Jasper in January and Where to Stay

The last two weeks of January are often dark and dull. The holidays are over and spring remains a dream for the future. The Jasper in January festival is a great way to mix it up and get out of the depths of winter doldrums. 

The annual festival livens the Rocky Mountain town from Jan. 16 - Feb. 1 this year with events ranging from food tours to skiing with silly mascots at Marmot Basin. Every day of the festival is stacked with activities for families and grown-ups. 

“Jasper in January is our annual reminder of the joy the winter season can bring,” said Tyler Riopel, CEO of Tourism Jasper. “There’s a certain magic here this time of year — skating on a frozen lake surrounded by peaks, dancing under the streetlights, sharing poutine with friends after a day on the slopes. This festival is about connection, community, and celebrating the lighter side of winter in a way only Jasper can.”

Jasper in January 2026 program includes a mix of seasonal experiences. (Photo Credit: Jen Mallia)

The Jasper in January 2026 program includes a mix of returning “signature events” and seasonal experiences that highlight Jasper’s vibrant winter atmosphere. According to the folks at Jasper Tourism, some of the highlights include:

“After Dark (throughout the festival) - As night falls, the festival comes alive with a vibrant series of evening events. From live bands and DJs to comedy performances and late-night programming.

Poutine Showdown (throughout the festival) - Local restaurants compete for the coveted title of Jasper’s Top Poutine by crafting their most creative, comforting, or over-the-top versions of the classic Canadian dish. Voting is open all festival long!

Après-Ski Specials (throughout the festival) - Offered at restaurants, pubs, and cafés throughout Jasper, these once-a-year deals are a great way for guests to enjoy hearty food, winter cocktails, and relaxed mountain hospitality.

Festival of Galaxies (January 16 – 17) - Hosted by the Jasper Planetarium, this collection of stargazing and educational experiences tour stunning galaxies, quasars, and deep-space objects.

Jasper Pond Hockey Tournament (January 23 – 26) - Hockey the way it was meant to be played. Set on Lake Mildred against the dramatic mountain backdrop of Jasper National Park, this 4-on-4 tournament brings more than 20 teams together for a scenic and unforgettable pond-hockey experience.”

And new this year is a selection of food and wine events to kick off the festival. Après Wine (Jan. 16) will take you to four local restaurants tasting up to 40 wines, with chef-inspired bites celebrating bold, regional flavors. The Chef’s Table Experience (January 17) includes five courses at one of Jasper’s premier restaurants, complete with a guided wine pairing by the experts. 

 It all culminates with the ATCO Street Parade and Fireworks on Jan. 31. This year the theme is a retro “1989” ski party. 1989 is the year the festival first launched, and attendees are invited to pull out their brightest neon ski gear for a party with DJs and live entertainment, food vendors and performers take over the street for this free, high-energy event. 

Pyramid Lake Lodge, Jasper (Photo Credit: Jen Mallia)

A Winter Stay at the Pyramid Lake Lodge

Jasper has a host of accommodation options, from family-run B and Bs to cabin rentals to mountain luxury. I was the guest of the Pyramid Lake Lodge recently on a cozy weekend in the Rockies. The quiet resort on the shore of Pyramid Lake would be a great base for a Jasper in January visit.

The property is less than a 10-minute drive from town, but feels more remote. Surrounded by forest on three sides, the chalet style buildings house rooms and suites with partial and lake view rooms that gaze over the frozen expanse of Pyramid Lake.
Rooms are decorated in a comfortable modern mountain vibe that reflects the blues and greys of the lake and sky, with soft touches to up the cozy factor. Some rooms also have fireplaces to curl up in front of. 

Rocky Mountain Soap Factory amenities smell incredible steaming out of the rain shower. Some rooms have a kitchenette. My “Founder’s Room” ($269/night at the time of writing) had a small fridge and a coffee-maker. There is also tea, coffee and hot chocolate available in the lobby.

Guests can borrow skates for a picturebook idyll on the lake and snowshoes or fat bikes from the little rental shack by the lake for a limited amount of time (fees apply if you want to keep them longer) to explore the trails that wind through the forest around the lake.

Terra Restaurant at The Crimson (Photo Credit: Jen Mallia)

To cap off your day of winter exploration, head to Aalto, the on-site restaurant that is one of Jasper’s top dining experiences. I opted for the four course set menu, with braised short-rib, and a brussel sprout Caesar salad I already know I will be striving to recreate for the rest of my life. I was too full to finish the delicate creme brulee (although it made an excellent breakfast the next day) but managed to finish an indulgent pistachio espresso martini in its stead.

In town alternative: The Pyramid Lake Lodge is serviced by public transit in Jasper, but it seemed far more convenient to travel between town and the lodge in one’s own vehicle. If you are travelling without a vehicle or prefer to stay in town, The Crimson is a good option. I dined at the elegant Terra restaurant for breakfast and loved the bright pops of colour in the airy lobby and public spaces. Rooms at this property with a youthful vibe are presently bookable for less than $150 per night. 

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