Complete guide to a happy holiday season in the mountains

Make the most of Jasper's festive cheer with this helpful list of things to do during the holidays.

The holiday season is a special one, and it's made all the more magical by spending it among the mountains in Jasper National Park. With so many amazing and unique activities – skiing! snowshoeing! sleigh rides! – not to mention oodles of deals that your wallet will love, it’s not hard to see why our chilliest season often delivers the warmest memories.

From festivals to furry friends, there’s no shortage of reasons why spending the holidays in this lovable mountain town will create a one-of-a-kind experience, not to mention many lasting memories.

Ski Marmot Basin

There are few joys in life more equally exhilarating and peaceful than gliding down a sparkling slope of snow. And Jasper’s beloved local ski spot, Marmot Basin, boasts some of the best snow around. With 91 runs perfect for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers, there’s never been a better time to hop on a lift. Bonus: thanks to Marmot's uncrowded atmosphere and layout, you probably won't even have to wait in a lift line.

Score Deals

With all the gift-buying that often goes hand-in-hand with this season, it's never a bad idea to score a deal. In which case, winter is definitely the time to visit our quaint mountain town. With hotel deals aplenty, not to mention discounted rates on ski and spa packages, winter visitors get to soak up all the mountain beauty for a fraction of the summer price.

Indulge in Comfort Food

Hot chocolate after skating. Karma curry from Evil Dave’s Restaurant. Smoked meat at The Maligne Range. Happy hour at Terra. When the weather outside is chilly, it’s time to warm yourself from the inside out. Bonus: the quieter nature of winter travel means that there’s rarely a line outside restaurants, which means there’s less standing in the way between you and a happy tummy. Find an eatery to suit your stomach here.

Go Snowshoeing

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Jasper's winter landscapes with a snowshoeing adventure. Sundog Tours offers a 3-hour snowshoe tour through breathtaking scenery complete with insights into the area's history, geology, and ecology. Jasper Hikes and Tours also provide small private snowshoe journeys for a more personalized experience. Prefer to explore at your own pace? Several local shops, including Source for Sports and Totem Ski Shop, offer snowshoe rentals so you can venture out on winter trails independently.

Walk at the Bottom of a Canyon

New this winter, Sundog Tours and Jasper Hikes & Tours are offering the opportunity to explore a deep, narrow slot canyon. The hidden Pleckaitis Canyon is one of Jasper's deepest accessible canyons, offering a serene and otherworldly setting. Navigate this winding canyon with a knowledgeable guide, while you uncover the mysteries of the canyon's unique geology, as well as learn about the area's rich history and ecology.

Skating on Mildred Lake

When you stay at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (or even when you stay elsewhere) you don’t have to go far to enjoy a beautiful day in Jasper National Park. Enjoy the groomed skating rink on Lake Mildred offering round-the-lake oval and hockey rink for pick-up games. Skate rentals available at the Winter Rental Shop.

Plan the perfect holiday party

If there's one thing that the holiday season has plenty of, it's parties. Make your gathering even more magical by hosting it in Jasper National Park. Here are some of these fun and festive options.

Terra — Located in town, inside The Crimson Hotel, this newly renovated spot has a warm and welcoming ambiance and a creative cocktail list that would be perfect for holiday gatherings.

The Maligne Range — Also in town, this restaurant features a charming cabin-style interior, with a separate upstairs area ideal for indulging in specialty whisky cocktails and delicious appetizers.

Forest Park Hotel — If you've got a large crew coming to celebrate, the Sawridge Ballroom at the Forest Park Hotel can accommodate 240-people, while the on-site restaurants bring a farm-to-table experience amid a cozy aesthetic.

Pyramid Lake Lodge — Get amazing views of Pyramid Mountain from the chalet-style dining rooms at this lakeside resort.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge — Iconic, luxurious, and always decorated beautifully for the holidays, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge never misses with their holiday party options.

And, if you're planning on leaving your hotel for a dinner or festive gathering, travel in style in our new, complimentary Jasper Pony Express! Available nightly Thursday to Sunday, from December 12, 2024 to March 31, 2025. Let us take you on a ride through the heart of Jasper.