Jasper National Park’s cool winter once again paves the way for the even cooler 26th annual Jasper in January festival.
The park welcomes more than two million visitors a year, with the majority arriving in the summer months. Tourism Jasper’s Jasper in January event presents visitors with a great opportunity to soak up this winter wonderland at their leisure, forgoing the summer crowds.
From skiing, skating and snowshoeing to the iconic Maligne Canyon ice walk and second largest Dark Sky Preserve on the planet, the park has something for everyone—a place where Canadians of all ages can connect with the mountain landscapes and foster an appreciation for national parks.
As part of the two-week long festivities, Parks Canada will host the following special winter thrills:
Jan. 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Huddle by the campfire at Winterstruck, where you can cook your own bannock on a stick or learn to start a fire the old fashioned way—without matches.
Jan. 24, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Meet Parka, Parks Canada’s adorable mascot, at the Street Party where there will be plenty of caribou activities for kids. There will also be a telescope or two, if the weather permits, for stargazing.
Jan. 24, 25, 31 and Feb 1, 1 p.m.
Gather at the Sixth Bridge (Parking Lot #8) for the Wildlife Trail Camera Safari. Discover the hidden world of wildlife and test your tracking skills during this easy hike, which will last between 1.5 and 2 hours.
Everything Parks Canada does is made stronger by partnership and collaboration, and we will continue to work with tourism partners and the community alike to expand and promote winter experiences in Jasper National Park.
Parks Canada also participated in Tourism Jasper’s Media Weekend from Jan. 9 to 11, where it showcased the variety of winter recreational activities available in the park this season. Reporters joined Parks Canada staff at the Pyramid Lake winter recreation hub to cross-country ski, skate, snowshoe, or take a winter walk along the flat-packed trails.
Chris Peel from Freewheel Cycle (pictured above) was on-hand to demo fat bikes, the newest approved winter activity.
If you’re in town during Jasper in January 2015, don’t miss your opportunity to fat bike, for you will discover a whole new way to play in the snow.
For more information about Parks Canada’s schedule of events and details on Jasper in January 2015, visit www.jinj.ca.
Parks Canada
Special to the Fitzhugh
