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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