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Free Spaces to Explore

There are many low cost or free things to do in Jasper, no matter the season! 

Winter activities

Sledding

Church Hill is popular spot for sledding in the wintertime. It is located at the corner of Bonhomme Street and Pyramid Lake Road. You can also go sledding at Centennial Park.

Skating

You can skate at the arena in the Activity Centre. We also have two outdoor skating rinks at Robson Park and Lions Park. There are many lakes around Jasper that freeze in the winter and can be safe for skating. Check out the Jasper Wild Ice Facebook group for safety tips.

Skiing

Within town, you can cross-country (XC) ski at the school field and Centennial Park field. There are also many XC ski trails a short drive from town like Whistler’s Campground and Pyramid Lake Fire Road. You can downhill ski at Marmot Basin, which is a half-hour drive from town.


Summer Activities

Check out some free activities to do within or close to the Jasper townsite. 

Hang out at the “Patch” 

The Parks Canada Information Centre lawn is locally known as “the Patch”. It’s a great spot to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Jasper Community. In the summer, you're likely to see someone slack lining, enjoying ice cream or playing other lawn games!

                               

Hike, walk, or bike near town: 

There are many trails accessible from town that you can walk or bike. To avoid getting lost, download an app with a GPS trail map. Read more about trail safety from Parks Canada.    

  • Town trail to Bighorn alley This trail wraps around the Town of Jasper and has very little elevation gain until you get to the Big Horn Alley trail which heads east out of town towards the Maligne Lake road. 
  • Trails on the bench. The “Bench” is the large forested area on the North side of town. Various trailheads are along Bonhomme and Cabin Creek, and there are signs outlining the different trails you may walk. As a starter, Trail 3E from the Cabin Creek trailhead is a relaxed 2km loop with a bit of elevation gain and nice views. 
  • Old Fort Point: Hiking up old fort point provides access to great views of town and the Ice Fields Parkway. If you’re not up for the elevation gain, you can access many nice trails along the river from the Old Fort Parking Lot.  
  • Lac Beauvert Loop: Access this trail from the Old Fort Road or from Jasper Park Lodge. The 5km loop is fairly easy and has fantastic views. 
  • Trail 12a Rock Wall – You can walk south through the lights in town down the Wapititi Trail (93a) until you cross the Miette River. After the Miette river there are various trails on the left that funnel into Trail 12a the “Rock Wall”. This trail runs alongside the river and the whole loop is around 5km.


 

Lake spots: 

The following lakes are great to visit on a hot day!

Walking/Biking distance: 

Lake Annette: 1.5 hour walk, 35 minute bike ride

Patricia Lake: 1 hour 10 minute walk, 25 minute bike ride 

Pyramid Lake: 1.5 hour walk, 30 minute bike ride

Edith Lake: 1 hour 13 min walk, 18 minute bike ride

More Things to do:

Check out Parks Canada list of what to do in the National Park: Things to do - Jasper National Park (pc.gc.ca)

What’s Happening in Jasper?  

Check out the Community Calendar to stay up to date on events, programs and activities happening in Jasper. You can view and submit your own events too! 

Learn more about life in Jasper from the Community Guide. Find updates on the Information and Resources hub on our website.

(Here is a version of the Community Guide to download if you have diverse visual abilities and prefer a black and white copy)

Visit the Community Groups page to learn about groups, programs and boards in Jasper.