Winter approaches, and snow settles on the new, vibrantly green sprouts covering the forest floor. Fire has cleaned the undergrowth, litter, and branches once shielded by the pine canopy. Now, life finds its way onto floors it has not seen in a hundred years. Like this, winter in Jasper is magic. Just as the forest continues to flourish through winter, the town is alive with winter joy. Snowshoes are dusted off for another year, and eateries fill with hungry guests — windows steaming as they warm themselves over hearty meals. As nature always does, Jasper is healing, ready to welcome back visitors with open arms. Jasper has, undeniably, had a challenging summer. As news of wildfires rolled in, we were all unsure of what the town's future held. Now, as Jasper welcomes back visitors, we look forward — we look to winter.
Jasper remains a jewel of the Rockies. There are a plethora of sights to see and activities to do year-round. But in winter, it becomes something special. And as the season approaches as it has each year before, the town transforms into a true winter wonderland. So, if you’re looking to experience a mountain winter and play in the snow it provides, Jasper is for you. Just as it has always been.
To best support Jasper’s journey towards recovery, we have chosen to highlight locally owned and operated businesses and events where we can. Luckily, Jasper in winter is dominated by its community (after all, they know it better than anyone) and they provide the best ways of seeing the season at its best.
We have a long list (there’s a lot to do!). Strap in.
What is there to do in Jasper in winter?
- Outdoor activities
- Indoor activities
- Local stores
- Food to try
- Festivals and events
- Tours through the Rockies
Let’s start.
Explore Outdoor Activities in Jasper
It’s winter in the mountains, of course you want to be outside. Yes, there is a chill in the air. But bundling up and heading out is the best way to experience the wonderland that is the Rocky Mountains in winter.
Make sure to wear layers (think merino wool base, thick sweater, windproof coat) and all the classic winter accessories (time to dig out your best scarf, mittens, and toque — that’s Canadian for a warm hat — for the occasion). The weather hovers around -10ºc (14ºf) through winter. Once dressed appropriately, you will be ready to enjoy the season comfortably.
Your outdoor adventure can take many shapes (think dashing through mountains or wandering through town) but each offers its own way of taking in the joy that Jasper exudes in winter.
Dogsledding across a frozen lake in Jasper National Park
Dogsled through the mountains
Armed with 6 dogs, 1 sled, and a thermos of hot chocolate, head into the mountains in Canada’s oldest winter transport — dogsledding.
Surrounded by snow and ice, rush through valleys and over frozen lakes to get a view of the Rockies that few experience. You’ll be accompanied by a local guide who will teach you everything from facts about stunning Jasper National Park to steering a pack of fun-loving dogs. After all, immersing yourself in the snowy mountains is one of Jasper’s biggest winter draws. If you’re looking for a way to get out and connect with nature, this one's for you.
Dogsledding tours are one of the highlights for many of our guests who choose to include it in their personalized winter tour in Canada. It’s got everything: outdoor adventures, cultural insights, adrenalin, cute dogs…There’s a reason it’s first on our list.
Take a Snowshoeing Tour
Hit the slopes running. Or, more likely, walking.
If you’re a summer hike enthusiast, your best winter alternative is snowshoeing. And, really, snowshoeing should be seen as a whole different sport from hiking. Snowshoeing routes are often shorter than hiking trails to combat the effort of walking through snow. It’s slower, yes, but that’s a lot of the point.
There’s nothing like getting out of town and deep into the mountains on foot (and the satisfaction of saying you put the work in to get there). The snow blankets both valleys and peaks, muffling the sounds of life (other than the crumping of feet). And by slowing down, you can take it all in best.
The stars shining brightly in Jasper’s Dark Sky Preserve
Stargaze in a Dark Sky Preserve
As in any tumultuous time, the sky is unchanging. The stars will not fall. The night will always come. And, as the world's second-largest Dark Sky Preserve, there are few places better than Jasper to be floored by the stars.
A ‘Dark Sky Preserve’ might sound counterintuitive (the night sky is, after all, always dark). But in Jasper, significant measures are taken to ensure it stays this way.
Light pollution is restricted throughout town, meaning views are always bright — filled with stars as far as the eye can see. And in winter, when nights are at their longest, this is the best time to see it. If you’re really lucky, the Northern Lights might even show their shimmery face...
Take a Self-Guided Mural Tour
One of the best ways to explore Jasper town is … to explore Jasper town. Naturally.
And, while walking the town, there are 12 murals hidden (so much as building-high murals can be hidden) to find. Each is painted by a local artist for the town’s yearly UpLift! mural festivals. And they are stunning. Themes range from the local wildlife to Indigenous culture. And, if following the route correctly, they can point you toward some incredible local stores and eateries (and perhaps a hidden gem, but more on that later).
Jasper knows its heart is with its people and all 12 murals stayed standing during the fire. If you want proof that community prevails in Jasper town, there you have it.
Wildlife wandering close to a tour
See Wildlife on a Winter Tour
A winter wildlife tour (run by expert local guides over at SunDog Tours) is the best way to catch a glimpse of the animals in Jasper National Park. Be prepared to rise early as the sun peeks over the mountains and lights up the valleys below — winter tours start at 9am. But it’s worth it for the chance to see elk, deer, sheep, goats, coyotes, wolves, and moose savor the emptiness of the morning park.
This is one of our favorites — as one of the best ways to see the park wildlife, our Travel Designers frequently include this as a part of their custom winter Canada travel packages for guests wanting to see Canada’s natural wonders.
Trek the Ice Canyon
In winter, the usually frantically gushing floor of Maligne Canyon settles as the river freezes. But, instead, its walls come alive. The waterfalls freeze too, yes, but the spring water feeding them keeps flowing. As the water trickles over the frozen walls, it changes slowly as the year goes on. The result? Ever-morphing frozen waterfalls in enchanting columns coating the canyon walls. As you venture down to walk on the frozen riverbed, the icy walls rise up around you as you are quite literally surrounded by snow and ice (being in the deepest canyon in the Rockies).
Unfortunately, due to damage to bridges crossing the canyon, it is unlikely that this will re-open during the 2024 season. But, as the town keeps recovering, we hope it will re-open next year.
Medicine Lake looking less like a lake and more like a stream through the clearing
Discover the Disappearing Lake (or not)
Medicine Lake is a stunning blue sea surrounded by thick forest and towering mountains on all sides. In summer.
But it hides a mystery.
Medicine Lake is also known as the Disappearing Lake. And, at this time of year, it has indeed disappeared.
Okay, so it’s not so much a mystery anymore.
The lake floor is studded with tiny drain holes which lead to a complex underground system of caves. When water runs off the mountains in spring and summer, the lake fills faster than it can drain. But, come fall and winter, the water slows and the lake drains away until little more than a stream is left. As the snow settles, the lakebed opens up into a beautiful white clearing tucked between forest and mountain.
So while you won’t find a lake at Medicine Lake, the spot is great for winter snowshoeing or wildlife spotting. And, as a bit of a hidden gem, you can often have it all to yourself.
Ski at Marmot Basin
We can’t mention a trip to the Rockies in winter without also mentioning skiing. And, if you’re looking for a quieter alternative to the major resorts, this is the place to go.
Like Jasper town, Marmot Basin has held onto its local feel. The lines are shorter and the slopes are less crowded. And, with consistent snow throughout the year, the ski season often lasts longer than those around it.
Cozy up with the Best Indoor Activities in Jasper
Time to take a break from the chilly mountain air.
Jasper’s small but mighty museum
Visit Jasper-Yellowhead Museum & Archives
This little museum is a testament to the community of Jasper. It recounts Jasper’s human history from the Indigenous peoples who have called the region home for time immemorial, to early settlers and fur traders. It has all the love and charm of a small-town museum (complete with taxidermy wildlife, historical regalia, and a donation-accepting bear welcoming you in).
This will just be a short stop — an hour or so would give you plenty of time — but it is a must-see.
Telescopes at Jasper Planetarium, all the better to see stars through
Go to the Planetarium
If the stars weren’t enough by themselves, get ready. At the Jasper Planetarium, they’re bigger, brighter, and better.
An indoor attraction to look at stars (a very outdoor phenomenon)? Trust us, it’s worth it.
You’ll watch presentations about the Jasper sky, learn about the cosmos, and get a chance to take a peek at the stars above in HD through a telescope. You can see the stars in even more detail than before. And if the weather outside isn’t playing nice, you can still experience the night’s attractions in all their glory.
See art in the Jasper Art Gallery
One trip to the area and it’s easy to see why there is so much art coming out of Jasper. The town is beautiful. The mountains are beautiful. And, so, naturally, the art is also beautiful.
The gallery features pieces inspired by the region and made by the community. And, since it’s located a few blocks from the main strip, it’s often quieter than other spots.
A steaming bath with a view at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Spa
Spa at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Steam rises from the outdoor hot pool, billowing into the cold air. It’s like the clouds gathering among the peaks, floating above valleys. You sit there, looking out at it all — the snow blanketing the mountains, the dense pine forests, the winter splendor — wondering how you found yourself in a hot bath in a little mountain town. But you’re so glad you did.
And this isn’t even the spa treatment, it’s just the rest between them. Because in a moment you will head back inside for another treatment (a facial perhaps).
What’s a winter mountain retreat without a relaxing spa experience?
Discover the Best Local Stores in Jasper
Jasper’s streets are lined with locally owned boutiques and gift shops. You might be starting to sense a theme now — Jasper largely looks inward for its goods, services, and experiences. And as a visitor, this is great! You get to experience authentic mountain life and, all the while, know you’re supporting the town and its permanent residents (they run the best stores in town).
Shopping with a view in Jasper
Find the Best Outdoor Gear in Jasper
Jasper knows its stuff when it comes to outdoor gear and supplies. Anything from specialist camping equipment to the best winter coat. So, if you’re wondering what you need to best face winter in the Rockies, head to Everest Outdoor Store. You can trust them — they spend half the year wearing it. So if you’ve left anything out of your suitcase (or you’re reading this blog in your Jasper hotel, getting inspired, booking a last-minute snowshoeing tour, and realizing you don’t have a toque to keep your head warm) they’ll have you covered.
Discover Local Fashion
Do you want fashion designed and made in Canada with sustainability in mind? Mountain Air Clothing has you covered.
They are a boutique carrying small brands mostly from Canada and mostly sustainability-focused. You can look local and feel good while you’re doing it. And, with a focus on high-quality products, you can keep looking (and feeling) good in your new sweater (or jacket, or slippers, or pajamas, or, or or…) for many years to come.
Get Unique Souvenirs in Jasper
Again with all things local. Local coffee beans. Local soaps. Local books from local authors…
At the Jasper Artisan Market and Refillery, you are guaranteed Canadian-made local artisan products that can’t be found anywhere else.
But it isn’t just for tourists. The shop also serves the Jasper community, doubling as Jade Refillery — a place for zero-waste refills of Canada-made soaps, detergents, and cleaners.
Like most other places on this list, the Artisan Market blends resident and visitor experiences perfectly giving you a snippet of what life looks like for those living deep in the Rocky Mountains.
Jasper National Park Information Centre glowing in the night
Support Jasper National Park at a Non-profit
In the middle of town sits a squat building made of stone and logs. It radiates all the small-town charm you’d hope for from a traditional Visitor Centre nestled in the mountains.
That’s because it is.
The building was built in 1913 as a Park Administrator Centre, going on to become the Jasper National Park Information Centre in 1972. This is your one-stop shop for park maps, guides, and helpful staff brimming with knowledge about the region. And if you want to support the park (and get yourself a souvenir to remember your time by), inside is the Friends Gift Shop. All profits go back into park services and upkeep.
Whether you’re looking to shop or just want to get a good look at Rockies architecture, don’t overlook this one. It’s well worth your time.
Find the Best Food in Jasper
To know a place is to know its food. And, in the Rockies in winter, that is stomach lining, warming, and hearty comfort food. Jasper, being the quintessential ‘charming mountain town,’ has this down to a tee.
Jasper Foodie Tours is the best place to eat good food and make good friends
Take the Downtown Foodie Tour
Even though this might be cheating in a list of ‘Jasper’s bests’, we think you should try everywhere. Food in Jasper is some of the best in the Rocky Mountains.
And, actually, you can.
Taking a food tour through Jasper’s downtown has a little bit of everything. You get to explore the streets of town, dipping in and out of eateries to warm back up. You get delicious and hearty food without committing to just one spot, and the top recommendations from local eating experts. You get some really, really good food, and some great company (other travel-loving, food-motivated visitors? Yes please!).
The stops along the way are secret, so we won’t give anything away, but you’re in for a treat. And if one of the tour picks shows up later on this list? Well, it’s because we found here, first-hand, how deserving it is.
This should be your first stop for eating in Jasper. Give yourself a lay of the gastronomic land and figure out what’s best for your tastes. Bookmark places you want to go back to. And, then, carry on.
Indulge in Après
If skiing’s your thing, you know après is a must-have. If it’s not, nobody will know while you're dining on a classic cheesy concoction at Evil Dave’s Grill.
Be it the ‘Hot Mess’ or the ‘Beautiful Brie,’ you’re guaranteed a treat that rivals classic Swiss fondue. And when there’s snow and there’s mountains and there’s winter cold, there’s no good reason to avoid melted cheese. On everything.
Brunch at Terra. Sweet or savory?
Start with the Best Breakfast in Jasper
In the quiet of the morning, while the sun peaks up over the mountains, breakfast is calling. This is going to set the tone for the rest of the day, so you’ve got to get it right. To start as you mean to go on, we recommend brunch at Terra.
Local ingredients make up the bulk of offerings, so you’re getting a real ‘taste of Jasper’ right from daybreak.
If you want the most locally farmed and foraged fare possible, the ‘Forage Bowl’ is studded with roots, greens, and grains sourced from the region. But, if you believe breakfast is best served with sugar (and, on vacation, think there is every reason to treat yourself to a sweet start to the day), you can’t go wrong with their classic blueberry buttermilk pancakes (with saskatoon berry jam because, again, local ingredients rule at Terra).
The drinks and treats at Lostlands Cafe (featuring the famous sticky cinnamon bun)
Have a Drink and Treat in a Jasper Local Cafe
It’s cold out. You’ve been busy seeing the sights — the thick forests blanketed in snow and the majestic peaks peeking out overtop of them, playing in the snow — deep and white and fresh, and spotting winter wildlife. Now it’s time for coffee paired with a little afternoon treat. That means it’s time for Lostlands Cafe. It’s in the core downtown area so it’s perfectly located to pair with any daytime activity.
And you have to get a sticky cinnamon bun. They’re sourced from the (also local, also amazing) Bear Paw Bakery which is the well-known bakery in town. So you know you’re getting the best of the best in your drink and your treat.
Eat at a Local Restaurant
De’d Dog might not look like the go-to spot from the outside — it’s not upscale (but if that’s what you’re looking for, don’t rule it out). There’s a pool table in the corner, TVs on the walls, and townsfolk there every night. And the food is incredible. It’s classic hearty mountain food done to perfection without being fussy. They invite you to ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ like a good boy (it’s less an instruction and more an invitation, but you won’t get a treat if you don’t). Once you see the food they’re offering, you wouldn’t dream of disobeying.
De’d Dog has been open since 1927 and adored by Jasper residents since then. This place is friendly to its core so whether you’re there for a night or a week, you’re sure to be made welcome. If you’re looking to live like you’re mountain folk, give De’d Dog a try and expect to find a surprise stand-out of your trip.
Experience Holidays, Festivals, and Events in Jasper in Winter
Winter is long in the mountains, often stretching into April and May. Those who live here year-round relish in a little festival or event to bring cheer to the season. And we know there’s Christmas, which is celebrated in all its glory in Jasper, but festivals and events light up the valley long past December.
Concert under the stars at the Jasper Dark Sky Festival
Enjoy the Jasper Dark Sky Festival
Jasper is always looking for unique ways to experience its natural wonders. And, to make the most of the Dark Sky Preserve (head back up to read more about that), they hold a yearly Dark Sky Festival in October to get residents and visitors out and under the sky.
Though the festival is filled with activities (just over 2 weeks of them to be exact), the highlight is the Symphony Under the Stars. Bundled up in wooly toques and thick blankets, gaze up as orchestral music (performed live by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Strings) swells to fill the frosty air. The seating is lit in red to preserve your night vision — perfect for star-viewing.
This is one of those experiences that is well and truly magical.
A warm and cozy Christmas in Jasper
Celebrate Christmas at the Lodge
Christmas is a dreamy time of year anywhere in the world. But, let's face it, snow-capped mountains and log cabins are the go-to images of the season Imagine waking up, deep in the snowy mountains, in a cozy log cabin with a crackling wood fire. A tree, much like the ones outside, stands decorated with twinkling lights and delicate glass ornaments in the corner. And Santa has visited, leaving gifts wrapped in red and gold in his wake. That is Christmas at the Lodge in Jasper.
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge puts on the town’s biggest Christmas celebration running throughout the month. For children, there are gingerbread houses to build and letters to Santa to write. Maybe, if they’re lucky, they might even chance a meeting with the big man himself. And for grown-ups, bubbling drinks, gold in crystal glasses.
And the food… A grand Christmas Day (or Eve) lunch and dinner see tables laden with golden-crusted turkey and ham, dripping with honey — colorful vegetables dotted throughout. After: decadent desserts, rich with sugar and spice (and truly all things nice). Paired with live music and delicious drinks, it makes for a Christmas to remember.
Experience Jasper in January
January is the ideal time to visit Jasper in winter. The town is quiet, with the holiday rush having passed, and it is deep in its snowy season. This means a private winter wonderland reserved for those in the know.
But Jasper in January is even more than that. Each year, the town puts on a festival (called, to no surprise, Jasper in January) bringing color and brightness into some of the year’s darker months. Everyone gets involved — depending on the day, local eateries have specials and host events, unique art exhibits pop up, polar plunges are plunged, free smores appear, workshops for Indigenous crafts are held, and so, so much more. And, after dark, stories around campfires and live music in cozy bars keep you warm amidst the winter chill.
Jasper in January is one of the town’s best-kept secrets. There really is something for everyone.
You made it this far… …so here’s a secret just for you.
Coffee and laundry at Coin Clean Laundry, a combination so bizarre it works
Discover a Hidden Gem
Visiting a laundromat is not usually a highlight of a vacation, but this one might be.
Coin Clean Laundry is a local favorite, and not just because of their stellar clothes-cleaning abilities. Hidden between the machines is a cafe serving incredible coffee (rated Jasper’s best in 2023) and delicious baked goods.
The combo is as cozy as it is bizarre and is a true community space, giving visitors a sense of the tight-knit town. And, unique as ever, it showcases Jasper’s ability to blend adventure planning and getting cozy at every turn.
If you don’t want to sit among the washers (though you should — it’s an experience), the top floor of the building is dedicated to its caffeine-producing services. If following the route of murals through town, look for a giant wing, the Northern Lights, and a train passing below them. You’ll know it when you see it.
Take Winter Trips in Canada
Any good winter trip in the Rockies doesn’t limit itself to one stop. Jasper is beautiful, yes, but so is the journey there aboard the snow train, or onwards by road to Banff and Lake Louise.
Early-morning snow viewing aboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian
Take the Train Through the Mountains
A silver train pulls out of Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station leaving the ocean and city behind. It is bound for the mountains.
On our Winter Escapades tour, begin your Rockies winter trip aboard VIA Rail, snaking through forest and mountains by afternoon before being lulled to sleep by a decadent three-course meal, a plush cozy bed, and the gentle rock of the train.
Wake up in Jasper, and have the first day there to yourself to explore to your heart's content (we recommend checking off a few things from this list that take your fancy), and then a second day with an organized excursion to see nature’s best offering.
Personalize Your Canadian Rockies Vacation
Customize every little part of your winter Rockies rail adventure allowing you to do everything you could possibly want all in one trip (getting expert insight, tips, and tricks all the while). Work one-on-one with a personal Travel Designer to create the perfect mountain getaway and experience the Rockies your way.
(Top Tip: for each of these Canadian Rockies winter tours you can request an extra night in Jasper to explore the town to your heart's content!).
Is 2 days in Jasper Enough?
We recommend spending 2-3 days in Jasper to fully explore the town and the surrounding national park. What is the weather like in Jasper in Winter? In Jasper, the temperature in winter is around -10ºc (14ºf), but that doesn’t mean bad weather. Alberta is the sunniest province in Canada with about 312 days of sunshine per year (that means blue skies and glistening fresh snow). So, as long as you’re dressed for the cold (with layers consisting of fibers built for warmth), you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors to their fullest.
Snowy but bright — Jasper does winter weather best
Is Jasper Town Worth Visiting?
Yes, Jasper town is absolutely worth visiting. Especially in winter. Especially if you would like an authentic experience of life in the Rockies. If we haven’t convinced you here, stunning snow-capped mountains and charming valley towns might just not be for you.
After everything it has been through this year, we would love to help you explore this beautiful mountain town, uncover the wealth of activities it offers, and help support them in reopening this winter.
Reach Out to Book Today!
Chat with a Travel Designer to plan your custom Canada winter vacation experience. Your dream adventure awaits in the wild heart of Canada!
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