Escape the classroom and head outdoors to celebrate the warmer temperatures.
Spring is around the corner and we, like many Canadians, are ready for it.
Whether you want to soak up some sun, spot young wildlife, or add some adrenaline to your break with spring skiing , there’s something for every spring break adventurer. Get scheming with the ideas below.
1 Hit the trails
Jasper has thousands of kilometres of trails to explore, with options for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and just normal hiking. For a truly stupendous snowshoe or hiking setting, take a flight up Whisters Mountain on the Jasper SkyTram; at the upper station rent a pair of snowshoes and explore the trails around the summit. The Jasper SkyTram opens for the season on March 21.
Weather in late March and April can be unpredictable though, so be sure to pack lots of layers!
2 Hit the Slopes
Think skiing is just a winter sport? Think again! Spring skiing offers the best of both worlds—plenty of fresh snow with the bonus of warmer temperatures. With its high elevation and northern latitude, Marmot Basin ski resort boasts a fresh, fluffy blanket that covers the mountain all the way into May. Over 450 cm of natural snow falls on the mountain throughout the entire ski season. And should a dry spell occur, a state-of-the-art snowmaking system helps fill the void and keeps the slopes sparkling.
Special Event: Hit the slopes on March 29 and join the party at mid-mountain! Enjoy a live DJ, spring specials, and great vibes on the hill.
3 Sample local cuisine
Big adventures require big fuel. Get a taste of the Rockies at one of Jasper's delicious restaurants. Try Jasper's newest hotspot, The Maligne Range, Terra for authentic Jasper ingredients, or Evil Dave's for globally inspired dishes. There are plenty of options dish up drool-worthy eats for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
New: If you don't feeling like walking from your hotel to your dinner spot after a day of adventures, The Jasper Pony Express offers a complimentary hop-on, hop-off shuttle service. Running Thursday through Sunday until March 31, this charming horse-drawn wagon adds a fun and scenic touch to your evening plans.
4 Walk at the Bottom of a Canyon
Experience the magic of winter in Jasper National Park with the Maligne Valley & Pleckaitis Canyon Icewalk. Walk on ice at the bottom of one of Jasper’s deepest accessible canyons, located in an untouched and unimpacted part of the park. Tours provide crampons and expert guides to ensure safety. As you navigate this winding canyon, you’ll uncover the mysteries of its geology and learn about the rich history and ecology of the area.
5 Watch the Wildlife
Spring is when nature and the animals come alive. Join SunDog Tour Co. or Maligne Adventures on one of their wildlife tours with the chance of spotting lively elk, deer, mountain goats, coyotes, and perhaps a moose, all while taking in the awe-inspiring views around you.
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10 women in Jasper who inspire us
Jasper has always been a place for trailblazers. In the early 20th century, explorer Mary Schäffer became the first European to visit Maligne Lake, and used her skills as a naturalist, illustrator, photographer, and writer to document the region. Today, women continue to leave their mark and bring life to the national park.
