Just outside the village of Jasper lies Lake Mildred, a popular spot for ice skating. And that’s hardly surprising, as you can skate here with sweeping views of the mountain peaks of Jasper National Park. Strap on a pair of skates and take a lap on this wonderfully thick natural ice. Are you staying at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge? Then you’re in luck, as you can step straight from the hotel onto the ice.
Snowshoeing is becoming an increasingly popular winter activity in the Canadian Rockies. That’s easy to understand, as it offers plenty of adventure. Whether you stick to the marked trails or head out across fresh snow, the beautiful lakes, wide valleys and unspoilt mountain peaks provide a stunning backdrop.
Jasper National Park has some wonderful bike trails, where you are surrounded by the gigantic mountains. In summer it is a popular place for biking and mountain biking tours, but you can also ride the many trails here in winter. Rent a fatbike, a type of mountain bike with extra-thick tires, dress warmly and explore the snow-covered trails of the national park. Popular routess include the Woodpecker Trail and Cabin Lake Fire Road for novice fatbikers and the Mina – Cabin Loop for more experienced riders. If you encounter wildlife on the trail, remember to stay at a safe distance!
During the Ski Tour excursion, you swap your regular skis for specially designed touring skis. Many people choose to ski or snowboard on groomed slopes, but it’s only when ski touring that you truly discover the magic of the Rockies. Led by a guide, you leave the beaten tracks behind and explore the wilderness and the pockets of powder snow hidden here. The guides take you to their favourite spots during the tour. Prices vary depending on the size of the group. The indicative price for 1–2 people is $600 / €407.
This is the excursion of your dreams! Being pulled for 90 minutes by a group of enthusiastic and energetic huskies on this dog sled ride. Just 90 minutes outside Jasper, in Valemount in the province of British Columbia, you’ll step onto your own sled with 6-8 happy little dogs who will take you through the Yellowhead Pass. Of course, you’ll get instruction first, but after that you’re really in charge of the reins yourself! Unless, of course, you prefer to take it easy. Then you sit comfortably with a rug over your legs and someone else drives the sled. You can choose to drive to Valemount by rental car, or use the transfer option. The trip takes 5-6 hours over a distance of 18-22 km. Keep in mind that in winter it is 1 hour earlier than in Jasper. Also, don’t forget to dress warmly. Guide prices per person: $349 / €237 (adults, 13+), $249 / €169 (kids 5-12 years old) and $219 / €149 (kids 2-4 years old).