Jasper is a small town in deep East Texas with southern charm and a lot of modern conveniences. With mild winters and a high quality of life, it’s an ideal destination for anyone looking to settle in.
There are plenty of things to do in Jasper, including outdoor festivals, air shows, club rodeos and tasty cuisine. But there are also some cool activities that you may not know about!
In winter, Maligne Canyon is transformed into a magical place with frozen waterfalls and ice formations. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Jasper – and it’s a must-visit attraction at any time of year.
The deepest accessible canyon in Jasper National Park, Maligne Canyon began as a cave system under glaciers over a million years ago. Over the course of a few millennia, meltwater from the glaciers carved a 55 m (180 ft) deep gorge into the soft karst bedrock below.
The creek freezes in the fall, reshaping the thundering waterfalls into beautiful icicle walls. The ice is safe to walk on once the creek has a sufficient thickness – that’s decided by Mother Nature herself!
The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most visited and accessible glaciers in North America. It sits along the Columbia Icefield, a huge ice field that runs between the summits of Mount Columbia on the west and Mount Athabasca on the east in Jasper National Park.
Aside from its natural beauty, this UNESCO World Heritage site also boasts some of the best hiking trails in Canada. Among these are the 1.1-mile (1.8-kilometer) Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trail and the 2.2-mile (3.6-kilometer) Forefield Trail.
For an even more adventurous experience, join a tour that combines the Icefields Parkway (arguably one of the most scenic drives in the world) with glacier exploration. Tours last about a day and include lunch sourced from an eco-friendly eatery as well as crampons.
Located in Jasper County, the picturesque city of Jasper is known for its mild winters, low cost of living and excellent quality of life. This compassionate community nestled between three stunning lakes is a place you’ll love to call home.
Originally named Snow River or Bevil’s Settlement, the charming town changed its name to Jasper in 1835 for William Jasper, an American Revolutionary hero. It’s a historic town with plenty to see and do.
It’s a great place to go for a relaxing hike or to relax by the lake after a day of exploration. Several campgrounds offer beautiful views of the lake.
Maligne Lake Road is one of the most scenic roads in Jasper National Park. The 44km road runs along the Maligne River and provides several viewpoints as well as access to hiking routes.
The road is a great option for families with young kids as it offers a wide range of activities including wildlife watching and walking. It is a must-see for all visitors to the Canadian Rockies.
Another interesting feature of this park road is Medicine Lake, which is drained by a series of sinkholes before the water disappears underground. This explains why the water level varies from year to year!
Another fun activity you can do at Maligne Lake is to paddle to Spirit Island. However, you need to book in advance for this adventure.
The hottest natural hot springs in the Canadian Rockies, Miette Hot Springs are a must see for anyone visiting Jasper National Park. Water flows in at 54degC before it is cooled to a more comfortable 40degC making this a perfect way to unwind after a long day of adventure.
The drive up to the pools is a scenic treat with captivating views of Fiddle Valley and Punch Bowl Falls. You may also be lucky enough to spot wildlife like curious goats and bighorn sheep on your trek up to the pools.
