The whimsical world of winter is alive in Jasper. While this beautiful mountain town tucked away in the wild Canadian Rockies may seem quaint at first glance, it is also the home base for thrilling winter experiences that create memories to last a lifetime.
Seeking new and unique ways to get off the beaten path? These outdoor activities are sure to do the trick. Here are just a few ways to inspire your soul, invigorate your body, and connect with the spirit and beauty of Jasper this winter.
Why not discover the winter trails near Jasper by bike? Fat bikes are the winter equivalent for pedal-powered fun, with oversized tires to cruise snow-covered trails and uneven terrain. Fat bike along the Athabasca River on a trail that begins and ends in the Jasper townsite for an accessible trail that still feels off-the-grid. Rent a fat bike at Pyramid Lake and give it a try! Check out these trails for other ideas on where to bike.
Snowshoeing is a wonderful activity to slow down and embrace winter’s beauty. Moving at a slower pace allows you to be present and soak in all of nature’s mesmerizing intricacies. You can rent snowshoes at Pyramid Lake Lodge. Snowshoeing can have a bit of a “pick your own adventure” mentality, however the areas near Pyramid Bench and Maligne Lake are prime for snowshoeing adventures. For more of a challenge, try Virl, Dorothy and Christine Lakes for amazing winter views of the lakes below.
This beautiful canyon trail isn’t just for summer. When the cold weather hits, Maligne Canyon transforms to a world of towering frozen waterfalls and natural ice sculptures stretching up to 30 metres high. To fully experience this winter wonderland, book a guided tour with Maligne Canyon Icewalks and venture into the heart of the canyon. Don’t miss your chance to explore Maligne Canyon in its winter form!
Please note: The Maligne Canyon area has been affected by recent wildfires and is currently unavailable. Check the Parks Canada website for the latest information on what’s open.
Jasper National Park is home to the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world, defined by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as an area in which no artificial lighting is visible, and active measures are in place to reduce light pollution. This makes areas just outside Jasper perfect for stargazing and getting lost in the wonder of the universe. If you time your outing just right, you may even see the aurora borealis! Find your own quiet corner outside and bundle up with a thermos of hot cocoa to make the most of this experience.
There’s something simply magical about gliding across a vast expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies, with just the mountains as spectators. When the glacial fed Pyramid Lake freezes over, it’s the perfect locale to play a game of shinny or master your pirouette. Sometimes you can even see interesting natural formations like bubbles captured in the surface.
With these ideas in mind, plan your getaway to Jasper this winter. And be sure to try something new!
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