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.
Here are 10 awesome things to do in Jasper in winters…
Sunwapta Falls
Sunwapta refers to a turbulent river in local language. You can reach it after a 1.3 km hike while enjoying nature’s raw beauty. Both the upper and lower Sunwapta Falls are fed by Athabasca Glacier. You can visit it both during summer and winter months and watch as the water color changes to mirror the hue of the sky.
Athabasca Falls
The majestic roar of the Athabasca Falls makes it a sight to behold along the Icefields Parkway. There is a short and well maintained trail from the parking lot that can take you directly to the falls. You can enjoy breath-taking view points along the hiking route. Clear road signs make it easy to navigate the path ahead. However, you need to be careful while trying to get a closer shot of the river as the rocks are pretty slippery.
Drive Maligne Road
Go for a drive on 46 km road starting from Jasper and ending at Maligne Lake. You will come across some of the most aesthetic wonders of nature along the way. This beautiful road is know for spotting the wildlife. 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.
Check out Medicine Lake
People get excited to reach here because of the name it has and the beauty it owns. No hiking is required, and even a 15-minute interval here will give you a chance to view it all around. It appears as a huge lake due to summer and late spring thaw. Most of the water from the lake goes down through sinkholes in a cave, and the resurfaced water can be seen in the winter.
Maligne Lake
After enjoying the beauty of Medicine Lake, you can keep driving down Maligne Lake Road toward Maligne Lake. Maligne Lake is a glacial fed lake just a 45-minute drive from the town of Jasper. 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.
Visit Pyramid Lake & Island
If you plan to visit Jasper, then Pyramid Lake is one spot you cannot miss. Resembling a kidney, this picturesque lake at the foot of the Pyramid Mountain is a top choice for all nature lovers. Be prepared to be greeted by brilliant blue water during the summer months. Pyramid Lake is located at a distance of just 5 kilometres from the heart of Jasper.
You can reach this scenic lake in a 10-minute drive. This makes it the perfect spot to include in your Jasper itinerary. If you are visiting the lake during the fall or winter months, then you might get to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights above Pyramid Mountain. 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. A small bridge connects Pyramid Island to the mainland. It’s a popular spot for taking magical photos at sunrise or sunset.
Continue reading about awesome things to do in Jasper in winters…
Snowshoe on Patricia Lake
As Patricia Lake is right next to Pyramid Lake, you can actually walk between both the lakes. Did you know Patricia Lake was named after Princess Patricia of Connaught, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria? Undoubtedly, it is one of the popular lake amongst the locals to hang out. Enjoy some time ice skating on the frozen lake and then warm up with hot coffee while sitting near fire pits.
Downtown Jasper
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. There are plenty of shops, coffee shops and restaurants to explore.
Go for a Jasper food tour
Despite having a resident count of 5000, Jasper offers some of the best restaurants offering gastronomic goodness. The city suffered a lot in the wildfire, and a large number of eateries are still closed. However, if you are planning a Jasper trip, then we have got your back with some best recommendations of restaurants in Jasper to choose from. You can opt for a food tour where you can experience food and drinks both at the same time.
Go on a Wildlife Tour
Travel through majestic winter mountain landscapes with a friendly local interpretive guide. Winter is an incredible time for spotting wolves, foxes, moose, and coyotes. Just carry your camera and get ready for some incredible sightings.
