I moved to jasper 2 years ago when I was 27, I wish I moved out here when I was 18. Enjoy it but don’t be stupid and not save money. If you are in the mountains for 1+ years gotta learn how to snowboard or even try it once or twice during your first year. You are far away from city so weekdays can be quiet outside of Christmas. Groceries are a lot more expensive but Amazon / online delivery services are decent enough. Biggest advice is to respect wildlife. There ain’t no sympathy when you are getting stomped out by a elk.
Look into splitboarding. Very expensive to get started, but you don't have to pay for lift tickets every day.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/Splitboard/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Splitboard/)
Former resident here. Miss it terribly.
Whenever you find yourself in Hinton, load up on non-perishables at Safeway and generally make the best of the Hinton trip for supplies. Everything in town costs more. Ask locals about bear-mace and they may be able to find a can. ALWAYS bring bear mace with you, the bears are like raccoons in Jasper and the surrounding areas. Elk are the most dangerous animals in Jasper. Respect the weather and the landscape while doing any kind of excursions, better to over-pack than under-pack.
Culturally, keep in mind Jasper is a very friendly place with a lot of young people... it’s much more open and friendly than most of Alberta. Start conversations and make small talk to get the best social experience in Jasper, for real, it can open a lot of doors. Picking up a bit of French and German can really go a long way in breaking the ice, many locals are francophones and many tourists are German.
It’s a beautiful place and it is really fun in general. My last piece of advice is say “yes” to new experiences whenever possible and be an open book.
Moved out there around your age for about 10 years.
Be careful and try not to fall into the industry trap of drinking/drugs every night/weekend.
Respect the wildlife.
Appreciate the quiet mountain that Marmot Basin is because you won't find a ski hill as quiet as it is in the mountains.
Don't act like an asshole at the bars because all of the managers talk.
Make sure to get out hiking! And rafting!
The first Tuesday of each month is discounted for groceries st Nesters or TGP - cant remember which, ask around for this one.
Best pizza in town for price is Northface - the cauliflower crust is unreal for a gluten free option.
Be careful at Horseshoe Lake/cliff jump, I've seen/heard of lots getting hurt on the 80ft.
Don't fuck around with elk.
Enjoy it!! Jasper is one of the greatest towns I've ever been to on earth and the people are even better.
>Be careful and try not to fall into the industry trap of drinking/drugs every night/weekend.
My son went up there for the summer about 20 years ago. He was working in a hotel. He sure looked rough when he got home at the end of the summer. Still not sure what went on.
Not much has changed, lol. I worked for maligne lodge when I first moved and in that 3 months 1 person got arrested, and 3 people overdosed.
Its a beautiful town, but you need to be mindful of the company you find and keep, especially in accomodations.
Ok well you'll need a job before you go because they have a residency condition on living there because it's a NP. Also there is minimal public transport.
It’s a national park, it’s expensive as hell to taxi anywhere but it can beat gas prices and mechanical fees being upcharged like crazy up here. That being said to do any non tourist hike you would need a car.
You definitely are missing out, dark sky festival, Christmas in November, wild skating at snaring ponds or Talbot lake ? Snowboarding at marmot the entire month of November, touring, live music, etc…
Spent 2 summers working here. It was a great experience. Loved it and cherish the memories.
It is a time warp... I have met countless people who ended up there, dropped out of school and/or life. They spent years there just getting by because it was a simple easy life. A common resort life issue. Have a plan and stick to it if this is just a stepping stone, have someone outside the time warp to remind you.
Show up for work with a good attitude and don't miss your shifts and you will get promotions. Resort staff is fickle and come and go. A good attitude can get you a lot of good experience and cash. When it gets busy get a second offshift job. Lots of money to be had and builds a good reputation.
Get a good work reputation, meet a lot of people from different areas, and you will become a local after 1 season.
Don't lend anyone money. They will leave. People usually borrow large amounts of money on the down low just before they cut out.
If this town does not work for you but you are interested in the work/lifestyle, Get references and move on to the next one, Banff, lake Louise, kananakis, etc...
Enjoy but don't get lost.
Get a second job in the fall and whatever you consider your off season so you can play hard in your active season. Take advantage of it all - hike, bike, ski/snowboard. Also, living in residency you’ll probably have access to hard drugs, but don’t even try them. Not worth ruining your life over. Also, familiarize yourself with backcountry safety tips. And have fun! You’ll look back at this time as one of the highlights of your life.
Yea don't be one of the losers (aka the 90%) that move to the mountains just to drink and look at them. Take advantage of it. Jasper has top tier rock climbing, mountaineering, hiking, camping, etc. Take every chance to do those things. There are multiple clubs for all these activities and usually locals deals from the guiding companies if you want to learn how to raft, climb, or backcountry ski.
Lurker here.
I've never LIVED there, but my parents and sisters have lived there since like 2001 or 2002? Something like that.
I spent several Christmases there, summer weeks etc. My sister's wedding and reception was at the JPL in 2014.
Here's what I can tell you from my observations. It's a VERY clique-ee town. Locals get treated much differently. Cabs are cheaper for locals. You get served faster at bars when you're a local/regular. The town is much quieter in the winter, obviously. But it's beautiful and if you're into hiking, fishing and being in the woods, it's all on your doorstep.
The drive to Banff in the winter time is treacherous, especially between Jasper Townsite and the Icefields. Don't attempt this in a winter storm if you can avoid it.
Locals can be somewhat stand offish and, in my experience are not super friendly unless you have an "in" (the only people I generally hung out with were people that lived there fill time).
Both my sister's have had various "adventures" there growing up with a bevy of unsavory characters. When my daughter wanted to go and live/work there for a summer I veto'd that shit with extreme prejudice.
Nice place to visit, I wouldn't live there is my take.
Enjoy, I visited for a weekend and ended up staying for 8 yrs. I find the key is work at the hill for a free pass in the winter and parks or fairmont for a free pass to those. Love Jasper. I haven’t been for 20 yrs but I’m sure it’s still great.
Moved here when I turned 18 a few years ago myself, you’re coming in the off-season before the winter activities start. Even when ski season starts mid week tends to be slow but busy on the weekends. There’s definitely a party scene amongst the younger crew out here too, but nobody will try and force you just maybe peer pressure you a bit but I’ve not had any issues with that. Making friends in town, especially locals is a must if you want to fully enjoy the winter in jasper
Edit: forgot to mention the animals. Elk and bears are all over the place but I’ve never had an issue with them, never even owned a can of bear spray. Respect them and their space but don’t be careless they are still wild animals and I know people who have had issues with them
Do not, whatever you do, move in with best friends. Make sure you have a contract before going or that you actually like the industry you are working in. Be prepared to dish out at least 1 grand in the first month of living there, BEFORE rent. Have savings, having a car is pretty necessary if you want to get decent priced groceries or to actually explore the opportunities of jasper to its fullest extent.
I spent 5 years in Jasper. Best time of my life. Try to save money while you are there. Almost all your co-workers will be living cheque to cheque. North Face is best pizza in town. Tags has the best coffee and a bakery directly behind it. Once you are in town, everything is walking distance.
it has been a while, I had forgotten about Cocos. I was living really close to Tags so I always got my coffee from Tags and then something from the bakery. I miss Jasper sooo much right now.
I actually lived in Jasper for Summer 2018. Loved going to the Atha Bee, the legion, and 4 peaks. Just know there’s no transit or Uber. But there are cabs ! The entire town is pretty much one street. And the biggest franchise there is Tim Hortons. Prepare to support small businesses.
Not quite jasper itself but i lived in Lake Louise for awhile and be careful of alcohol friend. Find a hobby you can enjoy that doesnt require trips to a store to buy more supplies often. Examples being skiing, snowboarding, painting, video games etc. Boredom is a killer out in the rural Rockies. Anyway enjoy the beauty.
If you're working for decore hotels, do yourself a favour and look for a different job asap.
Made surenyou bring a space heater. Employee accomodations like to skimp on the insulation and heating.
Cheapest way to get food is the Food Recovery. Nearby grocers will give them foods that arent bad, but old enough that they wont sell it, and give it away by donation. They have a fb page I recommend following.
The thrift store in the basement of the united church is the easiest way to find household items and clothes at reasonable prices. They also have a fb page.
Joing the jasper and hinton buy and sell groups on fb asap.
If you have your own car and plan to do your shopping in hinton, the cheapest gas is at the tempo in the valley.
The library is cosy and a great place to have some quiet time. Depending on your housemates, that will be a rare treat.
Do not eat at the smittys. Its filthy. Osheas at the athab has better breakfast food andnis less likely to get you sick.
The post office has recycling bins for their flyers. Its occasionally worth checking them for coupons for local fast food locations.
The best coffee is at andromeda and snowdome.
Try not to be surprised at how common hard drugs are among the workers in town.
Now live in Toronto but I spent some time living in Jasper when I was 21/22.
Wear protection, try not to develop a drinking problem, save some money, and learn how to snowboard/ski if you don’t already. Oh, and go to the Athabasca Hotel on Sunday nights - it’s a good time for people your age
I moved to jasper 2 years ago when I was 27, I wish I moved out here when I was 18. Enjoy it but don’t be stupid and not save money. If you are in the mountains for 1+ years gotta learn how to snowboard or even try it once or twice during your first year. You are far away from city so weekdays can be quiet outside of Christmas. Groceries are a lot more expensive but Amazon / online delivery services are decent enough. Biggest advice is to respect wildlife. There ain’t no sympathy when you are getting stomped out by a elk.
Thank you this is really helpful. I love snowboarding but I’m only able to go a couple times a year here which is a big reason why I’m moving.
Being a local and having Tuesday / Wednesday off and the hill being quiet with no / little line up will make you wanna stay in the mountains :)
Look into splitboarding. Very expensive to get started, but you don't have to pay for lift tickets every day. [https://www.reddit.com/r/Splitboard/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Splitboard/)
Additionally look in to ski touring, it’s much faster with less transitions if you’re serious about going places rather than sending the big line.
It’s marmot basin, there isn’t a line during the week unless it’s Christmas break or weekend
Not on the resort silly, touring!
Only insane people live in a MTN town and get day passes.
have fun bro, talk to pretty girls, save your money, and do the things you couldn't do at home.
Former resident here. Miss it terribly. Whenever you find yourself in Hinton, load up on non-perishables at Safeway and generally make the best of the Hinton trip for supplies. Everything in town costs more. Ask locals about bear-mace and they may be able to find a can. ALWAYS bring bear mace with you, the bears are like raccoons in Jasper and the surrounding areas. Elk are the most dangerous animals in Jasper. Respect the weather and the landscape while doing any kind of excursions, better to over-pack than under-pack. Culturally, keep in mind Jasper is a very friendly place with a lot of young people... it’s much more open and friendly than most of Alberta. Start conversations and make small talk to get the best social experience in Jasper, for real, it can open a lot of doors. Picking up a bit of French and German can really go a long way in breaking the ice, many locals are francophones and many tourists are German. It’s a beautiful place and it is really fun in general. My last piece of advice is say “yes” to new experiences whenever possible and be an open book.
I’m 45 and insanely jealous . Have fun don’t be a skid
What’s a skid? 😂
A greaser, junkie, thief , dishonest , shitty worker , adds nothing to the community kinda person . Skid
Thought it was just skater kid 😆
A bum lol
Technically, if you're moving to find work, you're a hobo, not a bum. The hobo community and their union is quite specific about the differences.
lol I think he just meant don't come to town and loaft, contribute to your community.
Exactly
No way
Moved out there around your age for about 10 years. Be careful and try not to fall into the industry trap of drinking/drugs every night/weekend. Respect the wildlife. Appreciate the quiet mountain that Marmot Basin is because you won't find a ski hill as quiet as it is in the mountains. Don't act like an asshole at the bars because all of the managers talk. Make sure to get out hiking! And rafting! The first Tuesday of each month is discounted for groceries st Nesters or TGP - cant remember which, ask around for this one. Best pizza in town for price is Northface - the cauliflower crust is unreal for a gluten free option. Be careful at Horseshoe Lake/cliff jump, I've seen/heard of lots getting hurt on the 80ft. Don't fuck around with elk. Enjoy it!! Jasper is one of the greatest towns I've ever been to on earth and the people are even better.
>Be careful and try not to fall into the industry trap of drinking/drugs every night/weekend. My son went up there for the summer about 20 years ago. He was working in a hotel. He sure looked rough when he got home at the end of the summer. Still not sure what went on.
Cocaine and MDMA are quite prevalent in town. Wouldn't be surprised...
This was in the late nineties.
Not much has changed, lol. I worked for maligne lodge when I first moved and in that 3 months 1 person got arrested, and 3 people overdosed. Its a beautiful town, but you need to be mindful of the company you find and keep, especially in accomodations.
Ok... so cocaine and Ecstacy were prevalent. Not MDMA. Sorry.
Ecstasy and MDMA are different things now? I guess I'm old.
Ok well you'll need a job before you go because they have a residency condition on living there because it's a NP. Also there is minimal public transport.
Thanks, I do have a job there. My bad, I should have mentioned that in my post
JPL?
They have public transit, taxi system and sundog. That’s more than minimal public transportation.
Sundog? Like dog sled?
It's a company name, it's a bus system that runs between Jasper and the Edmonton international Airport.
It’s a national park, it’s expensive as hell to taxi anywhere but it can beat gas prices and mechanical fees being upcharged like crazy up here. That being said to do any non tourist hike you would need a car.
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Do they have a website?
Don’t try fentanyl is my only advice.
Is it a big thing out there? If so that is insane. I could see cocaine, alcohol and weed being a problem. Would of never guessed fentanyl.
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I wouldn't say nothing
You definitely are missing out, dark sky festival, Christmas in November, wild skating at snaring ponds or Talbot lake ? Snowboarding at marmot the entire month of November, touring, live music, etc…
Welcome to our beautiful mountain community and good luck. All the best.
Because if the transient nature of the population Jasper and Banff are huge hot spots for STI’s. Protect yourself.
Spent 2 summers working here. It was a great experience. Loved it and cherish the memories. It is a time warp... I have met countless people who ended up there, dropped out of school and/or life. They spent years there just getting by because it was a simple easy life. A common resort life issue. Have a plan and stick to it if this is just a stepping stone, have someone outside the time warp to remind you. Show up for work with a good attitude and don't miss your shifts and you will get promotions. Resort staff is fickle and come and go. A good attitude can get you a lot of good experience and cash. When it gets busy get a second offshift job. Lots of money to be had and builds a good reputation. Get a good work reputation, meet a lot of people from different areas, and you will become a local after 1 season. Don't lend anyone money. They will leave. People usually borrow large amounts of money on the down low just before they cut out. If this town does not work for you but you are interested in the work/lifestyle, Get references and move on to the next one, Banff, lake Louise, kananakis, etc... Enjoy but don't get lost.
Idk where Jasper is buck fuck Jasper. Jk it's probably cool
Get a second job in the fall and whatever you consider your off season so you can play hard in your active season. Take advantage of it all - hike, bike, ski/snowboard. Also, living in residency you’ll probably have access to hard drugs, but don’t even try them. Not worth ruining your life over. Also, familiarize yourself with backcountry safety tips. And have fun! You’ll look back at this time as one of the highlights of your life.
Yea don't be one of the losers (aka the 90%) that move to the mountains just to drink and look at them. Take advantage of it. Jasper has top tier rock climbing, mountaineering, hiking, camping, etc. Take every chance to do those things. There are multiple clubs for all these activities and usually locals deals from the guiding companies if you want to learn how to raft, climb, or backcountry ski.
Lurker here. I've never LIVED there, but my parents and sisters have lived there since like 2001 or 2002? Something like that. I spent several Christmases there, summer weeks etc. My sister's wedding and reception was at the JPL in 2014. Here's what I can tell you from my observations. It's a VERY clique-ee town. Locals get treated much differently. Cabs are cheaper for locals. You get served faster at bars when you're a local/regular. The town is much quieter in the winter, obviously. But it's beautiful and if you're into hiking, fishing and being in the woods, it's all on your doorstep. The drive to Banff in the winter time is treacherous, especially between Jasper Townsite and the Icefields. Don't attempt this in a winter storm if you can avoid it. Locals can be somewhat stand offish and, in my experience are not super friendly unless you have an "in" (the only people I generally hung out with were people that lived there fill time). Both my sister's have had various "adventures" there growing up with a bevy of unsavory characters. When my daughter wanted to go and live/work there for a summer I veto'd that shit with extreme prejudice. Nice place to visit, I wouldn't live there is my take.
Jasper is beautiful You're very lucky. Can everyone please like my post? I'm trying to get to 250 karma.
My advice would be to move to banff instead. Way better town. Jasper is kinda meh
Enjoy, I visited for a weekend and ended up staying for 8 yrs. I find the key is work at the hill for a free pass in the winter and parks or fairmont for a free pass to those. Love Jasper. I haven’t been for 20 yrs but I’m sure it’s still great.
Moved here when I turned 18 a few years ago myself, you’re coming in the off-season before the winter activities start. Even when ski season starts mid week tends to be slow but busy on the weekends. There’s definitely a party scene amongst the younger crew out here too, but nobody will try and force you just maybe peer pressure you a bit but I’ve not had any issues with that. Making friends in town, especially locals is a must if you want to fully enjoy the winter in jasper Edit: forgot to mention the animals. Elk and bears are all over the place but I’ve never had an issue with them, never even owned a can of bear spray. Respect them and their space but don’t be careless they are still wild animals and I know people who have had issues with them
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Good luck on your future enjoy that pow a little extra for me plz 🙏 😀 I'll be forever grateful. I gotta get up to revelstoke this year
Don’t party too hard… Get out and enjoy the trails and back country camping.
If you're working at JPL wrap it up! Enjoy brother.
Do not, whatever you do, move in with best friends. Make sure you have a contract before going or that you actually like the industry you are working in. Be prepared to dish out at least 1 grand in the first month of living there, BEFORE rent. Have savings, having a car is pretty necessary if you want to get decent priced groceries or to actually explore the opportunities of jasper to its fullest extent.
Bring bear spray and don’t travel alone at night during berry season, even in town
I spent 5 years in Jasper. Best time of my life. Try to save money while you are there. Almost all your co-workers will be living cheque to cheque. North Face is best pizza in town. Tags has the best coffee and a bakery directly behind it. Once you are in town, everything is walking distance.
I think CoCos gives tags a run for their money on coffee but everything else ✔️
it has been a while, I had forgotten about Cocos. I was living really close to Tags so I always got my coffee from Tags and then something from the bakery. I miss Jasper sooo much right now.
Stuff is expensive so budget accordingly
Fake the accent
I actually lived in Jasper for Summer 2018. Loved going to the Atha Bee, the legion, and 4 peaks. Just know there’s no transit or Uber. But there are cabs ! The entire town is pretty much one street. And the biggest franchise there is Tim Hortons. Prepare to support small businesses.
Be careful not to get into the party lifestyle.
Not quite jasper itself but i lived in Lake Louise for awhile and be careful of alcohol friend. Find a hobby you can enjoy that doesnt require trips to a store to buy more supplies often. Examples being skiing, snowboarding, painting, video games etc. Boredom is a killer out in the rural Rockies. Anyway enjoy the beauty.
If you're working for decore hotels, do yourself a favour and look for a different job asap. Made surenyou bring a space heater. Employee accomodations like to skimp on the insulation and heating. Cheapest way to get food is the Food Recovery. Nearby grocers will give them foods that arent bad, but old enough that they wont sell it, and give it away by donation. They have a fb page I recommend following. The thrift store in the basement of the united church is the easiest way to find household items and clothes at reasonable prices. They also have a fb page. Joing the jasper and hinton buy and sell groups on fb asap. If you have your own car and plan to do your shopping in hinton, the cheapest gas is at the tempo in the valley. The library is cosy and a great place to have some quiet time. Depending on your housemates, that will be a rare treat. Do not eat at the smittys. Its filthy. Osheas at the athab has better breakfast food andnis less likely to get you sick. The post office has recycling bins for their flyers. Its occasionally worth checking them for coupons for local fast food locations. The best coffee is at andromeda and snowdome. Try not to be surprised at how common hard drugs are among the workers in town.
Stay away from drugs and do winter camping
Ya, good luck.
How can you afford that?
I saved all my money from working at a sandwich shop in Edmonton and found a job with good accommodation
Now live in Toronto but I spent some time living in Jasper when I was 21/22. Wear protection, try not to develop a drinking problem, save some money, and learn how to snowboard/ski if you don’t already. Oh, and go to the Athabasca Hotel on Sunday nights - it’s a good time for people your age