Winter Wildlife Watching in Jasper National Park

When winter blankets Jasper National Park in snow, most visitors retreat to the warmth of their homes. But for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, the coldest months offer a unique opportunity to observe the park's remarkable animals in their natural habitat. With fewer tourists, brilliant white backdrops, and increased visibility of tracks and movement, winter transforms Jasper into a premier wildlife watching destination.

Why Winter is Ideal for Wildlife Watching

While summer may seem like the obvious choice for visiting Canada's largest national park in the Rockies, winter offers several distinct advantages for wildlife observation:

• High Visibility: Animals stand out dramatically against the snow, making them easier to spot from a distance.
• Tracking Opportunities: Fresh snow preserves tracks, allowing you to identify and follow animal movements.
• Concentrated Habitats: Many animals descend from high alpine areas to lower valleys where food is more accessible.
• Reduced Human Presence: Fewer visitors means less disturbance to wildlife and more authentic behavior patterns.
• Stunning Photography: The soft winter light and white backgrounds create ideal conditions for wildlife photography.

Wildlife You Can Spot in Winter

Jasper National Park is home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, many of which remain active throughout the winter months. Here are some of the animals you might encounter during a winter visit:

Elk

Elk (also known as wapiti) are perhaps the easiest large mammals to spot in winter. They gather in large herds in the lower valleys, particularly around the Jasper townsite, the Athabasca Valley, and Pyramid Lake. With their dark brown coats contrasting against the snow and impressive antlers (on males until March), these majestic ungulates make for spectacular viewing and photography.

Bighorn Sheep

Jasper's bighorn sheep population remains highly visible throughout winter. Look for them along the Maligne Lake Road and Highway 16 East towards Edmonton, where they often come down to lick salt off the roadways. Males with their massive curved horns are especially impressive against the winter landscape.

Moose

Though more elusive than elk, moose can be found throughout Jasper in winter, particularly in willow flats and around partially frozen lakes and ponds. Look for these massive animals in the Maligne Valley, especially around Medicine Lake and Beaver Lake. Despite their size, moose can be surprisingly hard to spot as they often blend into the willows and forest edges.

Wolves

Winter is the best time to spot wolves in Jasper, as their dark coats stand out against the snow, and they follow herds of elk and deer into the valleys. The Athabasca Valley and areas around Pyramid Lake are good places to watch for wolf activity. Listen for haunting howls at dawn and dusk – an unforgettable wilderness experience.

Coyotes

More common than wolves, coyotes are frequently seen throughout the park in winter. Their light brown coats contrast beautifully with the snow as they hunt for small mammals. Watch for them in open meadows and along roadways, particularly around dawn and dusk.

Lynx and Cougars

While extremely rare to spot, these elusive cats are more visible in winter when their tracks crisscross the snow. Follow large feline tracks with no claw marks to potentially catch a glimpse of these secretive predators. The boreal forest areas around Maligne Lake and Medicine Lake occasionally yield sightings of lynx.

Smaller Mammals

Winter is excellent for spotting smaller mammals like snowshoe hares, red foxes, pine martens, and ermine (short-tailed weasels). Many of these animals change color in winter, with some (like ermine) turning completely white except for black-tipped tails. Look for their distinctive tracks and watch forest edges at dawn and dusk.

Birds

While many bird species migrate south for the winter, Jasper is home to several hardy year-round residents. Keep an eye out for:

• Gray Jays (Whiskey Jacks): These friendly birds often approach hikers hoping for a snack.
• Clark's Nutcrackers: Look for these crow-like birds around pine trees.
• Woodpeckers: Several species, including the Pileated Woodpecker, remain active all winter.
• Ravens: These highly intelligent birds are abundant throughout the park.
• Golden Eagles: Occasionally spotted soaring above the valleys.

Best Locations for Winter Wildlife Watching

While wildlife can be spotted throughout Jasper National Park, certain areas offer better opportunities during winter months:

Maligne Lake Road

This 46-kilometer road connecting the Jasper townsite to Maligne Lake is one of the best wildlife corridors in the park. In winter, the road is maintained only to Maligne Canyon, but this stretch still offers excellent viewing opportunities for elk, moose, wolves, and occasionally lynx. The Medicine Lake viewpoint is particularly good for moose sightings.

Athabasca Valley

The wide, open valley along Highway 16 (both east and west of Jasper townsite) provides habitat for large elk herds, deer, coyotes, and wolves. The meadows near the east park entrance are especially promising for morning and evening wildlife viewing.

Pyramid Lake Road

This short road leading to Pyramid Lake and Patricia Lake is excellent for winter wildlife viewing. The lakes often have areas of open water attracting a variety of animals. This area is known for elk, deer, coyotes, and occasionally wolves.

Miette Hot Springs Road

While the hot springs are closed in winter and the road isn't maintained past a certain point, the lower section can be excellent for spotting bighorn sheep, elk, and occasionally moose.

Tips for Successful Winter Wildlife Watching

Winter wildlife watching requires patience, preparation, and respect for the animals and environment. Here are some tips to enhance your experience:

Timing is Everything

Most animals are most active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular). Plan your wildlife excursions for early morning or late afternoon for the best chances of sightings. The soft light during these hours also creates ideal conditions for photography.

Dress Appropriately

Winter in Jasper can be extremely cold, with temperatures frequently dropping below -20°C (-4°F). Dress in layers, wear proper winter boots, and bring hand warmers if you plan to be stationary while wildlife watching. Remember that wildlife watching often involves long periods of minimal movement, making proper clothing essential.

Bring the Right Equipment

• Binoculars: Essential for spotting and observing animals from a safe distance.
• Spotting Scope: If you're serious about wildlife watching, a spotting scope on a tripod allows for even more detailed observation.
• Camera with Telephoto Lens: To capture wildlife without disturbing them, a lens of at least 200mm is recommended, with 400mm or longer being ideal.
• Field Guide: A wildlife guide helps with identification and understanding behavior.
• Thermos: Hot beverages help you stay warm during long observation periods.

Practice Safe Wildlife Watching

Remember that Jasper's animals are wild and potentially dangerous, especially in winter when resources are scarce. Follow these safety guidelines:

• Maintain a minimum distance of 30 meters (100 feet) from elk and deer, and 100 meters (330 feet) from bears, wolves, and coyotes.
• Never feed wildlife – it's harmful to their health and natural behavior patterns.
• Stay in your vehicle when possible, using it as a blind for observation and photography.
• If on foot, make noise to avoid surprising animals.
• Never approach or follow wildlife; let them continue their natural activities undisturbed.
• Be especially cautious around bull elk, which can be aggressive even outside of rutting season.

Learn to Read Tracks and Signs

Winter provides an excellent opportunity to develop tracking skills. Fresh snow records the movement of animals, revealing stories about their behavior and habits. A good tracking guide can help you identify different species by their footprints, feeding signs, and other traces.