Food, art, and adventure combine at Jasper's best (and tastiest) spring festival, happening April 24–May 3, 2026.
Kick off the season at Taste of Spring – the freshest event of its kind in the Canadian Rockies. Mixing creative cuisine and mountain culture, this 10-day springtime celebration showcases Jasper's finest flavours at a time when the Athabasca Valley is blooming to life.
From farm fresh dishes to intimate concerts to kitchen workshops to mural art tours through downtown, this drool-worthy extravaganza has something for everyone.
This Taste of Spring guide covers:
- Top food and drink events
- Activities to do other than dining
- Tips from local foodies
What's so special about Taste of Spring
Spring is a time of transition in the Rockies, when winter hasn't fully let go of the alpine but the valley's are bursting with green. Against this scenic backdrop, Jasper's culinary scene is also waking up after its sleepier season. “This festival is a chance to showcase the incredible talent in Jasper, from chefs and mixologists to artists and performers, all inspired by the energy of spring in the Rockies," says Naji Khouri, the director of destination development at Tourism Jasper.
Top Food and Drink Events
- Burger Smackdown – Get ready to sink your teeth into Jasper’s tastiest showdown! This fun three-week friendly competition challenges local restaurants to craft the most mouthwatering, over-the-top burgers. Each bite supports a great cause, with $1 from every burger sold going to the Jasper Food Bank.
- Alpine Bites & Summit Sips – From inventive small plates to handcrafted cocktails, this collection of dining specials highlights new must-try dishes and drinks at various local restaurants, cafés, and bars.
- Untamed Table: Bison and Foraged Flavours – Eat tip to tail at this delicious and inventive multi-course dinner at Olive Bistro & Lounge, with storytelling by celebrity chefs.
- Alberta Beer & Spirits Trail – An intimate, guided evening involving four of Jasper's favourite restaurants: Evil Dave's Grill, Olive Bistro, Papa George's , and Terra. Each stop includes a 45-minute tasting, where beverage experts will share the story behind each pour.
- Guacamole workshop – Get your hands in the mix and master the art of everyone's favourite party dip with the chef at Su Casa Mexican Lounge. Because no fiesta is complete without it! No cover charge for this event but spots are limited.
- Forage & Feast – Head to Terra for farm fresh dishes of the week while local legend Pete Cherniawsky plays live. This versatile solo musician's acoustic performances span genres and eras, offering something for everyone.
- Sassy Sangria Saturday – Get ready to party with happy hour deals, workshops and live music by Greg Deagle. Then Mariachi Loco takes the stage with their blend of traditional mariachi and modern favourites in both Spanish and English. Whether it’s a heartfelt ballad or an upbeat fiesta anthem, Mariachi Loco will have you singing, dancing, and feeling the rhythm of Mexico!
Art + adventure: What activities to do during Taste of Spring other than dining
The vernal season is an exciting time in anywhere, but especially in towns like Jasper where nature is integrated into everyday life.
Jasper Canadian Rockies Half Marathon – April 25
A scenic road race through Jasper National Park, featuring breathtaking lake and mountain views. Don't fancy the full 21.1? Sign up for the 10k, 5k, or get the whole family involved with the 1k kids' FunRun!
UpLift! Jasper Mural Festival – May 1 to 10
A vibrant celebration of large-scale art, now offering with hands-on workshops led by talented muralists.
SkiiTour Slope Party at Marmot Basin – April 25
A high-energy on-mountain party with live DJ sets, skiing, and après vibes in the Rockies. Mid-mountain will turn into a high-altitude dancefloor like no other for an epic afternoon of après vibes. The tunes will be going, the Corona Cero flowing and the mountain glowing.
Improv with Jasper Theater Productions – April 24
Join the beloved pro's behind From Jasper, With Love for a Taste of Spring themed night of improv! Also don't miss their Walking Trivia Tour on May 2.
Other fun things: Catch the classic tale of Charlotte’s Web in the local high school's heartwarming stage adaptation. Or amp up the adrenaline at Spice Trails: An Evening of Independent Mountain Bike Films.
"The Jasper food scene is unique because it is still a majority of local restaurants, places you can’t find anywhere else. It truly reflects the people that live here and make Jasper so great."
Kimberley Stark, owner of Ursidae Lair Scotch Lounge and Bear's Paw Bakery
Tips from Local Foodies
Darryl Huculak, the chef and owner of Olive Bistro & Lounge, spent his childhood summers helping out at his grandparents farm. "That was one of the biggest influences on my being a chef, and realizing that real food is really important," he says.
“Diners want something they can’t get everywhere else.” Huculak is partnering with Calgary chefs Paul Rogalski and Dean Fast of the farm-to-table restaurant Rouge to create the new Taste of Spring event Untamed Table: Bison and Foraged Flavours. Built around local bison and foraged elements, the multi-course meal is a fast track to sampling regional wild food. “We want to create something that feels connected to the land — not just a dinner, but an experience.”
Other ways to connect with Jasper's land (note: it is illegal to forage within the national park's boundaries):
- Indigenous land-based experiences with Warrior Women
- Jasper Food Tours' award-winning flagship tour includes lots of local stories .
Hidden gems
Kimberley Stark, owner of Ursidae Lair and Bear's Paw Bakery has two tips to share. One trail she often recommends is Railway Street: "fabulous trail especially in early spring when everything else is still ice packed but anytime of the year it is one of my favourites to run up and down." As for her second hidden gem? "Has to be Ursidae Lair! It is a great little find. Low key, fabulous cocktails, nice atmosphere, great scotch, and of course, dessert!"
See the full schedule and start planning your drool-worthy getaway at jasper.travel/taste-of-spring
