The Ultimate (Jasper) Winter Bucket List

Few winter experiences feel more Canadian than lacing up your skates on a frozen mountain lake. Come winter in Jasper National Park, select lakes near town become spectacular natural skating rinks, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and wide-open Rocky Mountain scenery. The crisp air and incredible views put any indoor rink to shame.

The vast majority of ice skaters should go to one of the national park's two best skating spots, located on Pyramid Lake and Mildred Lake. Here you'll find rental options, smoother ice, and places nearby to get a mug of hot cocoa.

Natural ice conditions can change quickly, so always check current conditions and safety information before heading out.

Step into a world of towering walls and natural ice sculptures on a guided winter walk through Pleckaitis Canyon. This hidden gem of a canyon transforms in winter as seeping waterfalls freeze into towering curtains of ice and snow blankets the narrow rock walls.

With a local guide leading the way, you’ll strap on ice cleats and explore a frozen landscape that feels protected from the rest of the world—a uniquely Canadian Rockies adventure well worth adding to your winter bucket list.

The frozen lakes and rivers provide a great backdrop and contrast for the elk, deer, moose, wolves, sheep and coyotes that are still very active in winter. You can choose to go on the lookout yourself for wildlife, or increase your chances of finding epic animals by booking a winter wildlife tour with Sundog Tour Co.

Renowned for its breathtaking dark sky preserve, Jasper is the perfect place to embrace the night – whether you want to stare into the mesmerizing milky way or watch an awe-inspiring aurora.

Jasper’s dark sky is especially exceptional during the winter, so bundle up with some hot chocolate and watch it come alive!

Don’t know where to stargaze? Here are some suggestions to get you started.

For those who find the cool winter night air a bit daunting, the stars aren’t off limits! Gather under the dome of the Jasper Planetarium at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge instead! Offering special events, digital planetarium tours, and guided telescope viewing opportunities, the Planetarium’s experienced astronomy guides will personally take you on a tour or the cosmos. Specializing in the night sky above Jasper, visitors have the chance to see the stars above Jasper regardless of the weather. Don’t miss the chance to take in this exclusive look at the heavens over the lakes, canyons, glaciers and mountain tops of the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world.

Exploring otherwise unreachable paths has never been easier, especially during Jasper in January, where brave explorers can test their adventure skills and embrace the best winter has to offer.

Across three action-packed weekends at the end of January, Jasper welcomes visitors to shred the slopes at Marmot Basin, savour the flavours at Jasper’s culinary establishments, and celebrate at the annual Street Party and fireworks display.

Jasper in January has deals, events and activities to turn the biggest cold-weather humbug into a winter champion!

Discover Jasper’s food scene while staying cozy on a Downtown Foodie Tour with Jasper Food Tours. Stroll between local restaurants in the heart of town, sampling signature dishes and drinks while hearing stories about Jasper’s history and mountain community along the way. It’s an easygoing way to experience the town like a local—and a delicious break from a day spent adventuring in the snow.

Considered one of the most spectacular drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway allows visitors to experience the awe-inspiring mountains, epic glaciers, frozen waterfalls and ice-covered lakes that define the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

Make sure you’re prepared for winter driving and for the epic experience ahead by checking out our blog post: 5 Ways to Prepare for Your Winter Journey Down the Icefields Parkway!

Whether you enjoy short cross-country ski loops with gentle slopes or longer, more challenging routes, Jasper has a cross-country skiing adventure for you. The trails take you through scores of beautiful valleys and past magnificent lakes and mountain scenery.