So you want to come to the lightest, brightest, tastiest winter festival in the Canadian Rockies. Good choice. The Jasper in January festival has been a mainstay in our cozy mountain town for more than three decades, and the 2025 celebration promises to be a much-needed, unforgettable experience. The festival runs across the last three weeks of January, with most events happening on the weekends.
Get the party started with this first weekend itinerary. Featuring fun outdoor activities, mouthwatering culinary delights, nightlife and more, it’ll ensure you hit the premiere events happening between Friday, January 10 to Sunday, January 12.
Make January a month to remember instead of a time to get through. Book your winter getaway now.
Friday, Jan. 10
Morning – Wildlife Tour
Part of the reason Jasper was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site is because of the many wild animals that call it home. Go looking for some of Jasper’s most famous furry residents (like moose, elk, and wolves) with a 9am to 12:30pm wildlife tour from SunDog Transportation and Tour Co. Going with a guide ensures you stay safe, learn lots, and have a greater chance of spotting animals without having to worry about driving yourself.
Afternoon – Poutine Showdown
Don’t miss this self-led adventure dedicated to Canada’s favourite comfort food. Multiple restaurants in Jasper will be creating their own unique and delicious takes on poutine, with an eye towards being crowned the best in town (vote online for your favourite; winner will be announced at the annual Street Party on January 25). We recommend hopping aboard this gravy train with a group so you can share dishes and thus try more before tapping out.
Evening – Time to party
Start your festival experience at the Whistle Stop Pub for their free J in J Kick-off Party! Get some complimentary appies between 5pm and 6pm, live music from 8 pm, and $7 pints on tap all night long from Wild Rose Brewing.
Alternative: Join the locals for Jam Night at The Stand Easy where local talent and visitors hit the stage. Come play (instruments available), listen, or just soak up the vibe!
Saturday, Jan. 11
Morning & Afternoon – Skiing
This festival was born as a ski celebration, and skiing is still a huge part of Jasper’s winter culture with Marmot Basin at its heart. This resort boasts the highest base elevation in Canada and panoramic views from all over the mountain. Lifts run from 9am to 4pm; don’t forget to take breaks through the day at one of the chalets. Paradise Chalet will have free s'mores between 11am and 2pm. You might even see Jasper the Bear hitting the slopes while you're there!
Evening – Festival of Galaxies
Stoke your awe with the Jasper Planetarium’s Festival of Galaxies, which includes both planetarium and telescope experiences (multiple tour times available between 4:45 to 8:30pm).
Then head to a local restaurant for dinner and some After Dark entertainment: Whistle Stop Pub, Evil Daves, and Su Casa will all be welcoming live performers for the night.
Sunday, Jan. 12
Morning – Wildlife Tour
Part of the reason Jasper was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site is because of the many wild animals that call it home. Go looking for some of Jasper’s most famous furry residents (like moose, elk, and wolves) with a 9am to 12:30pm wildlife tour from SunDog Transportation and Tour Co. Going with a guide ensures you stay safe, learn lots, and have a greater chance of spotting animals without having to worry about driving yourself.
Afternoon – Activities at Pyramid Lake
Nothing says winter quite like a sleigh ride with jingling bells. Cozy up as you are taken across Pyramid Lake by local experienced guides, and soak in the stunning views of Pyramid Mountain. Then lace up some skates (on-site rentals available) and head out onto stunning alpine ice with Jasper the Bear!
Evening – Lights tour
After filling your belly with cheese curds, take a digestive walk around town to see all the lights that decorate the town this time of year. Or, hop on the Jasper Pony Express - a complimentary horse drawn wagon adorned with twinkling lights, jingling bells, and cozy blankets. Let the horses lead the way as you take in Jasper's holiday magic, or use it as a charming way to reach a local restaurant or bar.
