Don’t let a little drizzle dampen your Jasper adventures! Here’s how to make the most of the national park when the weather isn’t cooperating.
1 Shopping
Pick up the perfect souvenir to remember your trip (or just some great mountain gear) at one of Jasper’s retailers. Options range from specialized adventure-ready equipment to mountain town-approved lifestyle clothing to fresh flowers to art to locally-written books and more.
2 Dining
Fuel up for adventure with tasty grub and delicious drinks. From organic vegan fare to Alberta game meats to backcountry gourmet adventures, Jasper serves up the best that Rocky Mountain cuisine has to offer. Peruse these mouthwatering restaurants.
3 Spa
Replenish your soul and soothe your body at Fairmont Spa. Inspired by the raw elements of Jasper National Park, these relaxing sanctuaries encourage you to slow your pace, breathe deeply and reflect on the artistry and healing power of nature.
4 Planetarium
Think you need clear skies to explore Jasper’s stars? Think again. This 40-seat dome theatre has experiences that are part show, part interpretive guide, part choose-your-own-adventure. Located on the grounds of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, the Jasper Planetarium has showings every night, year-round.
5 Rafting
You were probably going to get a little splashed anyway, so why not go in the rain? With multiple rivers and classes of whitewater, from rip-roaring to relaxing, rafting is one activity that fits nicely on a rainy day.
6 Museum
Left your raincoat at home? Stay dry and learn about the local history at the Jasper Yellowhead Museum & Archives. This fascinating and fun spot is the perfect place to spend a few hours, whatever the weather.
7 Fireplace hop
When the weather outside in frightful, a fire can be so delightful. Visit one or many of the beautiful fireplaces around Jasper, and hunker down for a long evening of cozyness.
8 Maligne Lake cruise
Spirit Island is one of Jasper’s most famously scenic spots, but you can only reach it by boat. The interpretive guided boat tour from Pursuit is a covered vessel, meaning you stay dry during the voyage.
9 Wildlife tour
Watch for furry friends instead of focusing on the road on a wildlife tour. With big sightseeing windows and guides that have the inside scoop on recent sightings, these are a great way to give yourself the best chance possible of spotting animal (note that depending on severity of weather though, some animals may seek shelter in the trees and be harder to spot).
10 Art gallery
See the work of some of Canada’s finest artists at Mountain Galleries. Located on the Beauvert Level at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, this is the largest commercial fine art gallery in western Canada.
11 Rent a cabin
Quintessentially Canadian and oh-so-cozy, Jasper’s love for cabin living is entwined with the national park’s history, yet always evolving. Stay in one of these unique lodgings, which pair heritage aesthetic with modern comforts.
12 Train tour
See the national park through two modes of transportation: a train ride and a sightseeing tour! This unique experience introduces participants to the western side of Jasper National Park, Mount Robson, and some of the region’s historical train stations.
13 Food tour
Hear local stories and try multiple local dishes on this walking tour that visits four Jasper restaurants. The walking portions of the tour aren’t long (the total distance walked is about 1.5 kilometres) so you’re never outside for long.
14 Motorcycle tour
Even if it’s raining and cold you’ll be warm on this fun and unique tour. With heated vests, full leathers and cozy protected Harley-Davidson sidecars, you’ll see the park while having the time of your life.
15 Hiking tour
Truly, unless the weather is exceptionally miserable, we’re of the opinion that you can still have a wonderful time outside provided you have the right protective gear. Bring a rain coat and you’re set to learn and explore with one of Jasper’s hiking guides.
