Looking for a last minute idea for the Valentine’s Day / Family Day long weekend?
Edmontonians look no further than our mountainous neighbours to the west. Jasper is gearing up for a fun-filled few days this weekend and we have the lowdown on the few places that still have some rooms available.
Tip: I suggest you contact one of these remaining hotels to book your accommodations if you are thinking about heading out. Most hotels are booked up, but we found that although these are filling up fast, there are still possible rooms available at:
- Mount Robson Inn still has some rooms
- Mountain Park Lodges hotels have scattered rooms available depending on the property (includes 6 hotels in Jasper. You can search on their main website by ‘all hotels’)
- Best Western is filling up, but not sold out just yet
- You can always try calling around in case of last minute cancellations.
Albertans have a double whammy this weekend. Not only are we celebrating Valentine’s Day, but the following Monday is also our Family Day holiday. Jasper has been busy getting ready for both occasions. So no matter what you want to celebrate, or if you want to enjoy both, read below for some of the festivities and activities that will be going on around town.
Bighorn Sheep on the road heading into Jasper, Jan 2016. Photo credit: Sheri Landry
Valentine’s Day
Stargazing
As a designated Dark Sky Preserve, Jasper is one of the world’s best places to view the night sky. Mount Robson Inn is offering a ‘Romancing the Stars’ package that includes a map of the best stargazing spots in town, a bottle of wine, and late check-out so you can stay out late!
Dark sky photo of the Icefields and Athabasca glacier from Wilcox Pass. Photo credit: Ryan Bray
Ice-Skating
True Canadian romance involves a skate around the lake while holding hot chocolate in one hand, and your lover’s hand in the other. With the mountains as your backdrop, this is your chance to get that too-cute picture. Rentals are available at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Pyramid Lake Resort.
Skiing and snowboarding
With a recent dump of snow sure to put a smile on anyone’s face, Marmot Basin welcomes you to a long-weekend of fresh powder skiing. After a day of carving epic trails down the mountain, why not stop in the chalet for a warm beverage and treat while taking in the view together?
Skiing at Marmot Basin. Photo credit: Marmot Basin
Snowshoe
As the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, there are endless trails for you to explore while on your personal adventure. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s a trail for all levels. Whether you are a beginner or are more advanced, there are trails for everyone. You can also take advantage of venturing out with a snowshoe guide.
Hit the spa
Few things feel as good as being in love, but some quality time at the spa comes pretty close. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is offering a weekend spa getaway that includes an hour long treatment of your choice and breakfast for two at Orso Trattoria (while accomodations last).
Go on an ice walk
Interpretive guides will take you on the Maligne Canyon Ice Walk for a stunning look at the canyon from a different angle. Learn about Jasper in the winter months and get up close with gorgeous river beds that have been frozen over. Remember to take an empty water bottle and fill it up with ice-cold (literally) water from the active falls on the trails.
Maligne Canyon Ice Walk. Photo credit: Destination Canada
Family Day
Free activities
Parks Canada Interpretive staff will be on hand at Marmot Meadows with free family-friendly programs like fat bike demos, campfire lessons, and other outdoor winter activities. A crackling fire and hot drinks will be available to keep you toasty!
For a full list of activities this weekend, check out the Jasper family website.
A man circles around a frozen lake on his fat bike. Photo credit: Rogier Gruys
Family snowshoe adventure
Walks n’ Talks Jasper will be offering an afternoon family snowshoe adventure that includes all the necessary equipment, a guide, and transportation.
Sleigh rides
Jasper Park Riding Stables will have half-off pricing for children ages six to 16 on Family Day. Matched teams of horses, tuned bells, sleighs with comfortable seats and warm throw blankets make for a classic winter experience along the shores of Pyramid Lake!
Dog sledding and Ice Walk deals
SunDog Tours welcomes you to join them on an Ice Walk in the epic Maligne Canyon at 20% off, OR combine two of Jasper’s most memorable tours, dog-sledding and the Maligne Canyon ice walk, and save 10%.
Deals on lift passes
For the first time ever, Marmot Basin will be offering discounted lift passes for Family Day. Kids 17 and under will save 50% on two and three day lift tickets all Family Day weekend!
Downtown Jasper. Photo credit: Tourism Jasper
Family Day hotel deals and activities
If you’re looking for that family-friendly place to call it a day, the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre will be offering a “Hot Canadian Breakfast” with all bookings made under their “best available rates”, and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge will have a weekend full of family programming and activities, as well as movies and parties available through their family getaway deals. *Check for availability as rooms may have booked up here already.
Details for all of these Family Day activities can be found at http://www.jasper.travel/family/.
Sheri publishes, and writes at This Bird’s Day where she shares all of the thoughts in her head without the voices. Sticking mainly with content for Canadians, Sheri shares family stories, product information and anything that fits into her (and her family’s) daily activities.
