS

Athabasca Falls is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. In summer, the river rushes over the edge and is a dramatic sight to see. However, it’s even more majestic in winter when the cascading water has frozen.  

The falls are located 33 km from Jasper along the Icefields Parkway. There are plenty of platforms along the interpretive trail where you can get some beautiful photos and learn about the Athabasca River. I would recommend packing some crampons as the trail can be very icy in the winter months. There are a few steps along the way so go slowly and watch your footing, especially if you’re going first thing in the morning.

TANGLE CREEK FALLS

Out of all of the Icefield Parkway stops, I think Tangle Creek Falls is one of the most underrated. The waterfall has multiple tiers and is stunning all year round, but even more so in winter when it’s dusted in snow and the top waterfall becomes a wall of icicles.

The waterfalls are right on the highway so it’s easy to miss if you don’t know where it is. If you’re driving from Jasper to Lake Louise, it will be on your left hand side. There is a small parking lot on your side. Be careful crossing the road to walk over to the waterfall as it’s a high speed highway.

SUNWAPTA FALLS

Fed by the Athabasca Glacier, Sunwapta Falls is another beautiful waterfall located along the Icefields Parkway. In Stoney native language, Sunwapta means ‘turbulent water’ which is an appropriate name for this rushing waterfall. There is a viewing bridge near the car park where you can get lovely views of the upper falls. If you want to visit the lower falls, there is a short trail (1.3 km) which takes you down to the falls. 

Heading to Banff? Check out my blog post on Banff’s best winter activities, as well as my guide to visiting Banff in winter which contains lots of important information.  

Book a winter wildlife tour

It is very likely that you will come across wildlife during your winter trip to Jasper. While bears will typically be hibernating, elk, deer, moose, wolves and sheep are all still very active in Jasper in winter. 

You’ll probably see wildlife while you’re out and about but if you want to increase your chances, you can join a wildlife tour. SunDog Tours runs winter wildlife tours that will take you through Jasper National Park. Along the way, you’ll get to see some incredible scenery from the comfort of the bus. The guides are very knowledgeable and will teach you about the history of the area, as well as how the animals survive the cold winters.

If you’re travelling with older relatives or have any mobility issues, a winter wildlife tour is a great way to explore the park as you’re on the bus for most of the tour. I book most of my tours through Get Your Guide as you can book in cancel up to 24 hours before your tour date and get a full refund. The weather changes so quickly in the Canadian Rockies so having this flexibility helps.

Go stargazing

Jasper National Park is the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world at 11,000 sq. km. If you’ve ever wanted to go stargazing, this is the place to do it. It really is one of the most special things to do in Jasper in winter. On a clear night, you may even be lucky enough to see the aurora borealis. There are plenty of place to go stargazing in Jasper but here are a few options to get you started:

• Medicine Lake
• Pyramid Lake
• Lake Annette
• Lac Beavert
• Maligne Lake

If you want to try some astrophotography while you’re there, Jasper Photo Tours runs night photography tours. They’ll teach you basic to advanced techniques to capture the night sky. If the skies are a bit cloudy on the night, they’ll show you how to do a light painting which is pretty cool!  

Visit Jasper Planetarium

If the idea of standing around outside at night in the cold doesn’t appeal, don’t worry! You can still enjoy Jasper’s dark skies at the Jasper Planetarium. Located at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, the Planetarium offers visitors the chance to see the night sky above Jasper regardless of the weather. You can book the Planetarium experience which takes places in the 38-seat domed theatre where experienced astronomy guides will share stories about local Canadian Indigenous constellations. You’ll also get to see views of recent Northern Lights sightings in Jasper, and rocket into space to see Jasper National Park from above.

The Planetarium also offers Telescope experiences where you can look through the largest, most powerful telescopes in the Canadian Rockies! The Planetarium is one of the best things to do in Jasper in winter and shouldn’t be missed if you want to learn more about the park’s dark sky.

Go ice skating on Jasper’s frozen lakes

I couldn’t write about the best things to do in Jasper in winter and not include ice skating! Jasper has so many beautiful lakes so you have lots of options if you want to go ice skating during your time in the park. The lakes are usually frozen solid by December but it’s always best to check before you venture out onto the ice. Pick up an ice screw and take it with you so you can check that the ice is at least 4 inches thick.

Pyramid Lake and Patricia Lake are popular ice skating spots; however, the best option is Lake Mildred which is located on the grounds of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. By January, the local lakes are usually covered in a heavy layer of snow making skating quite difficult but Lake Mildred is a maintained ice rink. The maintenance team clear snow and resurface it so you can skate on it all winter. They also have a hockey rink for pick-up games – you just have to bring your skates. If you don’t have any, you can rent them from the Fairmont Winter Rental Shop.

Take an ice climbing lesson

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something a bit different on your winter getaway to Jasper, try ice climbing! Oce the waterfalls have completely frozen, Jasper is a hot spot with ice climbers of all skill levels.

There are a number of private and group tours for beginners where you can learn to ice climb on some of Jasper’s most stunning waterfalls. Your instructor will teach you the basics of ice climbing and ensure your experience is safe and fun. Tourism Jasper recommends Rockaboo Mountain Adventures. They’re highly rated and their guides are all ACMG certified. They’ll provide all of the technical equipment you need and also offer transportation from Jasper to the climbing site and back.

Try out cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing is one of the most fun things to do in Jasper in winter. If you’ve never skied before, don’t worry – it’s actually quite easy to pick up without having lessons. Jasper has a great mix of cross-country ski trails which are well-maintained from December until March.

Whirlpool cross country ski hub and Marmot Meadows cross country ski hub offer a range of easy to difficult ski trails. You can also find groomed trails at Athabasca Falls, Pyramid Lake and Wabasso Campground. You can rent skis and gear from Pure Outdoors or Jasper Source for Sports in town.

Go Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is another popular winter activity in Jasper. The tradition dates back to the Inuit people of Northern Canada who use dog sledding as one of their main modes of transport. Today, dog sledding is no longer a way of transporting goods but it has become a popular winter activity among visitors.

If you fancy going on a dog sledding tour during your time in Jasper, there are a number of respectable companies to choose from. Cold Fire Creek Dogsledding and SunDog Tours offer one hour and longer dog sledding adventures. Most tours offer hot beverages and baked goods after the tour and you can have some cuddles with the huskies!

Take a helicopter ride for a new perspective

One of the most memorable things you can do in Jasper in winter (and summer) is to see the mountains from above. A helicopter ride will give you a birds-eye view of glaciers, lakes, waterfalls and canyons. It truly is a unique experience!   

There are a number of different providers that offer a range of helicopter tours which last anywhere from 25 to 55 minutes. Depending on your budget, you can also add an optional snowshoeing excursion to your helicopter ride.   

I would recommend this scenic helicopter tour with Rockies Heli Canada. They have great reviews and are slightly cheaper than some of the other companies. You can book through Get Your Guide which means you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour and get a refund. You’ll stop at a high alpine meadow and enjoy a 1-hour snowshoeing adventure followed by hot chocolates!

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN ALBERTA IN WINTER

There are so many amazing things to do in Jasper in winter but if you have time, here are a few other spots in the Canadian Rockies that are worth visiting:

Banff

Banff is one of the most magical places I’ve visited in Canada. Words can’t really describe how beautiful Banff is or the sense of awe that you feel as you enter the park. If you have the time, I highly recommend extending your trip and visiting Banff National Park as well. A lot of people think of Banff as a summer destination, but it’s an amazing place to visit in winter. If you’re weighing up whether to visit Banff in summer or winter, check out my summer and winter guides. I also have a blog post about our fall road trip from Vancouver to Banff.

Emerald Lake

Located in Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake is must-see destination if you’re visiting Banff and Lake Louise during your Canadian Rockies road trip. Discovered back in 1882 during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, Emerald Lake is the largest of Yoho National Park’s 61 lakes. In summer, it’s a wonderful place to kayak, canoe, and paddleboard.

By November, the lake begins to freeze and doesn’t thaw until early June. Once it’s frozen, you can snowshoe or cross-country ski across the lake. If you want to stay overnight, you can book a room at the nearby Emerald Lake Lodge. The rooms are located in cabin style buildings and have their own balconies or patios where you can sit and enjoy a glass of wine in the evening.

Abraham Lake

Abraham Lake is located about half way between Banff and Jasper so it’s a good 2.5 hour-drive but it’s definitely worth it. This is one of the best places to see the beautiful frozen methane bubbles that appear underneath the lake’s surface. It varies each year but January is usually the best time to visit. You’ll need to keep an eye on the weather forecast and aim to visit when there has been a period of no snow so the lake is clear.

Canmore

Canmore is a beautiful mountain town just outside of Banff. During winter, the town has a lovely Christmasy feel with the lights and shops. There are lots of great things to do in winter in Canmore but one of my favourite activities is visiting the Three Sisters. These impressive mountain peaks can be seen throughout Canmore but you can walk down to the river for a better view.

WHERE TO STAY IN JASPER IN WINTER

Jasper has a variety of accommodation to suit different budgets and tastes. Here are the places I’ve stayed on my last 3 trips to Jasper which I would highly recommend.

Chateau Jasper

Located in the town just off Connaught Drive, Chateau Jasper is a short walk from the shops and restaurants. It’s an environmentally friendly hotel and has a modern gym, indoor pool, and a hot tub. Wifi is included and the rooms are very comfortable. Check prices >

Maligne Lodge

Maligne Lodge is located on the outskirts of the town and is a more affordable option if you plan to spend 3 days in Jasper during the peak summer months. It has good facilities in the room and also benefits from a sauna, indoor pool, and outdoor hot tub. Check prices >

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Located on the shores of Lac Beauvert, Jasper Park Lodge promises a luxury mountain getaway. The resort is made up of cozy log cabins set over 700 acres, and is also home to an award-winning golf course and a luxurious spa. The hospitality is impeccable and the staff go out of their way to make your stay unforgettable. Check prices >

THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN JASPER 

There’s no shortage of great places to eat in Jasper – which is good because you’re probably going to work up a big appetite! Here are some of my favourite spots:

RESTAURANTS

• Jasper Pizza Place
• Andaaz Jasper
• Olive Bistro & Lounge

BRUNCH SPOTS

• Sunhouse Café
• Jasper’s Wafflato
• Bear’s Paw Bakery

COFFEE SHOPS

• SnowDome Coffee Bar
• Wicked Cup
• Coco’s Cafe

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR WINTER TRIP TO JASPER

Winter in Jasper can get really cold so you’ll want to bring a lot of good quality layers. Here’s an overview of what I took with me on my last two winter trips to the Canadian Rockies:

Base layers

Breathable base layers are crucial when visiting Jasper National Park in winter. Pack a couple of long-sleeve tops that you can wear underneath all of your other layers. I always take my Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew and my Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Crew Thermal Top as they’re easy to layer.

Pack a couple of pairs of thermal bottoms for layering under pants as you’ll want the extra warmth. I took my Patagonia Capilene Midweight Bottoms and my Icebreaker 200 Oasis Leggings and alternated between them.

Mid-layers

You’ll need to pack a couple of mid-layers for insulation. I took my Patagonia Better Sweater 1/4 Zip Fleece for hiking and my Patagonia Los Gatos 1/4-Zip for more casual activities like walking around the town.

Outer layers

I recommend taking a couple of outer layers for the different activities you plan to do in Jasper. I wore my Eddie Bauer Cascadian Down Parka almost every day. It has a temperature rating of -42°C (-45°F) but it’s incredibly lightweight which makes it a very comfortable but cozy option. For hiking and snowshoeing adventures, I wore my Patagonia Down Jacket and my Patagonia waterproof shell.

Pants

For causal sightseeing, I typically wear a pair of jeans or fleece-lined black leggings on top of my thermal pants. If you’re heading out hiking or snowshoeing, I would recommend wearing thermal pants, fleece-lined leggings, and a pair of waterproof pants.

Socks

Pack some merino wool socks! They’re great for hiking and exploring. They are the most breathable option and are also moisture wicking and odour resistant. I’ve also found that they’ve prevented me from getting blisters when hiking long distances.

I normally pack several pairs of socks in case I want to double up on extremely cold days. My go-to hiking socks are Smartwool Classic Hike Full Cushion Crew Socks and Darn Tough Hiker Cushion Micro Crew Socks.

Waterproof shoes

Most of the best things to do in Jasper in winter will require waterproof winter or snow boots. I’ve had KEEN hiking boots since moving to Canada and would recommend something similar to the KEEN Revel IV Mid Polar Waterproof Winter Boots. They’re packed with insulation and have great grip.  

Accessories

Don’t go to Jasper in winter without your warm hat/ toque, gloves, and neck scarf/ warmer. I recommend getting items that have fleece lining to keep you nice and warm and stop heat escaping from your extremities.  

Winter essentials

The following items are absolute game-changers!

• Hand warmers: Frostbite is no joke in winter in Jasper. You can buy these little sachets from most supermarkets and put them in your gloves to help warm up your hands. This is very-much needed if you’ve taken a glove off to take a photo or do up your shoe lace as your hands will be ice cold.
• Lip balm and moisturizer: The air is very dry in Jasper in winter so your skin will dry out more quickly than normal. Make sure you have lip balm and hand moisturizer with you and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
• Sunglasses: The snow can be very bright on your eyes so make sure you pack some polarised sunglasses to cut through the glare.
• Headlamp: If you’re planning to stay out late, I recommend taking a headlamp. I took my Petzl Actik headlamp on our sunrise and sunset adventures.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN JASPER IN WINTER

Jasper is a beautiful place to visit all year round but there is something so magical about the park in winter. I hope this guide gives you a good idea of the best things to do in Jasper in winter and helps you plan your own trip. If you need any more information, please leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help!

Where to explore next?

I absolutely love the Canadian Rockies and have been lucky enough to visit several times over the past three years. If you’re looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Canadian Rockies, check out my detailed travel guides.

Here are a few other British Columbia guides that you might like:

SUNSHINE COAST

• Gibsons: The Gateway to the Sunshine Coast
• Powell River: The Sunshine Coast’s hidden treasure

VANCOUVER ISLAND

• The best getaways on Vancouver Island
• North Vancouver Island: The ultimate road trip
• The complete travel guide to Cowichan Valley
• How to spend 3 amazing days in Tofino
• Exploring the Pacific Marine Circle Route

Love from Steph

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