Things to do in Jasper in Spring
Jasper is the largest National Park in the Canadian Rockies and a beautiful destination year-round. There are so many incredible experiences throughout the year, but Jasper in spring might just be the most beautiful time to visit. Spring events in Jasper are a reason to get out and move ready for those summer activities. From the Jasper Pride Party to the Canadian Rockies Half Marathon, there is always plenty happening in Jasper in Spring. Read on to learn why excitement is in the air with our “Won’t Miss, Don’t Miss, Can’t Miss” Jasper spring activities.
Won’t Miss
The Temperatures
As spring arrives in the mountains the temperature change is noticeable. Long gone are the dark mornings and negative double digits. A brisk bright morning is swiftly replaced by a warm afternoon in the glorious sunshine. Daytime temperatures from mid-march onwards are regularly in the positives and the sun’s warmth means the hardiest of patio loungers can be found at this time of year. The snow capped mountains with the early evening sunset creates an alpine glow that can take your breath away every single day.
The Optimism
Spring in Jasper is a time where the community comes alive. After a long, cold winter the longer, warmer days bring the year round population back to life. As an active community, the excitement for summer activities of biking, rock-climbing and swimming in the emerald lakes starts to shine through the faces of the people you meet. The summer is a wonderful time of year anywhere in the world and that is no more apparent than on the faces of the people who call Jasper home. The season’s last unexpected snowfalls are greeted with joy of a final ski day, while the impending golf course opening signals the turning of the time
“I had an amazing Wildlife Tour with Jeff! He was very knowledgeable about the park and the animals. Overall the experience was fantastic!” Anyieth Sarah Reech
Don’t Miss
As the seasons change, so does the wildlife. By booking a seat on a Sundog Wildlife tour in the spring you have the best chance to see the bears as they awake from the long hibernation. With the snow up high, the wildlife descends the mountain in search of food and no one is more qualified to guide you safely for a viewing than a sundog tour guide. Watch respectfully from a distance without the crowds and be provided with the best photograph opportunities by our passionate staff.
With the melting Ice at Maligne Canyon our attention moves from the beautiful canyon bottom to the trails along the edges. On this informative 3 hour tour you will see rushing water and surviving frozen features in the deepest accessible canyon in the rocky mountains. Spring in Jasper provides us with the best of both worlds at the canyon and the perfect time to learn about Karst topography, Maligne valley and the disappearing medicine lake.
Can’t Miss
As spring takes a grip in the rocky mountains, Jasper comes alive with the Canadian Rockies only gay ski week. Being surrounded by natural beauty in a town that openly and proudly supports the LGBTQ community year round… you can’t help but feel like you’re a part of something special. Get a double-weekend dose of loving vibes, epic parties and fresh mountain air. From Proud Peak events at Marmot Basin and Jasper Skytram to our signature Pride Party at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, discover something for everyone—partiers, skiers, wine lovers, families and beyond. Arrive in style on the Sundog connector from Edmonton or Calagry and let our shuttle services take care of your transportation during your event, making for a safe and memorable pride experience for all.
Jasper Canadian Rockies Half Marathon
The Jasper Canadian Rockies Half Marathon, is set to take place on April 29, 2023, inviting runners from all over to participate in the event. Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies will leave all who attend breathless with their stunning natural beauty. The community of Jasper is gearing up for the event weekend, and the race offers varying distances suitable for all ages and abilities, making it an ideal running event for locals, visitors, and families alike. Moreover, the race’s location provides quick access to a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and shops, ensuring that all runners have everything they need to make the most of their time in Jasper.
Jasper Wildflowers
Valley bottoms, south-facing slopes and open meadows are perfect for observing early-blooming flowers. During April, keep an eye out for the Prairie Crocus, a pale purple flower with a bright yellow center. The Overlander Trail is a great spot to see Prairie Crocus in April & May. In June, valley-bottom flowers are abundant and can be seen along day hiking trails like Valley of the Five Lakes, Pyramid Bench, and the Flower Loop near the Overlander Trail. Spring is also an exceptional time for bird watching in Jasper, with a variety of transient bird species returning from the south. Eagles can be spotted as early as mid-March and throughout the spring and summer in places like Maligne and Medicine Lake. Numerous species of waterfowl and shorebirds also return to Jasper during spring. To observe valley-bottom birds, visit Cottonwood-Slough, or hike through Wilcox Pass for excellent high-elevation birding opportunities.
