Romantic winter Jasper hikes are a fantastic way to spend quality time together as a couple for Valentine’s Day. Spend time walking around the beautiful snow-blanketed town of Jasper hand-in-hand. Jasper, Maligne Canyon is a hike further away from town that is a wonderful option to see ice hanging and walk on ice in the canyon. If you’re looking to get some exercise, consider enjoyable moderately difficult hikes at Old Fort Point and Valley of the Five Lakes. Athabasca Falls offers a short walk from your vehicle if you prefer to explore ice formations close by. It allows you to experience a cool romantic couple’s activity without walking very far.
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Walk Around Jasper
Walking by the visitor center with the snow falling heavily.
Gorgeous Falling Snowflakes
The snow was so gorgeous when we visited Jasper with large snowflakes falling on our faces. It was so enticing to get outside and walk around the beautiful town. We had fun catching romantic pictures of each other and feeling the love in the air. It was a perfect time to enjoy the scenery, sip on hot chocolate, and devour a pastry from Bear’s Paw Bakery during our walk. You can check out different shops and restaurants in the area while getting exercise walking up and down the roads. If you have children with you, stop by the playgrounds and let them enjoy some fun times playing.
During our winter visit to Jasper, we appreciated each other’s company while walking hand-in-hand, having wonderful conversations and talking about things we want to do and places we wish to visit. It was a perfect time to think of the many outdoor activities we wanted to partake in together.
Skating at Pyramid Lake Resort
The 5 Awesome Outdoor Skating Rinks include Jasper in case you want to take a break from walking in the town and go up to Pyramid Lake Resort to explore another area. The views are gorgeous and you can skate a long way as long as there isn’t snow covering the ice. If you skate further than the designated skating area, you will be skating at your own risk. Keep that in mind when considering your skating options.
Jasper Hotels
If you’re staying in Jasper, it can be a great time to check out the hotels that the town has to offer. We like to stay at Bear Hill Lodge during the winter months. They offer many amenities such as kitchenettes. We cook supper at least one night to save on food costs when we’re visiting. This lodge has various styles of cabins allowing family members to stay together if they wish or in adjoining cabins if they’d like some privacy.
Maligne Canyon
Maligne Canyon is a gorgeous spot for hiking. You can walk at the top of the canyon on usually snow-packed trails but they can turn icy at times.
Tip: Be sure to bring your Kahtoola Microspikes when on the trails above, or if you choose to walk into Maligne Canyon. The trail tends to get icy causing it to be dangerous to walk without microspikes.
Caution Signs
There are many signs warning hikers not to venture too close to the edge. This is to prevent a slip and fall into the canyon or even falling on the ice on the path. You’ll want to take precautions at Maligne Canyon otherwise there’s a high chance of getting hurt. Sharp rocks can be found throughout the canyon and close to the edge of the pathways, so be on the lookout.
Picturesque Scenery
The snow-covered rocks make it stunning for photographers to take many pictures. Sometimes, visitors get a chance to see ice climbers ascending waterfalls or repelling in the canyon.
Maligne Canyon Trail
The Maligne Canyon trail hike allows you to stay above the canyon, hike to, and cross six different bridges if you wish. The hike heads past the canyon after the fourth bridge and turns into the forest along the Maligne River. The loop from the Maligne parking lot to the fifth bridge is approximately 4.3 kilometres and the loop to go all the way to the sixth bridge is 7.4 kilometres. The trail is rated easy according to AllTrails.
Maligne Canyon
The Canyon is covered in snow and usually icy. Expect slippery conditions. It will be more manageable with microspikes. If you choose to stroll into Maligne Canyon, you do so at your own risk. It’s recommended to go with a guide because of the constant melting terrain that can give way without notice. If you lack knowledge of the melting ice and snow, you could find yourself in a difficult and risky situation.
Old Fort Point
This view overlooks the Athabasca River from the Old Fort Point Lookout.
This view faces the east just to the right of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
We are looking towards Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Beauvert Lake.
My brother and sister-in-law with Jasper townsite behind them, looking north.
Kris and I sitting on red chairs that are found while going clockwise before reaching the Old Fort Point lookout.
Old Fort Point Loop is a 3.7-kilometre trail past the green bridge off Old Fort Point Road. You’ll see a parking lot to the right side, including outhouses. It generally takes just over one hour to complete. It can take longer if you choose to take many beautiful pictures or decide to eat your lunch on the trail.
Tip: Take your lunch to the Old Fort Point Lookout or to the red chairs. This location offers gorgeous views of the valley surrounding Jasper.
Trail Direction
It’s recommended to go clockwise for a gentle climb in the woods and end at the lookout instead of going up the steep incline with lots of stairs to the lookout. Depending on your chosen time of year and day, this hike in the woods can allow for calming thoughts to appear in your mind as you walk far away from other tourists in a tranquil and relaxing environment. You might get the chance to see some birds and small animals if you pay close attention.
Trail Conditions
My family, Kris and I went to do this trail back in April 2021 just when the snow was starting to thaw. All Trails is a good website to check on current conditions and reviews from recent hikers. If you go in the middle of winter, know that the conditions can get dicey with lots of snow and icy conditions. You might want to consider bringing Kahtoola Microspikes to provide traction and stability. Snowshoes are recommended when there’s deep snow in the mountains, otherwise, there’s a high probability that you fall deep into the snow when taking steps. If the conditions are right though and there isn’t a ton of snow, it makes for one of many magical romantic winter Jasper hikes with your partner.
For other hikes in the area check out Gorgeous Hiking to Laughing Falls or 4 Best Larch Hikes in the fall.
Tip: Many trails branch off in different directions. Make sure you’re aware of your surroundings and the direction you should be heading to avoid taking a wrong turn. If you head south on trail number nine, eventually you’ll reach Valley of the Five Lakes.
Valley of the Five Lakes
Romantic winter Jasper hikes with your partner include Valley of the Five Lakes. We have friends who chose to get engaged there. Whether you choose to get engaged here or you’re looking to spend time together with your partner on a hike that doesn’t have much elevation compared to the other trails in the area, this is the place for you. The hike is moderate with gorgeous views even if the lakes are frozen. The snow and ice make the scenery entirely different in the winter but spectacular nevertheless. If you get a chance to see the lakes when the snow starts melting around April but still covers a portion of the lakes, it is magnificent. The greenish-blueish water pops up, in contrast to the snow, creating beautiful scenes. In addition, the snow stands out between the grey rocks with the picturesque mountain backdrop.
Tip: You can choose to do a small loop or extend your time outside if you want more of a workout and love the outdoors.
You’ll get to hike along the edge of the lakes and further into the trees. It will provide different scenery as you walk along the trail in the woods. This is one of the trails in Jasper that even with lots of snow in the area, the hike is doable, regardless of the time of year you’re attempting it. Check All Trails for current hiking conditions. It’s a 4.8-kilometre moderate trail that takes approximately one hour and a half to complete. If you bring a lunch to enjoy the outdoors, take many pictures or choose to hike for a longer period, it could extend the time you spend at that destination.
Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls, from the pictures above, shows the different formations the waterfall can create in the winter. It’s quite beautiful to witness. The hike is easy and isn’t very far, only a one-kilometre trail from the parking lot. It brings you down to the river if you desire. If you don’t want to go as far, you have the choice to see the waterfall from the lookouts. Depending on the weather and how cold it is during your visit, you can take many pictures.
Appropriate Clothing
Tip: Make sure you have the appropriate clothing and wear mitts to ensure your fingers don’t get too cold when taking pictures. It’s better to put your fingers back into your mitts after a couple of pictures to warm them up again than to expose your fingers to the cold and risk getting frostbite. That would not be the highlight of your trip!
Summer vs Winter
It’s quite a contrast to see Athabasca Falls in the summer compared to the winter. If you get the chance, I suggest seeing it in both seasons. This place is also included in my summer hiking list: Jasper Hikes: Best Memories. It’s a gorgeous hike to see year-round.
If you’re looking to experience ice in the summer, Athabasca Glacier Hike: What to Expect? is a great hike to experience with a guide.
Final Thoughts
Spending your time doing romantic winter Jasper hikes for Valentine’s Day is a fantastic way to spend time together in the mountains. You have five great options to explore. You might enjoy a walk together around Jasper while gorgeous snowflakes fall on your face or go on more of an adventure and experience Maligne Canyon. Old Fort Point and Valley of the Five Lakes are more substantial if you want to exercise and enjoy the fresh air in nature. Athabasca Falls is nice and close to the parking lot but allows you to get out of the vehicle and see a beautiful frozen waterfall. Get your hiking shoes or boots on and get outside to spend a magical date together in the outdoors on our wonderful earth!
If you want to try a different winter activity in Jasper after your romantic hikes, 10 Reasons to Love Cross-Country Skiing should get you excited to go cross-country skiing, especially in the mountains. Have a Happy and Warm X-Country Ski by following the tips in my post.
Additional Links
- City to Wilderness Hiking: Where to Start?
- 9 Extraordinary Winter Wonderland Banff National Park Activities
- 28 Ways to Spend Time Outdoors This Winter
- The Best Winter Activities Near Me for a Marvelous Season
- 14 fun Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day
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