Jasper & Area

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Canada > The West > Canadian Rockies > Jasper & Area

STAY, DINE, DO: Find a hotel, restaurant or attraction.

Listings to get the most out of your visit: where to dine, what to see, where to shop, and more.

Marmot’s Chairlift with Benefits

Marmot Basin's Canadian Rockies Express high-speed quad by Frederic Legault

“Last year I put 90 days on my pass, the most ever. And I’ve been skiing Marmot Basin for 24 years,” says Matt Doig. He credits the joys of Marmot’s new Canadian Rockies Express for much of his increased slope time:

• Rising bottom to top in 7.5 minutes, this is the Canadian Rockies longest high-speed quad. It’s easy to cycle four times and ski 3000 vertical m (10,000 ft) an hour.

• The huge capacity of the Canadian Rockies Express has virtually eliminated lift lines.

• Riders get a full view of the Terrain Park action.

• From the top of the new lift, skiers access an incredible variety of terrain plus all other lifts on the mountain.

• The Canadian Rockies Express terminates at 2300 m (7500 ft) and above-treeline views of Jasper framed by Pyramid Mountain, and Athabasca Valley peaks.—JN

Showcase Spa

Relaxing in the rock accented Spa Lounge

The history of Canada’s national parks began with a spa. But the luxurious, $6.7 million, 10,000 square foot Spa at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge bears little resemblance to Banff’s rustic Cave & Basin of the 1880s. Built to be an oasis of rejuvenation, the Fairmont spa includes water flowing over tiered rock reminiscent of Athabasca Falls, sculpted pine panels representing tree lined trails, and a fireside great room (shown) with rustic accents. Ten treatment rooms, two couples rooms, rain showers, hydrotherapy baths, steam rooms and saunas and myriad offerings of spa treatments entice those seeking relaxation.—JN

Magical Maligne

Ice covered waterfall at Maligne Canyon

Our Overlander guide explains that the Maligne Valley is riddled with underground caves where water surges from 20 km (12 mi) below the surface. We pass Bridal Falls’ lacy veil of ice, walk on the frozen river floor, enter a ‘secret’ ice cave and marvel at towering canyon walls so close that both sides can be touched at the same time. At stunning 30 m (80 ft) Queen of Maligne and Angel icefalls ice climbers ply their sport. Waterproof boots and ice cleats (supplied on tours) are suggested.—LS

Aerial View

Aerial jump at Marmot's Rogers Terrain Park

Skiers and boarders of all abilities strut their skills on Rogers Terrain Park jumps, boxes and tables at Marmot Basin. But if you’d rather spectate, try the Kokanne Glacier Sun Deck; grab a beer and enjoy the view. Or, ride the Canadian Rockies Express; the region’s longest high-speed quad provides a good vantage to see tricksters in action. —Alison Baird

Disney Traditions

PoutyPixie-(c)Disney-2010-Enesco,-LLC-cropped

Pouty Pixie by Disney courtesy Enesco LLC

Carver Jim Shore’s creations include over 100 different Disney Traditions figurines (some holiday themed). The attention to detail and unique quilted look (inspired by his mother and grandmother) make these popular gifts and keepsakes. The bestseller? Everyone’s favourite mischievous fairy, Tinkerbell. Find Jim Shore Disney collectibles at Sherriffs of Jasper. —Alison Baird

Jasper’s Brew

Where publisher Jack Newton says that Jasper Brewing Co crafts “genuinely good beer,” noting that offerings at brewpubs elsewhere occasionally “leave something to be desired.” (Jack fancies himself a beer aficionado.) Jasper Brewing Co recipes begin with pure Canadian Rockies water. Premium hops and malts, plus their own cultured yeast are usually the only other ingredients, although their Honey Bear Ale also includes Okanagan clover honey and coriander.—Ally McConnell

Aromatic Cures

Spa Products from Mountain Wellness Day Spa

Mountain Wellness Day Spa’s Kirsten Boisvert hand blends organic aromatherapy oils in 12 formulations. Some scents help with mental and physical ailments, while others promote harmony and balance. These fragrant oils are used during the spa’s massage and facial treatments, and can be purchased ($15.50, $18.50). At home, add drops to your bath, dab on the skin or mix with coconut oil ($18.50) to make a massage blend. You heat the oil in a diffuser ($21.50) to scent a room.

Insider’s Guide to Skiing Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Kananaksis, Golden & Panorama

Sunshine Village (Photo: Richard Hallman)

Seven ski areas, tons of snow and a November through May ski season. A world-class combination of ski terrain, high-speed lifts and on-hill amenities. No wonder Banff, Jasper and area draws skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Read on for insider ideas to help you make the most of your time on the slopes. (more…)

Kimchi: A Korean Culinary Icon

Cabbage Kimchi

Kimchi (to preserve) is a traditional Korean side dish of pickled and spiced vegetables, typically served as spicy cabbage (baechu). The Korean Aerospace Research Institute created a ‘space kimchi’ to accompany the first Korean astronaut. To satisfy your kim-chi fix, try Kimchi House. —RM

Ancient Artifact

Tusk at Our Native Land

Woolly mammoths were denizens of Canada’s north until they became extinct at the end of the last Ice Age. This 3 m (10 ft) tusk with full cavity and tip, displayed at Our Native Land, is from a matriarch that lived to 80 years old. Complete mammoth tusks cost $4000 to well over $100,000 depending on size, shape and the amount of restoration. — JN