To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the government of Canada is encouraging Canadians to experience and learn more about our environment and our heritage.
To help celebrate this special occasion, Jasper National Park is offering some great winter activities in conjunction with Jasper in January.
The Marmot Meadows winter hub on Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway) just south of the Jasper townsite (look for the flags) will be the base for winter programs.
Dark Sky Stories
Time of program: 7-8 p.m.
Date: Jan. 13, 21, 27 鈥ㄢ��
First Nations dark sky stories are observations that were shared through story and ceremony; interlinking the sky, the land, and the people with timeless understandings that foster traditional values, strengths, and wisdom. This interactive story telling program will take place inside our tipi with bannock and tea.
Learn to Snowshoe
Time of program: 11-12 p.m.
Date: Jan. 14, 15, 21, 28
Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to get around the valley bottoms and shallow slopes of Jasper National Park. The best part? It鈥檚 not even that hard! Join a park interpreter for this 鈥渓earn to hike鈥� program. We will cover all the basics from what a snowshoe does, their cultural significance, how to walk with them, how to dress for winter weather, and how to look for terrain hazards. When you鈥檝e learned all you can we鈥檒l put it to the test with a snowshoe race.
Wildlife Camera Safari
Time of program: 3-4 p.m.鈥�
Date: January 14, 21, 28
Take a peek into the world of wildlife research in Jasper National Park. You will use some of the equipment our experts use, visit a wildlife camera site and learn how these tools help the park better understand the wildlife populations.
Dark Sky Snowshoe - Night Vision Edition
Time of program: 7-8 p.m.
Date: Jan. 14 and 20 鈥ㄢ��
Immerse yourself and experience the stars or moonlit skies of Jasper National Park and learn about some of the nocturnal adaptations that help the animals of the park (including us) see in the dark.
Learn to Winter Camp
Time of program: 1-3 p.m. 鈥�
Date: Jan. 14
Feeling adventurous this winter? Park interpreters will be sharing their knowledge of winter camping in both frontcountry and backcountry campgrounds in the park, as well winter camping safety, what gear to bring, how to layer properly, what food to bring and various tools you may need along the way. We will also be building a traditional winter quinzhee shelter. If the thought of winter camping has left you 鈥渇reezing鈥� in the past, drop by and talk to us. Don鈥檛 worry, we have tea and hot chocolate on hand to keep you warm.
Fire Starting and Bannock Bake
Time of program: 1-2 p.m.
Date: Jan. 15, 22, 29
Learn a few outdoor winter skills, like how to start a fire with flint and steel using natural materials, then cook your own bannock on a stick for a tasty treat. We invite you to bring your own treats to roast over the fire as well, the fire will stay lit for most of the afternoon. We鈥檒l provide hot chocolate and tea.
Cooking in the Backcountry
Time of program: 1-3 p.m. 鈥�
Date: Jan. 21
This special feature for appetites week will teach you all you need to know about four-season backcountry cooking. Not only modern cooking, but we鈥檒l also get you involved with preparing a meal over the fire. Learn some valuable skills for your next winter outing. Feel free to bring your own treats to roast over the fire.
Wildlife Winter Adaptations
Time of program: 11-12 p.m.
Date: Jan. 22
Do you embrace winter, hibernate indoors or fly south? Find out how different animals of the park adapt to winter. If conditions are right, the program will be a gentle snowshoe hike (snowshoes provided), if not we will adapt the program to the weather.
The Art of Fire Starting
Time of program: 1-2 p.m.鈥�
Date: Jan. 28鈥ㄢ��
For some, starting a fire in the summer is enough of a challenge let alone doing it in the winter. Join park interpreters around our campfire as we learn proper techniques for fire starting in the winter, material you can use from the world around you, and some traditional techniques that will leave you nice and warm. We will also have tea, hot chocolate, marshmallows and bannock on hand.
Wildlife Winter Adaptations Photography Edition
Time of program: 11-12 p.m.
Date: Jan. 29
Jasper National Park is one of the best places in the province for wildlife photography. Our park interpreters will be leading their regular wildlife winter adaptation hike, but with a little twist. Bring your point and shoot/cell phone camera and we鈥檒l share all the information we know about wildlife photography for simple cameras.
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