6 THINGS TO DO ON A RAINY DAY

1. DINING

Grey days call for comfort food and round-the-table storytelling. From organic fare to Alberta game meats to backcountry gourmet adventures, Jasper serves up the best that Rocky Mountain cuisine has to offer. Peruse some mouthwatering options in the Foodie section (p. 50)

2. SPA

Replenish your soul and soothe your body at the Fairmont Spa (p.56). Or get a massage at Jasper Wellness (p.67). Inspired by the raw elements of Jasper National Park, these relaxing sanctuaries encourage you to slow your pace, breathe deeply and reflect on the artistry and healing power of nature.

3. SHOPPING

Pick up the perfect souvenir from your trip at one of Jasper's retailers. Specialty stores stock top-of-the-line ski gear, backcountry equipment and fashionable lifestyle attire (p. 13).

4. ENTERTAINMENT

You don't need clear skies to see Jasper's brightest stars! From the Planetarium (p. 73) to a one-of-a-kind theatre show (p. 41) that's as hilarious as it is memorable, your evening will be filled with laughs and learning.

5. JASPER RAFTING ADVENTURES jasperraftingadventures.com 780-852-7238

Don't spend your life waiting for the storm to pass – learn to dance in the rain! Or in this case, raft in the rain (you're surrounded by water anyway). Jasper Rafting Adventures is Jasper’s newest rafting company. It started small and plans to stay that way, with a focus on creating lasting and meaningful memories. They also provide wetsuits, life jackets and other comforts in case of chilly conditions. Whether the scenery is perfectly clear or magnificently moody, the mountains surrounding the Athabasca and Sunwapta Rivers make a perfect backdrop as you listen as trained guides tell fascinating stories about Jasper’s history and point out wildlife along the riverbanks, then navigate lively whitewater rapids. Discover the joy of learning in nature through a fun and educational experience that’s truly terrific, whatever the weather.

6. JASPER YELLOWHEAD MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES

No visit to Jasper would be complete without a stop at the Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives. Located a few blocks from downtown Jasper, this hidden gem tells Jasper’s story in a way that’s both charming and accessible.

Visitors are often impressed with the quality of the exhibits. The permanent displays have an intuitive layout, and explore the history of Indigenous and Métis people in the area, the fur trade, the railway, European exploration, the story of Mt. Alberta's first ascent by Japanese climbers and early tourism in the national park.

See the legendary silver ice axe recovered from Yuko Maki’s ascent of Mt. Alberta, musket balls that probably belonged to early explorer David Thompson, and a canoe built by trailblazing outfitter Donald Nelson “Curly” Phillips.

This haven of history is more than just a museum. It's a way for the JasperYellowhead Historical Society to bring the community together. Along with high quality exhibits, both residents and visitors enjoy regular events such as speaker series, farmer's markets, art sales, and more. Temporary exhibits rotate through the Showcase Gallery, and the attached gift shop is one of the best places in town to find local books, unique souvenirs and gorgeous artwork.

jaspermuseum.org

780-852-3013

2023 Exhibits

January-May

Approaching the Speed of Light

Experience the art of longtime local, Michael Flisak. With a background in figurative and abstract art, his work plays with distortion, displacement, and transformation.

May-September Water, Wilderness & Wildfires

Explore Jasper's changing ecology through Dee Mclean's immersive exhibition of fine art prints and botanical artifacts.

NovemberDecember Annual Festival of Trees

This fundraiser is always a hit and is a great chance to get holiday gifts from local businesses at discounted rates

Monthly Coffee Hour

This regular presentation by local experts covers both historical and contemporary topics. Call or check website for the latest event schedule.

Some exhibition dates subject to change.

JASPER WILDLIFE

Part of the reason Jasper was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site is because of the abundant fauna that live in the national park, including elk, caribou, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bears and wolves, plus a variety of birds and many smaller creatures like marmots and pikas. Help keep wildlife wild by keeping your distance (use a telephoto lens for zoomed in pictures), never feeding or baiting animals, and staying in your vehicle if watching from the road.