Things to do in Jasper in Winter.
Winter in Canada can be a little restrictive if you don’t like the cold so much but if you have a good jacket and you are not bothered then it is probably one of the best trips you can do. You experience things other wise never seen by people that only travel in the summer and spring months. Everything is frozen which allows you to walk through canyons normally flowing with water, skate and walk on frozen lakes and if you’re up for it try your hand at ice climbing. I grew up in a warm part of the world so for me seeing everything covered in snow basically turns me into a little kid as well.
Driving the Icefields Parkway. Jasper.
This is probably a given if you are in this part of the world but if you thought it was something you might be able to skip don’t do it! It will be one of the biggest travel mistakes you will ever make. Personally I would suggest renting a car for this, it will allow you so much more freedom and time rather than just taking a bus. The road is mind blowing and is littered with that many incredible stops and things to see it will probably add at least an extra day to your itinerary just stopping for photos of things you had not even heard about while doing research.
Maligne Canyon. Jasper.
I read a few reviews of Maligne Canyon in the months outside of Winter and a few people say it is kind of cool but can easily be skipped. That is not the case in Winter. In Winter Maligne Canyon must be seen. The lake completely freezes over and once you are armed with a pair of crampons you are good to go exploring! I would suggest taking an ice axe also just for a little extra stability. You can rent both in Jasper. There are multiple frozen waterfalls along Maligne Canyon in amongst other incredible sites, plus to me walking on a frozen lake that in running chaotically in the other months is pretty amazing.
Pyramid Lake. Jasper.
Both Pyramid lake and Patricia lake are pretty amazing sites in either summer or winter, both providing amazing views over Pyramid mountain.. In winter however you are able to go ice skating, snow shoeing or cross country skiing on either of them. They are located right next to one another just a short drive out of Jasper as well. Snow is so prominent though that I didn’t even realize at first that it was two different lakes haha. The walk around Pyramid Island is one thing I would strongly suggest as well.
Athabasca Falls. Jasper.
Athabasca Falls in Jasper is a pretty incredible site. Almost unbelievably blue water runs between two lime stone gorges, it is not the biggest falls you will ever see but it is potentially one of the bluest. This is another must see spot when you are visiting Jasper, it is also easy to get to from the parking lot and accessible by almost everyone.
Sunwapta Falls.
So this is one of the few spots I have seen photos of where maybe, just maybe it looks cooler in the warmer months, particularly in mid to late spring when the snow melt is in full effect. Having said that though it is still incredibly spectacular in the winter time. Sunwapta Falls in Jasper is actually a pair of waterfalls, with both lower and upper. It is another spot that is a only a short 5-10 minute walk from the car park and another highly recommended spot if you’re passing through. This is also kind of the line where Jasper and Banff meet as well so if you’re heading south after this point there is so much more to see.
Other things you might like to check out while in Canada. Wells Gray Provincial Park
