Luxury. Mountains. Girls’ trip. Did I catch your attention?
Just picture it, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Alberta, Canada—the ideal destination for your next luxe trip with your bestie gals. Nestled in the heart of the majestic Jasper National Park, this luxurious lodge offers a blend of winter wonderland experiences, indulgence, and adventure. My three best friends and I recently took the ultimate winter getaway here, and it was truly the most memorable travel experience any of us have ever had.
Sometimes all you need is a luxe getaway with your friends, which is why I am compiling the full rundown of our unforgettable trip to this iconic alpine retreat here. This includes all the food, stay, activities, wildlife, service, and more. I hope this helps make your planning a lot easier for your next trip here!
Nothing beats a weekend spent in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
The Perfect Luxe Cabin for a Cozy Escape
Upon arrival, we were greeted by the iconic alpine charm of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Our cabin—spacious, bright, and exuding rustic elegance—was the ideal home base for our weekend escape. With its sweeping views of the snow-capped mountains, the setting alone was enough to make us excited about being in the Rockies.
The plush bedding, full kitchen, and crackling fireplace set the perfect atmosphere to unwind after an action-packed day of outdoor adventures. Our cabin also featured a washer/dryer, bathroom for each bedroom and a set dining area. We spent many hours just lounging in the cabin, catching up on life and enjoying each other’s company while sipping hot chocolate and playing board games borrowed from the lodge itself.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Winter Amenities
- Fairmont Spa
- Restaurants: The Emerald Lounge & The Great Hall
- Heated Pool & Hot Tub
- Gym/Fitness Classes
- Eucalyptus Steam Room & Sauna
- Dedicated Indoor Kids Play Area
- In-Room Dining
- Planetarium
- Winter Activity Rentals – Ice skates, fat bikes, snowshoes, toboggans
Exploring the Beauty of Jasper: Hiking Trails & Winter Activities
Jasper National Park is a winter wonderland, and we were so excited to explore it in the middle of winter. The lodge itself offers easy access to numerous hiking trails that wind through stunning winter landscapes with views of the mountains.
We tried ice skating on the frozen lake as it was on all of our bucket lists to ice skate in front of the mountains, and after we even rented some snowshoes!
There are also a number of various experiences, roadside stops, and hiking trails off the Fairmont property worth seeing. Here are some places we visited:
Pleckaitis Canyon Tour with SunDog Tours – This tour runs in winter only and lasts 3 hours. Enjoy a tour from a very knowledgeable tour guide to learn more about Jasper National Park as a whole, as well as the landscapes and plant life. Get geared up with helmets and crampons to visit the canyon and see a small waterfall. You’ll also make a few stops at some viewpoints along the way, including Medicine Lake. It’s a beautiful tour.
Athabasca Falls – A stunning blue waterfall that was almost fully frozen while we were there. This was one of our favorite stops because the blue water was absolutely stunning to see!
Sunwapta Falls – This is a very short stop as the falls themselves are close to the road, and the shape of the river flowing into the falls is very unique. You can also explore the hiking trails connected to the Sunwapta Falls viewing platform here.
Pyramid Lake – A beautiful lake at the foot of Pyramid Mountain. The boardwalk here to the island is so cute and photogenic!
Abraham Lake – My absolute favourite stop of the entire trip. We visited Abraham Lake because we wanted to see the frozen methane bubbles, and we found them! Even without the bubbles, this lake is beautiful and worth the visit, but this was our first time seeing ice so clear, it felt really special. We took so many photos of the bubbles!
Athabasca Glacier – A beautiful roadside stop when driving the Icefields Parkway. Our photos from this spot look like something out of an outdoor magazine. The mountains and glacier, all covered in snow, are magnificent to the eyes.
Under the Stars: The Planetarium Experience
One of the most unique experiences we enjoyed during our trip was the Planetarium. Jasper is a Dark Sky Preserve, the largest and most accessible Dark Sky Preserve in the world. It’s renowned for its world-class stargazing. We spent an evening learning about the stars, planets, meteorites, Aurora Borealis, and constellations from the astronomers there while watching a presentation, followed by using various types of telescopes. Seeing Jupiter and the moon so clearly was my favorite! It was incredible learning about why and how the Northern Lights include a variety of colors. They gave us a list of places they recommend for stargazing within Jasper; these places include: Medicine Lake, Pyramid Island, Whistlers Mountain.
Dining in Style: In-Room Dining & Delicious Restaurants
Feeling hungry? Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers an incredible range of dining experiences. Whether we were in the mood for a comfort meal in our cabin or dining at one of the resort’s top-notch restaurants, there was always something to satisfy our cravings. We indulged in gourmet breakfasts, desserts we couldn’t get enough of, and delicious cocktails, each meal more satisfying than the last.
The in-room dining service was especially perfect for our nights in, where we didn’t want to leave the warmth and comfort of our cabin. We enjoyed everything from hearty soups to delectable desserts while relaxing by the fire. And I cannot speak highly enough about the amazing staff; everyone was so lovely to meet and went out of their way to accommodate us in every way.
For the evenings we wanted to be more social, we dined at the lodge’s acclaimed restaurants. Each dish we tried was delightful, the ambiance with the live music was perfect for the setting, and we even had views of the mountains from where we sat. We loved spending time together, sharing our favorite dishes, and enjoying the warm atmosphere. It truly was a home away from home.
Exploring Jasper: Local Shopping
No trip is complete without a little shopping, and Jasper has a charming mountain town we got to explore! We spent a morning strolling through the quaint town, picking up unique souvenirs, local artisanal goods, treats, and handmade jewelry. The small-town charm and welcoming atmosphere made it the perfect place for a leisurely shopping spree. Not to mention, the coffee shops were a great place to start the day!
Tips For Visiting Jasper in the Winter
Exploring Jasper in the winter is nothing short of magical, but it’s important to be prepared for the colder conditions.
When hiking or adventuring outdoors, layering is key—start with a moisture-wicking base layer (we all wore Merino wool all weekend), followed by an insulating mid-layer (like fleece or down), and finish with a waterproof, windproof outer layer to protect against snow and wind. Don’t forget a hat and/or ear muffs, gloves, and insulated boots. Pack essentials like sunscreen (yes, even in winter!), lip balm, and a good pair of sunglasses to protect against the bright snow reflections. Consider packing your own crampons as well in case you are visiting any frozen lakes (such as Abraham Lake) because they are very slippery, and you don’t want to have to cut your visit short because you’re ill-prepared!
For indoor activities, I recommend bringing cozy clothing for lounging around the cabin, plus swimwear for the heated pool and spa.
Winter tires are a must, if you are renting a vehicle make sure to double check that you are getting a vehicle that has winter tires on it. If you can’t get a vehicle with winter tires, you will need snow chains for your tires.
Wildlife You May See…
While visiting Jasper National Park in the winter, you’ll have the chance to spot some of the park’s incredible wildlife, even in the colder months. It’s pretty well guaranteed that you will see wildlife. We did not go one day without seeing animals; even the property has animals on it. Some of the animals you might encounter include:
Elk – These majestic creatures are often seen roaming the park. You might spot them grazing in meadows or wandering near the roads. We saw them multiple times on the side of the roads.
Deer (Mule and White-tailed) – Mule deer are commonly found in Jasper year-round, and winter brings them closer to town as they search for food. We saw so many on the cabin property, one was even in our backyard!
Moose – The massive, solitary moose are often spotted in the forests or along riverbanks. They tend to stay near water sources, making them easier to spot. We did not see any moose during our visit unfortunately!
Mountain Goats – These sure-footed animals can be seen on steep, rocky slopes or in the higher elevations. They are well adapted to the rugged winter environment. We did not spot any of these on our trip either.
Bighorn Sheep – Known for their large, curled horns, bighorn sheep can be spotted along cliff sides, where they seek shelter from the cold winds. We saw them a few times on our trip, each time with them in the middle of the road – drive carefully!
Wolves – Though elusive, wolves can sometimes be spotted in the winter, especially in the more remote areas of the park. Their tracks in the snow are a telltale sign they’re nearby.
Bald Eagles – Winter is a quieter time of year for birdwatching, but you might still spot a bald eagle soaring overhead, especially near frozen lakes or rivers. So don’t forget to look up!
Bears – Bears are known to be hibernating during this time of year so you may think you won’t see any, but our tour guide did explain to us that bears don’t necessarily hibernate as they fall into a really deep state of sleep called torpor. In this state, they can wake up multiple times. So yes, it is less likely that you will come across a bear but it is not impossible.
American Dipper Bird – A year round resident that is very unique because it is the only songbird in North America that feeds on aquatic insects and finds food sources underwater. We saw one on our Canyon Tour and learned about it by our lovely tour guide.
Pine Martens – These can occasionally be seen across the property of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and down Maligne Road. They are weasel-like mammals that are very shy.
Columbian Ground Squirrels – These are all over the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge property in the Summer months. They are one of the largest ground squirrel species!
Full Itinerary
Here is the full itinerary written out briefly for you to follow so you can recreate this trip!
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the Lodge
- Morning: Arrive at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, check into your luxurious cabin, and get settled.
- Afternoon: Head to Pyramid Lake for a scenic stroll or simply relax by the water, taking in the peaceful winter atmosphere. Pack your camera!
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the lodge’s on-property restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious locally-sourced cuisine while overlooking the stunning landscapes that Jasper offers.
Day 2: Outdoor Adventures & Relaxation
- Morning: Start the day with breakfast delivered to your cabin, followed by a Canyon Tour with SunDog Tours (3hrs long).
- Afternoon: After the tour, head back to your cabin or the main lodge for lunch. When your belly is full, head off on your own to explore Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls.
- Evening: Return to Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and enjoy a relaxing in-room dining experience, complete with a glass of wine by the fire. Cap off your evening with a session of ice skating on the lodge’s frozen lake,
- Night: Head to the planetarium to do some stargazing and learn about the night sky.
Day 3: Jasper Town & Leisure
- Morning: Explore the charming town of Jasper—browse the local shops for unique souvenirs, artisanal goods, and handmade jewelry.
- Afternoon: Unwind with a massage at the spa to soothe your muscles after a day of adventure, then go grab some delicious lunch. I also recommend their in house made cold ginger ale!
- Evening: Before departing, take one last stroll around the property and head to Abraham Lake for some incredible photos of frozen methane bubbles and breathtaking mountain backdrops.
As our weekend at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge came to a close, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the unforgettable memories we had created together. From the breathtaking winter landscapes and thrilling outdoor adventures to the indulgent spa treatments and cozy moments by the fire, every part of the trip was a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.
It’s safe to say that Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we can’t wait for our next girls’ getaway in this stunning winter wonderland.
View our full trip recap video here!
Until next time,
Katie 🥾
yourmatiekatie 