This year is a winter of discovery for those visiting Jasper National Park. Whether it’s your first time in the mountains or Jasper is one of your regular haunts, there are some unexpected and generally unexplored areas taking the spotlight this winter. One such area is Pleckaitis Canyon. This off-the-beaten-path canyon is generally under the radar for visitors and even locals, but this year, the experts at SunDog Tour Co. are ready to bring visitors into the heart of this deep and winding canyon for a new and unforgettable experience.

Sundog Tours | Amy Wheeldon

Pleckaitis Canyon sits hidden in Jasper National Park, and despite its towering walls and otherworldly atmosphere, it doesn’t see a lot of traffic. During the summer, an endangered bird called the Black Swift nests in the canyon, so it’s closed to the public to give these birds their space. In the winter, however, these birds migrate to warmer climates and the water flowing through the canyon freezes, making it the perfect icy trail to explore this geological wonder.

“This is a unique hidden adventure,” says Paul Hardy, owner of SunDog Tour Co. “The small tour size makes this an intimate experience as guests explore the deep, narrow, twisty-turny canyon. It is a true mountain adventure, where guests will really feel like they are discovering a little-known treasure in Jasper National Park.”

The tour begins with hotel pick-ups in Jasper before heading out to Maligne Canyon Lookout and Medicine Lake. Visitors will travel through the area devastated by this summer’s wildfires, into an area untouched by the burn, into an old burn area, and back into untouched forest. Guides will touch on the ecology of wildfire and how it helps the rebirthing of the native forests (if you want a deeper dive on this subject, check out the Wildlife and Ecology of Fire Tour) before venturing into the deep canyon.

Sundog Tours | Amy Wheeldon

In the canyon, visitors will walk along the ice and snow while marvelling at the surreal landscapes above and around them. The rugged beauty of the canyon provides a sense of isolation and adventure. Pleckaitis Canyon was carved by a glacial river and it features unique rock formations within the steep and narrow passages. It’s one of the deepest canyons in the park, and it highlights the fascinating geology and ecology of the mountain landscapes.

So if you’re looking to embark on a winter of discovery, check out the Maligne Valley & Pleckaitis Canyon Icewalk and embark on an adventure to explore this hidden gem.

You’ve never seen Jasper like this before.

Sundog Tours | Amy Wheeldon

This winter, make the most of your Jasper vacation by exploring the secret, untouched areas with Sundog Tour Co. Combine two of their unique winter tours for only $99! Choose from the Maligne Valley & Pleckaitis Canyon Icewalk, Wildlife & Ecology of Fire Tour, and Secrets of Jasper Snowshoe Tour. It’s time to re-discover Jasper.