Some Canadians prefer to travel south for the winter, while others like to throw themselves fully into the season. If you’re a fan of the cold weather, then Jasper in January is the perfect festival for you.

An annual festival set in the mountain town of Jasper in the heart of breathtaking Jasper National Park, Jasper in January is all about authentic winter fun. Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to focus on making the most out of the season of snow. For its 29th year, Jasper in January is being held from January 11th to January 28th. The festival is always jam-packed with activities and entertainment opportunities for the whole family to enjoy.

Jasper town is known for its friendly, quiet atmosphere while Jasper National Park is known for its serene swaths of untouched wilderness. There’s almost no better place to come and experience a Canadian winter adventure. Make the most of the town and the park by checking out all of the outdoor activities and cultural opportunities available during Jasper in January.

If you’re an avid skier, then no trip to Jasper in January could possibly be complete without a day spent on the slopes of Marmot Basin. Take in the unparalleled views from the highest ski area base elevation in all of Canada and choose from among 86 different runs offering 3,000 vertical feet of terrain. For skiers who prefer to go cross-country rather than downhill, Jasper has a variety of routes, loops, and gentle cross-country slopes to explore.

While skiing is a quintessential winter activity, you can also try out other modes of winter transportation while in Jasper. Sit back and relax on one of the many dog sled tours offered during Jasper in January or visit one of the many local outdoor stores to rent a pair of snowshoes. Or, perhaps your inner explorer would prefer to go on an ice-walk adventure through Maligne Canyon, the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park.

Once it’s time to head in from the cold, you can learn a bit about the early history of the area at the Jasper Yellowhead Museum’s permanent Historic Gallery. Around Jasper town, you’ll also find art galleries inspired by all of the same beautiful sights that you’ve just experienced. In particular, you should try to stop by Mountain Galleries, a large commercial gallery which also has locations in Whistler and Jasper. Here, you’ll get a chance to view and support the work of living Canadian artists.

If you really want to see something unique, then pay a visit to the Jasper Planetarium for the Winter Planetarium Experience. A virtual guided tour displayed on the planetarium’s domed theatre, the Winter Planetarium Experience begins with an exploration of the local constellations and takes you all the way to the edge of the universe.

Jasper is a popular summer vacation spot but there’s just no better time than winter to truly experience all of the wonder and excitement that this ruggedly Canadian locale has to offer. Take some time out of your January this year to check out the hottest winter festival in the Canadian Rockies.