The leaves have fallen, migratory birds have headed south and the bears have retired to their dens. Although the pulse of nature does indeed beat slower at this time of year, Jasper National Park is a four-season destination and is still very much alive.
In fact, this winter we are extending the winter offer and providing you and your family more opportunities to venture beyond in this magnificent park.
Here’s a taste of what you can expect this winter:
Marmot Meadows Winter Hub
Looking for a place for family and friends to enjoy? New this year, Marmot Meadows Winter Hub at Whistlers Campground is a great place to bring your family and friends for a day of winter fun and adventure.
Slap on your skates and glide along our man-made ice rink. Bring your hockey stick and have a game of shinny.
Feel like skiing? In addition to the existing 5 km of skate and classic tracks, a new intermediate cross country ski trail has been developed to take you off the road and into the forest.
On the weekends, enjoy listening to stories from our Parks Canada interpreters while you warm up by a campfire with a cup of hot chocolate.
We will also have Aboriginal programming where you can learn to cook bannock and the best part, sample it! A tipi will also be set up at Marmot Meadows for you to explore and enjoy Aboriginal tales and programs delivered by our Aboriginal interpreter.
The facility also includes a winterized cook shelter and a new privy.
Snowshoeing
Jasper National Park is the place to go snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies. This year, the number of trails has been increased to give you more opportunity to explore and venture further in this picturesque winter playground.
Catering to all levels and abilities, these well groomed trails are a great activity for the whole family. Five existing trails are being signed for snowshoeing this winter. These trails are located in lesser-known areas of the park to encourage visitors to connect with new places and experiences.
Make sure to pick up our new winter brochure at the Visitor Information Centre in December or view it online so you can make the most out of your trip to Jasper National Park.
Looking for gear? Visit one of the many local shops that rent and sell winter sports equipment.
Events
Jasper in January (January 14 – 31):
Jasper’s annual winter festival is back and Parks Canada interpreters are ready to give you a memorable Jasper National Park adventure and cultural winter experience. Stay tuned for details in the coming weeks!
Learn to Love Winter (February 13 – 15)
Planning what to do for the Family Day long weekend? Jasper National Park will be offering a weekend long “learn to love winter” program. Embrace the cold and warm up with many of the winter activities that we have to offer.
Parks Canada interpreters will offer “learn-to” sessions on snowshoeing, fat bike riding, bannock cooking, how to start a fire and wildlife tracking.
Get cozy and warm up by a nice campfire and enjoy sipping on hot chocolate while making S’mores.
There is lots more to do here this winter. Check the winter activities page on the Jasper National Park website to learn more: www.pc.gc.ca/jasperwinter.
Welcome to the dog days….of winter!
You can involve your furry family members in your winter fun at Jasper National Park. The Pipeline and Whirlpool ski trails, Pyramid Fire Road and Wabasso Campground continue to be dog friendly! Dogs are not allowed on the cross country ski trails at Whistlers and Marmot Meadows.
Your safety is our priority.
Plan your travel, always check ahead:
Check the weather forecast for the park before heading out.
Visit www.511.alberta.ca, or call 1-855-391-9743 toll-free, or dial 511 (inside Alberta only) for road conditions inside and outside of the mountain parks in Alberta.
Traffic volume and highway conditions outside the park also impact travel times; for BC road conditions, check www.drivebc.ca.
Parks Canada
Special to the Fitzhugh
