The Most Romantic Things To Do in Jasper

It’s easy to be romantic when spring is in the air, but winter’s snowy embrace and summer’s endless sunshine are equally as thrilling. Jasper’s tranquil setting offers an effortless opportunity for couples to unwind and spend quality time together. Heat things up in Jasper any time of year with these romantic excursions.

Horse around

A hush descends through the forest, broken only by jingling bells and the clip-clop of hooves rhythmically making their way across mounds of pristine snow. Sleigh rides involve lots of snuggling under warm blankets as your eyes take in the jagged peaks and snow-quilted forests framing crystallized lakes. The stillness of this landscape is a gift that can’t help but foster a deeper connection with each other. Travelling at a leisurely pace in such a nostalgic way naturally lends itself to intimate conversations and shared moments.

Visiting in the summer? Add an element of adventure and spontaneity to your relationship with a horseback riding adventure at the Jasper Park Lodge Riding Stables. Breathtaking viewpoints are a rider’s reward for following the turquoise ribbon of the Athabasca River. This is one adventure that promises to get hearts pumping.

Take a twirl on an icy lake

Gliding across glinting ice with a pine-scented breeze on your face, wild ice skating is as invigorating as it gets. Skating also presents a fantastic opportunity to stumble and get caught by someone you’re trying to get close to. In fact, the wobblier you are, the better. Possibly the most romantic spot in Jasper for ice time has to be Pyramid Lake.

After a whirl across the smooth ice surface, with majestic Pyramid Mountain as your backdrop, guests at Pyramid Lake Lodge can slip indoors for complimentary hot chocolate and s’mores kits. Otherwise, bring your own thermos and, ideally, an extra scarf and hat to compliment the snowman you’ll surely build.

Soothing soaks

If your idea of relaxation is a little less energetic, simply sink into the 20-person outdoor hot tub or heated pool at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. The calming, warm water and the crisp alpine air create a perfect balance between relaxation and revitalization. Amp up the experience by creating a sense of wonder with a soak at night under Jasper’s vast, starlit sky.

Remembering that romantic experiences often involve creating memorable moments together, cruise down the wild Fiddle Valley to Miette Hot Springs. These are the hottest hot springs in the Canadian Rockies and are open from mid-May until mid-October. Melt into these mineral-rich natural hot springs and witness how quickly your cares seem to float away.

Wish upon a star

Gazing at the same celestial wonders as history’s great romantics is sure to evoke a sense of timelessness and connection. There’s just something about the quiet and stillness of the night, combined with its beauty, that brings couples closer together.

Jasper, the world’s second-largest Dark Sky Preserve, has plenty of secluded spots for either stargazing or Northern Lights viewing. Old Fort Point, Maligne Lake, Pyramid Island and the tip of Athabasca Glacier are all stunning sites offering year-round access for night sky viewing.

Need a conversation starter? Contemplate the mysteries of the universe on a guided tour with Jasper Planetarium, home to the largest, most powerful telescopes in the Canadian Rockies. Despite taking in the vastness of the cosmos, don’t be surprised if it feels like you may be the only two people in the entire universe.

Candlelit rendezvous

Nothing sets the mood quite like a romantic dinner to cap off your day. Lakeside dining at Aalto features elegant tables strategically arranged to offer each couple privacy plus an enchanting view of the water. Bathed in the warm glow of soft, twinkling lights, diners tuck into a carefully curated menu of lake-inspired dishes as they sip on fine wines or indulge in crafted cocktails.

Savour the magical ambiance a little longer by lingering over dessert. There’s a rich chocolate terrine and cheeseboard, not to mention liquid desserts that are equally as boozy as they are sweet. And to demonstrate you’ve made a significant effort, book in for the Dark Sky and Dinner combo. After this three-course meal, you’ll be treated to guided stargazing.

Picnic in powder 

A flurry of snow-fuelled fun awaits couples keen to try new things. Strap on snowshoes for a romp through the winter wonderland that is Jasper National Park. What’s great about snowshoeing is its accessibility. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. 

Start your jaunt mid to late afternoon, and the pretty alpine landscape becomes ever more enchanting as the sun pumps out a pink-hued glow upon the snow. Top spots for snowshoeing include the Maligne Lake area, Lower Sunwapta Falls and Whirlpool Winter Hub. Expect to return to your cabin rosy-cheeked and swimming in endorphins. 

Kick your alfresco adventure up a notch by bringing along a luxe picnic basket from Fitzhugh’s Fine Foods inside Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Choose between an adventure-ready backpack or an Instagrammable wicker basket any time of year, whether you’re a hotel guest or just visiting for the day.

Zen out

Those who have a hard time shutting off their brain need only hit the spa, where a calming atmosphere, soothing music and scented candles set the mood. Couples feel utterly rejuvenated with a eucalyptus steam before slipping into robes and swanning about the Spa at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Here, spa-goers can try a side-by-side couples massage or an enhanced treatment that includes a mineral body scrub and soaker tub experience inside a luxurious couple’s suite. Meanwhile, Jasper Wellness offers mobile massage services so visitors can slip straight into bed after limbs have been loosened.

Get cozy indoors

Touted as the cabin capital of Canada, Jasper has nearly 500 accommodation options with their own private entrances. Whether you’re perched at the edge of a river or surrounded by woodland, that feeling of seclusion will naturally enhance the sense of intimacy. Jasper’s cozy cabins are kitted out with wooden interiors and romantic touches like wood-burning fireplaces, hot tubs and outdoor fire pits.