Things to do in Jasper in December

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Overview

December is a good time to visit Jasper. The weather is usually freezing cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 3—17°F (-16—-9°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Jasper during this time. Some of our top recommendations: go dog sledding through the snowy wilderness, go cross-country skiing in Jasper National Park, soak in the Miette Hot Springs, and more!

Jasper has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Jasper. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Jasper in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Jasper in December

Top experiences in December
Go dog sledding through the snowy wilderness
Experience the thrill of dog sledding through the snowy wilderness of Jasper in December. Bundle up and hop on a sled as a team of eager and energetic sled dogs pulls you through the winter landscape. With the crisp air in your face and the sound of the dogs' paws on the snow, dog sledding offers a unique and exhilarating way to explore the snowy forests and frozen lakes of Jasper. Guided dog sledding tours are available, offering an unforgettable adventure in the Canadian Rockies.
Go cross-country skiing in Jasper National Park
With its vast network of groomed trails and stunning winter scenery, Jasper National Park is a paradise for cross-country skiers. In December, the park is blanketed in snow, creating perfect conditions for a day of skiing through the peaceful wilderness. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, there are trails for every skill level, offering a unique way to explore the beauty of Jasper in the winter months.
Soak in the Miette Hot Springs
After a day of outdoor adventures in the crisp December air, there's nothing better than soaking in the warm waters of the Miette Hot Springs. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, the natural hot springs offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. The mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties, making it the perfect place to unwind and soothe your muscles after a day of winter activities.
Go ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies
For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, try ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies. December is the start of the ice climbing season, and Jasper offers a variety of frozen waterfalls and ice formations for climbers of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, there are guided tours and courses available to help you conquer the icy cliffs and frozen cascades of the Rockies.
Take a sleigh ride through the snowy forests
There's nothing quite like a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the winter wonderland of Jasper. In December, the forests are blanketed in snow, creating a picturesque setting for a cozy sleigh ride. Snuggle up under a warm blanket as the horses pull you through the snowy landscape, and listen to the jingle of the sleigh bells as you take in the serene beauty of the winter woods.
Go snowshoeing in Maligne Canyon
Maligne Canyon is a stunning natural wonder in Jasper, and in December, it transforms into a winter wonderland. Strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore the frozen waterfalls, ice formations, and snow-covered cliffs of the canyon. Guided snowshoe tours are available, offering a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Maligne Canyon in the winter months.
Go ice skating on Pyramid Lake
In December, Pyramid Lake in Jasper freezes over, creating a stunning natural ice rink. Skating on the frozen lake surrounded by snow-covered mountains is a truly magical experience. You can rent skates from the nearby Pyramid Lake Resort and spend the day gliding across the ice, taking in the breathtaking winter scenery.
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Holidays in Jasper in December
December
  • Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster (December 11)
  • Christmas Eve (December 24)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • Boxing Day (December 26)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Jasper in December

Temperatures on an average day in Jasper in December

The average temperature in Jasper in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 17°F (-9°C) to a low of 3°F (-16°C). Some would describe it as freezing cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Jasper, July, has days with highs of 63°F (17°C) and lows of 42°F (5°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 19°F (-7°C) and lows of 2°F (-17°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Jasper in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
17°F
highs
3°F
lows

General weather summary

Freezing cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
16%
Chance of rain
0.071 in
Amount
11.0 mph
Wind speed
100%
Humidity
7.7 hrs
Daylight length
8:56 AM
Sunrise
4:38 PM
Sunset
32%
Cloud cover
Thick winter coat with gloves
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 17°F (-9°C) and a low of 3°F (-16°C), it generally feels freezing cold with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something toasty like a thick winter coat with gloves
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Best attractions for Jasper in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Jasper has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Jasper that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Jasper for December.
Athabasca Falls
1. Athabasca Falls
4.8
(1100)
Waterfall
Nature & Parks
Waterfall on the Athabasca River known for its large volume of water & pine-forest surrounds.
Athabasca Glacier
2. Athabasca Glacier
4.8
(1377)
Glacier
Outdoor Activities
The most visited in North America, this celebrated, receding glacier offers guided tours & hiking.
Maligne Canyon
3. Maligne Canyon
4.8
(6350)
Hiking area
Outdoor Activities
This scenic, 50-m. limestone canyon in Jasper National Park features waterfalls & more.
Jasper SkyTram
4. Jasper SkyTram
4.6
(3841)
Transportation
Tramways
Aerial tram ride with an on-board tour guide to a 2277-m. viewpoint & hiking trail.
Patricia Lake
5. Patricia Lake
4.6
(175)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Picturesque lake offering tranquil waters for kayaks & canoes, forested paths & mountain views.
Jasper Park Information Center
6. Jasper Park Information Center
4.6
(2317)
Visitor center
Association or organization
Information center with maps & travel tips for Jasper National Park, plus a gift shop for souvenirs.
Marmot Basin
7. Marmot Basin
4.7
(2034)
Ski resort
Outdoor Activities
Ski resort with runs on varied terrains, snowboarding & more, plus lessons & children's daycare.
The Jasper Planetarium & dark sky telescope tours
8. The Jasper Planetarium & dark sky telescope tours
4.5
(713)
Museums
Observatories & Planetariums
Old Fort Point Loop
9. Old Fort Point Loop
Outdoor Activities
Hiking Trails
Our Native Land
10. Our Native Land
4.2
(64)
Aboriginal art gallery
Museums
Jasper-Yellowhead Museum & Archives
11. Jasper-Yellowhead Museum & Archives
4.4
(224)
Museum
Archive
Quaint local museum showcasing the region's history through artifacts, photographs & displays.
Mountain Galleries
12. Mountain Galleries
4.9
(11)
Art gallery
Museums
AB-93
13. AB-93
Outdoor Activities
Scenic Drives
Winding, scenic roadway offers striking views of mountains, lakes & national parks.
Jasper Discovery Trail
14. Jasper Discovery Trail
5.0
(2)
Tourist information center
Outdoor Activities
Jasper Art Gallery
15. Jasper Art Gallery
4.8
(17)
Art gallery
Museums
Freewheel Cycle Jasper
16. Freewheel Cycle Jasper
4.9
(16)
Bicycle Shop
Outdoor Activities

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