There's a certain kind of magic in the air when fall arrives in Jasper National Park. The sun takes on a softer hue, leaves paint the town in warm shades of orange and gold, and the cool breeze lets us know of cozy times ahead. Whether you're a seasoned Jasper enthusiast or a first-time visitor, join us as we uncover how to make the most of fall in this tiny mountain town. So, grab your coziest sweater, a warm cup of cocoa, and let's see what’s in store for this season of renewal and rejuvenation.
Starry Nights and Cosmic Delights
With nights growing longer and days getting shorter, it's the perfect season for stargazing and embarking on after dark adventures. Did you know that Jasper National Park is home to the largest accessible dark sky preserve on our planet?! If you're wondering what exactly a dark sky preserve is, it’s a formally recognized area of nature that makes an extra commitment to protect and preserve the night sky and to reduce light pollution in all its forms. All of these efforts grant us the privilege of gazing upon the billions of stars in our night sky.
But here's the real cosmic revelation: Jasper hosts an entire festival dedicated to our mesmerizing dark skies! This year, mark your calendars from October 13th to 29th because the Jasper Dark Sky Festival is back, and it's bringing a constellation of exciting events you won't want to miss.
A Boat Tour to the Iconic Spirit Island
Take your last cruise down Maligne Lake and breathe in the crisp fall air out on the water as you make your way to the infamous Spirit Island. Shades of yellow, orange and red line the shores of the lake as nature succumbs to yet another change in season. The last day to cross this adventure off your bucket list is October 9th!
Our tour companies in Jasper make it easy to book a reservation, and you have a couple options to choose from. Whether you choose Pursuit Adventures or Sundog Tours, make sure to let them know you are a colleague of Jasper Park Lodge so you can lock in a local discount!
Soar Above the Rockies on the Jasper Skytram
Grab your coziest blanket and take your toque out of storage because this alpine adventure is going to be a chilly one! Sore to new heights and gain a fresh perspective as you stand atop Whistlers Mountain looking down at the small town of Jasper.
Why is fall such a unique season for this outdoor adventure? Well, during the Jasper Dark Sky Festival, the Jasper Skytram unveils exclusive daytime and evening tours that might just place it at the pinnacle of starry spectacles. It's the premier destination to bask under the dark canopy adorned with billions of twinkling stars.
Your last chance to experience the Jasper Skytram is October 29th. Try calling them at 780-852-3093 to make your reservation and take advantage of another great local discount!
Take a Hike!
Let's keep the outdoor adventures rolling as I unveil the top 3 fall hikes in Jasper! Just because the weather is transitioning doesn't mean our quest for exploration has to come to a hault. While the hiking trails around Jasper are truly breathtaking in the summer, there's an undeniable charm in the autumnal palette that graces the landscape this time of year.
Lac Beauvert Loop
Length: 3.4km. Elevation gain: 41m. Difficulty: Moderate.
You don’t have to go far when searching for beautiful hiking trails, we have them in our own backyard! Only steps away from our staff accommodation is the beautiful Lac Beauvert hiking loop. This easy going trail is a complete loop that is friendly to both hiking and biking and offers beautiful lakeside views of the entire lodge plus a peak at our renowned golf course!
Valley of the 5 Lakes
Length: 4.8km. Elevation gain: 161m. Difficulty: Moderate.
Discover this beautiful trail just outside of the Jasper town site, and open your eyes to the warm colours of fall colliding with the pristine blues and greens of glacier fed lakes as you make your way around the Valley of the Five Lakes loop. This moderately ranked 4.8km hike offers low elevation changes making it more accessible to all skill levels. Taking roughly 1.5 hours to complete, your exploration will take you through dense forests of orange, yellow and red, past 5 crystal clear mountain lakes, all the while surrounded by tall peaks shooting up from the valley. Don’t forget your camera!
Sulphur Skyline
Length: 3.7km. Elevation gain: 175m. Difficulty: Moderate to Hard this time of year.
Is something a little more challenging ‘peak’ing your interest? Summiting Sulphur Skyline might be the one for you! A steady incline of switchbacks leads you above the tree line and opens up to breathtaking views of the Maligne Lake Valley. After finishing the short scramble to the top, you’re rewarded with a 360 degree landscape of rolling mountains as far as the eye can see. Dress for the weather though, you might run into snow above the alpine!
Secret tip – brave the dark with a group of friends and some headlamps and make the summit for sunrise. You won’t be disappointed.
Cozy Up at the Wilderness Kitchen
Elevate your next dining experience and get a fireside seat on the patio for a cozy afternoon lunch at the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen. Inspired by an iconic natural landmark, the Wilderness Kitchen offers a dining experience that blends the autumn's warmth with the adventurous side of the Maligne Valley. The perfect combination of rustic and modern, this one of a kind Jasper foodie experience pair’s best with a hot chocolate and cozy sweater. And of course, yummy s’mores around the campfire!
Begin your day with a leisurely hike through Maligne Canyon, where cascading waterfalls and limestone walls create a colorful tapestry. The crisp fall breeze stirs your appetite for what's to come.
It's not just about the food; it's the experience. For a unique blend of fall coziness and adventure in Jasper, make the Wilderness Kitchen a must-visit and immerse yourself into your next culinary journey.
Relax and Rejuvenate at the Miette Hot Springs
As the vibrant colors of autumn paint the landscape, and the crisp, cool breeze signals the approaching winter, there's no better time to experience the soothing embrace of Miette Hot Springs. Nestled amidst the stunning Canadian Rockies, this hidden gem invites you to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate as you soak in the warm waters and mountain views.
The contrast between the lush evergreens and the changing leaves creates a mosaic of colors that's best enjoyed on the road leading up to Miette Hot Springs. Be sure to stop along the way for photo opportunities and to savor the natural beauty.
So, before winter blankets the landscape in white and the hot springs are closed for the season, plan a trip to Miette Hot Springs and unwind among the mountains.
As the vibrant leaves turn to gold and the crisp autumn air sweeps through Jasper National Park, there is no shortage of things to do this season. Whether you're summitting a mountain, sneaking out late to witness the Northern Lights, or simply savoring the serenity of Miette Hot Springs, Jasper's fall offerings are a testament to the rustic allure of the Canadian Rockies. So, fill up your calendar with these 6 activities, and let the wilderness of Jasper National Park be your playground as you relish in the magic of this transformative season.
