33 EPIC Things to do in Jasper in Winter

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Important Update: Jasper National Park and the town of Jasper experienced severe wildfire damage. Limited services and attractions are available around Jasper and in Jasper town. Please refer to Jasper National Park’s page as well as this list of what’s open in the town of Jasper for updates before planning your trip.

Jasper is easily one of the best winter destinations in Canada. During the colder months, this mountain town turns into the center of a real-life Winter Wonderland. And despite what you may think, there’s actually a ton of fun things to see and do in Jasper in winter!

We recently visited Jasper in the middle of winter. To be honest, we didn’t have huge expectations before we arrived. I mean, what else is there to do in Jasper in the winter besides skiing?

Well, we quickly found out that we were wrong! That’s right, besides the fact that the area is even more beautiful when it is covered in snow, there are a ton of exciting activities and epic winter tours to enjoy in Jasper National Park.

Hit the slopes, warm up with some tasty local food in Jasper town, and explore frozen waterfalls in Jasper National Park – you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to the range of things to do in Jasper in the winter! And in this blog, I’ll tell you about them all!

33 Exciting Things to do in Jasper in Winter

1. Hit the Slopes at Marmot Basin

Out of all of the fun things to do in Jasper in winter, hitting the slopes at Marmot has to be the best! Marmot Basin is one of the best places to ski/snowboard in all of Canada. They have 1,720 skiable acres (696 hectares), 7 lifts, and 91 different runs for all levels. With over 400 centimeters of snow on average and cold temperates, the skiing conditions are ideal!

Dan and I are fairly confident skiers (actually, Dan snowboards – but you get the point.) So although they offer lessons at Marmot we decided to pass on them and instead spent a couple of hours with a Mountain Guide. Our Mountain Guide showed us around the mountain taking us to his favorite runs. He even led us up to some epic viewpoints!

It was super interesting and we got to know our way around all the different runs really quickly, allowing us to spend more time shredding and less time staring at a map.

One of the things I like most about Marmot is the variety of runs for all levels from each lift. This meant Dan and I could ride up together and then he could go off onto a black run if he wanted, while I stuck to greens and blues.

Marmot is open every year from mid-November until early May. Marmot Basin is very accessible if you’re staying in Jasper town, as it’s located just 20 minutes outside of Jasper.

Hot tip: Although there is ample parking at Marmot, on the weekends it can get busy! To avoid disappointment get to the hill early! Otherwise, book the shuttle from Jasper town.

2. Maligne Canyon Icewalk

One activity you can’t skip if you visit Jasper in winter is the Maligne Canyon icewalk. In the summer, this deep canyon is filled with rushing water. But in the winter, it all freezes and what you’re left with is a series of frozen waterfalls and icicles lining the canyon walls.

Oh, and did I mention you can walk in the canyon?! That’s right, when it is cold enough you can actually walk down into the canyon on the frozen water to explore the depths of Maligne Canyon from within it – how cool!

Now I must warn you, it is very slippery and you should have the right equipment and gear. Crampons/ice cleats are a must! Also, it is recommended that you wear a helmet (for falling icicles) as well as waterproof boots.

You can simply park at the large Maligne Canyon parking lot and follow the trail down just past Bridge 4. Here, you will see a sign and an opening in the fence where you can climb down into the canyon. There is also a warning here that if you do not have the proper gear and experience that you should only enter with a tour guide.

Dan and did not join a tour and simply followed the others in the canyon. It was fine especially since we had crampons. However, if you don’t have your own gear or are with children, then I’d recommend booking a guided tour. On the tour, your guide will explain about the canyon too and it lasts for about 3.5 hours in total.

Without a doubt, the tour to Maligne Canyon in winter is one of the most popular activities you can do in Jasper in winter – we must’ve seen 3 or 4 different tour groups just when we were there!

3. Attend a winter event or Christmas celebration

Winter in Jasper brings a whole new calendar of seasonal events and celebrations to enjoy.

If you’re visiting Jasper in December or over the Christmas holiday, make sure to check out any holiday events! Tourism Jasper keeps an up-to-date calendar, but you can also enjoy the light and holiday displays at some of the hotels and other businesses. 

One popular holiday tradition is “Christmas in November” at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. It’s a popular event that celebrates wine and food for two weeks in November. It’s a great way to experience the magic of the season… without the busyness of actual Christmastime!

4. Indulge during a food tour

Jasper might not be considered a foodie destination, but it should be! Joining a food tour in Jasper is one of the best ways to learn more about an area, both through food and culture. 

This half-day walking tour takes you on a culinary adventure through Jasper. You’ll stop off for four different courses and four alcoholic beverages. The tour guide will walk you through different restaurants and bars while also informing you of Jasper’s history and culture. 

The tour is $127.45 CAD and is all-inclusive of food, drinks, and tips. You’ll join a tour with up to 12 people, so this is also a good choice to meet some new friends to hang out in Jasper with.

5. Warm up with some spicy jerk chicken

I know what you’re thinking – jerk chicken in the mountains?! Well, I’ll let you in a secret, I never visit Jasper without visiting my favorite little Jamaican cafe called The Spice Joint. It is so tasty and one of the absolute best places to eat lunch in Jasper.

The Spice Joint is located in the heart of Jasper town. They specialize in Jamaican food and you guessed it, jerk chicken! Daniel and I were recommended this place by some friends and ever since trying it we have been back several times.  

Our personal favorites are the crab grilled cheese and the jerk chicken grilled cheese. However, they also serve lots of sandwiches, wraps, salad, and great coffee! 

The Spice Joint is open every day except for Wednesdays from 11 am until 5 pm, except on Fridays and Saturdays when they close at 7 pm. Expect to pay about $15 CAD for a dish. You can dine in or just grab something to go here.

6. Go ice climbing

Ice climbing is winter’s answer to rock climbing. Although to me, it’s even better! Imagine, climbing to the top of a frozen waterfall – it’s a thrilling adventure activity.

In Jasper, you can book a 6-hour long ice climbing tour that will teach you some basic skills to climb a frozen waterfall yourself equipped with crampons and axes. Rockaboo Tours is the only company that offers this tour, and tours depart daily from downtown Jasper.

After learning some fundamentals at the office, you’ll head to either Maligne Canyon, Tangle Creek, or Edge of the World to try out ice climbing for yourself! It is an exciting tour, and if I’m honest, ice climbing is a winter activity everybody must try at least once in their life.

Be sure to book your ice climber tour in advance to secure your spot.

7. Visit Athabasca Falls

If you’re going to visit only one waterfall in Jasper, then make it Athabasca Falls! There is a lot of hiking in and around Jasper National Park, and one of the most popular trails is Athabasca Falls. The trail is just 1km with minimal elevation gain, so it’s a great option for all fitness levels.

The views along the hike are stunning, with it culminating in the falls themselves. The Athabasca Falls are impressive and there are viewpoints of it along the way. It can get busy with visitors, so try to go early to catch a spot in front of the falls for a picture!

You can easily reach Athabasca Falls with a short 30 minute-long drive from Jasper town. The falls are also open all year round and while they are super powerful and impressive to see in the summer, in the winter, these frozen falls are pure magic. Definitely one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park in winter if you ask me.

8. Explore Sunwapta Falls

Sunwapta Falls is another stunning waterfall located only 40 minutes from Jasper town in Jasper National Park. It is only a short walk from the parking lot to the falls and there are a couple of trails to explore surrounding the falls including a bridge offering the best view.

Sure, Sunwapta is slightly less impressive than Athabasca Falls. But the two waterfalls are only located about ten minutes from each other, so you might as well visit both on the same day. Just be sure to have winter tires as the roads can be icy!

Although only a quick stop, you could turn this into a longer experience by staying overnight at the Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge. It’s a highly rated and comfortable wilderness stay away from the hustle and bustle of town.  

9. Drive the Icefields Parkway

Rated as one of the top 10 most scenic drives in the world by National Geographic, the Icefields Parkway is a 230-kilometer-long stretch of highway that connects Jasper and Lake Louise. Along this drive, you’ll be met with towering mountains, tons of waterfalls, and even the Columbia Icefield! 

Although the drive really should only take around 3 hours, I would give yourself an entire day in order to stop as much as you’d like! Use our Icefields Parkway itinerary to plan your epic one-day adventure from Jasper to Banff!

Be sure to get gas before you leave Jasper because there is only one very overpriced gas station along the drive located at Saskatchewan River Crossing. Also, bring some snacks and water as facilities are very limited.

Winter driving conditions are also something to consider. You must have winter tires or snow chains to drive the Icefields Parkway in winter. Also, on occasion bad road conditions will force road closure – so check road reports before you depart.

Read more: If you’re heading to Banff, be sure to check out our blog on the best things to do in Banff as well as our detailed Banff itinerary that plans out how to spend 1 to 5 days in Banff.

10. Spend the night in a cozy cabin

Nothing beats cozying up next to the fire inside a log cabin on a cold winter night. That’s why one of the best things to do in Jasper in the winter is to spend a night (or three!) in a cabin!

There are a few different places you can do this in and around Jasper. Pocahontas Cabins is the most rustic offering traditional log cabins that are exactly what you picture when you think of a log cabin in the Canadian Rockies. However, they’re located a fair way outside of town, so while it is peaceful, it may not be the most convenient.

If you want a luxurious cabin stay, you can’t beat the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. It’s in a quiet but convenient location and offers all of the amenities you could ever want and more. But just beware, not all rooms are actual cabins.

11. Relax at a day spa 

Just thinking about a spa day makes me want to have a spa day. You can’t go wrong with some good ol’ R&R at a spa! In Jasper, you can visit the spa at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and indulge in a number of treatments from massages to facials to nail and makeup services.

Prices vary depending on treatment, with massages priced around $200 CAD. They have some packages that combine services as well as couples massages and treatments. Why not splurge a little – it’s all for self-care, right?

12. Go stargazing and visit the Jasper Planetarium

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada declared Jasper National Park a “Dark Sky Preserve” in 2011, meaning that there is little to no light pollution around making it perfect for stargazing! Jasper is one of only 17 Dark Sky Preserves in Canada! 

So, while you’re visiting Jasper be sure to take some time to look up at the stars on a clear night! There are a few stargazing apps you can download that will help you identify constellations and planets, or, you can actually visit the Jasper Planetarium and join a stargazing tour to really learn and experience more! 

You’ll start with a visit to the Planetarium Dome for an interactive presentation, then you’ll throw on your parka and gloves and head outside to look through a high-powered telescope! You’ll be able to see the night sky in 4k, and can even see the Northern Lights on a clear night. They also give lessons on photographing the Aurora and you’ll have the chance to hold rocks from Mars and the Moon. It’s all for $72 CAD and can be booked online here! Plus if it isn’t a clear night when you go, the tour offers a 2-year “raincheck” so you can come back again for free!

13. Treat yourself to coffee (and snacks!) at the Bear Paw

If you want a warm cup of coffee on a cold winter morning in Jasper, then you need to go to the Bear Paw Bakery. My sister actually recommended the Bear Paw Bakery to us before our latest trip to Jasper so we decided to check it out for ourselves.  

The Bear Paw Bakery offers tons of delicious baked goods as well as freshly brewed coffee. If you want a nice breakfast and cup of coffee one morning while in Jasper then this is your place. I personally recommend their raspberry white chocolate scones – so tasty! 

There are actually two Bear Paw Bakeries in Jasper (which speaks to their popularity.) Typically, this one is less busy so try going there if you can. This is easily one of the best cafes in Jasper.

14. Drive Maligne Road

Roadtripping through the Rocky Mountains is a must-do experience. One great route to drive is the 46km between Jasper and Maligne Lake. This road runs between the Maligne and Elizabeth mountain ranges and offers views of mountain peaks, glaciers, turquoise lakes, forests, and – hopefully – tons of wildlife!

There are a bunch of great viewpoints and stops of interest along the way, including Hanging Valley Viewpoint, Maligne Canyon Hiking Trail, or Rosemary’s Rock. Just keep an eye out for signs along the way and spend some time at each of the stops.

Your drive will end at Maligne Lake, which is the largest in the Rockies. There is a visitor center here with a restaurant. It’s a great place to spend some time relaxing and enjoying the views (more info on Maligne Lake below!)

15. Enjoy the views at Medicine Lake

One of the stops along Maligne Lake Road (#8) is Medicine Lake, about 25km from Jasper. It’s a beautiful lake that is famous for disappearing! During the summertime, it’s a normal lake, but as the months progress into winter, the water disappears and becomes like a mudflat! 

So, if you’re visiting Medicine Lake in the winter, you’re seeing it when the “plug” has been pulled and the lake drained. It’s a unique phenomenon and makes for some really interesting views. The mountains surrounding this lake are absolutely stunning! You can make the most of it by walking along the trails in this area, too.

16. Explore Maligne Lake

As you continue driving on Maligne Lake Road past Medicine Lake, you come to the famous Maligne Lake. This is the second largest lake in the Rockies and is known for its beautiful blue water.

Maligne Lake is amazing. This blue lake in the summer is home to the picturesque Spirit Island (one of the best things to do in Jasper) and scenic lake cruises. In fact, in the summer, Maligne Lake is a busy tourist destination.

But in the winter, there is still plenty of things to do at Maligne Lake. Hiking (or snowshoeing) trails are a great option; Bald and Opal Hills are popular hikes in the area. You will also want to take some time to just soak in the views and take some pictures because this is one of the top scenic stops in Jasper.

Maligne Lake is 48km from Jasper and will take just under an hour to get there.

17. Go snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is one way to get out in nature in the winter and enjoy hiking in a safe, and fun, way! With a pair of snowshoes, you can hike to viewpoints and enjoy hiking trails that are usually only accessible in the summer.

You can either join a snowshoeing tour or just rent a pair in town and find a trail on your own. I highly recommend one of the trails that start at Maligne Lake. Moose Lake Loop is an easy trail at only 2.6 kilometers long, and Mary Schäffer Loop is another good option at 2.9 kilometers.

You can rent snowshoes at Pure Outdoors in Jasper for only $16 CAD per day.

18. Ride in a horse-drawn sleigh

Pyramid Lake Resort offers horse-drawn sleigh rides in the winter months. This is a great family activity in Jasper, or even perfect for anybody on a Jasper honeymoon!

Sleigh rides start at $30 CAD per adult with discounted rates for youth and children. Sleigh rides typically only operate on the weekends, however, you can check their website for updated information and book your ride.

19. Indulge in locally made chocolate

Right in Jasper town is a candy store called the Candy Bear Lair and what sets it apart from most candy stores is that they make lots of the sweets right there in the shop in front of you! The store offers all sorts of candies and chocolates, and I have to admit, the caramel chocolates they make are actually to die for! 

I must warn you though, don’t visit unless you plan on buying something. Once you enter the store the smell of chocolate and candy-covered apples will have your mouth watering and I doubt you’ll be able to resist trying a few treats. 

20. Join a wildlife tour

The great Rocky Mountains are home to a diverse array of wildlife. While you may see some animals on the side of the road while driving through the area, joining one of the amazing wildlife tours available in Jasper is the best way to see them. This tour is about 3.5 hours long and will bring you through the Maligne Valley. You’ll learn more about the area and be brought to areas where you can see moose, caribou, sheep, and wolves!

The price for the tour is $75 CAD and includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from some locations.

21. Enjoy burgers and beer at Jasper Brewing Co.

You can’t come to Jasper and skip visiting the Jasper Brewing Co. First of all, they serve their amazing craft beer right on tap. Daniel and I love their Trail Sessions IPA! 

Second, they have delicious food. The portions are huge and the prices are good too. The fried chicken burger is my favorite.

Jasper Brewing has a large indoor seating area to keep warm while you drink a cold beer. It’s also a popular place for people to head for Apres Ski beers.

They are open daily from 12 pm to late and offer a late-night happy hour after 9 pm. Expect to pay about $8.50 CAD for a pint of beer and about $17 for a meal such as a burger. You’ll see the brewery in Jasper town right on Connaught Drive, you can’t miss it as it’s always buzzing with people. 

22. Drink more beer at Folding Mountain Brewing

Another popular craft brewery near Jasper is Folding Mountain Brewing, which is located close to Hinton, Alberta, about 55km away from Jasper. Although a bit of a drive, this is one place to visit for any serious craft beer lovers.

Folding Mountain has both a taproom and kitchen, so you can enjoy a ton of locally-inspired beer and food. Some highlights are the Folding Mountain Lager and the Alpine Cranberry Sour! The only thing that can compete with their creative and tasty beers is the amazing views of the Rocky Mountains from their tasting room! 

If you’re planning to drink a few beers, the Overlander Mountain Lodge is located right on-site and is a great little place to spend a night nestled in the mountains! Folding Brewing is also a good place to stay if you’re heading to check out any Edmonton attractions, as it’s just along Highway 16. 

Heading to Edmonton? Be sure to check out all the fun things to do in West Edmonton Mall.

23. Get the best pizza at Jasper Pizza Place 

While we are on the topic of food…pizza!

Point me in the direction of the best pizza place in town, and I’m there! In Jasper, the spot to go is Jasper Pizza Place! Located right in town, this casual dining restaurant makes delicious pizzas in their wood-burning oven. 

This pizzeria is quite large, so it’s a good place for a family or group gathering. In the unlikely event you don’t want pizza, they also serve burgers, pasta, and other items on the menu.

I highlight recommend going on Tuesdays – pizzas are 2-for-1!

24. Go cross country skiing

Cross-country skiing is a great way to stay active in the winter in Jasper. Around Jasper, there are a few different areas that actually have groomed cross-country ski trails. Head to Whirlpool cross country ski hub for a variety of trails, otherwise, Athabasca Falls, Pyramid Lake, and Wabasso Campground all also offer groomed trails.

If you don’t have your own skis you can rent them pretty cheap in town from a variety of different shops. Pure Outdoors only charges $16 CAD for a full-day rental of skis, boots, and poles.

One of the things I like most about cross country skiing is that anybody can do it! Even if you’ve never skied before you’ll be able to pick it up without a lesson or anything.

25. Visit Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake is one of the many amazing lakes near Jasper. Located only a 10-minute drive from Jasper town, Pyramid Lake is a calm lake that sits at the base of Pyramid Mountain creating a picture-perfect setting.  

My favorite thing to do at Pyramid Lake is to walk the boardwalk out to the island. From here, you get 360-degree views of the mountains! There is limited parking near the boardwalk so it is best to come first thing in the morning or later in the evening to have a better chance of getting a spot.  

Just around the lake from the boardwalk, there is also a restaurant and hotel. Pyramid Lake Resort would be an amazing place to stay if you want to spend lots of time at the lake enjoying the views.

During the right conditions, you can go ice skating on Pyramid Lake. The hotel also offers snowshoeing experiences and horse-drawn sleigh rides. It really is a great place to go in the winter in Jasper!

26. Go shopping and enjoy downtown

Connaught Street is Jasper’s busiest street, and chances are it is the first place you’ll visit when you arrive in Jasper town. Along this straight stretch of road, you’ll find most of the restaurants I’ve mentioned above, along with tons of little shops! 

From unique sports shops to those filled with funny souvenirs, there is a ton of shopping to be done! If you need to pick up a gift for anyone back home or even yourself, this is the place to do it! 

27. Watch a Movie at the Historic Chaba Theatre

Watching a movie at Chaba Theatre in Jasper is a different (and better!) experience than your typical big-box theatre. It opened back in 1928 and still maintains some of the old-fashioned charms, but with modern technology and movies. 

They play a small selection of movies, so check out the website to see what’s currently on. Tickets are just $10 CAD, so you’ll have lots of room in your budget for popcorn and other movie-watching snacks!

On a cold day where you really just to relax and be warm, watching a movie at Chaba Theatre is the perfect winter activity in Jasper.

Please note: The Chaba Theater is now permanatly closed and is being renovated into a restaurant.

28. Visit the Jasper Museum

Whether you’re really interested in local history or looking for another indoor activity in Jasper, check out the Jasper Museum! The museum has exhibits on the history of Jasper and the surrounding area, focusing on the fur trade, railway, and early exploration of the park. 

The museum also has a large collection of photographs which will give you an idea of what Jasper was like back in the day! Entrance to the museum is by donation.

29. Go ice skating on a frozen lake 

Ice skating on a frozen lake is such a fun winter activity! You can enjoy this quintessential Canadian experience in Jasper, skating on the groomed rinks on Mildred Lake or Pyramid Lake. 

Skate rentals are available on-site and you might wish to join in on a game of ice hockey, too! Or, just glide around taking in all of the gorgeous wintery sights.

Hot tip: You can also skate at Abraham Lake (the next activity listed on this blog.) So make a day of skating and checking out the ice bubbles!

30. Check out the ice bubbles at Abraham Lake

Abraham Lake is easily one of the most impressive winter destinations in Canada. Although not technically located in Jasper National Park, it is just outside the park boundaries in Clearwater Country. From Jasper town, it’ll take just over 2 hours to drive to Abraham Lake.

What makes Abraham Lake so special to visit in the winter is the methane bubble that you’ll see in the ice. It’s a really neat phenomenon and makes for some cool photos. The lake is also great for ice skating and on a clear day, the views of the surrounding mountains are magnificent.

For something extra special join this guided helicopter tour to Abraham Lake. It also includes a guided snowshoeing experience and well, the views from a helicopter over the Canadian Rockies are out of this world!

31. Go on a scenic flight

If you’re looking for a seriously epic experience and don’t mind a bit of a drive, check out Rockies Heli Canada. They offer a variety of helicopter sightseeing tours, ranging from 20-55 minutes, that provide views that you could never see otherwise. 

Soaring over the Canadian Rockies at 9000ft in the air, you’ll be able to see mountains, of course, but also glaciers, waterfalls, and endless natural beauty. 

Prices for these flights start at $199 CAD and increase with duration. The base is located almost 200km away from Jasper, or about 2.5 hours to drive. If you’re up for a bit of a road trip, you can make a day of it and enjoy this bucket-list adventure!

32. Dog sledding

Dog sledding is one of the most fun things to do in Jasper in the winter. All cozy in a sled, you will be pulled through the snow by a team of 6-8 dogs who absolutely love to run!

Dan and I went dog sledding once in Canmore and it was so much fun. It was clear to us how much the dogs love their jobs and how friendly they all are.

Although we haven’t yet done any dog sledding in Jasper, because we loved it in Banff so much we figured we needed to include it!

It is important to note that there is no dog sledding experience offered right in Jasper town and that you’ll need to travel 90 minutes to Valemount for it. The tour company can provide transportation if required but you might as well drive yourself and check out all the awesome things to do in Valemount while you’re at it!

33. Get a workout fat biking 

Fat biking is one of the newest trends in outdoor recreation, and it’s definitely worth trying when in Jasper! Fat biking is the same as regular biking, but the extra-wide tires on fat bikes allow you to bike over different terrain, like snow, making it a year-round sport.

There are many fun and scenic routes around Jasper to go fat biking on. Rentals are available at the Bench Bike Shop in Jasper and cost about $25 CAD for two hours and $50 CAD for a full day. 

Make sure you dress warm, wear a helmet, and bring along some snacks for a mid-ride break! You’ll love trying out this new and exciting way to explore the outdoors.

Where to Stay in Jasper in Winter

When compared to Banff (and the dozens of hotels in Banff), there actually aren’t that many to choose from in Jasper. That’s right, accommodation in Jasper is limited, and therefore it’s important to book your stay as far in advance as possible!

Here, I’ve handpicked some of my personal favorite hotels in Jasper suitable for any type of traveler with any type of budget!

Jasper Downtown Hostel (Budget Backpackers)

Jasper Downtown Hostel is the best place to stay for those on a tight budget. The central location, shared facilities, and friendly atmosphere makes it a great place to stay. They offer budget dorm beds as well as affordable private rooms.

You can book Jasper Downtown Hostel on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Whistlers Inn (Moderate to High Budget)

Whistlers Inn is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a nice escape right in town and only a short walk from popular shops, attractions, and restaurants in Jasper. They also have a rooftop hot tub (pictured above) – need I say more?

You can check prices and availability on Booking.com.

Pyramid Lake Resort (Luxury)

This place is beautiful, and it is set in an even more beautiful location! Pyramid Lake is the perfect place for hiking, swimming, kayaking, or even skating in the winter. Pyramid Lake Resort doesn’t cut any corners and it’s a highly rated hotel. It’s also a popular place to stay for those visiting Jasper on a honeymoon!

You can check availability and book on Booking.com.

Important Tips for Visiting Jasper in Winter

• Drive carefully – In the winter, the roads in and around Jasper can be icy or snow-covered. Be sure to drive to the conditions and have winter tires! Also, allow extra time to get from one destination to another.
• Dress warm – It can get really, really cold in the winter months in Jasper. It is best to be prepared for extreme conditions with a winter jacket, snow pants, gloves, and a beanie (toque) for any outdoor activities.
• Book in advance – Although the summer in Jasper is the busiest time, it can also get busy during the winter – especially on the weekends! To avoid disappointment, be sure to book your hotel and tours well in advance.

Related read: If you are visiting during any other season, be sure to read our blog about the absolute best things to do in Jasper!

Canada Winter Travel Essentials

If you’re planning to visit Canada in winter then there are a few things you should pack – things we never travel without. Some you may already have, but others you may want to pick up before you leave. This is especially true if you want to enjoy some of the best outdoor activities!

Here are some of our must-have winter essentials:

Crampons/ Ice Cleats: This is the one item I have that I use so much. If you love the outdoors and enjoy short walks and hikes, crampons are a must! The best part is, the pair that I own is only $29 CAD. They aren’t the best pair out there but they’re perfect for the everyday explorer/traveler.

Insulated water bottle: In the summer you want to keep your water cold but in winter, you want to keep it from freezing. That’s why I always carry an insulated water bottle. This Iron Flask Water Bottle is perfect because it doubles as a thermos so it’s great for carrying hot water for those winter hot chocolates! I have the 32-ounce bottle in pink but I wish I had one of the multi-colored bottles!

Merino wool socks: Cold feet can ruin your time exploring the great outdoors during winter. Please do yourself a favor and get a good quality pair of socks. Even just one pair with come in handy but I myself carry three of these COZIA Wool Socks. They’re 80% Merino wool and really warm. The best part is they are only $15 each! When I’m skiing I can even double them up if it’s -30 °C.

Thermal layers: Staying warm begins from your first layer. Life outside during the Candian winter is much more comfortable with thermal layers. There are a lot of great products in this space but look out for Merino wool products – they’re the best in my opinion!

Ski Gloves: Did you know ski resorts in Canada don’t rent gloves? That means you’re going to need to bring your own. I get really cold hands so I love these new heated rechargeable gloves. They keep your hands warm in the coldest temperatures. Although expensive, you’ll never wear another pair of gloves again.

Polarized sunglasses/ ski goggles: People often forget that on a sunny day in the mountains, the sun can really hurt your eyes when it reflects off the snow. For around town, check out these polarized sunglasses and for in the mountains these ski goggles.

Buff: I love my buff! Seriously, I go nowhere without it both in winter and summer. During the winter though, it’s perfect for keeping my nose and cheeks covered from the cold especially when skiing or hiking. There are a few brands around but I always buy the original Buff (you know, the one from Survivor!) They’re a little more expensive but the material is good quality and both breathable and quick drying.

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!

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.

Before you go…

I hope this blog has helped you plan your winter adventure in Jasper. With so many fun things to do in Jasper in winter, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time!

Be sure to check out our other blogs about traveling Canada as well as a few related ones below:

Things to do in Canmore in the Winter

15 BEST Stops driving from Jasper to Banff

How to enjoy the Christmas Season in Banff

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