Jasper is Open: We're thrilled to welcome guests back to Jasper National Park. Please note that we are in the process of updating this page for accuracy. For the latest information, visit our Jasper Re-Opening Update page.
Canada’s largest national park in the Rockies may be spectacular in summer, but it’s absolutely magical in wintertime. Here are some key tips for experiencing Jasper with the kids this snowy season.
There are so many winter activities in Jasper that it’s hard to decide where to start.
Skiing at Marmot Basin is fun for the whole family with ski school options for different age groups. If your little ones don’t have their ski legs just yet, the hill also offers a nursery for children 19 months to six years old.
Prefer to stay (mostly) on level ground? Break a sweat to beat the chill by going cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. For a scenic route, try the 2.6-km Moose Lake loop, a popular spot in the Maligne Lake area for snowshoers and skiers alike. Keep an eye out for wildlife while you explore, including the trail’s namesake, the iconic Canadian moose.
If you’d rather travel on wheels, try hopping on a fat bike and hitting the 4.4-km Woodpecker loop between Lake Annette and Jasper Park Lodge. There are many rental spots in and around town if you don’t have your own gear, including at Pyramid Lake Lodge.
Jasper's frozen lakes turn into skating rinks in the winter. Hit the ice on skates at Pyramid Lake or play pick-up hockey on Lake Mildred. On weekends, bring a thermos of hot chocolate and warm up by the fire. Pyramid Lake Lodge also offers skate rentals for all ages.
Action aside, family time is also about slowing down and taking in the sights together. The sleigh ride at Pyramid Lake is just $5 for kids under five and perfect for sightseeing. Cozy up under warm blankets as you marvel at the surrounding snow-capped mountain peaks.
It’s no secret that the Canadian Rockies can get downright frosty in wintertime. When you need a break from your snowy adventures, visit Jasper-Yellowhead Museum & Archives or the Jasper Planetarium, home to the Rockies’ largest telescope, to escape the cold and learn something new.
Craving something sweet? Andromeda Coffee is beloved by locals and a must-visit for hot beverages and tasty baked goods. Pizza is always a crowd pleaser, too — check out Jasper Pizza Place for takeout or delivery. If you want to enjoy gorgeous Rocky Mountain and lake views, dine at Aalto to wrap up your day.
When the weather is frosty, there is nothing better than warming up in a hot tub or heated pool. Check out Pyramid Lake Lodge and Lobstick Lodge for a relaxing outdoor hot tub experience. For those more sensitive to the cold, enjoy fun in the indoor pool and hot tubs at Forest Park Hotel, The Crimson, Marmot Lodge or Chateau Jasper.
Jasper in January, which runs for three weeks of the month, is the perfect way to experience the town’s authentic mountain spirit. This festival has been a favourite for more than 30 years. Kids will love dogsledding, street party games and tasty treats galore.
In mid-February all across Alberta, Family Day Weekend gives us a little more time to slow down and appreciate each other’s company. In Jasper, we recommend using this time to experience the snow-covered mountains together, perhaps with a winter hike or guided snowshoe trip.
From the first sign of snow straight through the winter, Jasper is truly a family-friendly winter wonderland! Join us in the Canadian Rockies this year and make some below-zero memories.
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