Keeping your family active during Covid has certainly been a challenge. With most in-person fitness classes and group activities either cancelled or limited in offerings, it has been difficult for most people to stay health and keep active at home. One thing that AHS and other health professionals have advocated is to get outdoors (while keeping your distance from others not in your household) and explore areas close to home.

We’re fortunate in Edmonton to be a short drive away from some great outdoor spaces to explore and get some fresh air. The town of Jasper is just over 350km away and that means there are some great opportunities for a day trip or weekend getaway and with all of the outdoor opportunities to keep your family active, it is a great way for the whole family to stay active in the great outdoors.

In this article, we’re featuring some great places to stay and visit while in town and some awesome activities to get your legs burning and some fresh air into your lungs.

Where To Stay?

Without question, the place you dream about visiting when planning your trip to Jasper is the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

This secluded village of heritage log cabins located just outside the proper townsite is connected by path ways to help you explore the area, The 442 superbly-appointed guest rooms and luxurious Signature Cabins offer the perfect romantic getaway or family vacation in Alberta’s Jasper National Park. Homelike comforts and premium amenities are available in their Jasper accommodations, surrounded by incredible views of majestic mountains and the emerald green Lac Beauvert.

The fully equipped Health Club and Spa areas feature a fitness center, heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and locker rooms. After a day of adventure among the mountain peaks and beautiful pine forests that surround Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, the heated outdoor pool is a great way to soak sore muscles and relax with a picturesque mountain view. Or slow your pace and reflect on the amazing artistry of nature in The Spa at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

If you’re looking to bring the spa back to your room (or want to bring the spa home with you, we highly recommend the Kerstin Florian Body + Muscle RELIEF Ritual. These products blend the finest natural ingredients with advanced technology to achieve visible results that last and is a great way to relax those tired and sore muscles after a long day. 

First a luxuriously relaxing bath in their Mineral Wellness Soak and once finished take a few moments to rub their FuB Balm into your legs and feet and follow it up by using the Organic Lavender Bath & Body Oil to make your skin feel like satin and help you relax before bed.

What to Do?

If you’re looking at ways for keeping your family active while staying at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge or just coming to the area for a visit, we’ve put a list together for you below.

Skating on Lake Mildred

When you stay at The Lodge you don’t have to go far to enjoy a beautiful day in Jasper National Park. The groomed skating area on Lake Mildred is maintained daily by the Fairmont team. The experience is exhilarating. You can carry your own pair of ice skates. If you don’t have one, you can rent one at the Winter Activity Centre.

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

As snowfall permits, groomed cross country ski trails are set on their world class golf course and Lake Mildred each year, both featuring incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Or, snowshoe through the woods on marked trails towards Lake Annette. You may even see some wildlife (we saw an elusive Lynx on one of our adventures!)

Fat Tire Biking

Riding along the marked trail towards Lake Annette, returning by way of Trefoil Lake, this is a great way to see the different forests and mountains along the way. Or, head into town on a well marked trail that will take you past Old Fort Point. There are numerous other paths throughout the area and depending on your skill level (or sense of adventure) you can find something suitable for you. Bike rentals are available at the Winter Activity Centre

Toboggan Park

Grab a toboggan, tube or sled, and relive your youth (or get the kids off their tablets and devices for a few hours of fun! The groomed Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge hill is perfect for family fun.

Maligne Canyon Ice Walk

Venture into the frozen bottom of Maligne Canyon where you’ll see frozen waterfalls, caves and other ice formations. For your safety, a tour with a professional guide is highly recommended. The folks at SunDog Tour Co took us on an amazing journey through the canyons to learn more about the geology of the region (and simply be awestruck by the beauty of the area).

Jasper Alberta based since 1997, SunDog Tour Co. has been providing first class transportation, tours, and activities to visitors of Western Canada. From daily sightseeing excursions, to group tours for keeping your family active, their staff of vacation planners specialize in making your time in the mountains unforgettable.

Their guides are driven by exciting adventures and love to introduce guests to the region’s majestic alpine landscapes, glacier-fed rivers, abundant wildlife and beauty in all seasons.

After your canyon ice-walk, you’ll want to refuel at the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen. Inspired by an iconic natural landmark that’s rich in history, the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen serves up a smokehouse-flavoured menu seasoned with exploration and adventure.

Wildlife Tours

Travel by motor coach with SunDog Tour Co through spectacular Jasper National Park in search of ospreys, eagles, big horn sheep, mountain goats, wolves, coyotes, foxes, moose, elk and deer! Routes vary based on seasonal changes and the best places to spot animals.

Jasper SkyTram

Jasper SkyTram provides an experience unlike any other in Canada by whisking guests to 2,263 metres, which provides easy access to a boardwalk and hiking trails in the alpine zone of the Canadian Rockies.

Each Jasper SkyTram cabin is staffed with a trained operator who provides information on the unique geology, cultural heritage, flora and fauna of the area to help visitors gain an appreciation for the unique mountain landscape.

Hike or grab a pair of snowshoes and take the Summit Trail to the peak of  Whistlers Mountain (2,463m/8,081ft) for 360° views of six mountain ranges – including Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies.

Ski Marmot Basin

Marmot Basin is Jasper’s ski hill with more than 1,675 acres of skiable terrain. Marmot offers skiing for everyone from the earliest beginner to the most demanding expert. Along with 86 named trails, uncrowded groomed slopes, superb facilities, there is lots white stuff that makes skiing at Marmot so great. The hill is just 20 minutes from Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

*Some of the businesses featured in this article provided us with opportunities to stay or use their services. All opinions expressed in this article are our own however and we were not compensated financially for promoting any of these location. Some amenities at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge were closed during our visit due to Alberta Health Services Covid restrictions.