It's the end of January, and thus the end of the Jasper in January festival.
this first weekend itinerary, or scroll down to get your plan for the second weekend itinerary. This sample itinerary doesn’t cover everything (check out the full event listing for that) but it’ll get you to some of the top highlights while maximizing your time and seeing as much of Jasper as possible.
So without further ado, here’s a preview of your future memories for Thursday, January 25 to Sunday, January 28. Book your winter getaway now.
Thursday, Jan. 25
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 27). We recommend hopping aboard this gravy train with a group so you can share dishes and thus try more before tapping out.
Evening – Improv Night
Kick off the weekend a smidge early with this unique (and new!) cultural event. Jasper Theater Productions’ Improv Night includes a hilarious comedy program, plus special guests' performances and live music after the show. Don’t miss this terrific showcase of Jasper’s diverse local talent. Event goes from 7pm to 9pm and is only offered during Jasper in January.
Alternate: Bingo at the Jasper Brewing Co.! Gather your smartest friends for $10 Steins and bingo starting at 9pm. Or go for a full moon hike with Friends of Jasper.
Friday, Jan. 26
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 – Festival of Galaxies
At the Jasper Planetarium's sixth annual January extravaganza! Get either the Planetarium experience or the Telescope + Planetarium combo. This year the astronomy experts will be highlighting quasars: the most distant objects in the observable universe. From the stunning spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy to the massive core of the Andromeda Galaxy, you’ll have the chance to see these ‘cities of stars’ at their best, all through the most powerful telescopes in the Rockies. Start times range from 4:45 to 7:45.
Evening – Pride Night
A party you won't want to miss featuring LGBTQ2+ performers and DJ's. This even will have you bumpin' all night long in a safe and inclusive space. This is the Jasper Pride & Ski Festivals launch party as we look forward to the 15th Annual Jasper Pride & Ski Festival (April 12 - 21, 2024). Goes from 9pm to 2am at the AthaB Night Club.
Just want to sit back with a bevvie and watch some live music? The After Dark music series will have shows at the Whistle Stop Pub (9pm – Amy Hef) and The Stand Easy (9pm – Jam Night).
Saturday, Jan. 27
Morning – Learn something new
Workshop time! Join Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Matricia Bauer for a beading workshop. The $60 ticket includes all materials and personal instruction from 10am to 1pm.
Another unique opportunity: head out with local photographer Luuk Wijk from 8am to 11am in small, intimate groups to capture winter landscapes. Price: $150. Transportation provided.
Or, join a Parks Canada interpreter for a free two-hour snowshoe along Maligne Lake and discover how wildlife biologists use technology to keep tabs on Jasper’s wildlife. 10:45am to 1pm.
Afternoon – Demo Days & 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. Today enjoy Demo Days, where you can test-ride all the best gear for free, Ski with Jasper the Bear, and get half price appetizers, great giveaways and live music at the Après Ski celebration at the on-mountain Caribou Bar and Grill from 1:30 to 3:30.
Alternate: Sip, snack and skate at the Pyramid Winter Fete (2pm to 5pm) or go on an UpLift! Mural Tour at 2pm.
Evening – Street Party and Fireworks
Get ready to break out your dad's neon ski suit and take over the streets of downtown Jasper. At the Annual Jasper in January Street Party, we’re going to party like it’s 1989 – the year this festival was born. Celebrate the lighter side of winter and relive the rad heyday of gnarly mountain ski culture.
This family-friendly event comes alive on Patricia Street with live music, a DJ, retro ski costume contest, s’mores lounge, ice bar, street performers, local market stalls, food venders and fireworks.
Sunday, Jan. 28
Morning & Afternoon – Ice Climbing
Experience the unforgettable thrill of climbing a frozen waterfall via Ice Climbing 101. This fun, safe, thrilling experience lets you explore places that are inaccessible to most park visitors. The six-hour tour (10am to 4pm) begins at the Rockaboo Mountain Adventures office in Jasper where you’ll meet your guide and get your gear. Then travel to the climbing site, chosen each day based on weather: Maligne Canyon, Tangle Falls, or Edge of the World.
Evening – Lights tour and live music
Walk around town to see all the lights and snow sculptures that decorate the town this time of year. Top spots include: the 6015 Engine, VIC Lawn, Tourism Jasper Office, CIBC Hedges, Forest Park Hotel, Connaught Drive.
Then head to Terra for their Sunday Supper Club for drink specials, soul-warming dishes, decadent desserts and live music by Greg Deagle.
