I am often asked what the top things to do in Jasper National Park are in the winter. Where to stay in Jasper is the second-most popular question, and the third is where to eat in Jasper! Here’s the rundown for a weekend in Jasper in the wintertime and this is by no means a full list — there is so much more.
Things to Do in Jasper National Park
Maligne Canyon Ice Walk
One place you want to see is Maligne Canyon frozen. It’s 100% different than in the summertime! The Maligne Canyon Ice Walks are a must when you visit Jasper. For the braver and more advanced hikers, you can take a 3-hour tour right into the canyon and explore the ice caves, frozen waterfalls and see fossils from the canyon floor. For even more excitement, you can wear a headlamp and tour Maligne Canyon at night. For the rest of us, there is a hiking trail around the top of the canyon in which you can walk as far as you like. There are short, medium, and long hikes, clearly marked along the way. Afterwards, we warmed up at the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen with a wide variety of delicious food and drinks.
Pyramid Lake Fat Bike Rentals
While staying at Pyramid Lake Resort, it’s an easy rental! There are trails you can explore as well as ride across the frozen lake. For those who prefer walking or hiking, you can do that as well. Another winter activity that is fun for the whole family is ice skating on the lake in front of the Resort…and don’t forget about snowshoeing and cross-country skiing!
Where to Stay in Jasper
Two of the places I’ve personally stayed at in Jasper are the Crimson Hotel and Pyramid Lake Resort. Each property offers a different experience.
The Crimson Hotel
The Crimson Hotel is a contemporary hotel in the downtown area so it’s a great place to stay if you’re into a short walk to the shopping area with many restaurants. The rooms are modern and have all the amenities you need. Mine had a kitchenette with a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker… and plenty of space in the room!
Pyramid Lake Resort
Pyramid Lake Resort is a chalet-style hotel about a 5-minute drive from downtown Jasper and is a more rustic-style accommodation right on Pyramid Lake. The rooms each have a cozy fireplace to curl up by after all the outdoor activities, as well as a coffee maker, some may have microwaves, too. You can dine at The Pines Restaurant right on the property, or pick it up and eat in your room.
Where to Eat in Jasper
There are many places to eat in Jasper but my absolutely favourite, including the setting, is Maligne Canyon Wilderness Canyon. In the warmer weather, I enjoy sitting on the patio listening to the water rush past into the Canyon and in the cooler weather, it’s nice and cozy inside with the fireplace. Sometimes the patio is open in the winter if you want to sit outside under the string lights and clear sky, with the fire pit to warm you.
The Pines Restaurant at Pyramid Lake Resort offers gorgeous lakeside and mountain views, and a top-notch dining experience. You can choose from dining in the restaurant or pick up your meal and eat in your room. I can’t say which was my favourite meal in The Pines, they were are delicious!
Another restaurant I recommend is at the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre. I visited for my favourite meal of the day…breakfast. The menu offers a wide variety of choices for all preferences.
The Journey
There are a few ways to get to Jasper. I live in British Columbia so my drive is through mountain passes with views of Mount Robson.
Driving up from Banff, you will also discover more gorgeous snowy Canadian Rockies scenery!
Ask me more about Jasper and area in the comments below.
I am also available to create a custom itinerary for you and book your adventure!
