The alpine wilderness of Jasper remains unmatched as it houses some of the most stunning waterfalls, canyons and lakes in Canadian Rockies. The more we visit, the more it bewitches us for prolonging our stay and coming back again. If you are visiting Jasper for the first time, and wondering about things to do in Jasper in winters, then you have come to the right place. Today we will take you through a three day Jasper itinerary and best places to explore during your stay.
Day 1: Arrive at Jasper
You can reach Jasper from Calgary, Banff, or Edmonton. Once you’re in Jasper, take some time to get to know the beautiful town. Jasper always surprises visitors with its relaxed charm. It’s much quieter than the busy Banff and has a more laid-back, less commercial feel.
Train Station at Jasper
While in downtown, make sure to visit the train station. This place is very important in history because it was built in 1926 and became a heritage site in 1992. You can walk through the past here and see some old pictures of Jasper.
When you step outside the train station, you’ll spot the Two Brothers Totem Pole. It tells the story of two brothers and was built in 2011 to replace the Raven Totem Pole.
Both of these landmarks are quick to visit but are important stops on your Jasper trip. If you visit downtown in the morning, don’t forget to stop by Bear’s Paw Bakery for a warm cup of coffee and a delicious baked treat.
Day 2: Visit Medicine Lake, Maligne Lake & Beauvert Lake
Start the second day with a 46 km road trip starting from Jasper and ending at Maligne Lake. You will come across some of the most aesthetic wonders of nature along the way. Ideally it takes approximately 6 hours to enjoy all the spots. However, you can take the first halt at Medicine Lake if you are short of time.
Medicine Lake
Medicine Lake is part of the Maligne River, but it’s so pretty that it deserves its own special mention! You can stop at the lake and enjoy the view. People who live nearby call it the “disappearing lake” because the water goes down into holes at the bottom, then travels through a cave and comes out downstream in the winter.
If you visit in winter, you can go to the Medicine Lake North Viewpoint. From there, you can walk on snowshoes along the lake and see amazing views of the snowy mountains nearby. After that, you can go to Watchtower Canyon and see a beautiful frozen waterfall. Don’t forget to bring a hiking stick and special shoes called microspikes so you don’t slip while walking on the snow!
Maligne Lake-Jasper
After enjoying the beauty of Medicine Lake, you can keep driving down Maligne Lake Road toward Maligne Lake. Be sure to watch for animals along the way! If you’re lucky, you might see bears, moose, elk, deer, sheep, and more. At the end of the road, you’ll find the peaceful Maligne Lake. If you’re visiting Jasper National Park, you must see this big, beautiful lake, which is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Maligne Lake is a favorite spot for travelers from all over the world. Many glaciers flow into the lake from the Hall of Gods, making the water even more special.
Beauvert Lake
On your way back to Jasper, you can stop at Beauvert Lake. It’s a great place to visit at sunset when the clear water and tall mountains look amazing. There’s a hiking trail around the lake, and bikers like it too. But some parts of the trail might be hard for people with vision or mobility challenges.
Day 3: Visit Pyramid Lake & Pyramid Island
You can spend the last part of your Jasper trip visiting the beautiful Pyramid Lake & Island, just 6 km from Jasper. You can either ride a bike or hike to enjoy some peaceful time with nature. Be ready to see amazing views of Pyramid Mountain from both places. In winter, Pyramid Lake freezes over.
If you’re wondering about things to do in Jasper during winter, you can try cross-country skiing, skating, or even rent a fat-tire bike to ride through the snow. If you love adventure, you can go snowshoeing at Pyramid Lake or enjoy a sleigh ride to celebrate Christmas early. A small bridge connects Pyramid Island to the mainland. It’s a popular spot for taking magical photos at sunrise or sunset.
Bottom-line
Jasper is like Banff’s little sibling, and it’s full of fun things to do in winter! You can play in the snow, see big mountains, and enjoy nature’s magic. After all that fun, you can visit Jasper, a cute little place with yummy food and cool shops. Whether you want a tasty treat or a special gift for a friend, this beautiful town has something for everyone!
