Jasper National Park, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, remains a stunning destination despite the wildfires that impacted the region in July 2024. The resilience of the land and its people shines through as visitors return to explore its natural beauty. By visiting Jasper, Alberta, this fall and winter, you’ll help support the local economy, enabling the town and park to rebuild and welcome guests back to its many attractions.
Things to do in Jasper this Fall and Winter
Explore the many things to do in Jasper this fall and winter, from hiking scenic trails to enjoying world-class skiing. Your visit will not only offer unforgettable outdoor experiences but also play a vital role in supporting local businesses and helping Jasper recover from recent challenges.
1. Jasper Dark Sky Festival
This annual festival offers activities, events, and learning experiences for people of all ages. Experience the best of this dark sky preserve with stargazing, Indigenous fireside chats, photography workshops, comedy events, and trivia nights. This year’s Jasper Dark Sky Festival runs from October 18 to November 3.
2. Family-Friendly Hiking
Starting near Pyramid Lake, a network of trails leads to the Pyramid Bench, which offers views of the town and the Athabasca River. For a short and pretty walk, explore Pyramid Island. A walk through the forest and across a bridge will take you to this iconic picnic spot on Pyramid Lake.
If you want to treat your kids to a hike with exceptional views, take them up the Old Fort Point trail. This short, steep hike ends atop Old Fort Point, offering sweeping 360-degree views of the Athabasca River valley. If you’re lucky, you might meet a few big-horned sheep! Check this link for more family-friendly trails near Jasper.
3. Explore Lake Edith and Annette
The recreation areas around Lake Edith and Annette are open to the public. These pristine mountain lakes and the mountains around them provide a majestic backdrop to family picnics, campfires and nature walks. The area includes picnic shelters, fire pits, a playground, public beaches and a fully accessible trail around Lake Annette.
4. Treat Yourself: Dining, Shopping, Spas
Jasper offers boutique shops, diverse culinary experiences, cozy cafes, spas and more. Treat yourself to dinner out or a relaxing day at the spa. Then, pick up unique souvenirs to help you remember your trip. Every dollar spent in town will support local businesses and contribute to rebuilding this special place.
Some favourite restaurants that I recommend are:
- Fiddle River Restaurant for upscale dining (They have a good menu of local/Canadian fish, wild game, etc. entrees)
- Lou Lou’s Breakfast and Pizzeria for casual family dining
- Su Casa (for Mexican)
Some favourite accommodations that I recommend are:
- Forest Park Hotel (indoor pool for kids, dining in an atrium)
- Miette Mountain Cabins (cozy self-contained cabins with a restaurant, but near the east gates and about 20 min from town)
- Jasper Downtown Hostel (private family rooms available that sleep 2-5 people, clean and newer hostel)
- Jasper Park Lodge (historic Fairmont resort with lodge accommodations, cabins, dining, spa, golf course, views of the lake, paddle rentals in the summer, skate rentals in the winter, tobogganing hill, etc.)
5. Skiing and Snowboarding
Fortunately, Marmot Basin Ski Resort was completely spared in the Jasper fire! This world-class ski resort near Calgary, Alberta is ready for another stellar skiing and riding season. Marmot Basin offers runs for all ages and abilities, terrain parks, private and group ski and snowboarding lessons, equipment rentals, and multiple chalets for hot meals, snacks, drinks, and a cozy apres-ski. It also offers childcare for little ones 19 months to 6 years old.
6. Ice Skating
Jasper offers some of the most breathtaking places to lace up your skates in the Canadian Rockies! At the maintained rink at Pyramid Lake, you’ll skate beneath towering snow-encrusted Pyramid Mountain, with nearby campfires ablaze and skate rentals available at Pyramid Lake Resort.
Jasper Park Lodge also maintains ice on Lake Mildred. Leisure skaters will enjoy an ice track around the lake, while hockey players can play on the ponds cleared in the middle. There’s a heated shack to put on skates and a pond-side bar for hot chocolates and cocktails. The pond is free for everyone to enjoy, and skates are provided for guests staying at JPL.
Read more about safety and skating in Jasper National Park.
7. Sleigh Rides
If you’re in Jasper in the winter, head up to Pyramid Lake for a classic horse-drawn sleigh ride on Pyramid Lake! Listen to the sleigh bells jingle and enjoy the spectacular mountain views. Sleigh rides operate daily during the holiday season and on weekends from December through February.
Before you go...
While planning your trip, check out what’s open in Jasper National Park. Some areas impacted by the wildfire remain unsafe for visitors and are closed. You can also check out what businesses are open in the Town of Jasper. That listing includes restaurants, cafes, places to stay, stores, services, and community spaces.
Please be mindful of road closures and signs while in town and the park, avoid recovery areas, and only visit areas open to the public.
Enjoy your trip to Jasper this fall and winter. Thank you for supporting local businesses as they get back on their feet and work hard to provide visitors with unforgettable experiences.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that if you click through & make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
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