We get it. Dads can be hard to shop for. But if we see one more gifted hammer or necktie, we swear WE WILL TURN THIS CAR AROUND.
Isn't it time to break out of the mold and make this a Father's Day to remember? So leave the Home Depot gift card for another day and gift him the chance to get a change of scenery. Try out one of these seven Dad-friendly activities in Jasper National Park.
1 Golf at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
A day in the sun spent whacking balls into oblivion: what's not to love? This world-renowned golf course is a must-play for any golf fan, but is also an approachable (not to mention drop-dead-gorgeous) spot to learn the sport.
2 Taste some beers and eat some tasty grub
Parenthood is hard work. Potentially even more work than usual over the last few years. Let dad take a load off and enjoy a cold one at either the Jasper Brewing Co., Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria, the Downstream Restaurant & Lounge, or one of Jasper's other hubs for sips and sups. If you'd rather take the meal to-go, we've got some great picnic spots to recommend.
Want a variety of food and drink? Take Dad on a Jasper Food Tour, which provides four generous helpings and four paired bevvies.
Parks Canada/ Ben Morin
3 Go for a hike
There's nothing like getting out into nature and stretchin' the ol' gams. If Dad fancies himself an outdoorsman, hit the trails together and start tallying up how many plants he can identify. While we don't doubt he could walk into the wilderness with nothing but a toothpick and build a fully-insulated cabin, Father's Day is one occasion he shouldn't have to be fully self-sufficient. The experience of hiking with a guide can be really special and add an extra educational touch to the experience.
4 Hit the water
Part father, part fish. Is it just us or do a lot of dads love being out on the water? If yours splashes around in this category, Jasper has got no shortage of outlets. Rent a canoe and paddle one of Jasper's many lakes for an easy afternoon, or go for broke and raft the Athabasca River's rapids. Want something in the middle? These float trips are great for the whole family.
5 Fly high with the Jasper SkyTram
Want to give dad a taste of the alpine, without causing his knees to alp-whine? The upper station atop Whistlers Mountain is a beautiful 7-minute flight aboard the Jasper SkyTram, and comes with plenty of fascinating facts. Once there, walk to the tippy-top summit, enjoy panoramic views of multiple mountain ranges, and grab a drink at the Summit Restaurant.
Read the SkyTram's health and safety pledge here.
6 Head to the museum
Appease your dad's inner (or very-much-outer) history buff by spending an afternoon at the Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives. With tons of exhibits both permanent and traveling, it's a cornucopia of fascinating historical tid-bits and a truly good time for anyone who loves learning.
7 Bike the trails
Don't have a ton of time but want to explore as many of Jasper's glorious single-track as possible? Rent a bike from The Bench Bike Shop, get advice on where to cycle from friendly owner Randall, and see the park on two wheels.
Or, arrange a mountain bike tour with Journey Bike Guides. Multiple experience levels are available.
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