Snowshoeing is the great adventure sport equalizer. And snowshoeing in Canada’s Rocky Mountains for the first time, or any time for that matter, can change just about anybody’s life.

Historically, snowshoeing in the Rocky Mountains was just about as common as walking. It was the only way for First Nations people to travel and hunt in the harsh Canadian winter. The practice goes back millennia, as much as 8,000 years by some estimates. Now, anybody from children to seniors, even if they have never spent a single day in the snow, can enjoy a successful day snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain locations like Jasper National Park.

As harsh as winter can be in the Canadian Rockies, the recreational opportunities are extensive, even life-changing for those with even the slightest taste for adventure. And this doesn’t just ring true for adrenaline junkies who want the rush of skiing or ice climbing. Dog sledding in Jasper, Canada is a howl for people from every age group, physical ability, and walk of life.

As one of the oldest forms of transport in Canada, dog sledding has a long tradition in Jasper. Sled teams are able to weave their way through
the snow, even in the deepest winter, tracing between snow-capped mountain peaks, icy lakes and waterfalls, and all of the natural beauty of the Canadian wilderness. Companies offering dog sledding tours in Jasper include Cold Fire Creek Dogsledding, SunDog Tours, Jasper Adventure Centre, and Raven Adventures Ltd.

Even though it’s cold in Jasper, many dog sledding tours operators don’t exactly make their guests rough it. With extensive experience travelling
through the Rockies and keep guests comfortable in the cold climate, most of these tours cater to helping everybody having a good time. Some dog sledding tours on offer include the following:

SunDog offers tours for large groups including the 90-Minute Musher. The tour is great for groups with small children and want a quick taste of dogsledding. Trip includes getting to know the dogs and learning how to drive a dog team, a full hour of sledding, and hot beverages and homemade treats. It’s a 5-6 hour day in total and a very fun way to get out and enjoy the Rockies.

Snow Fire Creek’s tours follow an old trap line which was established over 100 years ago. It follows the Small River through a spectacular mountain valley. Lunch includes campfire cooked Valbella sausages on cheese buns, homemade loaves and cookies, trail mixes, fresh fruit and hot apple cider, with vegetarian options available on request.

With almost all of the tours, the companies encourage the guests to interact with the dogs. And although many people opt to simply sit in the sleds and take in the sites, these operations will train guests to drive the sleds themselves, provided they meet the physical requirements.

As the only spa downtown in Jasper, Alberta, Canada the Wild Orchid Salon and Spa offer as perfect opportunity for visitors to relax and unwind in the Canadian Rockies.

Wild Orchid provides everything from bride-to-be massages to men’s haircuts, with registered massage therapists always at the ready for anybody looking for a rub. Packages range from hour long Reiki and hot stone massages to full day pampering that includes everything manicures and herbal tea to scalp massages and facials.

Also worth a try is the spas Wild Fiesta package, which is a partnership between the Wild Orchid and La Fiesta a well-established local restaurant near the spa. The package includes a 60 minute couple’s massage, a three course meal and the restaurant’s famous sangria.

There are of course other options for those looking for a spa treatment in Jasper, with most of the best associated with the larger hotels such as the Jasper Park Lodge. However, for the value and its location right in the heart of Jasper’s downtown, the Wild Orchid Salon is worth looking into.

There is something for people from every walk of life when it comes to day hikes in Jasper National Park. From slow strolls to quad busting climbs, the day hikes in this section of the Canadian Rockies will make their mark on just about any park visitor. With spectacular sites that range from renowned glacial rivers and lakes to pastoral mountain meadows, many within a stone’s throw of the town site, there is no excuse not to get out and enjoy a day hike in Jasper. But remember, not all paths are created equal and these few tips might make sure you are not wasting your time in the Canadian Rockies.

Lake Annette Loop

Located close the town of Jasper, this paved loop is an easy hike for just about anybody and is even wheel chair accessible. With ample opportunity for picnicking, swimming and canoeing many people make their way to the Loop throughout the year. But just because it’s easy doesn’t make it average and you’ll find an ample amount of Rocky Mountain magic to hold your attention. This includes everything from the beautiful blue glacial waters to a quicksand-filled pond to the inspiring peaks of the Temple Mountain and all the wildlife that Japer is famous for.

Athabasca Falls

Although it is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies it is Athabasca Falls is one of the easiest sites to get to. Although there are stairs along the way, which does limit some people, the entire trail is paved. As you can imagine for a place this beautiful and this accessible, it can get very busy during peak times, but it’s worth braving the crowds to get a good look.

Cavell Lake

When the early morning light hits the waters of Jasper National Park’s Cavell Lake you will think you’ve woken up in Valhalla. And maybe you have? Although the Lake is rather large, the walk and the drive to get there from the town of Jasper to get a good look at this Rocky Mountain wonder are not. The mostly gravel path offers little in the way of elevation gain and makes this must see site for those wanting a simple day hike in Jasper.

Skateboarding is not a crime in Jasper, Alberta. In fact, it’s encouraged. For those born to skate, Jasper offers up a couple of options, the best probably being the free skate park close to the Jasper Aquatic Centre.

The park was completed due in large part to the Jasper Skate Association’s fund raising efforts and is open to rippers that range from skateboarders to BMXer. The park boasts features that include kink and adjustable round rails, and a 90 degree hip quarter pipe.

The park is far from the only option available to skaters in the Rocky Mountain paradise of Jsper, however. The town is a picturesque spot for street skating and for a place ith a pretty small population, has thriving community of skaters.

Longboarding has een making inroads into Japser in recent years. Check out this video of a goup of long boarders taking advantage of the long roads near Miette Hot Srings.

HD MIETTE LONGBOARDING JASPER ALBERTA from Jeff Sanders on Vimeo.

Although the roads are icy most of the year, when summer does come the long stretches of asphalt are perfect for picking up speed and carving.

In addition to the great bike and snowboard shops in town Senate Skate Shop is worth checking out for gear.

All-in-all, Jasper might not have the number of spots to skate that Banff does, but the spots it does have a great.

Whether you celebrate American Thanksgiving or Canadian Thanksgiving, there are many great options for a wonderful holiday celebration in Jasper National Park.

American Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, which can mean excellent winter sport conditions in the Rocky Mountains. And it definitely means there’s a great opportunity to create lasting family memories over gourmet turkey dinner in one of the many world-class restaurants around Jasper.

Canadian Thanksgiving is much earlier, the second Monday of October, which means less chance for skiing (although it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibilities). The attention the resorts and restaurants pay to offering a wonderful holiday experience in Jasper remains the same, however, no matter which Thanksgiving you celebrate.

Particularly good options for Thanksgiving dinner in Jasper include the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Ember’s Steakhouse at Marmot Lodge, and the Silverwater Grill & Lounge at Chateau Jasper.

At Jasper Park Lodge, executive chef Derek Ingraham never disappoints. Recent Thanksgiving feasts have reportedly been incredible, and considering the quality, are usually very reasonably priced. The Lodge is also always very good about planning family activities throughout the Thanksgiving long weekend and excellent package deals often come available, especially for those planning their holidays in advance.

Embers steakhouse at Marmot Lodge is also a good Thanksgiving dinner option. The restaurant offers high quality dining and the cost for a three course Thanksgiving dinner is usually under $30. The same type of menu at the same price can be found at The Silverwater Grill in the Chateau Jasper.

Of course these are only a few of the options available and there is no question you’ll be able to find a very good meal somewhere around the town of Jasper during the holidays. And regardless of what restaurant you choose, Thanksgiving in Jasper is bound to be a tasty affair.

Scenic Outdoors or Luxurious Hotel: Choose the Place for a Perfect Jasper Wedding

Wedding Photo by Bonner Photography

Jasper, Canada, is surrounded by Jasper National Park, a truly a magical place. With it’s tall, majestic peaks, abundant waterfalls, brilliant blue-green lakes, wildflower fields and abundant wildlife, it’s like a fairytale.

And doesn’t everyone want a fairytale wedding?” Of course they do. And Jasper is the perfect place for the perfect wedding.

It’s hard to get much more romantic than Jasper. Snow-capped mountains surround the little town on all sides, trees sway lightly in the refreshing breeze and there are stunning lakes everywhere — perfect for memorable wedding photos.

When it comes to a hotel — either for guests, the reception, or both –  there are unbeatable options, such as the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge — literally fit for a king — and the Pyramid Lake Coast Hotel.

Where to hold the wedding?

Beauvert Plateau

This is the place to check out for large weddings. The Beauvert Plateau is a large, gently sloping location that boasts an perfect view of Mount Edith Cavell and accommodates up to 350 guests.

It’s on the edge of the water, with five separate sun decks for the more intimate Canadian Rockies weddings. Each can hold 25 people and offer views that will live in the memory for a long time. Whether you are coming from the hustle and bustle of Edmonton for a getaway wedding or coming all the way from Europe, Jasper is an ideal place to get married.

Lac Beauvert

The emerald green waters of Lac Beauvert offer three of the most stunning outdoor locations on offer not just in Jasper, but in all the Canadian Rockies. All three overlook the lake and also Whistler’s Mountain. Time-wise, it is available from May through to early October (depending on weather).

Whistler’s Plateau

Located in between the Fairmont’s Whistler’s Cabins and Lac Beauvert, this is nothing short of gorgeous. This is perfect for the bigger weddings as it can fit up to 200 guests.

Of course there are many other beautiful locations to hold your Jasper National Park wedding in and around Jasper, as well as throughout the surrounding Canadian Rockies. There are also every sort of accommodation you and your guests may require, everything from quiet and secluded rustic cabins to boutique hotels to luxury resorts — the aforementioned Jasper Park Lodge once played host to a king of England; we weren’t boasting when we said it was fit for a king!

Cruises, Hikes, Bikes and Tours: Your Wedding Guests Will Find Plenty of Activities in Jasper National Park

Cruise to Spirit Island in Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park.

When you’re a wedding guest, sometimes the wedding isn’t much fun – especially when you have to travel somewhere to attend. But there is no excuse if you have your wedding here —that’s another great thing about a wedding in Jasper: there is no end of things to do for your guests.

In fact, by planning ahead, you can make sure your guests get the most out of their Canadian Rockies trip, and make your wedding more fun at the same time.

Ciara Daykin, wedding planner and owner of Firefly Occasions, suggests the bride and groom plan group activities for guests. “Your guests will all feel like they are friends by the time the wedding actually happens.”

She notes that guests will want to get out and experience Lake Louise anyway, and by planning group activities, the bride and groom can create a bonding experience for their guests without incurring extra cost. “You don’t have to pay for everything, you just have to have it organized,” she says.

One Trip for the Adrenalin Junkies, One for Those that Just Want to Relax

Daykin recommends setting up two separate trips that will appeal to a broad range of guests, say whitewater rafting and guided sight seeing. Afterward, she says it’s good to have reservations made at a local restaurant, where your guests can get together and talk about their day over a great meal. “There are phenomenal restaurants in and around Lake Louise,” she notes. “These places know how to cater to a large group.”

Below, you’ll find a list of information to help you and your guests plan their stay in Jasper, Canada, Jasper National Park, and the Canadian Rockies.

Accommodations in and around Jasper

Everyone in your wedding party should be able to find the right accommodations in and around Jasper, Alberta, and throughout the national park. If people want to experience the unspoiled wilderness that surrounds Jasper and experience alpine living, there is nothing better than a quiet, cozy mountain log cabin. For that check out Old Entrance Bed and Breakfast.

Need to impress your spouse’s parents? Put ‘em up in Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, a fabulous luxury resort hotel right on the shores of the Athabasca River — just across from downtown Jasper! Here you can find a complete list of Jasper-area accommodations. Or you can go here to check rates, availability and make reservations.

Activities, Outdoor Recreation and Things to Do in Jasper

If your guests complain that they’re bored on their trip here, please check their pulse. There is no shortage of hikes, drives, sights, tours and other activities in and around Jasper and Jasper National Park to keep them busy, entertained, and out of your hair during their stay in the Canadian Rockies. Skiing, hiking, whitewater rafting, canoing and kayaking, GPS tours — there’s no end to the recreation opportunities here in Jasper, Canada.

What About the Less Adventurous? How about a Maligne Lake Cruise

But what will guests do if they aren’t into hiking, mountain biking and playing hard outdoors? Not to worry, there is plenty of things to do here, even if you don’t ski or hike. There are horse-drawn sleigh rides in winter, plenty of tours to take in winter or summer by car or bus that will still let your guess take in the natural beauty of Jasper and Jasper National Park.

Of course no trip to Jasper would be complete without a cruise. Yes, we said cruise — a cruise to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park. This beautiful little island is one of the most photographed spots in all of the Canadian Rockies, and perhaps even all of Western Canada.

The 90 minute interpretive tours depart every hour on the hour throughout the summer season and are staffed by recognized Canadian Heritage Tourism Guides and Canadian Ministry of Transport-licensed Pilots.

Best of Both Worlds: Come to Jasper for Your Wedding and Stay in the Canadian Rockies for the Honeymoon

Pamper Yourself with a Honeymoon in Canada's Jasper, Alberta,

What’s one of the best things about having your wedding here in Jasper, Canada, and Jasper National Park or elsewhere in the Canadian Rockies? Your honeymoon – it can begin pretty much after you finish saying “I do.” Maybe even before that, say, as soon as you get here.

Alberta’s Canadian Rockies, with places like Jasper National Park, Banff National Park,  and towns like Canmore, Lake Louise, Banff and ouf course, Jasper, can provide newlyweds with a beautiful, inspiring, and fun way to begin their lives together. And not to worry if roughing it in the great oudoors isn’t what you have in mind for your honeymoon.

There are a lot of the traditional things available for couples who want to pamper themselves on their honeymoon, says Amira Harris, wedding planner and owner of Posh Productions. “Hot springs, spas, mud baths, hot stone massages, there are all sorts of spas that can really take care of you,” she says.

In fact, the Jasper Park Lodge opened a new luxury Fairmont Spa in 2010. The 10,000 square foot spa boasts 10 treatment rooms, two couples massage rooms with jacuzzis, therapeutic mineral baths, rain showers and deluxe glacial inspired steam rooms.

Once you feel good and relaxed, there is plenty to keep you busy. “For anyone who’s never been to the Rockies, you wouldn’t have to try hard to find something to do,” Harris says. “You could keep yourself busy for quite a few days out here.”

Of course, if you do like outdoor recreation, Banff and Jasper National Parks offer amazing activities, such as horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, backpacking, whitewater rafting and skiing. There are also great guided tours, including helicopter tours (heli-tours), motorcycle tours, hiking and driving tours. You can even go on a glacier or ice field tour.

All those activities are bound to whet your appetite, and the restaurants of the Canadian Rockies are ready to deliver everything from a great pizza and beer to the finest wine and seafood. And of course, the accommodations here are unsurpassed; there is everything from rustic, private cabins to boutique hotels to five-star luxury resorts and spas.

In the Canadian Rockies, it is truly possible to have a beautiful wedding and first-class honeymoon, while saving time on traveling to some far-away destination on the other side of the globe – which saves you a bit of money, too!

Scene of Jasper National Park

JASPER, ALBERTA – Canada Those who want to experience camping in the Colorado Rockies outdoors but don’t have the necessary equipment at hand, cottage tents at Whistlers campground in Jasper National Park might be just what you need.

Perfect for first-time campers and families, these basic-furnished tents are 14 feet in length and 20 feet in width, and are high enough to stand in. The roomy, clean area inside and out include a picnic table, food locker, kitchen utensil locker, fire box and parking site for one vehicle. Spacious and comfortable like Jasper National Park hotels and lodging, but with a rustic appeal still cozy and clean.

Whistlers campground, though just three kilometers to Jasper, is located in a beautiful forest area that is peaceful and a perfect setting to get the vibe of what it’s like to “rough it” in the wilderness. These convenient cottage campsites even have fire boxes to set the mood as things wind down to a tranquil evening by the fireplace.

Each unique cottage tent includes one double bed and mattress and bunk beds with mattresses, so campers need only their own sleeping, but even bed linen is provided. In addition, two fold-out lounge chairs can each be made into a single bed if needed. Two electric wall lights are in each cottage tent, plus electric baseboard heating to keep things cozy on chilly nights. Add the extras like clothes hangers and cleaning supplies, and these tents define luxury camping.

To help keep the tents clean, pets are not allowed in the tents, and smoking is not allowed. It’s suggested that campers remove their shoes before entering, so consider bringing along a pair of slippers to shuffle around inside. Campers are encouraged to bring any food they wish, however this being bear country be sure to always store, cook and eat outside the tents.

Campground staff are ready to help campers get familiar and settled in these charming cottage tents. The cost of a rental is $90 per night, and there are three different tents to choose from (one is wheelchair accessible). Reservations can be made either online or by calling 1 877 737 3783.

Click here and check out the LIVE webcam of Jasper!

Cabins in Jasper National Park – Book JasperNationalPark.com Lodging – Get $400 worth of FREE Activities and Food Discounts – Promo Code: 266527

Jasper, Alberta, Canada

Jaspernationalpark.com is the official tourism hotel, accommodations and lodging booking engine of the Canadian Rockies. Book through us and save up to 70 percent off AND get $400 worth of FREE activities and restaurant coupons. To receive your coupons, email us at hotels@rockies.com and include your confirmation number in the subject header.

Note: To qualify for the discount you must book through the jaspernationalpark.com website. Bookings made directly with the hotel do not qualify.