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Planning a winter trip to Jasper? You’re in for something special.
Jasper becomes a snowy wonderland during the colder months. It’s quieter than Banff but every bit as beautiful. We absolutely love coming here during the winter, when the mountains are capped in white and the fir trees are dusted with snow. Not only is it beautiful at this time of year, but there are also a ton of fun winter activities to enjoy.
From ice climbing and snowgazing to spotting winter wildlife, there are a ton of epic things to do in Jasper at this time of year, so we’ve rounded them up for you and included all of the need-to-know info. Let’s get into it!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this winter walking food tour! It kept us warm, fed us four delicious surprise courses with drink pairings, and gave us a fun look at Jasper’s local food culture.
Check out the 310+ five-star reviews and book this tour here!
Things to do in Jasper
1. Spot wildlife in the snow
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Spot wildlife like elk, moose, and eagles, explore the stunning Maligne Valley, visit Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon, enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery along the way
- Inclusions:
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re visiting Jasper in winter, this Maligne Valley tour is your best chance to spot wildlife! It’s a small group adventure that takes you through some of the park’s most stunning landscapes while teaching you about the region’s history and wildlife.
The tour begins with pickup from your Jasper hotel before heading out along the scenic Athabasca and Maligne Valleys. Keep your eyes peeled for elk, moose, big-horned sheep, and even wolves or coyotes roaming through the frosty forest! You’ll be with a local wildlife expert who will not only help you spot these awesome creatures but also teach you about how they adapt to the long, snowy winters.
It’s not just about the animals, though. The drive itself is absolutely breathtaking and such a great way to see some of Jasper’s most stunning winter scenery. You’ll enjoy several photo stops along the way, including the mysterious Medicine Lake, which partially disappears in winter due to its underground drainage system. It’s such a cool thing to see!
And since this is a half-day tour, it should be pretty easy to fit into your Jasper itinerary. It can be quite difficult to find animals like caribou and moose by yourself, so heading out on this wildlife tour is a great way to boost your chances of spotting them. The guides know exactly where to look and when, often spotting movement long before anyone else does. Plus, you’ll learn so much more than you would on your own!
Book this epic wildlife tour here and enjoy free 24-hour cancellation!
2. Visit the coziest restaurants on a food tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 2:30 pm
- Highlights: Visit four local restaurants, enjoy a four-course tasting menu with drink pairings, learn about Jasper’s food scene and history, and explore downtown with a fun local guide
- Inclusions: Guide, four dishes, four beverages, restaurant gratuities, small-group walking tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 330+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Believe it or not, Jasper isn’t just about the mountains and wildlife. The food scene here is seriously underrated! And on a cold winter’s day, this walking food tour is the perfect way to warm up during the winter while tasting a bunch of different dishes.
The tour starts at the Visitor Information Centre, where we met our guide and a handful of fellow foodies. From there, we strolled through Jasper’s downtown streets and hit up four different restaurants. At each one, we got a tasting dish paired with a drink.
The dishes were kept secret from us until they were actually set down in front of us, which was pretty cool. I won’t spoil them for you here, but what I will say is that they did a great job of showcasing classic Alberta produce and flavors.
Along the way, our guide also shared some quirky local legends with us and described how the town’s food culture has evolved over the years. We think it’s the perfect way to experience Jasper from a local’s perspective.
We also loved this tour because it was a casual, social experience, and we met some really awesome people along the way. Plus, we discovered some great food spots that we’ve since been back to quite a few times! No wonder this tour has 310+ five-star reviews.
Book your spot on this top-rated food tour here, before it sells out!
3. Go ice climbing
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Climb frozen waterfalls in Maligne Canyon, explore stunning icy terrain, enjoy expert guidance
- Inclusions: Ice-climbing equipment, helmet, crampons, guide, safety briefing, small group tour
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for a truly unique winter adventure in Jasper, I don’t think it gets much better than this Maligne Canyon ice climbing experience. This isn’t just any hike or scenic walk—you actually get to climb up a frozen waterfall deep in the heart of the canyon. It’s one of the most unique winter experiences you can have in the Rockies, and that’s really saying something.
Of course, you’ll need expert guidance for this. You’ll meet your friendly guide in town and get fitted with all of your technical gear before heading out to the climbing site. The exact site changes depending on the conditions of the day, so you could climb up Maligne Canyon, Tangle Falls, or the aptly-named Edge of the World.
Once there, your guide will teach you ice-climbing techniques and safety basics. Ice climbing might seem a little intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you know what to do.
And whichever spot you end up climbing, you’re in for an exhilarating experience. There’s truly nothing like seeing the icy walls glistening in the winter sun, and you’ll have jaw-dropping canyon views all around you. This is a rare chance to experience Jasper National Park in a way that relatively few other visitors ever will, so we highly recommend taking advantage of this bucket-list experience while you’re here!
Book this exciting ice climb here and pay nothing until 48 hours before you go!
4. Try snowshoeing in Jasper National Park
As a Canadian, I can tell you that snowshoeing is something locals do all the time during winter, and it’s also a very peaceful way to enjoy the wilderness at this time of year. Jasper National Park is home to over 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) of trails, so where better to strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore?
If you don’t have your own snowshoes, you can easily rent some in town. Pure Outdoors is an excellent rental shop that stocks everything you’ll need, and the staff are super helpful if you’re not sure where to start.
As for which trail to choose, you’ve got a ton of great options here! Personally, I love the Pyramid Bench Loop. It’s an area full of moderate trails that are perfect for snowshoeing, and it should take you 1-2 hours to explore them and their various viewpoints. And for something even more scenic, the Medicine Lake area offers wide-open mountain vistas, and sometimes you can see wildlife tracks in the snow.
5. Hit the ski slopes at Marmot Basin
Jasper is in the Rockies, so of course skiing is a famous thing to do here! We love Marmot Basin, Jasper’s ski resort, because it’s a lot less busy than the slopes in Banff, but you still get gorgeous scenery and top-quality snow.
Plus, there are plenty of runs for all levels here, even from the very top chairlift! I was just learning to ski when I first visited Marmot Basin, and I was still able to ride the chairlift up with my friends who were more advanced. So if you’re in a mixed ability group, Marmot Basin is ideal!
Another thing that makes Marmot cool is the fact that it has a ski-in/ski-out parking lot. There are four different areas attached to green runs, so you can ski from your car to the base of the mountain. How cool is that?
The resort is just 20 minutes from town and offers over 1,700 acres of terrain, so there’s something for everyone. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent everything on-site, and there are lessons available if you want a few tips or a refresher course.
The ski season usually kicks off around late November and runs through early May. There are also plenty of chalets around mid-mountain where you can enjoy a hearty lunch or warm up with a hot drink.
6. Go stargazing and learn about Jasper’s incredible night sky
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Time: Multiple times available from 5:45 pm–11 pm
- Highlights: See stars and planets through a high-powered telescope, take a tour of the Jasper Planetarium, and learn about things like Indigenous Constellations and the Aurora Borealis
- Inclusions: Guide, use of telescopes, admission to the planetarium, and a 2-year Rain Check guarantee if there are cloudy skies on the night of your booking
- Rating: 4.2 stars (check 140+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you love a good night sky, Jasper is one of the best places in the world to see it. And this telescope and planetarium combo tour makes the experience even more special! Jasper National Park is in a Dark Sky Preserve, so the stars look truly incredible here thanks to the absence of light pollution. It’s mindblowing!
Doing this tour in winter is even better, because you have greater chances to see the Northern Lights. Plus, you get clearer views of the night sky in winter thanks to the drier air and longer hours of darkness.
When we did this tour, we started the evening in the planetarium, where we learned about the night sky. One of the most fascinating parts was hearing about local Indigenous constellations and the stories passed down for generations that offer a completely different way to view the stars. We also learned how the Aurora Borealis forms and what conditions make it visible. There’s even a rock from Mars that we got to hold!
After that, we headed outside to use the telescopes. We saw distant stars, the Milky Way, and the moon in incredible detail. And yes, if the conditions are right, you have a chance to see the Aurora Borealis, although sadly, we weren’t that lucky.
And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, no worries! This tour offers a two-year return policy, so you can come back and do the experience again at no extra cost.
Secure your spot on this tour here and experience the magic for yourself!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
7. Ice skate on Pyramid Lake
I don’t think anything quite captures Jasper’s wintery charm like skating on Pyramid Lake! The lake usually freezes over by late December, and then it becomes a stunning outdoor rink.
If skating on a frozen natural lake surrounded by the snow-capped Rockies isn’t a magical winter experience, then I really don’t know what is! Skaters of all ages and abilities are welcome here, and if you don’t have your own skates, you can rent them from Pyramid Lake Lodge, which is responsible for maintaining the ice. And if you get too cold, there’s even a fire pit here where you can warm up between laps!
You can usually skate on the lake between late December and March, although, of course, exact dates change from one year to the next. And even if you’re not keen on the idea of skating, it’s definitely worth coming here for a stroll around the edge to see others in action.
8. Explore snowy Jasper
We’ve talked about a ton of different wintery adventures here, but between them all, make sure to take time to slow down and enjoy the town itself. Jasper is super charming and has tons of fantastic shops and cafes to enjoy.
Bear’s Paw Bakery is one of our favorite spots in Jasper for a sweet treat. I love their raspberry and white chocolate scones! There’s also SnowDome Coffee Bar, which doubles as a laundrette, so it’s handy if you need some clean clothes.
I always think that checking out local art is a great way to get to know a new place, and if you agree, you can head to Jasper Art Gallery to check out work by local artists. Meanwhile, Jasper Yellowhead Museum does a great job of showcasing the region’s history through artifacts and photography exhibits.
And I don’t know about you, but being out in cold weather always makes me extra hungry! So you can warm up with a hearty meal at Evil Dave’s Grill. I love the GOAT poutine here, which is made with goat’s cheese and yummy peppercorn gravy—it’s so satisfying when it’s cold outside. The Raven Bistro is another great spot that does yummy schnitzels and sandwiches, plus they offer some excellent local craft beers on tap.
Finally, if you’re visiting Jasper around Christmas time, be sure to go and see the lights along Connaught Drive! Meanwhile, in mid-to-late January, the not-so-creatively named Jasper in January festival brings live music, food pop-ups, and tons of fun activities to town to keep those New Year blues at bay.
Related Read: Check out our guide to the best things to do in Jasper in the summer here for warm-weather adventures to help you plan your next trip back!
Where to Stay in Jasper
So now that you know what to get up in Jasper this winter, you just need a great place to stay! We’ve hand-picked out three warm and cozy hotels to use as a base for your wintery adventures. Whether you’re a luxury traveler or on a tight budget, we’ve got you covered.
Luxury – $$$
Pyramid Lake Lodge is a gorgeous, alpine-style hotel. It’s a little out of town, but if you’re looking for a serene stay with sweeping views, this place is hard to beat! You can wake up to views of the lake and surrounding mountains, and enjoy sleigh rides and ice skating right on your doorstep. Then, when you’re ready to come inside and warm up, you can relax next to a gas fireplace or grab a warming beverage in the cozy bar.
King rooms start at $250 CAD per night during the winter months, while suites go up to $400 CAD. Check availability and book your stay here!
Mid-range – $$
Forest Park Hotel is a lovely property that offers great value for money. It sits on the edge of town, about a 15-20 minute walk or 5-minute drive from most of the best restaurants and rental shops. The rooms are comfy and they feel very homey, with big beds, warm lighting, and plenty of storage. We like the sleek bathrooms, too!
The staff here are really friendly and there are coin laundry facilities on site, as well as irons and ironing boards. Plus, we think that the lodge-style building looks really cute when it’s dusted with snow.
Rooms and suites here typically cost between $165 and $315 CAD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!
Budget – $
Jasper Downtown Hostel is a clean, comfortable, and well-organized hostel. It makes a very cozy and affordable place to stay during the winter months, and dorm beds, twin rooms, and queen suites are available. There’s a shared kitchen in the basement and a study space on the first floor, both of which are kept spotless, and the friendly staff are always happy to help you out.
And in terms of location, this hostel cannot be beaten. It’s just a few doors down from Bear’s Paw Bakery, which we mentioned earlier, and the Jasper train station is just an 8-minute walk away. It really could not be more central!
Dorm beds typically cost around $55 CAD per night, while private rooms cost around $150 CAD. See all the options and book your stay here!
Looking for more options? Browse through all the hotels listed for Jasper here!
Renting a Car in Alberta
If you’re arriving in Alberta via plane then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough! Canada is a large country and traveling between cities and even just getting out to some of the best places to visit in Alberta requires transport. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier.
Car rental in Canada isn’t super cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read our honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Check availability and prices on Discover Cars here!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Check out my review of Motorhome Republic here for tips before you book.
And if you’re planning to camp but don’t want to splurge on a huge RV, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!
In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!
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Thanks for reading!
If you’re planning a snowy escape, you’re going to love Jasper in winter! Whether you’re chasing wildlife through snowy valleys, tasting your way around town, or stargazing under those crisp winter skies, this little mountain town is full of magic. It’s the kind of place that keeps pulling us back year after year!
Want to plan more adventures? Check out our other Jasper blogs here for more travel tips and insider recommendations! Or take a look at a few of our favorites below to help you plan your next trip!
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Banff in the Winter: The Best 3-Day Itinerary
10 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Banff in Winter
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Whistler in the Winter: The Best 3-Day Itinerary