The Ultimate (Jasper) Winter Bucket List

With surrounding views of snow-capped trees and mountain-silhouetted horizons, climb aboard one of Canada’s oldest forms of winter transportation: a dog sled. As you glide over the snow, sit back and relax with a guide from Cold Fire Creek Dogsledding and team of friendly Alaskan Huskies.

Along with viewing majestic wildlife, you can choose to venture with anti-slip cleats in Maligne Canyon to explore frozen waterfalls, ice caves and incredible ice formations. This geological wonder is the deepest canyon in the park, and although incredible to see in the summer, it's arguably even more otherworldly come winter, when visitors can tread its usually inaccessible frozen floor.

The frozen lakes and rivers provide a great backdrop and contrast for the elk, deer, moose, wolves, sheep and coyotes that are still very active in winter. You can choose to go on the lookout yourself for wildlife, or increase your chances of finding epic animals by booking a winter wildlife tour with Sundog Tour Co.

Renowned for its breathtaking dark sky, Jasper is the perfect place to embrace the night – whether you want to stare into the mesmerizing milky way or watch an awe-inspiring aurora.

Jasper’s dark sky is especially exceptional during the winter, so bundle up with some hot chocolate and watch it come alive!

Don’t know where to stargaze? Here are some suggestions to get you started.

For those who find the cool winter night air a bit daunting, the stars aren’t off limits! Gather under the dome of the Jasper Planetarium at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge instead! Offering special events, digital planetarium tours, and guided telescope viewing opportunities, the Planetarium’s experienced astronomy guides will personally take you on a tour or the cosmos. Specializing in the night sky above Jasper, visitors have the chance to see the stars above Jasper regardless of the weather. Don’t miss the chance to take in this exclusive look at the heavens over the lakes, canyons, glaciers and mountain tops of the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world.

Exploring otherwise unreachable paths has never been easier, especially during Jasper in January, where brave explorers can test their adventure skills and embrace the best winter has to offer.

Across three action-packed weekends at the end of January, Jasper welcomes visitors to shred the slopes at Marmot Basin, savour the flavours at Jasper’s culinary establishments, and celebrate at the annual Street Party and fireworks display.

Jasper in January has deals, events and activities to turn the biggest cold-weather humbug into a winter champion!

Challenge yourself with one of winter's most exhilarating sports: ice climbing. In the winter, Jasper National Park is a mecca for ice climbers. Every type of climb can be found for climbers at all skill levels, from long alpine ice routes to short bolted mix and dry tooling routes.

No experience? No problem! Grab a guide from Rockaboo Mountain Adventures and learn for yourself that ice climbing is easier but just as fun as it looks!

Considered one of the most spectacular drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway allows visitors to experience the awe-inspiring mountains, epic glaciers, frozen waterfalls and ice-covered lakes that define the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

Make sure you’re prepared for winter driving and for the epic experience ahead by checking out our blog post: 5 Ways to Prepare for Your Winter Journey Down the Icefields Parkway!

Whether you enjoy short cross-country ski loops with gentle slopes or longer, more challenging routes, Jasper has a cross-country skiing adventure for you. The trails take you through scores of beautiful valleys and past magnificent lakes and mountain scenery.