Jasper – the most Canadian town in Canada?
Nestled in the heart of the majestic Canadian Rockies, the lovable town of Jasper personifies Canada (and Canadians) in so many ways.
When you think of Canada, what images come to mind?
Do you think of pointy snow capped peaks? Misty coastlines with a single white and red lighthouse? Do you see kids playing hockey on a frozen lake or skiers shooting down a steep mountain face?
Maybe, if you’re not from Canada, you think of bearded lumberjacks paddling in a red canoe eating Canadian bacon smothered in maple syrup while singing Bryan Adams’ greatest hits?
Being Canadians who write about travel, we’re often asked, “Where should I go when I visit Canada for the first time?” It’s a great question.
The answer, however, is not so simple.
Canada is huge. In fact, you can fit every European country in Canada (seriously, Google it – I know you want to). We’ve spent the past few years exploring much of Western Canada, so our first response is typically destinations in British Columbia, like Vancouver, Whistler, Victoria, Tofino, the Okanagan, etc.
But, having recently visited the town of Jasper in both summer and winter, we’ve come to the conclusion that Jasper takes the title as the most “Canadian” town in Canada.
This is especially true when it’s covered under a blanket of snow.
Here’s a few reasons why we think Jasper is Canada’s most Canadian town.
You can ice skate on frozen lakes surrounded by stunning rocky mountains.
Bright green sleds are an acceptable, and frequently used, form of transportation.
The locals are wild and they drink a lot.
There’s always a chair available at the beach.
Unspoiled wilderness. Jasper is located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Traditional poutine, duck confit sliders and craft beer is eaten at every meal.
Stuffed black bears can be found in most respectable establishments.
World class skiing and snowboarding at Marmot Basin is only 20 minutes from town.
Located in the world’s 2nd largest country, traffic jams will inevitably happen.
Frozen waterfalls. They’re here too.
Who needs a car when you can take a dog sled?
The weather may be cold but the people are warm and friendly.
You can eat maple syrup on snow. So, there’s that.
Jasper is very hospitable, even in the middle of nowhere.
There’s no reason to skate in an indoor hockey rink in Jasper.
Craft beer is always consumed in the presence of stuffed animal heads.
Jasper’s skyscrapers are very distracting.
Of course, there must be snow. Lots and lots of snow.
Furniture is made out of ice. Yes, that’s a real ice bar.
C’mon, how cute is this little town?
Well, what do you think?
Does Jasper qualify as the most Canadian town in Canada?
Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Read more posts from Alberta:
- 22 stunning landscapes from Alberta we can’t stop looking at
- This place surprised us the most on our trip to the Canadian Rockies
- That time I explored Jasper National Park on a motorcycle
- Glacier Walking in the Canadian Rockies
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I love Jasper. Haven’t been in years. There’s nothing like skating on an outdoor rink.
Isn’t it a fun little town?! We love it too
Aw, this is such a nice post! I think you have found the most Canadian Town in Canada. Love the Muskoka Chairs in front of the pool (hot spring?) in the dead of winter. Now that’s Canadian.
Thanks Deb! It’s a fun town. I love that photo too. So colourful
I totally LOVE Jasper. I agree it’s definitely at the top of the “most Canadian” list.
Indeed!
jasper is the best. Just returned from a fantastic weekend at Jasper park lodge celebrating my sons 21. Possibly one of the most beautiful lest hotels in the world. Friendly staff great fod great fun. Summertime for us means camoing in Jasper at the snaring river. Nothing fancy there but to be surrounded with the roaring river, the mountains and huge trees, this is our home away from home
Lots of love for Jasper. There is in fact, however, an indoor hockey rink.
In jasper there is such thing as an indoor skating rink….right next to the indoor curling rink. Glad I could clear that up.
The statement about indoor rinks wasn’t meant to be literal – it’s meant to highlight the stereotype that a true Canadian town must have outdoor hockey rinks. Not every Canadian has a canoe either 🙂
I agree so much to do and enjoy. I Love Jasper especially as I am one of the lucky few who can call Jasper their hometown, as I was born in Jasper.
You are definitely lucky to call Jasper home. What time of year do you prefer – winter or summer?
Every season is beautiful in Jasper!! I can’t choose between winter and summer because Fall was always my favorite (and still is) Jasper is my hometown and even though I haven’t lived there for 55 years, it is still ‘home’…….and I go back as often as I can.
Another sign of a true blue Canadian town is the lack of recognizable American owned chain restaurants and retail outlets. I lived in Jasper for a number of years and vacation there often. It’s one of the most non-commercial tourist destinations in the Rockies. Absolutely Canadian and breathtakingly beautiful.
This is very true – good point Cheryl!
American owned is not even an issue and shows lack of respect…however, please be advised that KFC/PIZZA HUT and SUBWAY are “American owned” chains…which is nestled lovingly in the bosom of downtown beautiful Jasper..the same elk frequent those stops as well as peruse downtown looking for “true Canadian brands and chains” so please don’t put a smear on ethnic or heritgage authenticity or multi culturalism…thank you..otherwise…rock on Jasper!
I think the point that Cheryl is making is that there are very few big brands in town, which is a nice alternative to most touristy destinations. I don’t believe her comment is intended to be disrespectful.
It sure does! I spent a summer living at Cavell Court and working at Jasper Camera and Gift. I love how it’s a modest town. It’s not as flashy as Banff, but it has all the best bits you expect from a resort town.
We felt the same way during our visit. I think your “modest” description is bang on.
Absolutely love Jasper. Best town in Canada and a really great place to visit. But don’t promote it too much- don’t want the secret to get out!
Haha… yes, we don’t want Jasper to lose what makes it so great!
U’m heading to Jasper for many days in a few weeks – for the first time in winter so looking forward to everything you mentioned.
You’re going to love it Leigh! It’s your kinda town 🙂
Leigh..while you are there..you must visit, if you aren’t staying, at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge..it is heaven on earth…the place is beautiful, the grounds are spectacular…the sites are incredible..but the piece de resistance, is outdoor swimming in double digit minuses while in a heated, salt water pool..even under the stars…it’s incredible and the best treat you can give yourself..except for maybe booking a spa day at their wonderful spa…the personnel there under the leadership of Christine MacLeod, and Kitty Gundaker at the front desk, make your luxury day oooh la la…everyone there is professional with a caring, nurturing demeanor..and if you love wildlife..they will abundantly fill your day with wonderful observations…did i say you can also: ski, skate on the lakes, snow shoe, tobbaggon, and hike…and the food is to die for! go to JPL…and treat yourself!!! ps. this recipe is good for solo or with a loved one!
Jasper is my second home…I love the Fairmont Lodge particularly the wonderful personnel at the Spa, banquets, and in general, the facility itself. The pool is fantastic to swim in at any time of the year, but somehow in winter it’s most magical with a salt water heated pool steamily surrounded by the majestic Rockies. Christmas in November was spectacular thanks to the wonderful people who work at the Lodge. The spa people are the best in the world and very caring, knowledgeable, and friendly. The food is fantastic! the views spectacular…and you are never ever bored without so much as leaving the grounds. If you venture out of the lodge grounds, there is wonderful downtown Jasper with all the lovely little shoppes, and views, and even the abundant wildlife. Yes, this is truly the most Canadian treasure…and our best kept not so secret!!!! you must go at least once before you die….v/winter of pei
Seriously Mark I have lived in Jasper for 45 years from a teenager to senior! Gangs get real, as for drugs where every you are you can fine drugs. It’s a great place for any age.
I deleted the comment you replied to. We’re not interested in that kind of talk on our personal blog.
Thanks for the article! You are very correct… Jasper is spectacular because of its small size and scenery. I love when people focus on Banff and leave Jasper to us folks who appreciate it’s laid back ways! Cheers!
I live just outside of Edmonton, Alberta, but I’ve never visited Jasper in the winter (mostly because I never thought I’d enjoy it – I’m not a winter sports person). I think I might have to reconsider my stance on the matter. Jasper looks really nice, and very Canada.
Having spent time with Fairmont in the past, I’m quite familiar with Jasper and I agree with the spirit of this post. Such a charming town!
Ice bar? Yes Please (w/ the booze though)!
Great pics!
Beautifull!!
I am planning my next trip to Canada, and after reading your post, I think that its going to be fun. Let’s see what happens. Fingers crossed.
Thanks a lot for sharing this info and helping me to know that much about Canada.
Rachel
This is inspiring haha. Can’t wait to get home for Christmas 🙂 Your posts always make me miss Canada..
Jasper looks interesting. The resort looks cool…literally. 🙂
You got some great photographs here. The place seems awesome. There seems to be many good skiing opportunities. Must visit the place.
Nicole & Cam, thank-you for your lovely blog about Jasper! Please come back for the July 1st celebrations! From the early pancake breakfast (town council members flip flap jacks) to the ceremonial flag raising in the ‘Cabage Patch’ to a terrific parade thru downtown to activities and live entertainment all afternoon and evening in Centennial Park until the superb finale… fireworks at dusk (11:30pm usually). We do Canada Day all day long and we do it well!
Thanks Su. We won’t make it this year, but hopefully we can in 2017!
I love Jasper!! I used to live and work in that town and miss it a lot. So much stuff you can do there.
I was born and raised in Jasper. My mom, my brother and his family and my daughter currently live there:)
It has always felt very essentially Canadian to me as well. Thank you for the nice tribute to my hometown.
Glad you liked it 🙂
Love it there. Please don’t tell everyone about it, so it remains just as it is. Wonder-Full!
I know right!? It’s just too hard to keep a place like this a secret. We loved it too much.
my name is John, and i actually am a bit of a lumberjack lol .jasper is my home.i was very fortunate to be born here.thank-you for such a great article. on your next visit,be sure to reach out to the locals.you will find some of the warmest sincere people on the planet!
Hi lumberjack John. Thanks for stopping by. We loved your town and the people. Everyone is so friendly.
I’m living in Jasper right now, and I have to agree! Jasper is a bubble of charm with a lot of fun to be had.
Have a great time. We can’t wait to return.
Lol we Love Jasper ! I’m glad we live next door in Hinton and can call Jasper our back yard … we get to go there & explore & experience being there any time we want. We are lucky to live in such a beautiful, spectacular & wild place It truly is Canadian ! Enjoy !
Hinton, yes. We got a speeding ticket in Hinton 🙂 We remember it well 🙂
Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks for this lovely blog…I came here over 50 years ago and it was supposed to be just for the summer… well, I am still here.I vote Jasper as the best little town and it is always a treat to just go across the river to Jasper Park Lodge…everybody is so friendly and professional
Born in Jasper, left in my mid teens, heart still there. Little need to return, however, because somehow I AM Jasper. Must be the isotopes in the water that got built in. A test of my teeth would trace to Cabin Creek water, with some Mt. Cavell glacial meltwater during summers at Grandma and Grandad’s chalet. Now that’s Canadian, growing up next to an iconic mountain with a hanging glacier — shrinking to nothing now. Sigh.
I was fortunate enough to live in Jasper for 17 years and to raise my son there. I can attest to the fact that what makes it truly special is the warm hospitality offered by the locals. A very special place.