Jasper adventures: 12 ways to have winter fun in and around Edmonton

By Cynthia Wandler

If Christmas spent in the mountains with a soft snowfall, fresh air, red cheeks and a warm fire is your idea of a holiday dream, it's your lucky day. There are plenty of events and activities scheduled this holiday season in Jasper, but for a more affordable option, there are plenty of ways to have fun right here in Edmonton. [Photo credit: istockphoto.com/ca/portfolio/tomml]

If you're making the nearly four-hour trek to Jasper this holiday season, it's likely you'll want to book a place to lay your head so you'll have plenty of time to take in everything the park has to offer. Fortunately, many vacation spots are also offering holiday activities this Christmas season, meaning you won't even have to step out the front door to have some seasonal fun.

• Jasper Park Lodge is an idyllic setting for the holidays during their Festival of Christmas, running Dec. 22 until Jan.1. In addition to decorating stockings, skating with elves and carolling, guests can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus and the reindeer at Santa’s Cabin.
• From gingerbread house construction to ugly sweater karaoke, there's plenty of fun to be had at Jasper’s Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre, which has Christmas activities scheduled beginning Dec. 22.

Jasper is a beautiful spot no matter the season, but there's something extra magical in the park come Christmastime. Bring along those closest to you and check out some of these fun outdoor activities that will show off the true beauty of this amazing park!

• Winter train tours of Jasper take passengers approximately three hours west of the community into British Columbia, whereupon passengers are driven home in a vehicle along a sightseeing tour with built-in photo opportunities.
• For a more expansive sight-seeing experience, hop aboard the Christmas in the Rockies VIA Rail train to enjoy an 11-day tour through Canada’s Rocky Mountains.
• Whether you choose to go on an hour-long outing or an overnight, hop aboard one of the oldest forms of winter transportation in Canada: dogsledding. Children as young as two can participate in this adventure, suitable for families, groups and individuals. Let’s go!
• Jasper’s renowned Maligne Canyon, which is 50 metres deep in some places, is a magnificent summer sight. But the views are just as stunning this time of year, when you can try a winter ice walk along the frozen canyon floor, exploring icicles and breathtaking frozen waterfalls.
• Marmot Basin is Jasper’s downhill skiing and snowboarding hotspot. With lessons, accommodations, 86 runs and child care on-site, plan to hit the powder!
• If you prefer cross-country skiing or snowshoeing to downhill, consider renting some equipment and taking yourself on a snowy excursion across Pyramid Lake. Or, try a snowshoeing tour.
• Ice skating is another family-friendly winter activity to be enjoyed during the Christmas season. There are a number of Jasper lakes which are accessible on skates and rentals can be found at the Fairmont and at Jasper Source for Sports.
• A sleigh ride on Pyramid Lake, complete with ringing bells and cozy blankets to cuddle under, can be taken in by the whole family or by a couple on a romantic outing.

You don't have to venture far out of the city to have a winter adventure this Christmas. Edmonton has plenty of outdoor excursions scheduled right in our own backyard.

• Edmonton’s Snow Valley ski hill hosts festive events throughout the holidays, including a holiday celebration and a visit from Santa.
• With beginner, intermediate and expert runs, other Edmonton-area ski hills that can meet your holiday skiing, snowboarding and tubing desires on a budget include Rabbit Hill and Sunridge.

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More fun things to do in Edmonton this Christmas:

• 4 ways to celebrate the holiday season in Edmonton
• Edmonton's best spots to find unique gifts this holiday season
• 5 ways to escape Edmonton's winter chill

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They don't call Edmonton the "Winter City" for nothing – when you live around here, it's all about getting out and experiencing the best the cold weather has to offer. Revel in the winter landscapes, sports and festivities unique to Edmonton and Jasper during this Christmas season. Cheers!