April marks the beginning of spring in the mountains. As is common with transitions (and the season as a whole), this glorious month always has a few surprises up its sleeve. Daytime temperatures are usually between 4°C and 16°C (39°F to 60°F), while the nights remain below freezing. Snow has usually melted from the valleys but the summits still have their beautiful winter frosting.
Is April a good time to visit Jasper?
In a word: yes. But it's especially worth it if you value good prices, crowd-free sightseeing, and unique experiences. April is solidly shoulder season in Jasper National Park, meaning there's plenty to do and see this month but not all activity providers are operating yet (that exciting floodgate usually opens in May). Here's a snapshot of the top things to do in April:
- Spring skiing at Marmot Basin
- Guided tours: Motorcycle tour, sightseeing, photography
- Wildlife viewing
- Planetarium and museum
- Shopping and dining
- Events:
- Jasper Pride & Ski Festival (April 10–19)
- Taste of Spring (April 24–May 3)
- Half Marathon (April 25)
1 Jasper Pride & Ski Festival
Ski the rainbow and celebrate Pride at the only gay ski week in the Canadian Rockies. This one-of-a-kind festival has epic parties, drag brunches, and fireside gatherings with 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly stories and songs. Happening April 10–19.
2 Spring Skiing at Marmot Basin
Don't miss out on Marmot Basin's last full month of skiing (and if you're familiar with spring skiing, you might argue it's also the resort's best month). Enjoy warm sun on your face and plenty of pow beneath your boots. With barely any lift lines and warmer temperatures, April is also the perfect time to sip an après beer on the chalet's panoramic patio.
- Further reading: Best après-ski spots to hit in Jasper
4 Jasper Canadian Rockies Half Marathon
Lace up for beautiful views and a shiny new PB at this amazing Jasper race on April 25, 2026. With multiple distances available (1 km kids' funrun, 5 km, 10 km, and half marathon) it's the perfect way to kick off a season of endorphin-pumping outdoor fun.
5 Taste of Spring
Celebrate culinary delights, artistic wonders, and thrilling adventures at Taste of Spring from April 24–May 3. This 10-day festival invites you to indulge your senses with tasty deals, exclusive menus, live music, workshops, and of course the legendary Burger Smackdown! And on the second weekend, the UpLift Mural Festival also kicks off!
- Further reading: this complete Taste of Spring guide covers the top food and drink events, non-dining activities, and tips from local foodies.
6 Jasper Motorcycle Tours
Get kitted out in head-to-toe leathers (heated vests to keep you toasty even when it's raining) and experience the wild joy of hitting the open road in an iconic Harley Davidson sidecar. Opening for the season on April 15, this fun and memorable tour has savvy and hilarious guides, and duration options of one, two or three hours. Thanks to the sidecar, all ages and abilities (including people who use a wheelchair) can participate.
7 Museum & Shopping
At the Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives, explore the history of the Indigenous and Métis people in the area, the fur trade, railway, European exploration, the story of Mt. Alberta's first ascent by Japanese climbers, and early tourism in the National Park.
Meanwhile, smart souvenir shoppers know that one of the best places to find a unique trinket or local book is at the museum's gift shop. In the mood for more retail therapy? Jasper's many unique and locally-owned stores are great places to grab stylish, eco-friendly fashion or mountain-ready gear.
8 Wildlife tour
April is when female bears without cubs start to emerge from hibernation. Male bears have usually emerge a few weeks earlier, while females with cubs are usually seen later in April or early May. This is when many other baby animals also appear, such as elk calves and mountain goat kids. While there's always the possibility of seeing wildlife on your own, a guided wildlife viewing tour increases your chances. In April, the best option is SunDog Tour Co.'s Wildlife of Spring & The Ecology of Fire tour.
- Further reading: Complete guide to spring wildlife viewing in Jasper
9 Photography and Sightseeing
Many people will recognize Jasper's most famous viewpoints from how they look in summertime. But spring shows these scenic spots in a whole new way. Snow on the peaks amps up the drama and makes everything looks more, well, mountainous. The rivers and lakes are unveiling their true, swirling selves after the winter's façade of stillness. Capture this changing and beautiful season on a photography tour or sightseeing tour.
- Jasper Photo Tours has options for wildlife, waterfalls, nighttime, Icefield, and more!
- Wildlife Photo Tours offers private half-day tours for maximum 3 participants.
- Helicopter tours: See the national park from above with these thrilling once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
- Train tour: Enjoy breathtaking views aboard Via Rail’s Skeena Train along the Fraser River to the quaint McBride Train Station, followed by a scenic guided bus tour back to Jasper.
10 Jasper Planetarium
Pack a galaxy’s worth of perspectives into a single evening with this fascinating and interactive year-round experience. From within the Jasper Planetarium’s 44-seat domed theatre, a live guide will tour you through many of Jasper’s best stargazing spots, getting panoramic views of the aurora borealis, stories and explanations behind Indigenous constellations, and local tips for astro-exploration. Combo packages also feature stargazing through the largest telescope in the Rockies.
- Further reading: Learn all about Jasper Dark Sky Preserve and the annual Dark Sky Festival here.
Continue reading
Spring Wildlife Viewing in Jasper National Park: How to See Bears, Elk, Moose, and more
Spring is one of the best times of year to see wildlife. Animals like black bears, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats become more active and easier to spot. This guide covers the best places, times, and tips for spring wildlife viewing in Jasper, along with important safety practices to help protect both visitors and animals.
