In the Canadian Rockies, spring is a time of transformation, reawakening and endless opportunities to explore. And Jasper is the perfect place to make the most of the season while the peaks are still snowcapped and the valleys are warming up.
Plus, spring offers an exciting (and quieter) window of time to see some of the area’s most famous landmarks in a unique phase. From Jasper's bustling townsite to the Columbia Icefield's remote glacial wonders, there are plenty of memorable things to do in Jasper this spring.
Located just minutes from the town of Jasper, Marmot Basin ski resort is home to 1,720 acres of skiable terrain across five mountain faces. With pleasant spring temps allowing you to maximize your time on the mountain, you’ll know the resort like the back of your mitts in no time.
At 1,698 metres (5,571 feet), Marmot Basin boasts the highest base elevation in Canada, which means an extra-long ski season that typically stretches through April. Whether you want to try some tricks in the two terrain parks, rip through a roller run in trees, carve down a corduroy groomer or glide through an alpine bowl, Marmot has something for skiers and snowboarders of all stripes to enjoy.
You’ve never seen Jasper quite like this! Starting in April, you can soar above the clouds to an elevation of 2,263 metres (7,425 feet) aboard the Jasper SkyTram — the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada. It’s a wonderful (and accessible) way to get into the high-alpine for a spring walk before the snow has fully melted.
The seven-minute journey aboard the tram brings you to a viewpoint overlooking stunning mountain ranges, glacial rivers, vibrant blue lakes and, of course, the quaint mountain town of Jasper. Go for a stroll along the boardwalk or rent a pair of snowshoes and hike the remaining 1.4 kilometres (0.87 miles) to the summit if Whistlers Mountain is still in its winter form.
It’s important to take time to slow down, embrace the moment and indulge in being present. There’s no better place to do this than at Terra, where you can experience a true taste of Jasper. Inspired by its surroundings, Terra offers locally farmed and foraged fare on a menu that changes with the seasons. It’s the perfect way to complement the spring bloom happening around you.
As spring gets underway, wildlife activity starts to pick up throughout the Rockies. And Jasper National Park is home to a long list of alpine animals, including elk, moose, grizzly bears and mountain goats.
Join SunDog's Wildlife Discovery Tour for a greater chance of seeing Jasper's four-legged residents. SunDog's friendly guides have intel on the best spots to see Jasper's iconic creatures in their natural habitat. Plus, they have a wealth of information so you can learn more about these wild animals and the land they call home.
Golf enthusiasts won’t want to miss the opportunity for a tee time at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club. The 18-hole course — designed by the Stanley Thompson — is consistently ranked as one of Canada’s best, and you’ll quickly see why. You’ll find features like elevated tee boxes and dramatic bunkering that’s all set against rugged mountain vistas. This is sure to be a round worth remembering, on a course unlike any other.
There’s no shortage of incredible options for hikes in Jasper National Park, with sprawling mountains and lakeside scenery at every turn. And while choice is great, it can also make the decision of where to go a tad overwhelming. If you’re looking to narrow it down to one specific area, we recommend heading to Maligne Lake.
Maligne Lake Cruise may not open until the end of May, but you can still explore this iconic destination on dry land. Less-experienced hikers can stroll the 2.6-km Moose Lake Loop or the 3.2-km Mary Schäffer Loop. For a more advanced hike, try the Opal Hills Loop — a steep, 8.2-km trek that delivers spectacular Maligne Valley views.
Prefer to explore by pedal power? Jasper is full of cyclist-friendly routes. From town, check out the Jasper Connector Trails. On a sunny day, the Lakes Loop is a wonderful way to cruise past Lac Beauvert, Lake Annette and Lake Edith over the course of 13.9 km, all with minimal hills.
The more-strenuous Pyramid Trail connects the townsite to Pyramid Lake, with a steady elevation gain of 118 metres. The destination is worth the climb, as the lake’s scenic shores offer a perfect place to catch your breath and take in the surrounding mountain views. Still snowy when you visit? Giving fat biking a try, with rentals available at Pyramid Lake Lodge.
The once-in-a-lifetime Columbia Icefield Adventure, reopening for the season in May, is not to be missed. Budget a full day to take an incredibly scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway before embarking on the epic glacial experience. Once you've arrived, you'll board a giant Ice Explorer vehicle for a journey directly atop the vast Athabasca Glacier. Step out onto the ancient ice that is more than 10,000 years old as you learn about glaciology. When conditions are right, you can even drink straight from the glacier itself.
Afterward, your journey continues on the glass-bottom Columbia Icefield Skywalk for a thrilling stroll beyond the cliff’s edge, 280 metres (918 feet) above the ground. Reflect on your experience as you learn about the landscape from the interpretive storytelling panels.
All these fun spring activities will fill a weekend or mini getaway as you celebrate one season ending and another beginning. Consider staying at any of these unique local lodging options in Jasper and browsing upcoming events to complete your itinerary.
Insider tips, inspiration and deals — delivered straight to your inbox.
