The secret that locals and savvy travellers know: shoulder-season is the best time to plan a getaway to Jasper National Park. March and April punch far above their weight, especially if you care about creating an itinerary that has activity variety, peaceful pace, and scrapbook-worthy stories.
What's so special about March and April in Jasper?
Usually, if you say you're visiting a place for two seasons, people might assume your trip is many months long. In Jasper, where mountainous terrain means winter lingers in the high alpine while spring blooms in the valley, it's possible to be much more efficient with your travel plans.
This guide covers:
- What winter activities are still available in March
- When does spring start in Jasper National Park
- How to best combine winter and spring in one itinerary
- What to pack for fluctuating seasonal weather
- Travel tips for shoulder season
Best Jasper activities in March and April
The shoulder season is incredible, but like any travel in the mountains, can be unpredictable and certain activities will open earlier or close later in the season depending on how the forecast is looking. The activities below include the expected opening dates but visitors should confirm availability when booking. Also pro tip when combining winter-ish and spring-ish activities into a single itinerary: plan to do the snow-dependent stuff in the morning when the ground is still frosty from overnight chill.
Spring Skiing at Marmot Basin
Shredding powder while wearing a t-shirt? At Jasper's beloved ski resort, which boasts the highest base elevation in Canada and is usually open until the beginning of May, spring skiing is a yearly highlight. Pro tip for families: kids ski free midweek in 2026!
Wildlife tour
Spring is one of the best times to spot Jasper’s iconic wildlife — especially baby animals. Elk, moose, and even sometimes bears become more active and the fact that forests haven't fully leafed out makes them easier to spot. A guided wildlife tour can increase your chance of a sighting, as well as boost your overall knowledge and enjoyment of the experience. Don't miss SunDog Tour Co.'s new tour: Winter Wildlife of Jasper and the Ecology of Fire, offered until April.
Jasper Food Tours
Fuel up for adventure with a guided taste of Jasper’s culinary scene. With mouthwatering dishes, a mystery itinerary and year-round accessibility, the flagship Downtown Foodie Tour is the perfect way to savour local flavours and hear the stories behind the town’s best bites.
Jasper Food Tours
Photography tour
Shutterbugs in search of that perfectly unique shot really shouldn't sleep on March and April. The landscape is at its most dynamic; if the conditions aren't right, just wait a couple hours and they'll probably change. The daylight hours are now long enough that you can cover a good amount of ground, but short enough that those golden sunrise/sunset shots don't put you in a standoff with your alarm clock. Top local photography guides include Jasper Photo Tours and Wildland Photo Tours.
Fireside Chat
On Mondays evenings, join Matricia Bauer of Warrior Women for a beautifully unique experience that includes singing, storytelling and reflections. Also ask about her new Wayfinders Experience: an immersive experience rooted in historical hunting, fishing, and trapline traditions (located outside of the national park).
Glacial Plunge
Embrace the rejuvenating spirit of spring with a bold (and brag-worthy) new experience at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Facilitated by a certified guide, the Glacial Plunge and Sauna includes guided breathwork, an outdoor barrel sauna ritual with aromatherapy, glacial cold plunge, and post-experience relaxation touches like lavender cooling cloths and Neroli mist. Or go for a more traditional relaxation routine with one of the Fairmont Spa's other services.
Helicopter tour
Witness a landscape in transition from an unforgettable vantage point. Snow-capped peaks, sprawling icefields, and untouched alpine landscapes stretch endlessly below spring skies with a flight with one of Jasper's esteemed helicopter tour companies.
Glacial Plunge and Sauna at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Other top things to do
Ice climbing tours are generally offered until March 31; check with Rockaboo Mountain Adventures for the latest conditions. By mid-April motorcycle tours become available (along with the heated jackets and cozy sidecars that make the tours comfortable even in chilly conditions). The Jasper SkyTram also is projected to open on April 15, 2026, and with it: the singular opportunity to rent snowshoes at the Upper Station and venture to the top of the mountain. Depending on conditions, you might also look into a snowshoe tour with one of Jasper's hiking guides.
Events
Diversity and mountain fun combine with themed ski days, live entertainment, and vibrant community events from April 10-19, 2026.
This annual culinary celebration showcases Jasper's culinary excellence and originality against a backdrop of cultural events, outdoor exploration, and a landscape in bloom. Happening April 24 to May 3, 2026.
Delight in warmer temperatures and clear streets by lacing up your sneakers and crossing a finish line on April 25, 2026. Other distances include a 10k, 5k, and 1k funrun for the kids.
Jasper Pride & Ski Festival
Shoulder season travel tips
Every year's weather is different in the Rocky Mountains — oh, sorry, *checks notes* — every day's weather is different. Sometimes there's clear ground and t-shirts in March, but there can also be sudden snow in April. Lean into the adventure of it. A dash of unpredictability can amp up the memories, but you can also rest easy knowing that most shoulder season activities (and their providers) are delightful in a variety of conditions.
What to pack for fluctuating seasonal weather
Be like an onion and be ready with layers. That means easy, packable clothes that you can take off and add on while on the go. If you're doing something a bit more strenuous that might result in sweat (ice climbing, snowshoeing, and potentially skiing, for example) then the layer closest to your skin should be made in a fabric that will wick away the moisture. Once you start to cool down, wet cotton will make you feel even colder.
Travel tips for shoulder season
Driving to Jasper? You're in luck, the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the world. But as a remote, high-altitude highway, you should be prepared with a full tank of gas as there are no service stations open until later in the spring. Snow tires are mandatory until April 1. It's never a bad idea to have the trunk stocked with water, extra clothing and food, snow shovel, and blankets. If you'd rather someone else take the wheel, SunDog Transportation and Tours has convenient daily shuttles and private charters connecting Jasper to Edmonton, Calgary, Banff and more.
